Clinton County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 1 of 11)

The whole text

BiOGRAPKICAI. SKEL.HtS OF ITS CITlZKSi, CLrNlOX COUNiV IN' THE LATF Gt-'.NERAL AND lOCAL STATISTICS, FOUTRAITS OF hA'^.LY SLTILERS AND PR >^MNtiNT MES, KISTO'rY Of Mii^'JVRI, MAT OF C!-IN'TON COU-VrV, ETC., KiC.

returned immediately. I should not have returned at all but to carry tiie water to W'illard, with some desire that I iniL^ht interfere for him. I now bcc^an to fear the thinj^ might be pushed too far. I was not absent, I should think, more than thirty minutes.

On m\- return I found them all settiuL; down on the c,^round. W'illard looked bad; he showed si;::^ns of exhaustion ; loolced lani^uid. I did not ask them, but they had evidently been whippini^ him pretty severely while 1 was absent. I i^ave Willard some whisky, but he did not seem to relish it. He drank freely of the water and said it was c;ood. Tlie others drank freely of the whisky. I now took Langston and Anderson to one side and begged them to desist - told them that they had given him enough - too much. I poured the water on Willard's head. I reqiained with them twenty or thirty minutes. Wliile I was there they did not whip him any more.

I took the jug to go after more water, and Langston handed me the bottle, and told me to bring more whisky. I then came down to the Farmer's Ilou'^e and lingered about there a few minutes, when three young men asked me to join them in a game of cards. I consented and sat down in the bar-room and played cards for perhaps an hour. I was at the Farmer's House at least an hour and a half. Jones came in about this time. I saw him as he came up. He had been down town and was returning to the woods. I met him at the door. He had a little tin bucket in his hand, and said that he had been after their dinners. I previousl}' understood that morning that they had not-had their breakfasts. I requested Jones to take the jug of water and bottle of u-hisky with him, that I did not intend to return any more, Jones said th.at lie could not very well take them and the dinner. And he further said that he would like to have me go up anyhow, saying, "I think that they have given him enough, and if you will go up* perhaps we can persuade them to quit." And with this view only I went up. When we arrived they were all sitting down on the ground. I looked at Willard and th.e poor fellow looked horribly bad. He was now badly blooded, and I saw that they had beaten him desperately while I was gone. He was sitting on the ground, with his head rather resting on. his hands, which were supported by his knees. I approached him and asked him if he would have some whisk}'. He said nothing, but shook his head. I told him to smell of it, and held it to his nose. He merely breathed over it. I insisted that he should taste of it and held it to his mouth. He took some in his niouth, but spit it out again. He did not swallow any of it. I again told Lang'^ton and Anderson that they had given him enough - too mucli. So said Jones. Langston and Andersor, both said that they intended to give him more. I told them to eat their dinners first, perhaps they might feel in a better humor after dinner. _ In the meantime I had given Willard a drink of water. He drank heartily, but did not seem to relish it - it did not revive him. I poured som.e of the water upon him, and also poured some of the whisky upon his liead.

Langston and Anderson now stepped some ten or twelve paces to one side and set down to eat their dinner. They asked me to join them in eating dinner. My mouth was too sore to eat the victuals that Jones brought ; it wa< bread, meat, and potatoes. Xor did I feel in the humor to eat. { stepped aside with them, liowever. Jones said that he had eaten his dinner at hom.e an.d could not eat any more. Jones seemed to sympathize with Willard, and while we stepped aside to cat, Jones remained with him, and stood not very far from him, governed by no other moti\e I think, but sympathy. He stood a few feet from him. Langston and Anderson had just ben^un to eat, had eaten but a fow mouthfuls, when Jones remarked, " Willard is dying ! " W'e all s[)rLing to our feet and ran to him, and by the time that we got to him lu: had lain down on his back, and afterwards breathed not a single breath. His vital powers were all exhausted. He had lost much blood, had been some hours in indescribable })hysical suffering, and now died as easj- as going to sleep. I never saw an\-body die an}- easier than he died.

I believe that 1 was more self-possessed in this awful crisis than either of the others. Jones was the worst frightened man I ever saw in my life ! Langston was considerabh- agitated and alarmed. So was Anderson. It was a terrible time. The reader cannot possibly appreciate our feelings.

I think that I first broke silence by asking, " Boys, what will you do.-*" Langston spoke and said, "We will take him off and conceal him, and at night we will come and throw him into the Missouri River." Langston said, " Let no man reveal this," or words to that eftect. I then took Willard's shirt, while the rest held him up, and put it on him. I also drew up his pantaloons around his waist. They were do\vn arountl his ankles. In putting on his shirt and drawing up his pants I noticed that the fellow was awfully whipped. I know nothing about the wounds on Willard's head, as spoken of b)- the surgeons that made the post mortem examination. I did not notice them, but 1 ha\'e no doubt but the whipping was sufficient and did produce his death.

After putting on his shirt and adjusting his pants, Langston took hold of one arm and I the other ; Anderson took hold of one leg and Jones the other, and we bore him off some forty or hft\' yards into the thicket to the place of concealment. I don't now recollect that a word was spoken by an}- of us as we bore him awa\-. We did not drag him that I recollect of, though we might ha\"e let some part of his bod\' touch the ground as we went through the thicket, but I think not. After la}'- ing him down in the thicket, as he was subsequently found by the crowd that went out that afternoon, we all returned to the place of whipping. I then took Willard's hat, his vest, coat and boots, and returned v.-ith them to the dead bod}-, as it lay in the thicket, and laid them all down together, not far from his head. I turned round to go back, and then remembered that I had Willard's butcher-knife in mv bosom., and I turned about and put the knife in his hat, and then left and went to the place of whipping and found them standing about. Jones, I think, at this time was throwing the switches away, and other ways trying to obliterate the e\-idence of the transaction. Some short conversation now took place between us, about the best way to act so as to keep the thing concealed. We soon agreed in the manner of separately going into town. Jones handed me the rope and I subsequent!}- threw it into Blacksnake. I don't know who took the cowhide nor the hand-cuffs. Jones took the bucket that had the dinner in it. I took the jug ; I don't know who took the b(.'>ttle. Jones now struck off into the bushes b}' himself Langston. Anderson and I came down the road together to the

Farmers' House. Here Lang'-^ton went in, and Anderson and I came on to the grocery, where I had got the jug. Matthews, spoken of before, had not been with us from the time the whipping began in tlie morning ; ] did not perceix'e when nor how he left us. I have since understood from my fellow sufferers that he la}- round tlicre in the ti;icket and saw all that took place, and then left for parts unknown. He took no part in the- matter whatever, and the only motive that he could have had in being present was a curiosity to see what was going on. Of Jones, the motive that took him there. 1 have never been able to comprehend. He seemed to have no ill-feeling whatever towards Willard, did not a thing under the heavens to hurt him, seemed to sympathize with him, took his part, evidently kept Langston from hurting him, and yet took out the first bottle of whisky, took the order to Willard's wife, v.-ent after the dinner, and helped us carry the body to the place of concealment after the man was dead, and the only pay he seemed to have received at all, as Willard owed him not a cent, was the most terrible fright mortal man. perhaps, ever got.

At the grocery where I got the jug. Anderson, and I remained but a minute or two, just long enough for me to hand up the jug and get back my money, when we went back to the Farmers' House. Here we found Langston, and joined him in taking a drink of whisky. Mr. Heed, about this "time, stepped in and some of us asked him to take a drink with u:>. He thanked us, and remarked that he was in a hurr}-, took a drink of \vater onl\-, and started off in the direction that v.-e had just come. Langston now stepped out at one door. Anderson and I at the other. We soon fell in together on the street, and came down to\vn. About half way between the Farmers' House and the bridge across the Blacksnake, we met and passed a woman. Just after we passed her Langston remarked, "that is Willard's wife." Anderson nor I knew her. I turned. however, and looked at her as she walked in the direction that we had just come. As soon as we crossed the bridge on Blacksnake we separated. I went down on to IMain Street, and Langston and Anderson in the direction of their houses, and I saw no more of them till I saw them in prison.

