Clinton County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 3 of 11)

This section of countr}- now embraces the counties of Holt. Atchison, Nodaway, Andrew, Platte, and Buchanan, and this beautiful and growing cit\- of St. Joseph, its metropolis, was founded by an old friend of m)- boyhood - Joseph Robidoux - who was really the first pioneer of the Platte country.

Up to the passage of this law, this was an Indian country, and by treaty had been set apart forever to the Sioux and Fox tribes of Indians. As soon as this most bountiful and rich country was acquired, as already mentioned, and opened to settlement, a wave of emigrants immediatelypoured into it, and soon this country-, which but a short time before had been the home of the Indian and wild beast, was transformed into magnificent farms, and the home of as fine and noble a race of men as any country can boast of. In many respects the later emigrants had the advantage of the first settlers, and certainly greatly the advantage of the early Canadians. They left the old country after they or their fathers had had time and opportunity to acquire property, and also tn obtain educations, which was an impossibility with the early settlers. Many of them, indeed, were men of wealth and the owners of many stores, and also possessing liberal educatiiMTs. Man\- of the women were hic^hh' educated and accomplished. I visitc(l the section when a youn;^ man, and I never shall forL^et the faxorable impression made on me at the time, not only b\' the robust and intelligent men I met. but b)- as charmini^, handsome and accomplished ladies, )-ounc,' and old, as I ever met elsewliere.

Each generation has, no doubt, its allotted duties ; ours is to transmit to tliosc who are to come after us as the rich legacy we inherited from our forefathers - and this is not onl\' in tiie political order, but in the social and moral order - and as v'our Withers left }-ou honored names, you should do nothing to tarnish them ; nay, you must not, no matter at what personal cost, permit an}' one else to place a blot on the fair fam.e of the brave men and women from uhom you have sprung. And, as \-ou inherited high social positions, transmit the same to N'our children. Do this, and \-ou, like )-our fathers, will ha\-e discharged the duties of >'our da)' and generation to them, to your sons, and to those who are to come after )'ou.

Ladies and gentlemen : Permit me in conclusion to say a few words of a personal nature. The people of m\' state ha\'e honored me with the highest office in their gift. A seat in the senate of the United States is truly one o( the most distinguished and elevated positions which man can hold in this or an\' other country. When elected to this high position I felt the measure of my aiiibition was full, and the dreams of a long life realized. Vet I felt, as but few can feel, a sense of gratitude to the generation of the present da\' for selecting in m)' humble person a descendant of the old hunters and settlers of this portion of the New World. In the name of my early forefathers, the old hunters of this Western World, and with the recollections of their primitive and humble virtues Iresh in ni}- heart and soul, I return thanks to ni}- generation for this, its great act of generosity to one of their descendants.

General Craig then introduced General B. F. Stringfellows, wlio spoke briefly and to the point. He referred to the fact that he was a citizen of Kansas ; he said there was no act in his life of which he was so proud as the fact that he was once a member of the firm of Atchisoii' Stringfellow & Co. He here saw the Co. around him in the faces of the old settlers. He referred to the brilliant career of Colonel Doniphan, and the acquisition of Te.xas, Mew Mexico and California, to the earl\' settlements of Kansas and the men who were then called border ruffians. They were rightly described b\' a }'oung lad)' as the last remains of chivalry. He had only to say he was sorry the)' were whipped. He accepted the situation brought about by the new order of things.

He did not propose to shed an)' useless tears over the past, but to accept the new order of things, and make the best of it. and the most ot it. He referred to the prejudice formerh' existing against Northern men, and was glad that the old prejudices were worn out. and that the people of the Missouri \'alle\" were a homogeneous people. His sjjeech abounded in anecdotes, and was frequently applauded by the immense audience in attendance.

I can'ie to Missouri frc'>ni Indiana in 1S44, the memorable \'ear of the flood. I started with nothinjj^, and arrived here with less, with my family sick into the bargain. Some time before leavini; Indiana, on examining' the map of the Platte Countr\-, I placed my fm-er on the spot, in the bend of the Missouri, where St. Josc[)h was marked down, and where she now stands, and said, "That shall be my home."

I started for the new land of my hopes and arrived at last in Clinton County. There I became sick from the fatigue and labors of the journey, and could proceed no further. I was v.-ithout money ar.d almost entirely destitute. An early settler of that covmtr>-, many of you know him, Mr. Bagley, took me and my family into his house, giving; us the best quarters he possessed, and took care of us while I was sick, his wife waiting upon me as tenderly as my own mother could have done. It was there, while lying sick, before having reached my journey's end, that I first saw the face of my friend. Judge James H. Birch, now before you. Doctor Kssig had come to wait on me. I told him that I had no mone\-, a^id did not know when, if ever, I could pay him for his professional services, and that unless he felt able to give his services to me without certainty of ever getting any pay, he had better not spend hi< time with me. He said lie would do the best forme he could. The ne.vt morning who should come to my bedside but Judge Birch. I was in a ver>- dilapidated condition, which he could not help observing as he looked at me. and he said to me : " ^'ou are a stranger here, and in straightened circumstances, which I fully appreciate ; permit me to loan you some n\one\-." That was my first introduction to Judge Birch.

I finally got into a cabin with my famil\- : I could throw a d<^'^ through the' clacks of the door. One of my children was sick, an.d one morning a b!ue-coated boy of the neighborhood, who had become acquainted with her, came to see her. That boy now is the Hon. Willard P. Hall. In a few days the Hon. James B. Ciardeldiire called to see me, and I formed his acquaintance.

After a while the time for court to sit came round. I wanUnl to go. but had no money. I owed a girl, a servant in the house, fifty cents, and she wanted to leave, and I w\as determined not to let her go unpaid. One da}- old Bob Duncan came to me and asked me if I was going to court ; 'l told him no, that my family was sick, and I didn't want to leave them. I wanted to go. but I had no money ; but I didn't want to tell him anv more. He suspected the real trouble, .and >aiil : " N'.-r.v, X'ories, don't you need a little money } Take this and go to court," and he handed me several good sized coins. I <iid go to court.

The first fee I got was a horse, which I sold for $40. The next day I took the money and went to Plattsburg to p.iy my friend Hirdi. I met Bela Hughes and told him my mission. He -aid, "doiit look so down hearted.'' Mv hat was old and very dilai)i.latevl. tor a member of the legal profession, and Hughes noticed it. and -aut: -Hold your head up;

Here I met inany of these old men, and got acquainted with them. Afterward I was, for a brief moment, captivated with tlie stories about California, and made a visit there. Hut I could not sta>-. On my return I met the question on all sides, "what makes you come back," and I. said to them, "the men I meet here, when I speak to them, stood about sixinches closer to me than the)- ilo out tiiere." I said to my partner, in California, before K-aving there, that if I knew that I could live only two years longer, and it would take me eighteen months to get back to Missouri, I would spend that eighteen months in getting home just to live the other six months among the [)eople of Missouri. And now. all I ask is, that when it is all over, my grave may be made among the graves of m\- old benefactors.

General Craig then said tliat the)- had kept the best of the v/inc to the last of the feast, and then introduced Judge James H. Birch, Sr. The venerab'e and venerated Judge Birch, of Clinton County, then spoke as follows :

He commenced by an allusion to the kindly reference which had been made to him b)- Judge \"ories, in respect to a circumstance occurring some thirty years ago, in which he had been so befriended by the speaker as to satisf)- him that he had come to the right county to find ///tv/, and which had actuated him ever since. The Judge had regarded it simpl\- as the duty of a lawyer and citizen, who happened to have a few dollars at the time, toward another law)-er (and a sick onej, who was in a strange country, and was out of money, to divide with him. Rut as demonstrating exactly the man that Vories was, whether with or without mone)'. the judge went on to say that, when it afterward came to the ear of Vories that he was strapped for spending monc)- in one of his races for congress, Vories had opened his pocket book to him. altliough he had been a member of the convention that had nominated another candidate. Nor was this all - for when he was so chronically bedfast, two or three years ago, as to render it probable that he would never again get away from home, Vories had sent to him a basket of his "Virginia Seedling." and was preparing to send him another of Catawba, when he learned that Birch had anticipated him bv orderintr it from his acrent. -The whole of it was. that whatever risk the speaker had incurred in leaving all the money he had (and that borrowed money, with a sick brother lawyer and his family, it turned out to be the most encouraging instance he had ever met with of "casting his bread upon the waters" for the poor, high-headed creature had never got done with reciprocating it. and nei'cr would. Such was Henr)- M. X'ories. now an honored justice of the supreme court - then a sick and downcast lawyer, without comforts for his family - and such is but an average type of the "old settlers" of the "Platte Purchase," b)" whom he found liim.-^elf surrounded to-da)-.

^'cs, c^cntlcnu-n, coiitiiuicHl the speaker, all the- loose talk in the AVijild cannot keep it out of history, that the "old settlers" who have jiassed the gate t(^-da\- on the " conijjlimentary " of the self-possessed and far-secinj.^ president of this great exposition, are of the type or class of men, who in all ages, from the concjuest of Julius C.nesar to the settlement of California and Colorado, have been the founders of societ\-, of counties iind of states - and we ask no higher recognition than that we did not ingloriously "die out" amongst those we were born with, but that we took our chances to build up an equal, if not an imi)ro\ed, societ)' amongst those of equal self-reliance with ourseh'es.

And here, if anywhere, it is appropriate to remark that amongst those whom }-ou have so encouraged with )-our good will that their names are recorded as successful lawyers, and judges and legislators, in both houses, (both state and national), there is not one of us who has a black mark against another one. whether we remember each other as professional or political associates, or rivals. No, gentlemen, (said the distinguished speaker, turning to the ten or dozen who were occupying him the speaking stand), no I and more than that, there is not a man amongst you who was not naturally "born and bred" in tlie full appreciation and recognition of General Jackson's sententious measure of unquestioned mediocrit>-, namely, the desire to detract from the reputation of your ri\als, in the ignoble and mistaken assumption that to concede their "cleverness" was so much subtracted from their own. In this sense, at least, we were ^?// Jackson men. whether agreeing or disagreeing in other respects, and in that sense we look into the faces of each other to-da)-. as I saw Harrison and Johnson look into the faces of each other, when meeting for the first time during the quarter of a century which had elapsed since the battle of the Thames. Ivach had discharged his i/nty according to his theory of it ; and the respectful. \-et stately look of each miade an absolute end of the m.isjudged calumnies \vhich the unreflecting friends of each had heaped upon the other during the political canvass of 1840.

Hax-ing- no time before the horse race, of which he had heard the sound of the bugle, to speak of the other noble attributes of the representati\e men who surrounded him, as he would not scruple to do, even in their presence, did time permit him, the speaker took up and amplified the allusion which had been made by General Atchison to General Hughes, as the inaugurator of the Platte Count)- addition to the State of jMissouri, by referring to what it had happened to him to know upon the subject. Producing from his portmanteau a cop>- of the Western Monitor and Boone's Lick Correspondent, a small newspaper which he established and edited at P'ayette six and forty \ears ago. (and which was tlien the western n.iost newspaper office in the United States . he modest!>- referred to his connection \\ ith it as ha\ing given him his first polit- ical influence, and that it was. therefore, that the late General Andrew S. Hu.^hes. then the ac,'ent of the Indian tribes who had had the Platte country assigiu-d to them as their reservation or territory, had addressed him a letter on the subject of having it annexed to the State of Missouri. This letter was accomp.mied by a rude diagram of the countr>'. drawn up by tlie late General Cornelius Gilliam, from his hunting recollections of it, and was inclosed to Colonel Benton, (our then senior senator;, with such an additional letter from the speaker as he hoped might help along the project ; and in due course of mail he h.id the satisfaction to receive from our then distinguished and subsequently illustrious senator, a reply, which he published in his paper, to the effect that both the President and the Secretary of War were in favor of adding the then Indian reservation to the State of Missouri, for military considerations connected with the peace of our original frontier boundar\'.

Such having been the simple and unadorned inauguration of a project which added a congressional slave district to the State of Missouri, it is but justice to add that the measure was finally carried through both houses of congress, on the unanimous report of the House Committee on Indian Aftairs, of u hich that life-long emancipationist, Horace P^vcett, of Vermont, was the chairman. May it not be added without offense, that in this case, as in previous and subsequent ones, the great Democratic reliance upon the ultimate sense of "justice and right" of a majority of our countrymen is at least the safest panacea for "the ills we feel," instead of "flying to others we know not of?" and that our recent unhappy experience of the opposite theory, where the sections as represer«ted in congress were too mutually dtaf to these appeals of fraternity and of reason to avert the ultimate arbitrament of the sword, should be referred to in no other spirit, and, for no other purpose, than as an admonition for the future.

God grant that we may live forever, not only as one people (as we must live), but as the fraternal, prosperous and free people we ought to be. The renev.-ed notes of the race come, and a whisper from the highly courteous executive of the day's programme, that but three minutes remain of the time allotted to these ceremonies, will but necessarily condense even the condensed remarks to which I had restricted myself. I have spoken of the " Old Settlers ' and their descendants, who, with all others, have so courteously listened to my gleanings - for I have but essayed to tread where others left me room - of the men I have spoken of as the class who foiindcd society on the basis of right, and who so lived to be ready to " lay down the mace," in good conscience and peace, at the summons of the Great Maker. So lived Andrew Jackson, the frontier " settler" of Tennessee, to whose destiny it fell to so improve the opportunities of his time as to reach the most exalted position of the Republic. The bell rings again, and I must again condense.

If his cliaractcr in life was a li^raiul one, his character in cleatli was still <M-ancler - as it ma}' be the fortune of each of us to be - each in the sj)here to which providence has allotted him.

l*'or more than a year before he obeyed the final summons he was "on _i4uard," (so to speak,) in view of the last enemy he had to vanquish, and the reflections it suL(g^ested were so accepted and acted upon as to turn aside tlie terrors of the destroyer, or to so improve them as but to ^ild his entrance uf^on "the life eternal." Hi.s last words were :

"I have fmisiied m\' dcstin}- uj)on earth, and it is time this worn out body should <^o to rest, and my spirit to its abode with Christ, m)- Redeemer."

I will but reverentially repeat a paraphrase of this, as a parting benediction to those who have so often and so variously honored me with their ear - and to whom, and to their posterit}' and mine, I thus give over, in common with all others, the future of a common country :

At the close of Judge Birch's speech. Colonel Burnes announced that the Old Settlers' Meeting was adjourned until the next St. Joseph Exposition. The band then played Dixie and Yankee Doodle, uhich were received with tremendous applause by the large crowd in attendance. This was a shaking of hands acros.s the bloody chasm, that was eminently appropriate to the occasion, and the manner in which this meeting closed shows that the people of the Missouri \'alley are a homogeneous people ; one in sympathy, and one in purpose; united and inseparable. The occasion will long be remembered by the old settlers in attendance as one of the happiest reunions in their lives.

The Veterans

The following is a list of the veterans who reported to the secretary, at the meeting of September, 1874, and the dates of their settlement in the Platte Purchase :

(')nc of the most iiitcrcstiii'^^ feature.^ in connection uitli the CUd Sctilcis ineetiiiL; was the presentation, by Col. James X. Hurnes, of the first rcLinion bad-e is>ued bj- the association, to the widow of the latehonored Solomon L. Leonard. This badge is of the most elegant white silk, and the presentation was accompanietl b\- a few appropriate and aflcctini;" remarks. Tiie elegant te>timonial was gracefully received and pinned upon the bosom of ?drs. Leonard.

Yesterday was a- grand and proud one for the old settlers of the Northwest, and a day that will long be remembered. From early morning until the noon hour the)' came pouring into the cit\- trom all parts of the territor)' of the Platte Purchase, and many came from a long distance to once more mix and mingle with the friends of their youth and to grasp the hand and exchange salutations with those who with them had borne the hardships and privations of pioneer life, subduing the fore-ts, battling with wild beasts and wild men, and above all enduring tlie pri\'ations and exposure of hunger and the elements, until they wrought out of the wilderness the blessings of the civilization their posterity now enjoys.

As they mixed and mingled upon the P2xposition grounds, there was many an old eye dimmed with tears, many an aged hand that trembled with emotion as the palms of those long separated again crossed in friendl)' greeting in the roll call of memory, unearthed the name and merits of those who had fallen by the wayside and passed into the tomb. P^ven we younger ones whose years had not yet passed the three-score mark, feel a pain upon our hearts as we cast the backward glance, and note the multitude of those who began the struggle of life with us but are now numbered with the dead.

How thick are the monuments that rise above their graves ; mile stones in our journc)- telling us that of all who begin life two-thirds depart before they reach the forties, and nine-tenths fail to reach the seventies ; and as the last tenth of these old folks meet and read the book of life from the finish to the preface, how sad and yet how entrancing must have been the record ; how full of sadne>s and }-et of jo\- must their hearts have been and how truly must they have realized that in life at best the laugh lies close to the fountain of tears, that the brighter the rainbow the denser the mist through which the warm sun shines.

But the old people met. The sun came down upon the unshaded seats of the main stand as remorseless as hunger and thirst upon a vagrant, and, as the old fathers and mothers assembled in their places, it wa^ evi- dent that they were scarcely prepared fr>r this last trial, whicli diil not fall upon their old heads exactl}- in the shape of a blessing, and before the speakin^c,^ was over there were scores of them who would have been ready to re^^Mster an oath that this identical heated term was the wor->t they ever saw, and that the c;rand stand had been erected exactly in the spot where the sun would shine the hottest and lon^L^Ost in a direct focu>. At last it was announced that the exercises would begin and Colonel Burnes stated that owing to sickness in his family, it would be impossible for Colonel Doniphan to meet with the old 'people and address them according to programme. In his place Gen. David R. Atchison was called upon to make the opening address, and replying to the call he stepped forward and nuide one of his characteristic addresses interspersed with anecdotes and adventures that always gladden the hearts of the old and give pleasure and instruction to the j'oung. He spoke of those pioneer days, the old people were all so familiar with, and of the hardships connected with them, which nc>w appear like a chasm and a lure to the young. After the conclusion of General Atchison's remarks. Governor George Smith, of Clinton, was announced, and said that as GcriCia! .\tch:soii liad in his remarks related some incidents connected with the early settlements of the western part of the state, which he said would show the condition of civilization of the west, he would in a (cv: words relate some of his experiences and observations as an old settler, which would illustrate in one particular the progress made by and growing out of the bold enterprise of these old pioneers. He said that it had been his good fortune to have passed the most of his early days on the frontier, subjecting him in early da>-s to carrying the product of his toil as a farmer by flat-boats to New Orleans for a market. On his return from his second flat-boat expedition, he came to St. Louis on the 4th of March, 1S32. the city then having a population of about seven hundred persons, thence on horseback, with two boating companions, he traveled into the western part of the state ; but an incident of said trip would be all he would call in review to illustrate the great progress made in the material interest of our great state. Arriving at Arrowrock, where we desired crossing, we found a ferry-boat consisting of a platform on two canoes, upon which, by a-suring the ferryman that we were boatmen, he agreed to risk ourselves and three horses, and we arrived safe about dark in the town, consisting of one double log cabin, where a religious meeting was being held. We expressed some hesitation as to remaining over night, but it being eighteen miles to the nearest house on the western trail, we accepted the kind hospitality of the proprietor and remained over, there being ample room for the entertainment and the weary traveler, as under-^tood by those kind, hospitable pioneers. Now, old !^ettlers and friends, let us turn our attention to the picture presenting itself to our view of the seven magnificent badges spanning the waters of this maj^nificent, boisterous ri\"cr, besides innumerable other facilities for crossing its turbid waters. He remarked : Xor is it a matter of wonder that such evidences of rapid progress art- to be seen when we consider the great natural resources of our state. All persons who have tra\'eled over the state would bear e\-idence ti> the fact that b)' drawing a line from the northeast corner diagonally to the southwest corner and taking the country north and west of saitl line, it would nearly all be considered of excellent quality for agricultural products, and St. Jo^cjih is in the very heart of the same, whilst much of the land east and south of said line was good for farm pn»ducts, it would be admitted on all hands it was unsurpassed in mineral wealth, and onl)- waiting for labor and capital for development. These were attractions that could not escape our intelligent American citizens, consequently we ma)' reasonably suppose the young people of the present time may lia\e the pleasure to inform the next generation of the great and useful changes that have taken place in their day.