We left Craig's law office in the morning, I should think between eight and nine o'clock. We parted at the bridge across Blacksnake, I should think not later than two o'clock in thj afternoon, - it was the 27th day of July, 1852. I well remember that it was a beautiful, bright, sunshiny day, but rather warm. The whole of the transaction as detailed above in reference to Willard's death, took place just as I have here stated, in manner and order of time, with the part that I and others took in it, to the best of my recollection, so help me God I Freely, frankly, and honestly made, without reservation or concealment. And oh. what a day's work that was I

The first place that I stopped at on Main Street was in a blacksmith's shop. I stepped in and talked a few minutes with a man about doing some painting for me. From there I went directl>- to my ow!\ residence. ?^Iy wife was at home b>- herself, pleasant and kind in feeling, knowing nothing about the transactions of the day. She a-keci me what detained me that I was not home to mv- diiiner .' I made some evasive re}>lv. She spread the dinner on the tdble for me. and I sat down and eat a bite bv m\-self ; remained on"i\- a i'tiw minute.-, at home, and then went round to my shop. I remained a short time in my shop, then took my book and went to Kstes' tin shop, to have some settlement with him. There was some business transactions between us. Estes was not in , I was told that he had just stepped out but would be in in a few minutes. I waited till he came in - quite a <.,^ood while. When he did come in I learned of him that the murder of Willard had been found out, that the body had been found, and that a great crowd had gone out there, and that he had been and seen the body. He was very much excited, and could not talk of anything else but the murder of Willard. Of him I received ten dollars, and he said at some other time we would have a settlement. I then went back to my shop, put my bool: in the chest, locked it up, made some other little arrangements about the shop, and returned home. It was now supper time. I eat a light supper and was sittin<^ in the front door of my house, with my wife and family, just at dusk, when Jacob Langston, son of the old gentleman, came in at the back'door. (this was the first time that he ever came to my house) and said he wanted to see me. He appeared to be somewhat excited and much affected. We stepped aside into the little porch, and he told me of Willard's murder, that his body had been found, etc., and that his father had been arrested on suspicion of being engaged in the murder, and he wanted to know of me, "if I knew whether his father had any hand in the matter." I gave him some evasive answer, which, however, did not -seem to satisfy him. He soon went away, and I then went around to my partner, Mr. Beal's. He had recovered from his "sun-stroke," and vras up. He told me that I was suspicioned of having some hand in Willard's murder, and asked me if it were so ! Said he hoped it was not so ! I denied it, and somewhat evaded the conversation. I remained at }»Ir. Beal's but a short time, when I returned back to my residence. A few steps from my door, young Langston met me, and seemed much interested, and wanted to find out whether his father was concerned in it. Let me depart from the thread of my narrative here, just long enough to sav that young Langston had no part in the murder of Willard whatever. I am ahnost certain that he knew nothing about it. He was entirely innocent of the whole matter.

When young Langston came to my house the second time, he and I walked out on Main Street to see what was going on. and to make what observations we could. I still held out to young Langston that if his father had any hand in it that I was not aware of it, still affecting an innocence on my part. We walked dov/n Main Street to Robidoux' corner ; paused there awhile, and then went on to the Public Square. There were a good many people on the Public Square at the time, and there had been more excitement about Willard's murder than I was aware of at the time. The people were somewhat scattered and scatterino- at the time. They were collecting and had collected in little groups in different parts of the Square, and were in low, under-toned conversation. There was evidently quite an indignant feeling in the public towards the perpetrators of the deed. Young Langston and I mixed not with any of these little squads of folks, but passed through - made but a short walk, and returned. I saw and recognized several persons during this walk. Dr. Crane I particularly recollect passing, and spoke to him. and I think he returned the salutation, "Good evening." or something -like that. Young Langston and I soon separated. He went on and I returned to my own house, not later than ten at night, I should think, and went to bed. M\' wife, in the meantime, had heard of the murder of W'illard - that Langston, ^Anderson and Jones had been arrested, and that rumor and suspicit)n connected me with them. She was uneasy and mentioned it to me. I denied knowing anything about it, and quieted her as best I could, and then went to sleep. I was not \ery stout, being unwell, as I ha\'e before stated , had been on m\' feet all day. and the part I had borne in Willard's death was ta.xing ni)- powers prett\' heavily. In my mind I was not apprehending any danger. I knew that there would be a trial the next da\' of Langston, Anderstjn and Jones, and supposed that I should be called on as a witness only. I had no dread of being apprehended myself. Under all the circumstances I slept very quietly during the night.

I remained in doors next morning, with the exception of doing what we call " chores." till after breakfast. I then went round to my shop, intending to work a little. I made some start at work - brought in a few plank ; made some directions in relation to business with one or two persons, and began perhaps to use the saw on some of the plank, when friends began to come in. One and another, and another, stepped in. The conversation was almost entirely about the murder of Willard. There was an intense feeling about it. Several person--, told mc that suspicion strongly rested on me as being engaged in the affair. Mr. Hoagiand. I recollect, told me that I was strong!)- suspected, and asked me : "Jennings, are you guilty or not guilty .^" I denied it. Others told me the same. At length some person came into the shop and took me out to one side and told me that a warrant was out for me, and that I would soon be apprehended, and said: "Jennings, the excitement is very high, and I would advije you to lea\e for a few days, till the excitement is over, and then return. Others soon ad\'ised the same thing. And I reflected on the matter - thought perhaps I had better leave for awhile. There was no judge then in this district. I did not know how long I might have to be in jail. The public feeling ran very high, and I thought best to absent m\-self at least for a few days.

I made it convenient to see a few^ friends with whom I had business, obtained a little money, went to a store and purchased a pair of shoes,' and went round home. There I met my sister, Airs. Hebron. She had heard of all these things, and had come round to see about them. She and' my wife were both much alarmed, and v/ept bitterl}-. I told them not to be alarmed ; that all would come around right. I told them that I would withdraw for a few days, till the excitement was over, etc. I put on clean linen, and immediateh' left. I took the road out by the ropewalk. At the forks of the road I took the Savannah road ; then again took the Rochester road till out a mile or two ; I left the main road and took the prairie, brush, woods and by-paths. Without taxing the patience ot the reader with an uninteresting narrative of tliis adventure, in- which in fact nothing remarkable or that would be interesting to the public occurred. I worked my way into DeKalb Count\-. From Maysville, on Friday morning, I wrote back to m)- brother-in-law-, Mr. Hebron. This letter was soon at hand, and by it my whereabouts was soon known. On Saturday morning I was arrested, some six or seven miles north of !Ma\-sviile, by O.fficers Heed and Finney, and brought back to St. Joseph the same day. We arrived in town about sunset. On our arrival in town I was put in prison. In prison I found already Langston, Anderson and Jones. The\- had been apprehended and put in prison on Tuesda\' night, and had been brought before Justices Wash and Lewis, and their trial before this examining court begun. The ne.xt Monday being election, tiie further proceedings in their trial was postponed till Thursda}-, there being three da\'s of election. I now was placed whh thern lor trial, and the trial set for Thursday.

When I was introduced into prison I found Langston, Anderson and Jones. They appeared tolerably cheerful - were disappointed at seeing me - said the)- supposed that I was entire!)' gone, and seemed rather to regret that I had been apprehended.

Thirteen long months ha\-e the-^e poor fellows. Langston, Anderson, Jones and myself lain in prison together. Alwa\-s, e.vcept when separated by the officers for a few hours, or da\-s at furtherest. diu-ing my trial, in the same room. These tliirteen months ha\-e been to me an age! Xor has the time dragged less heavily with tliem. During this wearisome time we have lived in peace with one another. There lias been no recrimination, no censuring each other, no bickering, and but very seldom has the matter been spoken of at all. We all understand ourselves - know the part each acted in that tragedy, and have generally been silent about it. To-morrow I shall separate from them--niy companions in guilt - my companions in suffering, and from m}' \'ery soul I pity them I I pitv* their families! I wish I could help them! But 1 cannot. I bear against them no bad feelings in the world. Myself, and mv'self only, do I blame for this that now hangs over me - there never has been a hard word passed between us in prison.

I know not what disposition, of course, that the court will make of Langston. Anderson and Jones. It would meet my hearty approbation, and I wish I knew such \s"ere the case, that they might be acquitted aiid restored to their families. Willard is dead - was most inhumanly murdered; his famil\- is ruined. I have laid in jail thirteen long month- and suffered more than a thousand deaths. They, too. have suffered equally as much ; our families are all crushed down to rise no more - ruined fore\er. I have to die. The blood of a thousand men would not make atonement for Willard's. If the divine claims of " E\-e for an eye. tooth for tooth," be just, my death ought to satify the claims of justice, however others may ha\'e bore a conspicuous and even leading part in the crime. I say then, if it could be compatible with the claims of the law. and the ends of justice could be satisfied without their blood. I would rather Langston, Anderson and Jones could be spared.

Killing Of Howarh Glenn

On the 4th day of October, 1873, in the town of Plattsburg. William Barnes and Howard Glenn became intoxicated. The\- had during tlie da)" one or tu'o encounters, without an)" serious results.

Barnes went home, and Glenn concluded that he would also return home, and had to pass along the same street upon v."hich Barnes resided. Mr. C. G. Livingston accompanied Glenn, and nhen they arri\-ed opp^.site to where Barnes li\ed. Glenn expressed a desire to see Barnes, and become reconciled. Glenn called for Barnes, who came out. Each expressed friendly sentiments, but finally angry words ensued. Glenn asked Barnes if he had a pistol, when the latter went into his hr)use. returned with a pistol, and after the exchan^^e <>f a few words, Barnes shot Glenn, w ho was carried home, and died ne.xt morning at 4 o'clock. His remains were followed to the L;ra\'e by a. lar^a- concourse of people. Barnes was arrested and confined in jail. The parti(;s were not hostile to each other, but in a moment of frenz}-. intensified by ardent spirits, a tragedy was enacted which left one family desolate and the other in a painful condition.

An inquisition' taken at the residence of Howard Glenn in the city of Plattsburg, in the County of Clinton, on the 5th day of October, 1873, before me, William Morris, Coroner of the county aforesaid, upon the view of the body of Howard Glenn, then and there l\'ing dead. James H. Rogers, Henry B. Baker, James W. Y. }Iughart, \V. \V. Sherman, Mason Hord, and J. H. W'e^t, good and lawful men, householders of Concord Tov.nship. in Clinton County, State of Missouri, who being sworn and charged, diligent!)' to inc^uire and true presentment make, how and in what manner and by whom the said Howard Glen came to his death, upon their oaths do say: We, the jur\' find from the e\'idence before us, that the deceased, Howard Glenn, came to his death from a pistol shot wound, inflicted on the 4th day of October by William C. I^arnes, in the city of Plattsburg, County of Clinton, State of Missouri. October 5th, 1873.