Senator Cockrill followed Governor Smith, whose remarks had been listened to with pleasure by all present. He congratulated himself upon b'-'-'^.^ r ":^*-'\-e o^ t^e '-t^te ^kliouoh of that portion lying south of the river. He rejoiced in its growth, its advancement, its wealth and its prosperity, and he felt that he had an especial right to feel proud of standing before these old people. He had been b)- their aid and the aid of their posterity, elevated to a position of worth and trust, where he could stand as a pleader for their cause, and a defender of their rights and liberties.

Colonel \Vm. F". Switzler. editor of the Missouri Statesman, at Columbia, was then introduced. He had not expected to make a speech. A matter of business, having no connection with the exposition, or with the reunion of the old settlers, called him to St. Joseph, and he made it convenient to come at this time, but with no expectatian of occupying a place on the programme o( speakers. Although not an old settler of Northwestern Missouri, he nevertheless could claim to be an old settler of the state, understanding from personal observation and experience much of its early history and the pri\'ations and trials of the pioneers of our present civilization. He could not boast, like Senator Cockrill, that he was a native of Missouri, but nevertheless was not ashamed, even in the presence of those who were to the manor born, of announcing with pride that he was a son of the mother of Missouri, the grand old Commonwealth of Kentucky. (Applause.) As earl>- as 1S26. he canie fr<>;n Kentucky to Howard County. Missouri, where he was raised and located, and where as a first met a distinguished gentleman, who now occupies a seat on the platform - Judge Birch. Missouri was then in the sixth year of its histor\- as a state, and did not perhaps contain more than fifteen or twentv thousand voters, and the region now embracing the hanp)- homes of a vast niajoiity of those present was under the ahno^t undispute-.l doininion of the Indian and burfah-). Since this early ;.>-:ri.>d in the annals of the state uliat a wonderful histor}- we have made as a member of the Federal Union, a> a Nation, as a I'eople. What achievenients we have made in the arts and scimices, in ai^riculture and commerce, it) education and means of inter-communication, in all the a^^encies and industries which distiir^uished the civilization of our ai^e \''ery befittini^ reference had been made by speakers who had precedetl him to this j)rogre.s.s and prosperity. Let it not be forgotten that to the noble and self-sacrificing efforts, singular perils and consummate wisdom of the heroic men and peerless women now present, and to their associates, living and dead, are we indebted for laying broad and deep the foundation of our cherished civilization and great prosperity. The men and women of a state, especially the pioneers, who lead the vanguard of the world's march against ignorance and barbarism, are the state, are of more value than all our fields of coal and mines of g<.)ld and silver, than all our railroads and bridges and halls of sciences and learning. Men constitute the state, and those before us to-day form the connectinfT UnV b'^'t^'-een ov.r own eventful times and the ignorance of bondage in the bulwark of prosperity at home and respectability abroad. (Applause.)

Ladies: I must, much as I love the old settlers, name you first. ladies, old settlers and friends. 1 feel that I owe the high compliment o^ an invitation to address you. to the too partial preference of my friends General Craig and Colonel Burnes ; and yet the swelling pulsatic)ns of my heart tell me this is one of the proudest moments of my life, and I should feel recreant to my own spirit if I did not embrace the opportunity thus offered.

While the locks of my head are yet undamaged by the snows of forty winters, you may wonder what I may know that will prove of interest to thousands of old settlers here assembled, and while I feel_ doubtful of the honored appellation of old settler. I can only say, that if I had worn my blue coat and brass buttons I should have felt as if I could have divided the honors in that line with my venerable old friend. Judge Birch. Permit me to say that Judge Birch, in calling up his struggles for Congress, suggests to my mind that about the earliest political struggle that I can remember was in those old Democratic days when the only road to political honor was through the Democratic ranks, when two of our old memorable friends, Judge Birch and Judge King, undertook to pluck the Democratic goose that laid the Congressional egg in ! this district, at the same time, and beneath their joint efforts the proud at tlie Platte City BriclL,f(.', on tlic west side of the river, when General Atchison rijde u\) at a full [gallop, and with a Satanic rather than a Godlike earnestness, proceeded to give us his views of our mission as border riifhans, and our dut\- toward our beniglitcd V'ankee brethren, sent out b\' Gospel societies of New Enijlan<l, under the protection of Sharpe's rifles, to subdue the virjrjn soil of our sister state of Kan->as, and, to echo. the sentiment of tlie i^eneral, then and there was born and begun our late internec'nal war. Although not born on Missouri soil, yet the first sentiment of thought I hail was of Missouri scenes and actrirs. My parents emigrated to this section in 1837 ; and, reared in our sister county of Ray, my memory is flooded with a series of recollections from say 1845, when only ten years old, up to 1850. How well I remember the old school house of my childhood, built by the hard)' pioneers without the use of nail or window glass, the product alone of his own right arm, with sturdy axe and broad-a.xc. a puncheon floor and log chimneys daubed with mud. Now view the lanclscape o'er of our North Missouri ; every village, town and hamlet \ie with each oth.er in rearing palatial structures, structures that compare with those of the older and more favored sister states.

Who, too, does not remember the hospitality, characteristic of our well-to-do settlers. The latch-string was ever out, and their genuine and sometime burdensome hospitality puts to sliame the article of rn/^ri^rr. <-ii-noc Oir» cofflpr'^ r,f R n.y , Clp.)', Cliiiton. Plattc and Caldwell, do you not remember our old-time camp- meetings, where every well-todo farmer had his log hut or tent, and entertained both man and beast of all who would accept ? Those rich and rare old scenes in the open square of the camp ground are gone, alas I I fear never to return. Do you remember old father Tatten, who would talk so loud that he placed his thumbs in each ear to prevent his own voice from deafening himself .' Do )ou remember the store coats ; how few the)' were and how great a curiosity the appearance of each one and its owner excited .* Do you remember the stirring times incident to the mustering in of the companies furnished by each county as its quota for the Mexican war. the heartrending partings, in many instances, and the joy manifested at their return, and the rich and generous barbecue gi\en to them.'

Do you remember the Mexican saddles brought back b)' them, and the rage of the young men f n- them, especially for those with the silver mountings ; and that of each young lad)- to possess, as her own individual property, with bumble bees, or some other kind, nicely stitched upon the seat in golden colors, in an age when our only mode of travel was upon horseback ? And now, how varied and different the scene. Railroads checker North Missouri like a chess board, and in our travels, as the darkey said, " we are there before we start," for truly is distance annihilated and time overcome.

I remember well in the late summer of 1S5J, when only a strippling grown, of returning from the Hast, where I had been at school for nearly three years, of being on the road for three weeks, and now it is readily done in as man)- da)'s. Then the PennsyUania Railroad, probably now the most wealthy railroad corporation in the world, was not completed from Philadelphia to Pitttsburg, but was supplemented by the slow-going canal.

the magic lamp possessed b}- Aladdin. Xorlhwest Missouri, yea, even )-our own j)roud city of St. Joseph, ha\e no ancestr>- to boast of. The\ arc alike the product of the energ>' and genuis of her own sons and the honored and venerated pioneers who are all around me. Twenty-five \-cars af^o that man would have been declared insane who proipiosticated the simple truth of to-day. and the most boundless and vivid ima;^inatinii could not and did not H^retell the half of to-da}-. Vour own proud, but turbid and restless ri\er. on m}- right, has been subdued. Se\en bridges, monumental of man's jjower and energy, span its rajjid current, and I, young as I am, ha\e seen the celebrations over those erected at your own city, Kansas City and St. Louis. What shall I say, in conclusion, of St. Joseph, proud and Queen City of the Northwest. I have declared she had no ancestr\' to boast of Xo ; she has sprang into existence full fledged, armed at all points, and equipped for the battle of life, resting upon the s.trong arms of her own son^ to carry her on to still greater victories than any yet achieved in the past. Her proud career and commanding station in our state, furnishing as she has, governors, supreme judges, and other high state officials, and the home of such men as a Burnes. a Hall, a Woodson, a Craig and a \'ories, reminds me of an anecdote of General Jackson's administration. Shawnee was a great Indian warrior, the measure of whose fame filled his own nation, and was the envv of surrounding tribes. He visited the 'jreat father, at Wa^-hino-ton and nhile there was asked by Mrs. Jacskon. who did not know how sensitive every Indian warrior was upon the subject of his ancestry, who his father was. His face darkened with a cloud, but quickly recovering, he said years ago. the Great Spirit, in his wrath was angry at his reil children, and in his fury, in the midst of storm and thunderings and lightnings, the Great Spirit smote the oldest and proudest oak of the forest, and rent it from top to bottom, and as it fell prone upon the earth, from out of its heart stepped Shawnee, a full-grown Indian warrior bra\e. So it is with St. Joseph, she sprang into existence full-grown, and her commanding position, as the gateway of the Northwest, will enable her to maintain her vantage ground.