C. G. Li\-ingston sworn and examined, sa}-s: I reside in the city of Plattsburg, Clinton County, State of Missouri. Yesterday about three or four o'clock, Mr. Glenn, deceased, was down in town; he started up home and my brother Thomas told me to get up behind the deceased on his horse and ride up home with him. W^e got up opposite to where William Barnes lives, when deceased spoke and said he was going to call William Barnes out. " It is a drunken spree; I have nothing against him. nor he against me; I want to make it up with him." Deceased called to William Barnes, and he came out to the fence. Deceased said, " What w as the use of fussing." William Barnes said. " Mr. Glenn, I always looked upon you as a brother." Deceased said, " I don't suppose there is anything between us." William Barnes remarked that he " would fight deceased at any place and in any way. I will fight you with a revolver." Deceased said Have \-ou a revolver.'" Mr. Barnes said " he had," and turned around and went into the house. Mr. Barnes came out with a revol- ver in his hand. I never saw the re\'olver until he got to the gale. As soon as I saw it, I jumped off the horse and commenced shaming him for ha\ing the rc\ol\er, and st.uted toward- ln"m. He cocked the revolver on me, and said, ".if I came any nearer lie would shoot me." I kept walking arountl him on the street, and the first thing I knew, lie pointed the revoK'er at the deceased and fired. Deceased fell partl\- on the sidewalk on his righ.t side. As soon as he fired, I jumped at him and caught the revolver. He attempted to fire the second time. I threw the pistol up and the cap bursted. I took the revolver away from him, and gave it to John Livingston. I got on Livingston's horse and went up in town after a doctor. Deceased was sent up home where he now lies b\- Mr. Doniphan. Deceased was from thirt\- to forty feet from William Barnes when he was shot. Mr. Barnes was on the sidewalk when he fired. Barnes w^s afterwards tried and sent to the Penitentiary for ten }'ears.

" On the night of August 9, 1867, ir. the Cit\- of Flattsburg, between II and 12 o'clock, when the streets were crowded with people returning from Lake's circus, the citizens were stricken with terror by the murdering of Miss Mollie Steel, daughter of Colonel John Steel, by Charles V. lones, and the killing of himself

Miss Steel, accompanied by Mr. Charles O. McMichael, had just passed the residence of Benjamin F. Willis. Esq., when Jones hurriedly and cautiously walked up behind INIcMichael, and drawing a revolver, leveled it at Miss Steel's head and fired, the ball' entering just back of the lower part of her right ear and passing out back of her left ear, causing instant death.

Lnmediately after firing, Jones ran a few steps across the street, and putting the pistol against his right temple, pulled the trigger and launched his guilt}- soul into eternity.

John S. Funkhouser, who was a few feet behind McMichael and Miss Steel, walking with a lady, called for help, when Jones started off, apparently with the intention of escaping, but before any one got to Jones he had taken his own life. F^unkhouser then hastened to the relief of Mi^s Steel, and with the assistance of several other gentlemen, she was carried into the residence of Mr. Willis. Drs. Vanhook, Essig and Spencer made an examination of the wound.

Mr. Willis' house was soon filled with ladies and gentlemen, and the street was thronged with people. Consternation was depicted on every countenance, and but few dr\- eyes were in the crowd, while the shrieks and lamentations of the mother and sisters of the unfortunate \-oung lad\- were heart-rending in the extreme. Mrs. Steel was so overcome by the violent death of her daughter that she swooned.

Miss Steel was one of the most fascinating and interesting \-oung ladies in Plattsburg, admired by all who knew her, and almost idolized by her parents.

Charles V. Jones came to I'lattsburi,^ the latter part of the war, from Hannibal. Makinj^ Steel's Hotel his home, and, being there thrown into the society of Miss Mollic, he concei\ed an attachment for her. which, for a while, was reciprocated, and an engagement ensued. Subsequentl}- leading a dissipated life, which neither the pursuasions or entreaties of friends could induce him to bre.ak off. the i)arents of Miss Steel opoo-ed the fulfillment of the engagement, and he was cjiscarded. Whereupon, the vindictix'cness of his iiature exhibited itself in making threats to take her life. .'Vn examination of his letters revealed the fact that he had frequently threatened her life, and one letter stated that if she did not marry him in January (last) he would kill her. Several i)ersons were cogni/.ant of his making threats, but no one seriously apprehended that he would ever carry them into execution. With rlie exception of tlie deceased, no other member of Steel's famil\- had any kiun\ledge of such threats. On the Friday evening previous, when no one was at the supper table but the family, Jones asked Mr. Steel if he could have supper, and, being answered in the affirmatice, he went into the room. In a few moments he came out, handed 'Mv. Steel pa\- for his supper, and passed on. It was afterwards belie\td thnt he intended to murder Mi^s Steel in the presence of the family, and there is no doul^t but he would have done so had she been preserit.

Miss Steel's funeral was attended by almost the entire population of Plattsburg, and many person from the countr}-. It was the largest funeral that had ever occurred in the cit\' up to that date.

Execution Of Albert Hughes

Probably the largest crowd of people that ever assembled in Plattsburg, was on the last day of September, 1868, to witness the e.vecution of Albert Hughes. From ten o'clock in the morning until the prisoner was taken from jail, the public square and adjoining streets were almost jammed with men, women and children, a great majority of whom were apparently anxious to witness the tragic end of Albert Hughes. There must have been eight thousand persons, the most of whom were pre->ent at the execution.

A few minutes before one o'clock. Sheriff Phillips brought the prisoner out of his cell, placed in a wagon on his coffm, and with Reverends Jesse Bird and W. W. Roberts, and a strong guard of armed men on horses, followed by a vast number of persons riding and walking, proceeded to the gallows, erected in the valley a short distance nortli of the Fair Grounds. Arriving at the scaftbld, the crowd that had already collected there, was pressed back, and the guard entered and formed a circle. The sheriff" then cook the prisoner up the ladder to the gailows, the ministers following. At one o'clock precisely, Mr. Phillips commenced to read the death v.-arrant, which is as follows:

Wherlas, At the Xovembcr term. A. D. 1867, of the Circuit Court of Platte County, in the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, and on the fifteenth day of said month, the Grand jurors of the State of Missouri, for the body of said county of Platte, returned into the Circuit Court of said Platte County, while the said court was in open session, a bill of indictment against Albert Hughes for murder in the "first degree ; and

Whereas, After the said defendant. Albert Hughes, had been duly arrested according to law, and brought to trial before the said Circuit Court of Platte County, on the indictment aforesaid, for murder in the first degree, to wit : on Tuesday, the 17th day of December, A. D. 1867, upon the affidaYit of said defendant, Albert Hughes, duly made and filed in open court, as provided by law, a change c^ venue in said case was awarded by said court to the Circuit Court of Clinton County, in said Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri ; and

Whereas, On Thursday, the nth day of June, A. D. 1868, said cause having come on for trial before the Circuit Court of Clinton County, aforesaid, pursuant to the change of \ejiue. awarded as aforesaid, and the said defendant, Albert Hughes, having been tried before said court by a jury of twelve good 'and lawful men of the County of Clinton, aforesaid ; and

Whereas, The jury aforesaid, after hearing the evidence and the arguments of counsel, as well for the defendant, Albert Hughes, as for the said State of Missouri, and after receiving the instructions of the court, and having retired and maturel}- deliberated on the same, returned into open court the following verdict, to wit :

And whereas, The judge of said court, in open. court sitting,, did upon, and in accordance with the verdict of the jury aforesaid, (as the record of said court doth show), sentence the said defendant, Albert Hughes, to be, on Friday, the 24th day of July. A. D. 1S68, and between the hours of eight o'clock in the forenoon, and four o'clock in the afternoon of said day, hanged by the neck until he be dead, dead, dead.

These are therefore to command you, that on F'riday, the 24th da>- of July, A. D. 1S68, and between the hours of eight o'clock in the forenoon, and four o'clock in the afternoon of said day, you take the said Albert Hughes, and han^ him by the neck until he be dead, dead, dead, in accordance with the sentence of our said Clinton Circuit Court, pronounced and of record as aforesaid ; and that on the first da}- of the next term of our Clinton Circuit Court, you have this writ, with' your doings certified thereon, before the judge thereof

\\ itness, \\ illiam Leonard Birney, clerk of our said circuit court, with the seal thereof hereto affixed, at the office in Plattsburg, this 23d day of Jul}'. A. D. 1868.