Judge Birch was then introduced, and spoke as follows : Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: - As there can be no motive to impugn the sincerity of the declaration that none of you can be more disappointed than I have been by the non-attendance of the distinguished citizen you came to listen to, who, as the orator of the day. would have so generally swept the field, I will waste no time in excusing myself for that want of preparation to proper!}- suopl\- his place which will soon enough become apparent to }ou all. I will proceed, therefore, at once to the duty which has been assigned me, and shall hope to discharge it in such a manner as may be at least excusable as the results of the reflections of an hour or so instead of a week, or a month. a.-> it would have been my dut\' and my pleasure to have expended -upon a task so complimentary and so honorable had it been assigned me in time. As the chronologies and other items of precise information which ^hould ha\e entered so largel\- into an address of this character will ha'.e to be recalled from memory instead of the more reliable sources \\::h which I might have refreshed and better assured ni\-self at home, I can but promise to do the \ery best I can, and as no man has ever heard me premise a speech b_\- e.xcu.-e of any nature before to-da)-. it is felt that I

Ilia)' tlu; more confuli-nt!)- rely oxen up' in the incluli^cnce of criticism, til. Ill I Could have doiK' had I been set to the task you have assigned me and ill mail}' respects failed to redeem your reasonable expectaticMi. W'h.it I deem it ap[irnpriate to sui^^tj^est in advance of aiu'thinj^ that I may be prompted to brinLj up bef<:)re this \ ast assembly, is to submit t<> the old settlors who thus so candidly and encoura;.M'n'^dy h(^nor us with their ear, the reverential recot^nition of an overruling Trovitlonce who has so lonj^ guided and sustained us, and who has in like matiner encouras^ed and sustained those who subscfjueiUly followed us to a country which is lure so L,^raTidly represented in the all-embracing I%xposition of the iiuUistries, the enterprise, and, in short, the progress and civilization which liave grown u\) and gladden the e}-e and ear almost to the verge of intoxication. All honor to tlie man and men of St. Joseph who presitled over and have carried to consummation the magnificent Kxj)osition which is before us and around us, and who have inaugurated this re-union of the old settlers who }-et linger around and among them.

And what has brought us to all this pass since the distinguished president of this re-union and m)-self, with the hundred who are before us, were men of middle age .-' Those of us who are called " old settlers," ami who are known accordingly in the jjrogramme, and in tlie badges of the da}', are of course content tliat it be written of us as it has been, that we so blazed the way to what we sec before us and around us as to rnronrn''r,^ otbors to follow us up as they ba\"C done, and it ma\' perhaj)s be added without immodesty, that we have been strengthened and accredited to have so borne ourselves in the conflict to which our circumstances have committed us, each in his s{)here. as to have at least not repelled such proper associations and enterprises as have since clustered around us, and as are typified around us to-da\-. This little conceded, we as unreservedly concede the rest to others, each again in his sphere, and point again and again to tliis wondrous Kxposition as the result of a progressi\-e and common civilization, the outcome, if we ma}- say, of the germs, which. ]iowe\'er rudel}' planted, had nevertheless to be planted before there could be realized the fruition and fruits of to-dav'. M,-^' such and similar fruitage be i)rogressive in the heritage of our children, and our children's children, who ma\' remain to cnjo}- them ; or if, in the untowardncss of e\ents, some of them shall feel constrained to g(j in quest of new associatic>ns, and to embark uj)on newer fields of usefulness or of enterprise as their fathers once did, ma}- the}- carry with them at least the sturdy manhood of their fathers, and continue to adorn and to benefit society, instead of infiicting a blemish ui)on it or staining it with a wrong.

What more shall I say in recognition of the distinction which puts me in the [)Iace of such a man as Alexander W. Doni[)lian, upon such an occasion as the present one .^ Firstl}-, that I shall not be presumptuous enough to expect to speak as he would have spoken, even by trying to say it in a different manner to what he would ha\e said it, but sim[)!}- t<> substitute as best I may such incidents or experiences as it may occur to me will be most indulgently reccixcd b}- the rows and tiers of benches, pit, box and gallcr}- full, which so rise up and stretch out before mc, as for the first time in fifty years to render me distrustful as to whether my voice can compass the auelience which thus honors me with its ear. I briefly allude, therefore, to what I have witnessed, and the humbler part in wliich 1 was permitted to act ilurin;.^ a j)criijd of many years in ovir state. It m.iv be permissible to premise tlial wlien I fust livoked upon the city of St. Louis from the deck of a steamer which was about to hind me tliere. during the winter of 1.S26 27. there was somelhint; in wliat seemed to be the stately ^^^andeur andthe unerrinj^^ prestiLje of tin: location, which made me tool that the ^'ood old uncle, who hail Ion;.; resided th.ere as a bachelor surveyor of the public lands, and who had invited and enticed me (younjj; as I was) to come to him, buy the office of a newspai)er establishment, whicli had been presideil over by 'I homas H. Henton, up to the [)eriod of his election to the Senate, and afterwards b\' General Duff. Green, until his tr.in.-.fer to \\'ashinL,^ton, as the ori,Mn of what was then kn(jwn as the "Jackson I'artx," at least intended -/jt-.a tiiintijs for me, whether I could be brou.L,dit up to tlu rn (jr not. I soon c.mie to believe, however, that althouc;h the population of the city at tliat tiuuwas only about 6,000, it was too lar^c a place " for one of my a<;e." at.ul months afterwards, I transferred m\'self to a villaL,re of the interior with a small newsi)aper, then the extreme newspaper west.

And, as I see before me some of these old settlers of Howard County whose acquaintance I made when they were commencing; life, as I may say, at Fa>ette, it w ill at least be unpardonable should I n«jt occupy the remainder of my time with what they and I then knew and have b'ince come to know of the state and the people, of whom we form a |iaii. iiie state was divided into four judicial circuit>, the one over which the Fayette lawyer traveled extending; from Mont<;omery ami Gasconade Counties, and all westward on both sides of the river, to the state line inclusive. By and by a new circuit was orc^anized in this end of the state, and, as one of the governor's military confidants, was appointed to be judge of it, but served as his aid-de-camp, the commander-in-chief, was courteously and confidentl\- conferred upon me, which is the way I came to be colonel about forty-five \-ears ago. Then we had one member of Congress. Now we have thirteen - but even yet there are not half as many who can get to go to Congres as are willing to make the sacrifice. Tlien we had a mail once a week from St. Louis to Fayette in a stage, which the passengers had frec]uently to pry out of the mud and otherwise help along at the steep places. And from Fayette to Liberty, which was the county seat of western civili/atic>n of the LInited States, the mail was sent on horseback once a week.

What next ? By a treaty with the Indians, w hose wigwams covered the country, perhaps the very spot from which I am thus permitted to address this vast assembly, it was agreed that they would be removed, by their consent, to the other side of the river, and that that slK>uld be thereafter the boundary between ourselves and the red men. The state consenting, and Congress consenting, it was not long before the countrx' was organi/.ed into counties and with representatioij in the Legislature, and with David R. Atchison, the president of this reunion, as judge of this new judicial circuit. I wish it were so. sir, said the speaker (turning to General Atchison;, that we could more fully let you loose again from the more rigid con\entionalities which but pro{)erh- attach to an (Kcasion of this nature - you and the lawyers who went around with \ou at your courts for the first year or so - ^just to hear you tell a few more stories a> to the nu)re [)rimiti\e ways of an old horseback life, in contrast with the step b>- step advances which have brought us up not only

Our j)olitics in tliosc early times were at least none the worse for liavini;' in thcin a little more heart than they ha\e since thrown U> ha\e. J)Ut let that priss. ( )ther parties had worked into the new names nf National Republicans under such leatlers as Cla\' and W'ehster, and iJemocrats umler such leaders as Jackson and \'an JUiren, aiul later still, wlu.n the National Rejjublicans t(K»k the name f)f W'hi^s, as bein<^ more ;'Ppropriate, to include all the outs against all the ins - there was war in the threat earnestness of nothing - a presidential election which left the countr\- distrustful and embittered as it has come to be.

The axerage W hig of that day was a man who, as well as we should put it, drank' his grog regularly and voted his ticket without scratching, unless it was felt that he could in some respects do better, and u'heii the Whigs won a big race (which was only about often enough to bring back the Deniocracy to a recollection that even the most powerful part\- could not brook the popular credulit}' or retributiou as lias since been done), when a presidential or state contest was their greatest thought, with it was felt that the country was nevertheless just about as safe as if it liad gone the other way ; and wc all (or nearly all) shook hands and drank each others health accordingly. As to those Pullman or palace cars, to which I return, my friend Governor Mall, who is present, rememueisiiow i was liirouu down and made to go foot in our party almost a quarter of a century ago for advocating that system of internal improvement, out of which the\- have since grown. I don't think W'illard was ever any better Democrat than I was (and yet am) but he was a better party disci{)linarian ; and to that, as well as to the patriotic furore which oj)portunity sent him (and a Doniphan) to Mexico, with musket at his shoulder, instead of longer continuing to oppose the road to India, as 1 then phra/.ed the road which carried our children and grandchildren to California a few days ago. I believe he himself ascribes his election to Congress. Of course I would not thus publicly allude, in his absence, to my congressional campaign with the governor, when wc were both much younger men than we now are, were it not that I feel free to declare that, as a political antagonist, he was as fair as he was unyielding, and that in the subsequent histor}' of the railroad which he had opposed as a C(^ngressional candidate, he marie it all up and more, too, as our congressman elect. Although I am probably a tresp^asser beyond the line of a proper and considerate courtesy, I \enture to add a few parting sentences in the reliance per chance that the\' ma\- be worth remembering b)- the younger portion of this patient aud listening assembly.

1 see before me old men and old women of all creeds, and what are called no creeds, of whom 1 ask no more, nor they of me. than as Jehu asked of Jehonadab. is thine heart right ? This much conceded, as under the old dispensation, then forbid him not of Christ, has sufficientl\- sufficed us for this present dispensation, and it is believetl, I incur no risk in assuming, that the older we grow and the more we retlect, the more and more we have of reciprocal charit\- - the less and less of reciprocal bigotry. It but naturally follows such premises as these that " repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" is all we require of each other on the score of Christian fellowship.

In respect to the neighborhood, a social rec[uirenncnt of these oM settlers, such men (turnin<; to Colonel Suit/.ler) as the old sachems u ho were looketl up to in the early settlement of our old County of I low aid - if a man was brave to al\\a}-s tell the truth and stand well up to it in a fi;-;ht, his children ct>uld marr)- with the children of neiL;hboihnod aristocracies - and so it is with the present da\'. Hut as Keitt ^.lid of the cock of South Carolin.i, wlio was loud in a crow but bashful in <i fi'^dit, e\en the pullets had iuo much consideration for themselves and their posterity to run with them. Farewell, old settlers, ami if fore\er farewell, we have the consciences to feel in partini; (perhaps for the last time), that we ha\e not only been faithful ami true to each tither. whether as friends or ad\ ersaries. but that in the public em{)loyment w hich has fallen to us, we ha\ e faithfull)' ser\ed our coutitr}'; that we have ne\'er wroTii^ed her, aiid that in that respect we will be read}' to meet the final inquiries af the Judi^e of all the earth. J'arewell, old settlers, farewell.

Circuit Court Clerk

The clerks of the county court were recorders till August, 1874, at which time Antoine G. Craig was appointed recorder b)' Governor Sila- Woodson. He is the present incumbent, his term of office expiring the 1st day of Januar)-, 1883.

County Court Clerks County Attorneys

1878 to 1882 - Joseph ^L Lowe. Prior to the year 1S72, tliere were no County Attorneys except b}- appointment of the Count)- Court. The office was filled by the Circuit Attorneys, among whom were Amos Rees, George W. Dunn, Mordacai Oliver, D. C. Allen, Aaron Conrow. Wm. M. Esteb, Peter H. Burnett and John G. Woods.

Biog Ra Phi Cal

Sheriff of Clinton County, is a native of Kentucky, havin^j been born in Scott County January i, 182S. His primary education was obtained in the common schools, after which he clerked in a tin and hardware store. He subsequently attended Georgetown Baptist College and Beardstown College, in Nelson County, but did not complete his entire course. In the spring of 1S55, he emigrated to Kansas, locating at Leavenworth, where he remained until 1857, when he removed to Missouri, and took up his abode at Weston, Platte County. There he engaged in the grocery business, continuing until September, 1S61, when he entered the Confederate army as private, under Captain Spratt, at Platte City, and was afterwards with General Shelby in Arkansas and Texas, and in the latter state was made captain. He started for Mexico with General Shelby, but under President Johnson's proclamation returned home. He participated in many hard-fought battles, and was twice slightly wounded. Upon coming home he engaged in farming on Section 10, of Lafayette Township, and still owns this farm of 293 acres. In 187S, he was a candidate for the State Legislature, but was defeated by three votes, his opponent being Mr. Alexander C. Cook. In 1S80, he was elected Sheriff of Clinton County, and in the discharge of his duties gives universal satisfaction. In December, 1849, ^^'^ ^^'^-'^ married to Miss Hattie Anderson, a native of Clark County, Kentucky, born in i83vS. They have three children living. Their son Charles, was thrown from his horse in 1863, and liad his neck broken. Federal troops frightened the animal, with the abo\'e result. Mrs. A. died Auj^ust 14. 1S55. Mr- Allgaier's second marriage occurred on the third of Ma)% 1859, to Mi<N Amanda WiUiams, of Platte County, Missouri. They have had a family ot ten children, of whom se\'en sur\'i\-e. He is a member of the Knight;^ of Honor.

contractor and builder, is a native of Xor\va\', and was born March 14, 1835. He came to America with his parents when young, locating in Chicago, Illinois, there being reared, educated and also learned the carpenter trade. In 1.S38, he went to Lea\-enworth, Kansas, pursuing his trade at that point until i860, when he became a resident of Platte County, Missouri. Remaining there for a time, he returned to Lea\'enworth, and was identified with the building interests of the city until after the war, when he again remox^ed to Platte County, locating near New Market, where he made his home until Jul\-, 1870, then becoming a resident o( Plattsburg. He has superintended the con>truction of and uiiiiL mail)' su'usuiiiiial and aUracti\e edifices in Clinton County and Northwestern Missouri, among which are the public schools of Plattsburg and Chillicothe. There are few citizens who have manifested a more live interest in the advancement of, or contributed more freely to the progress of Plattsburg than Mr. A. Soon after coming here he built his residence, and the two-story brick edifice now occupied b\- Mr. Barne? as a furniture establishment, o\er which is the I. O. O. F. Hall, and which for a time was occupied b\- the Masons. In 1878, he was elected Ma}-or of the cit\-, and in 1879. he was re-elected to the same position. Mr. A. is a fair illustration of what can be accomplished where there is a will to execute. Thrown upon his own resources when fifteen )'ears of age, he has by industry and economy attained to a well-merited success. In 1864, at Lea\-enworth, he joined the I. O. O. F., and while a member of that body held several important offices in the Lodge and Encampmeiit. At New Market, Platte County, he built the I. O. O. F. Hall, and established the Order. In 1878, he became a member of the Lodge in Plattsburg, and during his connection therewith has held the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. He has been a Representative to the Grand Lodge from the Thirtieth District, and has recently been appointed by the Grand Master as Lodge Deputy for Plattsburg. In 1868, at Neu Market, he became a member of the Masonic fraternit}'. Mr. A. has been twice married ; first, in 1 861, to Miss Mary Polk, by v.'hom he had five children - George. Kittie. Nettie, \\'i!lie and Nannie. Mrs. A.'s death occurred in 1875. In 1S76, Miss Mollie Ward, of Chillicothe, became his wife. They have four children - Letha, Bertina, Clara H.. and an infant.

hardware Llcalcr. is vi native of \'irgiiiia, ha\'iii<:;' been b<»rn at Harper's Ferr\- June 14, 1841. His paternal ancestors caiTie from iMU^Iaiu!, aiul were among the earl\' settlers of the Shenandoah Valle\-. The subject of this sketch spent his earl\' da\'s in tilliivg the soil, and in 1856, with th.e family, came to Missouri, locatinif northeast of Plattsburg, in Clinton Count)-, where he enc^ajjed in farming. In i^S'J- '^'^ father died, lea\-ing, besides his widow, nine children. J. H. being the eldest, the responsibility of their care rested upon him, but lie accepted the situation willingly and performed his dut\- faithfully. The carpenter trade, of which he is ver\- proficient, was learned b\- him in Clinton Count}-. This he followed for many years, erecting a number of the substantial structures in Plattsburg. His liardware and implement trade, which is one of the largest in the county, is steadih- on the increase. Mr. 15ennett has been twice married. In 1S62 he was first married to Mollie Brown, now deceased. The result of this union was one son, Charlie. His present wife is L. P. Arnold, of West Virginia; they have one son, Arnold. ?Ie is a Deacon in the Missionary Baptist Church, and is a member of the A. O. U. W.

farmer and stock raiser, section t,^, post office Lathrop. Among the yoimger class of successful farmers ma\-be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Indiaria, and was born in Elkhart Count)-, October 30. 1S52. He was raised in the occupation he has since followed, and emigrated to Missouri in 1S70, settling in this county. He was married in 1S76 to Miss Emma EUwood, a lad)- in e\-er)- particular worthy of him. Their family consists of two children, RoUo E. and Georgie O. The)- are members of the Methodist Church.

one of Clinton Count)-'s pioneers, as well as one of its most respected citizens, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Monroe Count}-, on the Cumberland River, August 20, 1S08. His father, Aaron, was a flatboatman on that ri\'er for man)- )-ears. The subject of this sketch was raised and educated in his native State, following the pursuits of agriculture. In 1830, he married Miss Amanda L. Gee, then in her fifteenth )-ear, and in 1S31, with his )-oung wife, started for Missouri in a cart. His live >tock consisted of a team of horses and a yoke of oxen, his fiiiancial resources amounting to $200. On the 15th of October of that year, he staked his tent where the town of Gower now stands in Clinton Count}-. He entered 160 acres a slu^rt distance southeast of that point near the lUichanan C'niutx' line, and coniincnceJ the career of a pioneer farmer. After a residence of four \-cars. he sold out and bought a f.irni south of Casteel Creek, remaininfj a few years, when he returned and purchased his old place, and also some additional land, makini^ a farm of 300 acres. His next move was nortli of Plattsbur;^^ w here he purchased Llic farms of Jud,;e Bij^ri^erstaff, Mr. Stow and J. 11. Trice, a tract of land amounting to 500 acres, on which he resided three or four years, when he sold out and bought from J. T. Ilugiies 920 acres close to riattshurg, which lie soon after disposed of and purchased the Culver farm, south of Casteel Creek. During these times he was one of the largest agriculturists in the Northwest, owning a number of slaves, and was reputed to be worth upwards of $40,000. Uyion the outbreak' r.f the war he was deprived of half his wealth by the loss of slaves, and other drawbacks. After a residence of four \-ears on the la.^t mentioned place. Mr. B. came to Plattsburg and engaged in the li\er\- business extensive!}'. After a few years he embarked in the grocer)- trade, and has since been engaged in business, with the exception of one >-ear spent in agricultural pursuits," having traded liis li\-ery for a f.irm. Thvs we h-v; ^^^ ' t'-" c^ g:- :^ .-.:<: uf CliiUt-n County's representative men, and one who has contributed am[il}- to its substantial development. Few men are more wideh- and p(;pularl\" known. ITe is a gentleman in every sense oi' the word. Has a well .-stored mind and an excellent memory. Mrs. Biggerstaff died in 1865. His present wife was Mrs. Sarah J. Ha'sel. By his first man iage he had ten children, seven of whom are living - Martina, Willie Anr., John S., George \\'., Henrietta, Zachary T. and Mary Marcella. Lost three - Josephine, James M. and William C.