When the sheriff had concluded the readinj^ of the warrant, Rev. Mr. Roberts advanced to the side of Iluc^hes, and read, in an impressive manner, the first si.xtcen verses of the Fifty-first Psahn. After which, the Rev. Mr. Bird offered up an eloquent and fervent prayer. When the prayer was finished each of the ministers bade the prisoner farewell and retired. The sheriff then informed the prisoner that if he desired to say an)-thing he could do so. Albert Hughes then, in a clear and distinct voice, made the following dying speech :

Well, my friends : 1 suppose you come to see Albert Hughes leave this world. My friends. wh\' am I sentenced to death for murder.' Why has this happened ? I worked for old man Jenkins one month, and asked for money - fifty cents. Daniel Jenkins then came up and ordered me out; I went to the dining room, and the old man followed me and asked me how much he owed me. I told him I did not know - I was no scholar. Dan Jenkins then came in and took me by the collar with one hand, and. with the other, cocked his rovolver, when his poor old father said, " hold on 1 " He is dead now - God bless him. Jenkins then took me to the stable, where he drew his pistol in my face, and I was thrown into the manger by that man. He then said : "Albert, I give you two hours to leave this house, and if I catch you here again I will take your life." !\Iv friends, I did not e.xpect to be injured by him. Then I was knocked dead by that man. What did I do .^ Nothing I What did I say.' Nothing ! My friends. I went out into the country about seven miles, and came back to town the next Saturday evening. Didn't think there was any danger, when he knocked me dead again. When Jenkins was killed, they said Albert Hughes did it. They got me in Kansas, brought me back, and put me in jail. Crowds of men around the jail asked: " W' hat did you kill Jenkins for.' there is no use lying." The witnesses that swore at the court house that when they got me I said, "I didn't do that at Platte City ; " my friends, I tell you that is not so.

My friends. Albert Hughes, who stands before you to-day. stood in that stony cell for fear of a mob. . Don't understand me to sa\- that I didn't kill Daniel Jenkins, nor that I did. God above knows. Ain't I a pretty looking object to stand and resist two or three men.' Again they said they would give Albert Hughes his choice to go to Wyandotte or Platte City. I didn't want to go there again. My friends look at it. I know nothing about law. I had been bound out, and didn't have a spelling book in my hand. By looking over my mistress' shoulder I learned A. B. C. I expect nothing in this world. My friends, as I was telling you, they said Jenkins whipped me for riding his horse. If he did whip me for that he never said so. Well, my friends, I don't believe I have much longer to talk with you. I must go home to rest. There is nothing here for me. They say Albert Hughes killed Daniel Jenkins. Maybe I did kill him. I don't pretend to say I didn't. If 1 did. it was because that man said he would kill me. My friends, look at it. I believe this is all I have to say to you. Oh! my friends, I hope to meet you in glory. Mr. Phillips, I am ready to die.

The cap was then drawn over his face, the halter placed round his neck, and his feet tied together. He then asked for a drink of water which was brought to him, when he said. " Good-by, my friends." Mr.

The rope that held the tra[> was then cut, and /vlbcrt FIu;_,die^ at 1:3; wa< launched into eternit\-. He fell about eipjht feet, the rope stretchiiiL^ so inuch that his feet rested upon the sjjround. The rope was then shortened, and after a sli<:^ht movement or two of his legs and arms, and a quixering" of his bod)", he remained perfect!)' mc)tir)nless.

A few minutes after the tra[) fell, some man, full of whisky, shouted for Jeff Davis, when the sheriff and marshal arrested him and placed him under guard. Some little excitement was created b-)- the guard drawing and flourishing their pistols, but the)' were soon replaced and quiet restored. Mr. Phillips very properly remarked during the excitement i that he xvould permit no man on the ground to halloo for either Abe Lincoln or Jeff. Davis, and if he couldn't prevent it peaceably he would do so by force ; that this was no political matter and he did not intend to have any disturbance.

Accidentally Shot

On the 1 8th of July, 1 868, at about four o'clock in the afternoon., F. Xenned)' while sitting in front of the Southern Hotel, was accidentally shot by James Mooreland. Mooreland was sitting near the door of Riley's drug store, examining a double-barreled shot gun belonging to a negro, and which was offered for sale. Mooreland raised the hammer the gun, being assured the gun was unloaded, to test the strength of the spring, and perceiving no cap he let the hammer fall, and to hio -consternation the gun went off, severel)' wounding Mr. Kennedy, who Avas occupying a chair some thirty yards distant.

The gun was loaded with squirrel shot, five of which entered his right arm, two his right side, and twelve piercing his legs. As soon as wounded Mr. Kennedy got up and walked into the hotel, the blood flowing freely from his side, arm and legs. Ph)-sicians were immediately called, who made an examination of the wounds and administered to his sufferings. At night he was removed to his residence. Sonie thirteen shot struck the chair in which Kennedy was sitting and a number buried themselves in a fence and tree beyond. That he was not killed ma)- be considered miraculous.

A Terrible Crime

On the afternoon of the 24th of September, 1S80. one of the most devilish and blackest of crimes Was comm.itted b)' a mulatto negro man -on a handsome, and very accomplished young married.woman of wealth, and high social standil1c,^ about tc-n miles southwest of I'lattshurL,'. She had <;onc on horseback to the little villaj^e of Edc^erton, and when retLirniny she had to alic^dit to open a c^ate, alnio-t in si.Ldit of her house. The villain, h'ini; in wait, crept stealthily behind her, seized her ridingskirt and threw it over her head, twistini;' it tiL,dit!\- and t)'in;.^ it secureU', in which condition - her \ision obscured and her arms thus encased in a garment of strong texture, unable to resist him or make her screams heard - he dragged her to a ravine close b)- and acconiplished his hclli-h purpose. In the meantime, the horse without rider, wended his v/.iy to the house, and being discovered b\' a hired man who started to look after the lady, wdiom he soon met making pitiable flight. She told the sad story of her treatment and directed him to the spot, and instantly lie started in pursuit. On reaching the gate a man was seen going into the woods at a distance and he shot at him, but lost his trail. I)ent on his purpose, and to avoid the possibility of recognition, the scoundrel had divested himself of his clothing, and had wallowed in the mire of a pond, besmearing himself with mud, and after he had left hi.s helpless victim and ran away she only extricated her head from its encasement in time to get a distant look at a nude man ha\-ing the appearance of mud on him. It turned out that he was a hired man who had been in the employ of the lady's husband for three years, and who was enjoying the utmost confidence of the whole family. After leaving her, he went to the pond and hastily washed off the mud, donned his clothing and whipped round by a circuitous by-wa)- and came home. He, too, was told of the terrible treatment of his mistress, and no sooner told than he also joined in the pursuit. They soon aroused the neighborhood, and before dark the whole country- was ali\-e with excited men. on the hunt for the villain.

During the night the news spread from neighborhood to neighborhood, and by next morning there must have been five hundred men in the search. It w^as kept up all day Saturday, but no discovery was yet made. Late in the evening some one suggested that the negro hiied man was the guilty party. A few of the crowd discussed it, and it was agreed that they would investigate the probability of it. They accordingly went to his lodging about" nine o'clock, P. M., and told him he was suspected. He denied it. They told him a sock had been found ; that he must strip and be examined. This brought him to a confession of the terrible deed. But to fully satisfy themselves the)- made him strip, and on the back between the shoulders and under the arms they found mud. On one foot they found a sock, evidently the mate to the one found ; on the other foot there was no sock. He then told where he dropped the sock, and all about it. The\- had their man, and started immediately with him. The}- passed out o\ the farm gate on to the highwav, leading to Plattsburg, and thev had gone only about half a mile, when they were joined by two or three hundred men, and in lc>i> time tha!i it takes to read this article, he was swinj^inc^ to a rope about his neck between heaven and earth. ICarly next mornini,^ the cc)roner (>( the count}- was sent for, and he, going down about noon, f<.)und him still hanging to the fatal limb. Me was cut down and an in([uest held b\- ;-. jury, who retLirned a verdict of death by strangulation at the hand> of parties unknown. The verdict ought to ha\'e been : B\' an outraged and terribly enraged community.

A Di.Oodv Affray

On the 9th day of May, 1868, at about 3 o^clock in the afternoon, eight miles northwest of Plattsburg, near Miller's mill, there occurred ,-. difliculty between several persons, a portion of whom were under the influence of liquor. The affray resulted in the killing of a man nanieil Da\id Pike, and the wounding, dangerously, of John Thompson. The difficulty grew out of the purchase c^f the place Pike was li\-ing on b\- Amos, who had a notice served on Pike to leav^e. On Saturday morning Amos, Sa)des and Thompson came to Plattsburg, and returned to Amos' house, (which is situated about fifteen feet from the one at that time occupied by Pike), in the afternoon about 2 o'clock.

When the}^ arrived Pike was absent with the first load of his goods, the time for which he could hold the house expiring that evening. Before Pike made his appearance Sa}-les, after cursing awhil-e and bragging that he "was the best man on top of dirt," went home and armed himself witii a gun. When he came back Pike, who was loading his wagon a second time, told him not to come on the place with his gun, but Sa\-les, paying" no attention to him, went into the house. Thereupon a quarrel commenced between Pike and Sa}-les, when the former dared the latter to lay down his gun and fight it out ; to which Sajdes responded that he would if Pike would take off his revolver. Pike relieved himself of his revolver, and Sayles backed out. Amos, who had had several quarrels with Pike about the possession of the place, then took up the difficulty and involved Thompson in it, who being armed with a revoK'er, shot tv.o or three times at Pike, one of the shots passiilg through his heart and killing him instantly. In the difficulty Thompson received a shot, which entered at his left side, passing through both lungs and out at his riglit side, inflicting a mortal wound.

During the war of the rebellion, Clinton County suffered in common with other counties of Missouri, from the incursions of organized bands of thieves, who took upon themsel\-es, as occasion suited, the nam.e of Union men or Confederates in order to perpetrate their villaip.- ous outrages upon the citizens.

History Ok Clinton Coln'Iv

On the 2ist da\' of Ma)-, 1863, at four o'clock in the afternoon, a band of "bushwhackers," under the command of Lieutenant Cleg<^, came into Platt.sburL,^ from the south, horseback, shootinj^ promiscuously to the right and kft, as the}- came rapidly down Main Street. Arrivin^j at the corner of Maple Street, they resumed their firing: at some parties in the court house, whom tliey mistook for militia. Finding, howe\-cr, that they were nustaken, and that there were no militia in tr)wn, the\- began robbing business houses, among which were those of J. V. L\'ons, Joel Funkhouser and \'ance & Jackson. Jackson, of the firm of \'ance (Is: Jackson, was, at the time, county treasurer, and had the funds of the county locked up in the safe belonging to the firm, at their store. There being but a few safes in the town, the sheriff, William I'erguson, W. J. Biggerstaff, circuit court clerk, and a number of private individuals, had their money also deposited with Vance & Jackson for safe keepiiig. The store of Vance & Jackson was located on the northeast corner of Main and Maple Streets.

Clegg, the leader of the gang, claimed to be a Southern man, and knov.'ing that Vance and Jackson were avowed Union men, he and his men. after some little delay, proceeded to their store. Two of the part)- entered, with their revolvers drawn, and one of them asked a son of 'Sir. Jackson, one of the proprietors, if he had a good watch.' Jackson answered "that he had," when the man told him to hand it over with his pocket-book. Jackson gave him his pocket-book, and started to go out of the store, to hide his watch, which was a very fine one, but the feilctw with the pistol stopped him, and commanded him to hand it over. Jackson hesitated, and told the robber that he would rather give him the value of the watch in money than to part with it. The robber instantl}' leveled his pistol at Jackson's head, telling him to " pull his watch." Believing that the robber would kill him. he gave him his watch. Jackson thought at the time that the man was F^rank James. The watch was afterwards returned to him through a mutual friend. While conimitting their robberies, these men ascertained that Mr. Jackson had the key to the safe, and demanded it. He offered them the ke}- ; they declined takiiig it, but made him open the safe. By this time the store was full of men, and when the safe was unlocked and opened, those' standing nearest the money drawer of the safe made a grab for the money. While the)* were scrambling for the money, Mr. Jackson took $200 out of the drawer, which he concealed until their departure.

After robbing the safe they began to steal from the store. They took from the safe about $9,600, monej's belonging to the count}- and pri\-nte individuals, and about $630 worth of goods. They then went to the court house and attempted to destro\- it b}- fire. The)- succeeded in burning some of the early records of the count)- belonging to the circuit clerk's oftice before the fire was put out b)- tlic citizens. After remaining

The most horrible affair that has ever occurred in Cameron, was the shooting of Marshal Henry C. Cuh'er, in the perf(;rmance of his dut}- as an officer, at about 6: 10 o'clock Saturday evening. Nearly all of our local readers have heard the particulars over and over before this, but a complete report of the affair will undoubtedly be read with interest b\' everybody. We therefore give the facts as we have gathered them, as follows :

The two young men, Jerome Johnson, whose father lives ten miles south of Hreckenridge, in Caldwell Count)-, and Aaron Harpster, whose father lives one-half mile northeast of Kidder, Caldwell County, came to town about ten o'clock Saturda}- morning, and put their horses up in McCartney & Holman's livery stable. Harpster went to J. H. McGuire's dental rooms to have his teeth filled, while Johnson alternated between there, the saloon and other places in town, taking several drinks, and becoming somewhat intoxicated, but not ver)- drunk. Several times during th.e afternoon he pulled out a revolver in Redeker's saloon, and showed it to Redeker, who told him that he had better keep it in his pocket, or he would be arrested, to which he answered that he would like to see an>' man arrest him. Sometime after this conversation Mr. Redeker pointed out Johnson to the marshal, and told him that if he drew his revolver again to arrest him. The marshal went into the saloon, took a seat beside Johnson and eyed him closely, but nothing more occurred worthy of note at that time.

About 5 o'clock Harpster left the the dentist's office and went with Johnson to a saloon, and they took something to drink, and. after a short, time, went to the livery stable and told the liverman that the}- did not want their horses until about 9 o'clock, as they were going to look around town awhile ; but as soon as the liverymen all went into the office, Johnson and Harpster stole into the stable and got their horses, mountiiig them in the stable and rode out at full tilt and through the streets, firing two or three shots in the. streets. They rode to an alley near Marshal Culver's residence, and hitched their horses to a fence, can^e up town and went into W. \V. McGregor's hardware store and asked to see some revolvers and cartidges. There was no one in the store at the time except the old gentleman, John McGregor. After selected a revolver and cartridges to suit, they walked out, refusing to pay for the revolver, and ran to where their horses were. Marshal Culver and Constable Ellis followed to arrest them for shooting on the streets, not knowing at that time that they had stolen the revolver. Johnston and Harpster mounted their horses and waited until the marshal and Constable Ellis got within fifty steps of them, when they put spurs to their horses and tried to ride over the officers. Marshal Culver caugiit firm hold of Johnson's horse and stopped it, when Johnson fired and shot the marshal in tlie breast, immed'ately riding awa\'. Culver cried out, " I am shot." and Ellis hurried to his assistance, having failed to stop Harp-

Mrs. CuKer heard the shi)otin!j^ and ran out and assisted Mr. IClli.s in i^^ettinc^ lier husband into tlie house. He walked, leanini; on \-'A\\<. and his wife, but fainted just at the door. Medical aid was called at (jnce. and Drs. Potter, Adams and Sn}dcr came.

He lived some twenty minutes, spoke several broken sentences, and said in substance that the man from Kidder shot him, saying; tli it Charley Redeker would know the man. He expressed c^reat concern for his wife and aj^^ed mother, but died without ap{)arent pain.

Of course the news of the shooting spread like wild-fire, and our town was full of sorrow and excitement. At first it was supposed that an innocent party named W'ilhoit was one of the murderers, and it was luck\- that this report was disproved before he was found. LarL^e numbers of citizens turned out and reported ready for pursuit, the li\er\- stables were thrown op^n, hardware stores shelled out their guns, and in a verv- short time Constable Ellis and a posse of good men started for Kidder. A short time afterwards a number of men went down on a hand-car, and still others went on the evening passenger train. These men were reinforced by some of the best citizens of Kidder, and the search began in earnest. At a little after 8 o'clock a portion of the part}- surrounded the house of Harpster, and Constable Ellis and S. K. Wright went in and commenced to search for their fugiti\es, when Harpster jumped through the door of another room and started for the brush. CJne of the guards, who was standing near the door when Harpster went through leveled a double-barreled shot-gun at him and pulled the trigger of both barrels, but, luckily for Harpster, the gun snapped and he escaped, but was fired upon several times with revolvers. Tiie men followed liim a considerable distance, but he had got into the woods and made good his escape. Several hours was spent in fruitless search for the two men. and near midnight the\' were tired and discouraged, and some v.ere inclined to give up and come home, when George Chubbuck, one of the most reliable men of Kidder, appeared among them aiid brightened their hopes with the announcement that he knew where Johnson was' and could lead them to his capture.

The discovery of the murderer was purely accidental, and happened in this manner: George Chubbuck had taken Miss Gilmore from a rehearsal at Kidder to her home, one and a half miles northwest of town, and wanting to see a Mr. Kelley, who lives in a part of the Gilmore house, he started through a room, when he was startled b\- a man jumping out of bed with a couple of revolvers and demanding what was wanted. Chubbuck was acquainted u-ith Johnson, and although knowing that parties were after him, to throw him off his guard he said that he only wanted to see Kelley. Johnson then said that he had got into some trouble at Cameron and would lea\-e the country in the morning, and begged Chubbuck not to " give him awav." He asked if anvbody was hurt at Cameron, and was told no. This made him much easier, and Chubbuck soon managed to leave the room, tie then inf<jrmed the Gilrnore family what had taken place, and toid them he would -;i^)on return with men to capture him. He then got his horse and found Constable Ellis, who at once rallied a sufficient posse, and started for Gilmore's place, with Chubbuck and C. F. \\'\-man as guides.

ThcN' were let into the house quietly, all nccessars' precautions bein^ taken, and were j^'uicled to the door leading to the room where Johnson slept. When all was ready the\- rushed in on him and he awoke to look intothu muzzles of several i^uns. He surrendered without dispute and took the matter far more cooll>' than anj- of lii^ ca[)tors. 1 le was at once disarmed and invited to take a trip to Cameron, which invitation he accepteil and at about four o'clock he arrived at the Cameron- Hotel, where an enthusiastic reception was c^i\'en him during the entire day.

When Johnson was brought to Cameron most of the Cameron men returned, but the citizens of Kidder were still on the watch for Harpster, and on Sunday forenoon a number of them re-\'isited the Marpster farm and found their man at home, and arrested him without difllcult)'. bringing him to Cameron in the afternoon.