farmer and stock raiser, section 26. post office Plattsburg. This gentleman ranks among Clinton Count)-'s most prominent and progres5i\-e citizens. He is a native of Kentuck)-, and was born in Monroe Count)-. March 28. 18 16. His father, William, was a well to do farmer of that count)', and W. L. spent his youthful da)-s in agricultural pursuits. After attaining his majority, he embarked in mercantile pursuits in Center Point, where for several years he was postmaster, and also for a time was in trade at Tompkinsville. In 1857, he came to Clinton County, Missouri, and purchased the farm w here he now resides, and has contributed much towards the development of that localit)-. The celebrated Plattsburg Springs are situated on his land, and much credit is due Mr. B. for his uiitiring attention and liberal contribution towards making this a delightful summer resort. His estate consists of 235 acres of choice land. In 1843, Mi^-^ Ruth Holman, of Overton Count)-. Tennessee, became his wife. They ha\'e had eight children, six of whom are li\-ing

- Mary. Pennelia. Martha. Sarah. Lcvina and Ruth. Two arc deceased. Nancy and William. Mrs. BiggXT. staffs death occurred in February. 1864. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Christian Church.

farmer and stock rai.-^er. Among the old pioneers of this county the subject of this sketch occupies a proniinent position. He is a native <.f Kentucky, having been born October 30. 1S18, and was raised in the occupation he has since followed. His father. William, was an old .pettier of Kentucky, and was closely identified with the agricultural interests of his district. His death occurred September 10, 1S31. G. T. emigrated to the State of Missouri in 1843, and settled where he now resides. He has been, for years, one of our successful and practical farmers and stock raisers, and has done much toward making this county what it is. He was married, August 15. [839, to Miss Sarah T. Bedford, also a native of Kentucky. By this marriage they have eight children : William B.. Thomas J., Rebecca T.. Joseph L.. James H., John B., Peter y nnH '^t--r>li.-M Vf. ^.Tr, B. is a mcmht.r of tht: :\Ia-onic Order. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He was one of the original members of the first church built in this county, which was known as the "Old Log Church."

dealer in horses and mules, is one of the well known business men of Plattsburg. and one who has been closely identified with i^s growth. He was born in Monroe County. Kentucky, April 5. 1823. His father, William, was a native of that state, and an agriculturist. J. B. spent his early days in his native state, where he was educated, and resided until 1842, when he came to Clinton County, locating in Plattsburg. He learned the blacksmith trade, and. when he had completed it. engaged in business tor himself, and erected for his shop the brick structure on the northeast corner of Main and Broadway Streets. At the breaking out of the war, he had several smiths employed, and was doing a lucrative business ; was owner of a number of slaves, and by the rebellion lost $15,000. After the war he engaged in the stock trade, in which he was favorably known over a vast area of territory. Mr. B. is a man who has had a wide and varied experience in business, and is endov.-ed with rare good sense and a well balanced mind. He came to Plattsburg a penniless young man. and, by his habits of industry, economy and good management, placed himself among the substantial men of the county. He was married, in Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, in 1849. to Mi^s Mary E. Collins. Both Mr. and Mrs. Biggerstaff are connected with the Christian Church.

Col. Jamks M. Birch

Amonq the men of prominence who have lonpr been identified with the interests and history of this county, is Col. James H. Hirch, the oldc>t livincr son and child of the late Judge James H. Birch. Me was born ni Fayate. Howard Countv. ^lissouri. November 14. fSSL ^^^<^ came with his father to his county in October. 1S41. Col. Hirch was educated m the lo- school house of that early period. He. with his elder brother. Charleys, joined the volunteer forces and followed the flag to Mexico, and were attached to the Santa Fe battalion under Major Walker. When dischart-ed he was yet under seventeen years of age, but wore the stripes of a corporal, given him by his commander for gallant service on the battlefield, his^ last service in that war being a member of the body cruard of the late General Sterling Price. Upon his return home he studied law under the guidance of his father, then on the Supreme Bench of the State, and entered upon the practice of the law in his native town before he was of age. Afterwards he graduated at the Law Department of the Cumberland University, in Tennessee. At the breaking out of "^ ^he'w::i ---- : ii^le.., C^l. Birch, aiul Lis father, were decided Union '""'^ mem " He" accepted the appointment of aid-de-camp from Governor Gamble, with the rank of colonel, which position he filled until near the . close of the war. svhen he was arrested and. paroled by the Confederate forces, whereupon he tendered his resignation. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, and in 1S6S, was elected a senator from the Third District, composed of the counties of Clay, Platte and Clinton, it being the first civil office he ever held. As a senator he faithfully discharged its duties. He was the author of the law abolishing the office of public printer, and submitting the work to competition, thereby saving many thousands per year to the taxpayers. To his energy and persistence do the people of Northwest ^lissouri owe the Lisane Asylum at St. Joseph. Beaten three times in as many winters, he introduced the bill the fourth winter and successfully passed it, it being the first dollar of money ever appropriated for this section of the state. He was the author of the law abolishing the office of circuit attorney, and establishing the office o( prosecuting attornev, as a court office. He wrote the law settling the controversy between the state and public school fund, on account of the sale of the stock in the old Bank of Missouri, whereby nine hundred thousand dollars were added to the public school fund, thereby proving his feelings in the educational interests of the state. Many other laws bear the impress of his positive character. After leaving the Senate, his friends sought to send him to Congress, and were only prevented by those tricks in convention, which have brought the convention system into great disrespect. In 1875. his health was so impaired that he sought the a?r of the Pacific shores, and returned in 1S7S. greatly improved. He lives in one of the most beautiful groves in Xortluvest Missouri, which hf improved in 1859, about a half mile south of Plattsburg. He has been married twice, hy his la^t wife he has raised a family of nine children, all of whom are living. The colonel is in the prime of life, vigorous in mind and body, and bids fair to live many years.

was born in Missouri, seven miles south of Lexington, on the 19th of January, 1839, an.l received a common school education. He also attended the High School at Harrisonville, Cass County, and remained at home, working on the farm, until nineteen years of age. During the late war he was Deputy Provost Marshal of the Si.xth District of Missouri and was assigned to Clinton County, coming here July 14, 1863. During the war he also served as First Sergeant of a ^Missouri regiment. On the 5th of May, 1S65, Mr. Birney was appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court of Clinton Count)", and November 3, 1S66, was elected for four years, but served five years and eight months. December 8, 1865, he commenced the publication of a paper, the first one issued here after the uai. I Ills was eciiicd tnc xsew ^constitution, and was successfully carried on for about a year. Ha\-ing resolved upon the practice of medicine as a profession, he commenced its study, reading under Dr. Essig, and attended lectures at the Missouri ^^ledical College of St. Louis, and was graduated March 5, 1S79. ^^- Birney was united in marriage to Miss Laura K. INLaupin, a native of Richmond, Missouri, February 23, 1S63. They have had, as a result of this marriage, two children.

Adam A. Brkckexridgk

farmer and stock raiser, section 34, post office Lathrop, is a native of Kentucky, and is a member of the Breckenridge family who attained a national reputation. He was born in Bourbon County, in 1837. His father was the proprietor of a large plantation, and the son early became interested in stock raising and agricultural pursuits, and became one of the rising men of his vicinity. In 1S74. he removed to Clinton County. Missouri, and has since followed his chosen occupation. He owns 460 acres of good land, well adapted for successfully raising and feeding stock. He married Miss Rebecca D. W'ilmot, of Bourbon County. Kentucky, October 7, 1856. She is a granddaughter of Colonel Wilmot, of Revolutionary fame. Their famil}- consists of three sons : John C, \Vm. Wilmot and Jefterson Davis.

of Bov. Iby & Vallanclingham, proprietors of the Laclede Hotel, is a native of Belvidere, Burlington County, Xew Jersey, and v.as born January 8,

1841. His fatlicr, Dr. Alfred Howlby, was a well known practitioner in that count)'. When J. W. was in his third )'ear he was taken by hi> paren.ts to Ohio, and there resided until he attained his fifteenth year, when he came to W'eslon, Platte Count)', Missouri, where his father had preceded him a number of N'ears and was one of the earl\' and prominent ph)-sicians in the i'iatte Purchase. In 1S56. our subject went into the mountains, where he made his home for over ten )'ears. makin;^^ several visits to the States. Durinj^^ that period, his time was divided between New Mexico, Colorado. California, \\'yomin<^^ Utah, Washinj;- ton Territor)-. the British Possessions and other localities, enf^^aged principally in freightintj, and at times as clerk in mercantile establishments. In that day the Indi.ms reii,med supreme and he was an actor with these individuals in man)' daring e.xjiloits, and had many hair breadth- escapes. His familiarity with the Western countr\' was good, and he was well known to the numerous adventurers who were traveling towards the setting sun. I11 1867. he embarked in the restaurant business at Weston, and in 1868 came to Plattsburg, engaging in the liquor trade and continued it until January. [881. when he opened the Laclede ITcLcl. A.-, a li^Lcl keeper he lida pi(j\ed him.^elf a success. He found a wife in the person of Miss Luc)" Xoel, of Atchison Count)', Kansas, an esteemable lady and an excellent manager of household aftairs.