To sa)- tliat our people were excited on Sunday would not more than half express it, for the office of the Canieron Hotel was crov.'ded from morning till night, each one talking in sober earnest concerning the sad affair, and all anxious to get a glimpse at the man who committed the terrible deed. The sidewalks were also blockaded in numerous place> by knots of men discussing the matter, aiid many expressed fears that the murderer would be l}-nched, while man\' good citizens expressed themselves freely that under the circumstances that it would be the best manner to settle the case. These expressions, together with the knowledge of the fact that Marshal Culver was a prominent mem.ber of a hor>e thief protective association, led the officers and nearh- e\'ery other citizen to believe that Johnson's chances for being the principal attraction in a little neck-tie part\- were rather flattering. Sherift" Payne was telegraphed for and he kept a strong guard over the prisoners during the da\- and night, and it is expected that if an effort had been made to lynch them there would have been some blood spilled. The prisoners were kept in the third stor}- of the hotel and a mob could hardly have been able to reach them if the sheriff' and his men who guarded the stairways, had been determined to protect his prisoners.

It is stated by some, who pretend to know, that ropes were ready and a mob organized to hang both Johnson and Flarpster, and that the only reason no attempt was made was because the\- did not want to attack the hotel when the_\- thought they could as well get them when they were brought out. W'e do not believe, however, there was an\' organization eftected for that purpose.

It was announced that there would be a preliminar\- examination held in Cameron on Monday, and no effort would be made to mo\-e the prisoners to Plattsburg until after the trial. This satisfied those who were indignant at the idea o( mo\-ing them, and things became more quite, and no attempt at lynching was made during the night, and the sheriff and posse took ad\-antage of the situation and got their prisoners on board the early morning train, on the Hannibal Road, and the\' were on their w a}' to Plattsburg. via Lathrop, before an\- of our people knew it. Most every one was disappointed to learn that the examination v.as not to be held here, and few were indignant, but there was no trouble.

We, the undersigned jurors, inipannelled and sworn on the 29th day of November, 1879. at Cameron, Township of Shoal, in the County of Clinton, by R. F. Smith, coroner of said county, to diligently enquire, and true presentment make, how and b)' Vv'hom Vi. C. Culver, whose body was found at Cameron on the 29th da)- of No\'ember, 1.S79. came to his death, having viewed the bod\-. witnessed the post mortem e.xamation, and lieard the evidence, do find that the deceased came to his death from a pistol shot passing through the breast bone, thence through the left lung, striking the si.xth rib, fracturing it, and lodging just under the skin, beneath the left axilla, and, there being no other marks of \iolence about the bod}', the jury do further find that said shot was fired from a pistol by the hand of one Jerome Johnson, and one Aaron Harpster was then and there present, aiding and abetting the said Jerome Johnson in the performance of said felony.

Harpster is a hard case, frequently getting on a spree, but is said to be very orderly when sober, fie is twent}' years ot age, and has a father and two brothers living near Kidder, the father being in good circumstances. On Fourth of July last, he was arrested b}' Marshal Culver for disturbing the peace, and it is supposed by some that the murder was premeditated revenge.

Johnson was twenty-one years old last August, is rather a small man, and is not one that would be taken for a hard case. In the vicinity of Breckenridge he bears a \-ery bad reputation, and has been frequently charged with stealing horses. His father was for many }-ears captain of a Mississippi River steamboat, and Jerome was raised on the rixer.

Chapter Xxvl Bench And Bar

ANDREW S. HUGHES - EX-GOVERNOR GEORGE SMITH -WILLIAM H. ALMOND-PETER H. BURNETT-HENRY M. VORIES-JAMES B. GARDENHIRE--DAVIL) R. ATCHISON - WILLARD P. HALI^SOLOMON L. LEONARD-BELA M. HUGHES-SILAS WOODjON - J. M. BASSETT-A. W. DONIPHAN - GEORGE W. DUNN - WILLIAM T. WO< »D - THOMAS E. TURNEY - THOMAS J. FORTER-WINSLOW TURNER - AUSTIN A. KING -RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT - BENJAMIN E. LOAN - RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT OF ST. JOSEPH BAR - ROLL OF ATTORNEYS- BENCH AND BAR OF CAMERON.

We here submit a few memorials of the bench and bar of Clinton County and the "Platte Purchase." Every hour diminishes our recollections of b)'-gone days ; but a few glimpses remain, and a few short years will obliterate every view and vestige of what, in the passing pageants of life, has been so interesting to us all.

To one of the oldest representative members of the legal fraternity are we indebted for the following sketches of the men who were tiie pioneer attorneys of Clinton County and Northwest Missouri :

Gexer.Vl Andrew S. Hughes

The first lawyer in the Platte country was General Andrew S. Hughes. General Hughes was said to have been a resident lavv'yer of Buchanan County, from the fact that he was an Indian agent in the county up to the annexation of the Platte Purchase to the state.

He owned a large farm and servants in Clay County, on which his wife and only son, General Bela M. Hughes, now of Denver, Colorado, resided, and on which he spent a portion of his time when not er.gaged at Agency.

I first knew General Hughes in Kentucky. He resided in Nicholas County ; was a lawyer of some eminence and a brilliant advocate. Early as 1824, he represented the Senatorial district composed of the counties of Nicholas and Breckenridge in the Legislature of Kentuck}-. I resided at Augusta, Breckenridge County, and first met him when he was canvassing for the Senate. He was appointed an Indian agent under the administration of John O. Adams, in 1826.

He was one of the most remarkable men, in many respects, of this or an\- other age. Kind of heart, cheerful, mirthful to hilarit}'. genial in manners, indec(.l, geniality it-^elf, he possessed an inexhaustible fund of brilliant anecdotes, and a wit as keen and merciless as Swift's and a sar- casm as bligliting as Randolph's. One of the few men of real genuis I ever met. The emanations of real genuis coriie from the Creator. Elaboration is man's work and merely art. General Mughes was a man of real genuis. I think he died in 1843. at Plattsburg, attending court, lie got wet while crossing the I'latte River and caught cold, and died from the effects of it, at the age of about sixty years.

George Smith was born February 2, 1809, in Columbiana County, Ohio. Both his grandfathers served in the Revolutionary War, and were natives of Pennsylvania. His father served in the war of 18 12. Fie received a practical business education in the county of his birth, and afterwards attended college at Oxford (Ohio) iVIiami University, but did not remain to graduate, leaving at the age of twenty years to engage in business. His father was a farmer, energetic and thrifty; the son was accordingly early imbued with rigid habits of industry. His first commercial ventures were in the transportation of flour to New Orleans by flat-boat in the winter, and the driving of cattle from Ohio to Eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland in the summer. These pursuits occupied three years of his life. In January, 1S33, he married in Brooke County, Virginia, where she was born, Sarah A. Chapman, by whom he had two children, a son and daughter. His wife died in 1836. He was married again in November, 1S39, ^o Mary A. Kerrins, a native of the neighborhood of Liverpool, England, who survived him. By this marriage he had three sons and two daughters, all living. Both wives were educated women,. of strong character, and the last is widely known and appreciated. In 1S44, he emigrated from Ohio, and located in Caldwell County, ^Missouri, where he resided for twenty-four years. In 186S, he moved to his late residence near Cameron, Clinton Count}-. In 1852, he was elected by a vote of both political parties a member of the legislature from Caldwell County, and served in the special session called in the fall of said year, for the purpose of applying by enactment the land grant of congress to the Hannibal & St. Joseph and Pacihc Railroads. During this special session he was appointed, and acted on the joint committee of the legislature that reported bills in reference to said grant; also bills for the incorporation of the North Missouri and the Iron Mountain Railroads and the Southwest Pacific, now the St. Louis &: San Francisco Railroad. The results of the action of this conimittee, as favorably affecting the material and permanent interests of the country, are recognized as among the most important that have been attained in the state. He served in the reii'ular session followinir. which closed in 1S53. From this period till the breaking out of the war, he remained on his farm, still taking an intensely active interest in public affairs, constantly maintainint; the position of an unconditional Union man, and nianifcstintx especial antagonism to the pro-sla\-ery movement in the Kansas issues.

In 1862, he was elected to the legislature from Caldwell County as an unconditional Union man. At the adjourned session of 1863, he i>jblicly declared himself an emancipationist. He was appointed by the Republican caucus a member of the committee whose duty it was to draft the bill authorizing the calling of a convention, the object of which was to confine the elective franchise to the loyal men of the state, to abolish slavery, and to effect such other modifications as the public interests and safety might demand. The bill as reported by the committee, with a few unimportant changes, was enacted by the legislature. He remained in the legislature till the spring of 1864.

In the summ.er of 1864, he presided over the Republican Convention, which assembled at Jefferson City to nominate a state ticket. This convention, by an almost unanimous vote, nominated him for lieutenant governor, and he was elected by a majority oi over forty thousand. As lieutenant governor, he presided over the state senate for four years. It was during this time that Judge Walker King was tried by impeachment. Governor Smith was also President of the State Board of Equalization, when it was first organized in this state in 1S65, and his experience as a legislator both in Ohio and this state, enabled him to shape many of the important features of the law. His term of office as* lieutenant governor expired in 1869, and although the presiding officer of a strongly partisan senate, he held the esteem an'd affection of both political parties.

On the 20th of March, 1869, he was appointed United States :Marshal for the Western District of Missouri, to which position he was re-appointed in 1S73. and held it till March 20, 1877, when, his second term expiring, he asked for relief from its cares.

He was raised in the teachings of the Presbyterian Church, with which he united about twenty-three years ago, and for the past twenty years has been ruling elder in the same.

When a very young man he was captain of the first rifle company in the first rifle regiment of mdlitia in Ohio, and at the commencement of the late war, he assisted in organizing the second company of troops .armed by the government, outside of the city of St. Louis, in the state.

I think the next lawyer that settled in the Platte Purchase was William B. Almond, who first settled in Platte Cit>-, and then removed to Sparta, Buchanan County, in 1839. Mr. Almond was a Virginian by birth, from Prince Edward County, and a graduate of Hampton Sidney Collec^e. He and Sterling Price were natives of the same county, and graduated at the same institution at about the same time. He was educated with some care for a Presb)'terian minister, but bein^^ of an adx'cnturous disposition, he went with the old fur company of Smith, Sublrtt & Jackson, to their depot in the Rocl^y' Mountains, oil the head waters of the Yellowstone. With the wattes he received ('which were hi<^di, as tlie trip was danc^erous), he returned to Virginia and studied law. He then returned to Missouri, and as soon as the Platte country was annexed to the state, he settled in Platte County. He had a very cjood practice in Buchanan County for a few )'ears, and, in 1844, he formed a partnership with Henry M. Vories, late judge of the supreme court, which cor.- tinued until 1849, ^^'hen Almond \\'ent to California, still following hi.s disposition for travel and adventure. On his arrival there, through the influence of Governor Burnett, of California, he was appointed judge. He remained in California for several years. Having accumulated about $20,000 while there, he returned and permanently located in Platte City. He v>-as elected judge of that circuit, comprising the Platte countr\-, in 1S54. He only held the office a short time, resigning to return to California, to attend to some pecuniary matters.

After his second return from California he practiced law in Platte City and Leavenworth until his death, which I think occurred in 1861, he dying suddenly at the breakfast table in Leavenworth, while there attending court.

.Almond was a fluent speaker, without approaching or approximating' eloquence. He was a fair law^yer, and, while not an orator, was an honorable and successful advocate.

Theodore D. Wheaton

Theodore D. Wheaton came to St. Joseph just before or about the time Almond came to Sparta. Wheaton was from Connecticut, and was raised in the same town and educated at the same institution with Governor Phelps. When he finished his education, he went to Virginia as a schoolmaster, seeking employment. Having taught there acceptably for some years he immigrated to Saline County, Missouri, v.dth a colony, at the head of whom was Major Harne}-, who was afterward speaker of the general assembly of ^Missouri. He taught school in Saline and in the interim studied law, and then removed to St. Joseph, where he remained for several years until he reniox'ed to Savannah. He represented the county of Andrew once or twice in the legislature. As a practitioner he displayed the coolness and tact incident to the Yankee character. He finally volunteered in the Second Missouri Regiment,, under Colonel Price, and went to ]\Ic.\ico. arriving while I was there. He remained in New Mexico and became a distinguished member of the bar of that territory, as well as a member of the House of Territorial

Peter H. Burnett, of San Francisco, was amonc,^ the first prosecuting;' attorneys in this district. Uv has since been go\-ernor of California and judge of the supreme court of that state. Few men have had a more eventful life than Governor Ikirnett. ?Ie was a native of Tennessee. His father emigrated to Missouri when he was small, locating in Clay County, Avliich was tlien the extreme western couiUy in Missouri. At about se\'- entecn or eighteen years of age, he returned to Tennessee and acquired a very good English education, by the kindness of his mother's relatives (the Hardamans), a very distinguished family, after whom Hardaman County, Tennessee,' was named. He partially studied law in Tennessee, but engaged in merchandising as a sort of episode in his life. He was not successful and quit merchandising about as poor as he was when he began. He then returned to Missouri and commenced merchandising in Liberty, when he again failed. In the interim, he had read law carefully, and was really a ver\- excellent law\-er for his age. After a few years practice, he was appointed circuit attorne}- for that district. I brought him his commission from Jefferson City in the spring of 1S41. He was one of the ablest prosecutors I ever met. the most industrious and indefatigable. No defendant ever found the state napping while Burnett was prosecutor. Having become largely involved by merchandisii>g, and seeing no way of paying off his debts by the mere practice of law, he determiiied to go to Oregon. In 1843, with a large colony from Missouri, he and his famil\- emigrated to Oregon. After man.y hardships and some accidents, he arri\-ed in that wild countr}-, located his land, and cut and split every rail himself that enclosed a quarter section of land that winter, and built a house, etc. He engaged actively and industriously in farming. In 1S46, when the Oregon question was settled between England and America, locating the new line, the British Fur Company was compelled to remove further north. They employed Burnett to wind up their business. The remuneration received enabled him to purchase cattle and go more largely into farming.

When the gold fever commenced in California in 1S4S-9, it aftbrded a good market for his cattle, and he at once engaged in business there, from which he became wealthy. Out of the first moneys made he paid off his old debts, although barred b}- the statute of limitation. After he resigned as judge of the suprem.e court, he accepted the position of president of the Pacific Bank, at a salary of $5,000 per year,' being a large stockholder himself in the bank.

of the bank, which was unanimously tendered him. He told them for the last year (i8So) he had not rendered more than half service to the bank and declined to take but half his salary ; thc>-, however, passed a resolution tendering him all of the salary. He still declined to receive more than half Thus they parted. He then retired from business, and is spending a quiet old age.

His family of four children are all in prosperous circumstances. In California, a few years ago, I met his youngest daughter, a very beautiful and accompli-b.ed woman, the wife of Chief Justice Wallace, of that state, and a man of more power and vigor of intellect than any man I met in California.

Henry M. Vories

Henry M. Vories was a native of Henry County, Kentuck}', where he recei\"ed a very common education in the common schools of that state. He emigrated to Indiana, where he led a varied life for some years, engaged in merchandising at a small village, combining farming and trading generally, and especially trading in hogs in the Cincinnati market, in which last business he declared to me that he broke three times in one week When, growing tired of these employments, which were bootless and abortive, he studied law^ wath Oliver Smith, of Indiana, who afterward became a United States Senator, and commenced the practice of law in a circuit abounding with good lawyers. Although he was only able to make a living, the contact with these men made him a sharp, ready practitioner, and a perfect master of the science of pleading under the old Chitty practice. He emigrated to Sparta, ^Missouri, in 1843 or 44, where he commenced the practice of law, in partnership with Wm. B. Almond. I practiced with him in all the courts of Northwestern Missouri. AVe were often together and often opposed to each other. I may safely say he was the most unhandy man as an opponent I ever met. His early vocations in life had rendered him perfectly familiar with the prejudices, the habits, and the peculiar tastes of common people, and therefore in selecting and addressing a jury he was a very formidable advocate. He was quick, shrewd, always cool and selfreliant. When the testimony of a witness happened to be the reverse of what he expected, he never showed any mark or trace of his disappointment in his face or manners. He remained in St. Joseph until 1855, moving there, I think, in 1846. He then removed to San Jose, California. He remained in California two years, and, although he succeeded well in his profession, he preferred St. Joseph as a permanent home. After his return, he built a handsome suburban residence in St. Joseph, in which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1876. After a most successful practice in St. Joseph for some years, he was elected a judge of the supreme court of the State, which office he held until just before his death. Judge V'ories was essentially a lawyer. He had a lawyer's mind. Some members of the profession are good lawyers theoreticall}-, but never successful practitioners, and others are quite superficial as lawyers, but by tact and energy succeed very well. The world rates them as good lawyers. Judge Vories was good in theory and in practice. He was a thorough lawyer and the most formidable practitioner I ever met. He knew little of politics and had but little taste for general literature.

His convictions, however, were always strong and fearlessly expressed. He was a Democrat of the old school and an unfiinching Union man during the whole war. He lived as nearly up to the golden rule as any man I ever knew.

James B. Gardenhire

James B. Gardenhire came to Sparta, Missouri, soon after the county seat was located there, from Tennessee. Commenced the practice of lav/ as a competitor of Almond, Vories and Hall; was very modest and seemed to lack self-confidence, and was of a sensitive nature. He impressed me as having acquired a rather superficial knowledge of the hastily, but had energy and industry, which soon enabled him to overcome these deficiencies of his early education.

I could form no estimate of his early education. He used good language - pure English - and seemed to have the ordinary literary acquirements of young men of that age. He was graceful in his manners and deportment, which evinced the fact that he had seen good society, but I never heard him speak of his early life, his advantages, or want of education. He soon became a goo,d lawyer, and was really an orator, although he occasionally failed to come up to what his friends expected. I have heard him make as brilliant speeches as any man I have heard in the Platte country. Very effective in law arguments before courts, and as an advocate very effective before juries. He had considerable taste for politics and once represented Buchanan County in the legislature, and was once a candidate for congress. During his candidacy for congress I heard him make two speeches, remarkable for their brilliancy, and in one of these he drew a parallel between Marshal Ney and Col. Benton. It was so thrillingly eloquent and pathetic that old men sobbed aloud. He became Attorney-General of the State, and finally died at the head of some bureau in Washington, under Mr. Lincoln's administration.

was the first Jud^iije o( the new circuit, composed of the Platte Purrhase and Clinton County. I drafted the bill forming the circuit, which was passed during the session of 1S40-41. General Atchison was commissioned in February 1S41, by Governor Reynolds. I brought him hi.s. commission.