Eli Browx

farmer and stock raiser, section 28, post office Plattsburg. The subject of this sketch is a native of Bath County. Kentuck)', and was born September 9, 1820. He is a tanner b)' trade, at which he worked in hinative place for twelve )-cars. In 1835. he emigrated to this county, . where he has since resided, and, since his arri\-al, has followed the occupation of farming. He is an old settler, and a man of integrity and solid worth in the community. He has fort)' acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. He was married, in 1848, to Miss P^mily F. Purgrew, a lady of ability and taste. The)' have, from their union, four children : Thornton, Katie, Maggie and P2noch. He is a member of the Christian Church, and a liberal contributor toward its support.

W. R. Carter

farmer and stock raiser, section 9, post office Plattsburg. Among the pioneers of Clinton County was Mr. Charles H. Carter, who was a nati\e of Cumberland County, Kentuck)-. He was justice of the peace of Concord Township for several )'cars. and took an acti\e part in developing the agricultural resources of this count)', with which he was prominent!)' identified until the time of his death, in 1870. His son. W. R., was born in Clinton Count)', Missouri, March 4, 1836, and was there educated, his carl)' da\s being spent in tilling the soil. In 1862, he enlisted in the L'nion arnu', in Conipan)' F, Missouri State Militia, \'eterani7cd, and was a member of Comijany A, Thirteenth Missouri Veterans. He serxed through the rebellion and one }ear after, being honorably discharged as sergeant. Mr. C. has since confined his attention to agriciiltural pursuits. His e>tatc consists of ox'cr ig6 acres of land. ^^r. C. is an industrious, progres>i\e farmer, and f.ivorabl}' known among the respected citizens of Clinton Count)-. He married, in 1866, Miss Martecia McCror\-. Thc\' had a famih' of si.v'children : Willie Kate, Minnie Ann, Charles S., Hattie Francis and Thomas \., li\-ing, and one, Corda Belle, deceased. S. U. Carter, farmer, section 9. post office Plattsburg. Avas born in Clinton Courit\-. Missouri. June- 23, 1849, and is a son of the pioneer, C. H. Carter, and was raised and educated in Clinton Count}-, and. at present, lives on the old homestead. His estate consists uf eight}- acres. In 1876. he married Miss Fsther A. Abbott, a native of Kentuck}-. They have three children : Charles IL, Clarence T. and Lulu M. '

Jamfs M. Clay

-of the well known banking house of Cla}- & Funkhouser, was born in Bourbon County, Kentuck}-, October 18, 1S24. His father. George \V. Clay, was a farmer of that county where the famih", originally from Virginia, had lived for several generations. Hi- mother's name was Rebecca. She was a daughter of George Winn, a well known farmer of Fayette Count}-, Kentuck}-. His father d}-ing when the subject of our sketch was a young bo}-, his mother moved, with her children, to Missouri ; and, in September, 1839, settled in Cla}- Count}-, where James Avas reared on a farm, and where he received the limited advantages of -education afforded in the schools of that period in the West. He was the second of a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. Gifted with persevering energ}-, and a determination to achieve success in life, he soon o\-ercame the obstacles and impediments in the path of his earl}' education, and speedih- acquired that thorough knowledge ot practical business which, coupled with his high character for personal integrit}', has resulted in ranking him with the successful men of his and generation. In October, 1839, short!}- after his arrival in the state, he came to the site of the present town of Plattsburg, which then contained not more than half a dozen small and insignificant buildings. Settling in the neighborhood, he engaged in farming, in which occupation, together with, from time to time, trading in live stock and other values, he remained engaged man}- years. In 1866, in company v.-ith h.'.s present partner, Mr. Joel Funkhouser, he embarked in the banking business in Plattsburg, opening the Clinton Count}- Savings Bank. This concern soon commanded the confidence of the community, and has continued since to enjoy a career of uninterrupted prosperity. In 187S. the style of the firm was changed to its i)resent designation, the l^anking House of Clay & Funkhouser. In 185 i, Mr. Clay was married to Miss Mary C. Gordon, daughter of Thomas C. Gordon, since dead. but. in his da\-. one of the wealthiest of the representative farmers of Cla\ County. ' The\- had, b>- this union, seven children, of whom four survi\c - William T..' Henry R.. Emma and Sallie G. Clay. In April, 1S76, Mr. Clay was left a widower. On the* 5th of November. 1880, occurred his second marriage. This was to Mrs. Alice II. Reynolds, a native of Missouri, and widow of John C. Reynolds, formerly a lawyer, and at one time a newspaper editor of Weston, in Platte County. The fruit of this marriage is a son. James M. Clay. Jr. In politics James M. Clay, as his father before him. was a Whig. On the dissolution of that party, he affiliated and subsequently continued, to act with the Democratic part}-. On the breaking out of the civil war, though strongly opposed to the doctrine of secession, he was.. in consequence of his southern birth and sympathies, treated as a rebel, and. in common with many others, sustained grievous financial injury. He has, however, to a considerable r--r.->ynrp(^ h?^ lo:^<e^- ; ntid, bcsldcs his lucrative banking business, is the owner of one thousand acres of fine agricultural land. In 1851. he united with the Christian Church at Barry, a small town on the line of Clay and Platte counties, and was baptized by Elder Payne, a distinguished minister of that denomination who was murdered during the civil war, in consequence of his sympathies with the Southern cause.

the present proprietor of the Mineral Springs Hotel. One of the important features at the Plattsburg Mineral Springs is its hotel, which, under the proprietorship of Mr. C, has attained a justly merited reputation for being a well-kept summer resort. Mr. C. is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Boone County, December 25. 1830. His father. Pitman Cloudas. was a native of Virginia, and a hotel man of long years of experience. When the subject of our sketch was in his fifteenth year, he migrated to Adams County, Illinois, residing a number of years, a portion of which time he followed hotel keeping. Afterwards he came to Missouri and engaged in the same business for several years, at Ironton. Iron County; thence to Chillicothe, residing until August. 1881. when he took charge of the .Mineral Springs Hotel. His long sojourn at Chillicothe gave him a wide acquaintanceship with the traveling public, as a popular and accommodating landlord. He was first proprietor of the Shirley House, and afterwards of the Park House. Although but a short time in Clinton County, he has made many friends. He married in 1839, Miss Mcuy Stroude. of Kentucky. By this union they have six children : (Jra M., Charles T., Mary K., Mar^.;-aret aiul Ami. Lost two. h'lizabcth and Sally. Mimself and family are members of the M. IC. Church, South.

present TiSSi) Recorder of Deeds for Clinton Count}-, was born in Carroll County, Kentucky, January 25, 1848. He is the fifth of a family of eleven children, of whom four are living-. These arc. besides himself, the eldest surviving;, Joshua ]\I., John A., and a dauj^diter. Callie. In 1855, he moved, with his parents, to Plattsburg, where he was educated. Here, October 3, 1876, he married ]\Iiss Elma Funkhouser, a dau;_;hter of Georgfe Funkhouser. The\- had one child, George Stanley, since dead. Mrs. Craig^ herself died, in 1S7S, and Mr. Craig has since remained a widower. He worked, during the first twent\- \'cars of his life, on a farm. At the end of this period he entered, as a student, the law office of James M. Rile\', of Plattsburg, in which he remained four year^^. at the end of which period he was admitted to the Plattsburg bar. On the separation of the recordership of deeds from the circuit clerkshijj. Mr. Craig was appointed D\' LrOvernor \\ oodson to the fornit.r office. This was in August, 1874. In the following Xo\"ember he v.as elected to the same office, and, at the end of his four \-ears term, was re-elected. His father, Benjamin F. Craig, now a resident of Plattsburg, and, fi>r sixteen \-ears, a farm.er in the neighborhood, is the author of several historical works, among which is the "Border Ruffian." embodying a hi-tor\- of the Kansas. war. It was published in Cincinnati-, in iN'.';. He al-><. vv-rote the " Rough Diamond," a production in prose and \cr<e, published in Kansas City, in 1880.

grocer, Plattsburg, one of Plattsburg's most respected, and popular business men, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Jerter-'ir. L<«unty, June 9, 1826. His father, William, was also a native of tliat >tate. When J. R. was quite young, the family migrated to F.tvette L<.u:it>-, re-iding nine years ; thence to Shelby County. His eari>- day-^ were -pent in agricultural pursuits. In 1854, he came to Missouri., locatin- in Buchanan County, and engaged in agricultural pursuit-, th.rce miles ^.i-t of St. Joseph, on what is now the John Williams farm. Here lie remained until the breaking out of the war, when he became pr..priei«>r .,1 a livery stable on Third Street, St. Joseph, and was identified .inv-ng the horsemen for eleven years, when he returned to his native slate, remaining for a time. In 1870. he came to Plattsburg, embarking m trade Mr. D. is a gentleman of broad views, a business man .-t ion; c\pcr:c:ice. and has attained an enviable reputation for hone-ty. I.it. dealing.