General Atchison is so well known in the history of the state and nation that much labor is saved in giving a sketch of his life, tlis life forms an important part in the history of the state, and his name wilf live in his land's language. - .

General Atchison was born in August, 1S07, in Fayette Count}-,. Kentucky, a few miles from Lexington, at a locality bearing the euphoniou's and poetical appellation of Frog Town. He was a graduate of Transylvania University, in its palmy days, under President Holly. His father afforded him every advantage in acquiring a very liberal education. He was a very ripe scholar ; of fine literary taste and very familiar with all the English classics. He emigrated to Missouri in the spring of 1S30, and located at Liberty. He commenced practicing law at the same bar with me, and so continiied until he was appoir\ted judge. After I removed to Libert}-, in 1833, we kept our offices tog^'ether, althoughnever partners, and were very warm personal friends, although politicall}',. we were as wide apart as the poles. He was a strong State Rights Democrat, while I was a Whig of the most orthordox school.

After he was appointed judge, he removed to Platte City. I practiced before him in all the courts during the whole lime that he was judge. I was in the court house engaged in a case, at Platte City, when he received his mail on the bench. I suspended the case in which I was engaged for a moment, until he could look at his letters, and I saw, at once, from his face, that there was something very unusual in one of them. He was too honest and straightforward to have any concealments, and his face is of the same tell tale order, suffusing readily under any excitement. I proceeded with the case, and when court adjourned for dinner, the judge handed me a letter from Governor Reynolds^ tendering him the United States Senatorship, for the unexpired term of Dr. Linn, who had died. The tender was made, I know from subsequent conversations with Governor Reynolds, who was from the same count}- with me from Kentucky, without an}' request from Atchison or his friends. It was a spontaneous tender from an intellectual and patriotic governor, to a man in every way worthy of the high position of United States Sanator.

I know that the Judge hesitated honestly and candidly in his acceptance of the position, and offered reasons which were candid, and to hini, were forcible. After his havinj^ subniitted them \cr)- fnll\- to me, I said : "Jud^e, fortune does not shower her favors on us ver)' often, and a man should not turn his plate bottom upwards when it does hajipen, but should turn the right side up and catch all he can. Your- refusal will mortifs- Goxernor Rc)nolds, and as you have some political ambition, you ought to accept. It is your duty to do it. We have never had any senator from the western half of the state."

The Judge and 1 were rooming together at the hotel. I do not know that he did or did not consult any other person on the subject. He wrote a very modest letter to the governor, thanking him and accepting the position. He served not only acceptably in the senate for twelve years, but. served in that august bodf as its president, and acted as Vice President of the United States, after the death of King. While practicing law in Libert)', he was fond of hunting, and very successful as a hunter, fond of social life, and indulged in the excitement of politics, so that with a portion of the community who do not know what it takes to constitute a lawyer, he did not rate so high as he would have done if he had stayed in his office, although not professionally employed. He had a clear, bright, logical mind; had studied law well, and kept up with his profession by constant reading, when he was not engaged actively out of doors.

The position he took in any case he sustained with ability, and when he was on the right side he rarely failed of success. I deemed him one of the best lawyers, and consulted him more frequently than I did any one else. As a judge he was quick, expeditious and industrious ; seemed to arrive at his conclusions almost intuitively, and his high sense of justice always enabled him to decide equitably. I never knew a judge who gave such universal satisfaction, and although his friends were glad to see him elevated to a higher sphere they regretted to see him abandon the bench.

General Atchison went into the Southern army and remained until he became dissatisfied, not with the cause, but the management of the army. Pie was essentially a State Rights Democrat of the Calhoun school. General Atchison was never married, and since the war has been li\ing on his farm in Clinton County, enjoying the privacy of quiet life, deriving his enjoyment from the associations of numerous warm personal friends and a large library. He has warm patriotism enough to make him anxious for the future welfare of his country, and is Cincinnatus enough to be satisfied with his herd, his fields and his household gods.

Willard P. Hall

was born in Jefferson County, Virginia, at Harper's Ferry, in iS - , and is, therefore, sixty- years of age. He was educated partly in Balti- more, and graduated at Yale College. His education, of course, was very thorough and ample, coming from such an institution. The family (his father having died) rcmo\ed, shortly after he graduated, to Randolph County, Missouri. He studied law, probably with his brother, Judge William Hall. Judge of the Circuit Court in ^Missouri. He was \'ery industrious and energetic, and devoted his energies, physical and mental. to his profession. I am not .aware that he ever practiced law before he came to Sparta. He was then a very ripe lawyer for his age, and one of tlie best law}-ers I ever met.

System and order and logical arrangement were natural with him. His eyes soon became diseased and annoyed him for some years. This, I alwa}'s supposed, came from intense over-stud\'. using his eyes too much by lamp or gas light. He succeeded at once. Plain and simple in his manners as a child, naturally frank and easy with ever)- one, he soon became a favorite, and from his \-outhful appearance, even a pet with his older friends. He succeeded, I think. Governor Burnett, as prosecuting attorney, and was a very efficient oftjcer. He prevented grand juries from presenting anything that could not be sustained and prosecuted with great energy those he believed guilt}-. He was as an officer ver\' conscientious. In 1844, he was selected b)- the State Democratic Convention as one of the electors, and I was a candidate for elector on the Whig side. I met him often. He conducted the canvass with marked ability for one so )'oung.

He had the criminal law, and especially the statutes of the state, at his finger's ends, and could readily refer to them in a moment's time. During this canvass Governor Hall's speeches would greath- astonish those who have only known him in the past twenty years. He then, not without success, essayed the higher realms of oratory, and, although he occasionally let the eagle loose, he was clear, bright, logical and concise. For the last twenty years his style has been but little more than con\ersational, still, marked with even more of its original terseness, vigor and logical conciseness. He never thinks of indulging in pathos, or poetry or mere decoration. He gained a very high rank during the canvass, of which I have spoken, as a public speaker and as a well informed politician. To this, added to his high reputation as a law}^er, he was indebted for his first nomination in Congress, over many older and able politicians of his part}'. This was in the spring of 1846, and during the canvass Col. James H. Birch (late Judge Birch,) was his opponent as an Independent Democrat. Governor Hall volunteered as a private in the First Regiment of Missouri Cavalry. This he was induced to do, because he had been a strong advocate of the annexation of Texas, and the Mexican war having grown out of that annexation, he was taunted as not being willing to incur the consequences which his course and that of his friends had brought on the country.

He \vcnt with us as far as Santa Fe, Xew Mexico, doinc,^ duty as a private faithfully. Soon after we arrived in Santa Fe I received a letter from my father-in-law, Colonel Thr)rnton, c,nvin^r a sufficient number of the returns to ensure tiie election of Mr. Hall by a very large majorit\'. I showed that letter to Mr. Hall and to General Harney, and General Harney at once, as a matter of courtes)-. and as he should have done, released Governor Hall from all involuntary duty. General Harney having orders to go to Xew Mexico with a part of the troops, in the discharge of an order he received from Washington, to devise temporary laws for the people of that territory, requested Governor Hall and m\-self to prepare laws for that territory to conform to the conditions of the territory, and to be in conformity with the civil institutions of our own country. We organized a Legislature consisting of Governor Hall- and myself, and about six clerks, and the work of legislation was nevermore rapidly performed, each of us frequently dictating to two or three clerks at a time. In a few days we were able to present to General Harney a code of laws, which he was kind enough to approve, sign, as military Governor, and promulgate for the government of the people. It is astonishing, considering the short time we had been there and our limited means of information, that we should have written a code that Congress, after the annexation of the territory, re-enacted, and which after thirtyfive years I found still in vogue in i8Si. Governor Hall determined not to return to the States until after he had seen more of the west, so that he might be more capable 'to legislate for its wants.

Colonel Philip St. George Cook, ha\ing been left by General Kearney, when he started to California, to take command of a battalion of 500 Mormon soldiers and conduct them to California as soon as they arri\-ed and were outfitted, now took up the line of march and ?Iall accompanied Colonel Cook to the Pacific Ocean, going by the route of the Heyla River. He came back with Kearney the next spring to the States.' It is a fact not generally known that the first gold discovered in California was discovered by two of the soldiers under Cook's command at Sutter's Mills. Hall returned and took his seat in Congress in the winter of 1847 and remained there till March, 1853, having been elected three times.

He made a very industrious, efficient and popular representative of his district and at the end of his third term declined to become a candidate for re-election. He remained in private life, devoting himself assiduously to the study and practice of his profession, and attained as high a reputation as a law}-er as any man in the State.

In February, 1861, he w^as elected to the State convention, v,-hich convention was called by an act of the General Assembly for the purpose of ascertaining the position the State should take in reference to the secession of the cotton states. He was elected and took his seat as an avowed Union man, and after Governor Jackson had abandoned the

State, tliat convention proceeded to f..rni n provisional gox'ernmcnt, and proceeded to elect state officers. Fiamillon R. Gandjle, of St. Louis, was elected Governor, and Willard P. tiall, Lieutenant Governor. Governor Gamble died durinc^ his term and the office of governor wa.s filled by Mr. Hall. Times v.erc excecdin_L,dy excitin^i^, as the war was stiil raging in Missouri, as well as elsewhere, and much trouble and anxiety neccssaril)- devolved upon the Governor. It is impossible to gi\e any detail of his acts while i^overnor, as an)- one month of which would more than fill this sketch.