He mairicd in 1857, Mrs. Ainclia Smith, of Richmond, Kentucky. By this union they have had five children, three of whom are livin-j^^ - Willie. Laura and KUa May. Lost two - Lo^an and Mattie.

is a native of Huchanan County, Missouri, and was born January 12, 1840, on Rock House Prairie. His father, Ishmacl, was one of the well known pioneers of the Platte Purchase. W. V. was raised and educated in Buchanan County, his boyhood days being devoted to tilling the soil. At the breakini;- out of the rebellion, his s)'mpathies being with the Confederate cause, he enlisted in Company E of the First Missouri Cavalry, serving eighteen months, when, on account of his ill-health, he was honorably discharged. In 1870. he became a permanent resident of Plattsburg, but previous to this time had been engaged in farming in the southwest portion of Clinton County. For several years he was occupied in merchandising at Union Mill, Platte County. After locating in Plattsburg he \yas engaged in trade for two years, and in 1872 was elected by the Democratic party as sheriff, and re-elected in 1874. P'or liic oiVicc uf cuuuiy cuuceiur tic has been the choice of the people for two terms. In his oft'icial capacity- Mr. D. was found one of the most efficient. Has been thoughtful, industrious, and attended strictly to the legitimate duties partaining to the relative positions. In commercial circles he is well known, being largely interested in live stock and other branches of trade. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, a good financier, and an impressive conversationalist, clothing his ideas with appropriate language. In 1S65, Miss Virginia B. Ashbury, of Richmond, Ray County, Missouri, an estimable lady, became his wife. They have five children living : William T., Clara, Xannie, Frank, t^mma E. Their first-born. Marshall, died a few years ago. Mr. Davis belongs to the M. ¥.. Church South, and is a Master Mason. Politically he has been a life long Democrat.

Nicholas Dexxis

a prominent farmer and stock raiser, section 36, post office Plattsburg, is a native of Belgium, and was born May 30, 1835. He was there reared to manhood, and educated, and in 1S57, emigrated to America, settling in Ohio, and resided in Hardin and Clinton Counties in that state. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in Company D, Fortyeighth Regiment, Tenth Division. Thirteenth Army Corps, as a private. He was promoted to sergeant, and afterwards commissioned lieutenant, serving one year. He served four years and seven months. At the close of the war, he returned to (jhio, where he remained till 1871. when he came to this state, and settled in thiscounty, where he now resides.

He has 140 acres of land, Co of whicli arc under cultivation. He was married iJeCeniber 25, 1873, to Miss Julia Hannafni, a native (A Ireland. From this union tiiey have two children -John X. and Isaac A. They are members of the Catholic Church.

Jamks Ditmars

farmer and stock man, section 12, post oftice I'lattsburj^, is a son of V. Detmars, a man to whom Clinton Count)- is indebted as much as an}- agriculturist within its bounds for the active part he lias taken in developing its resciurces. He came to the county in 1837 and opened a farm near Haincs\-il!e, that section being then iii its primitive state, and has since, although now well advanced in years, been closely identified with the substantial citizens of the county. His son Janies is a native of Ohio, and was born in Clinton County December 26, 1825, and became a resident of Clinton County, Missouri, in 1837, where he has since been a resident, with the exception of three )-ears spent in the Mexican war. He owns over 350 acres of land in the county, the greater portion of which is in a high state of cultivation. As a stock feeder he is among liic iai^c.iL, anu his uaiu, )ards, etc., are well adapted for this industry. His residence, which is commodious, is attractively situated and indicates taste and comfort. Mr. D. has been twice married. First in 1849, to "Miss jNIargaret Henderson. By this union they have had nine children : Catherine, C. M. George, Emma, Ida, Cora, Annie, Allie and James L. Afrs. D. died in 1870. In 1873, ^Mary Burkholder became his wife. The result of this union was four children : Bessie, Alma Grace,. Charlie and Rosa.

farmer and stock raiser, section 10, post office I'lattsburg. One of Missouri's early settlers, and one who was prominent in the pioneer days in the western part of the state, was Mr. Joseph B. Dohert}-. who was a native of Bedford County, Tennessee, born February 10, 1799. ^^ came to Missouri, locating in Clay County, in 1S24. but had been in the state previous, temporarily, having attended the first land sales at Franklin, in 18 18. He was a leading agriculturist, in Clay and Clinton Counties, for a number of years. His death occurred in this county, August 8, 1878. For a time, he was in the employ of the government, at Agency, in Buckanan County, when the loway Indians were located there. His wife, the mother of \V. B., was a native of Kentucky, and was born January 9. 1817, and died in Clay County, Missouri, July 31. 1839. ^^^ maiden name was Mary Groom. W. B. was born in Clay County. Missouri, November 21st, 1832. and came to Clinton County in 185 [. and has since been a resident on the old homestead. His landed estate con- sists of 314 acres. His home is pleasant!}- situated, and ever}'thinL( pcrtaininj;- to the phice indicates thrift and c^ood nianaj^ement. Mr. D. has been twice married : First, in 1S56, to Miss Dortha Ann McKorkle. I3\- this union there were two children : Mar)' and Octavia. Mrs. D. died in 1870. In 1871, he married Mary E. Winn, of Clinton Count)'. I))- the latter union there are two children : Joseph 'J", and Mildred E. Mr. i). is a genial gentleman, possessed of a well disciplined mind, and kee[)s pace with the progress of the age. Me traces his ancestry to Irish lineage.

manufacturer of farm and spring wagons, horseshoer and general repairer, and agent for the Champion reai)ers and mowers, is a native of Ireland, and was born in Count)- Kerry [March 2, 1848. He was brought to America b\- his parents when one year old, his father, Thomas, locating with his family in Buchanan Count)', Missouri, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1S66, his death occurred, he having been drowned in Castcel Creek at the site of Ro)-an"s store. John T. commenced to learn the blacksmith trade in St. Joseph in 1863, continuing two and a half )-ears. He followed his trade for a time at Kearne)' and Cameron, ^nd, in 1S65, engaged in business in Plattsburg. He is a thorough and proficient workman, and has built up a good trade. His specialty is plow work, and in this, as in repairing farm machiner)% his business will compare fax'orably with an)- in the northwest. In 1877, Mr. D. married Miss Mary A. Hicke)'. They have one son, Thomas H.

was born in Mercer Count)-, Kentucky, on the 15th day of October, 1S15. He was the son of Lemuel and Sarah Reed Dunn, his father d)-ing \\-hen his son had reached the age of thirteen years. His early school days were spent in Cain Run Academy, a classical institution, located in the immediate \-icinity of his home. After leaving Cain Run Academy, 'his parents being in limited circumstances,) he taught school a portion of his time, in order to enable him to enter the law school of the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Kentucky, where he remained during the winters of 1836 and 1837. He graduated in 1837. Among his classmates at the university-, were Montgomery Blair, afterwards Postmaster General ; Beriah McGoffin, afterwards Governor of Kentucky ; Richard Yates, afterwards Governor of Illinois ; Orlando B. Ficklen. Representative in Congress from Illinois ; O. R. Singleton, Representative from Mississippi, and Samuel H. Woodson, Representative in Congress from Missouri, and others, who achieved honorable distinction in public life. In the spring of 1837, he obtained a license from Judges Roberson and

Marshall, of the Court of Appeals of Kentucky, and bci^an the practice of la-A- in the town of Xicholasvillc, Jessamine County, where he remained until the sprini,^ of 1S39. at which time he came to Missouri, and located ill Richmond, Ray County. Here, he immediately resumed the practice of his profession, and devoted himself exclusively to it, until 1841. when he r-C'Mved by appointment, his commission as Circuit Attorney of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, from Governor Reynolds, succeeding Peter H. Burnett, who afterwards became the first Governor of Calitornia. He continued to fill the office of circuit attorney until 1S4.S. when he was commissioned jud-e of the circuit, as the successor of Hon. Austin A. Kin^r, who was that year elected governor of the state. In 1851, occurred the first election of'judges in the state, (the offices heretofore having been filled by appointment,) when Judge Dunn was elected by the people. He was again elected in 1857. and continued in office till 1861, when he retired, declining to take what was called the "Test Oath." In 1863, however, he was again elected judge, and went out of office in May, 186;! under the "Ousting Ordinance," passed by the Drake Constitutional Convention. He then resumed the practice of law until 1S74, when he wp". ogain elected Judge of the old Fifth Circuit. He was reelected in i88o,foratermof six years, and now (1881) is the judge of that circuit. Judge Dunn was a member of the convention in 1S61, which held its first session in St. Louis during that year, and its subsequent sessions at Jefferson City. That convention was called to consider the relations of the state to the Federal government, and established the provisional government of the state, electing Hamilton R. Gamble^ as Governor. The Judge's associates at the bar, from 1839 to 1848. during the period when he was circuit attorney, were General A. W. Doniphan, General Daxnd R. Atchison, Peter H. Burnett. General Andrew S. Hughes, General B. F. Stringfellow, Colonel Wm. T. Wood. Robert D. Ray, Amos Rees, Philip L. Edwards, Ephraim B. Ewing, Elijah H. Norton,'and others. He married Susan M. Henderson, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, in May, 1841. They have had five children, all of whom are dead, excepting John H. Dunn, who is now twenty-nine years of age. a lawyer by profession. Judge Dunn is called the " Poet Judge." During the ea^ly years of his life, while still in his teens, he became exceedingly fond of poetry. Like Burns, he delighted in the scenery surrounding the home of his childhood, the beauty and grandeur of which tended to develop whatever of passion he had for poesy and song. It was during one of his rambles among the crags and cliffs of his native hills, which overlook the picturesque banks of that classic stream, the Kentucky River, that he composed the poem entitled " White Cliff Cottage," which was published at the time, and obtained a wide circulation. When about to commence the practice of law, the Judge, concluding that poetry and law were somewhat incompatible, wrote his " Farewell to My Harp.

tliinkin;^-, at the tinu-, that it wouKl he his hist p^.-iical L-^^lI-^ion. Xol so, however. \\c was too deeply attached to his e.uly hne, to thus rudely and so suddenly cast it off, and durinc,' the lon^,' years that iiavc followed, he has occasionally turned aside from the stern and solemn duties of the bench, to deli;4ht his friends with the mystic notes of his lyre. His poem, entith'd " Death of I'residcnt Gartleld, " is his last production, and bcinj^ replete with the spirit and sentiment which filled all iiearts at the sad announcement of the death of the President, we here reproduce il.

And in his hand he holds a golden lyre ; The radiant "summits" charm his vision nnw, . , And his voice mingles with the heavenly clioir.