Daviess County, Missouri - Chapter 3: Early Elections and Events, Pioneers and Poetry, 1882

Chapter 3: Early Elections and Events, Pioneers and Poetry

"BHighteen Forty' - Elections - Presidential Campaign of 1840 - An Incident - Honey and Venison - Horse-mill rv, Pestle and Mortar - An Accident - Names of the Eurly Pioneers - Old_ Settlers' Poem.

The arrivals up to this time had settled pretty evenly over the county with the exception of the northeast and southwest. There were very few settlers in what is now Washington and Lincoln townships before 1840, A few settled in '38 and 739. And it was the same in Sheridan and Colfax, although there were a few in these townships as early as 1834 and °35 and quite a number of Mormons in Colfax. The total number of the voting population in 1840, was 280. The principal settlements were Grand River, Jefferson, Jackson, Gallatin, and Monroe. The. settlers on Lick Fork, Honey Creek, andon Grindstone Creek coinbined together when the county was organized, and sneceeded in locating the county seat south of the river. This was a death blow to Millport and the inhabitants of that dead town Jost no time in removing to the county seat. The merchants especially, made haste to remove to the new town, and the record shows that the first license granted for a grocery store, general merchandise, and a dram-shop were to the men doing business at Millport. John A. Williams, Worthington, Jacobs, and others obtained license todo business at the county seat in April and May of 1837. The population sonth of the river was too much for those north and though Dr. Cravens, and others, tried as late as 1840 to have the county seat changed, the court refused to hear the petition on account of there not being, as the court claimed, enough signers to make it a legal document for hearing.

In the first attempt to build a court-house, Adam Black, Who was then one of the connty judges, and hailed trom Grand River township, or that portion of it which is now Jamesport, protested against building it, on the ground that the county seat question was not settled.

There was no official census of the population put down of Daviess county in 1840 or 1850, the United States census of 1860 being the first recorded. At that time there were seven townships in the county and they stood relatively in population as follows: First, Jefferson ; second, Grand River; third, Gallatin; fourth, Salem; titth, Benton; sixth, Jackson; and seventh, Harrison. Insize they ranked in the order named: Jefferson, Grand River, Gallatin, Jackson, Salem, Benton, and Harrison. And the sections of the county which these townships represented in 1860, were also, in the order named, where the bulk of the population was found in 1840.

(Quite a number of settlers nade Daviess county their home in 1839 and 1840. In the meantime the Mormon War had broken out, and had also been suppressed, The men and their dupes who claimed all of this country, and who had become arrogant, defiant, and aggressive were driven from the State as well as the county. The chapter on the Mormon rise, progress, and expulsion from Daviess county will be found farther on.

The elections in the early days were generally a sort of holiday. The voters went early, took their guns along and proposed to have a good time. Excitement most always ran high and plenty of hard work was done by the candidates and their friends. In the county elections, there was not any very great excitement. A few men had got on the right side of the people and they generally secured the loaves and fishes pertaining to the local oftices of the county. And, singular as it may seem to those anseqralnia with the wealth that comes to a man by being a public officer, most all « the men who held the offices and received the official pap, are to this oe pretty well off in this world's goods. Still, it was the State elections, or the presidential elections which called forth the true patriotic fervor in these pioneer days, and song and story, with here and there a well filled jug, would raise the enthusiasm of the old settlers to the highest pitch. And it was genuine enthusiasm, too. There was nothing sordid about it, but they went in to win for their side, and until the polls closed at sundown they kept the ball rolling lively. When the battle of the ballot ended, the victors were cheered and the slain decently interred, to be resurrected, perhaps, at some

Presidential Campaign Of Ls40

There have beet) many exciting presidential campaigns in this country since the year above mentioned, but, to the old pioneer, there has never been an election that could at all compare with that of 1840. And we must give the palm of fun, frolic and intense patriotism to the men of other days. It was a campaign of barbecues, picnics, and processions; of merry songs, and patriotic utterances. Money was used in the times of long ago. but instead ot a bribe to the individual voter, to corrupt and degrade him, as now, no such thoughts entered the minds of the leaders in those good old days. The money went for bands and a roast ox and a little hard cider, too, and there was a feast of reason and a flow of soul, as well, and principles were fought for, not spoils. The year 1840 will ever be memorable in the political history of our country. Jackson had carried forward his plans to destroy the power of the United States Bank, which was using its vast resources to corrupt the people's representatives, to renew its charter, and to become a power potent for evil in the future of the country. Having accomplished this, he retired and Martin Van Buren became his successor. Finances, however, had become deranged and every effort of those who felt the power of Jackson's policy was willingly put forth to effect the downfall of Van Buren's administration, by fair means or foul. The panic of 1837 was the golden opportunity of the Whig party, and they availed themselves of it. The ery of lard times was echoed and reéchoed throughout the land, and it was no false ery. Wild cat banks had taken the place of the old United States Bank, and when the pressure came they were unable to stem the tide of bankruptey and ruin that was sweeping over the country with the force and destructive power of a cyclone, carrying destruction in its path. The bank circulation was principally secured by mortgages upon real estate, and that being reduced in value to almost nothing, they went down before the financial blast like leaves in an autumn gale. This financial crash of 1837 had told "with terrible effect in the East, where the bulk of the voting population was. There were not enough voters west of the Mississippi to change the result, but the thin and sparsely scattered population of the West was just as enthusiastic as in any other part of the country and they went into that campaign with the greatest fervor and delight. The distress all over the country was great, and the time for a presidential campaign came to hand betore the people could recover. Not only were the friends of the United States dank and the Whig party solid, but the story was added that Van Buren's administration was one of wild prodigality, and that the cabinet was an aristocratic court that imitated the follies and extravagances of the worst courts in Europe. This was a harp of a thousand strings, and every string seemed to be able to send forth a wail of horror over the reckless waste of this Democratic administration. From this came the grand campaign of 1840. The old pioneer dotes on that campaign, and one who gave us an account of it was almost thrilling in his graphic description of those times. In 1840 the people still suffered from the financial disaster of three years betore; hard work had not yet pulled them out of the slough of bankruptey; and the promised relief from Congressional action had also failed. So the story of their trials and suffering was told in song and carried everything. The log cabin feature touched the hearts of the people. for snch were their homes, and the songs had the ettect of clinching reason and fancy and securing their votes. "For Tippecanoe and Tyler, too, for Van, Van is a used up man," and the chorus rang out with a heartiness that boded no good for the Democracy. In touching up the extravagance and promises of reliet which had been circulated, but never realized, one verse of a song is still in the memory of the writer. It ran:

"In the year eighteen hundred and forty, The times of promised relief, Which was sung to the poor by the haughty, Two dollars a day and roast beef."'

Well, they hadu't realized the above and every time that song went floating through the air it somehow seemed to carry votes, and to cause the Democracy to feel blue when the sound reached them.

It was claimed that the panic of 1837 was dne to the administration of Martin Van Buren, and was brought on by his extravagance, and that "Old Tippecanoe," William Henry Harrison, who was not only a soldier boy, but a farmer, would give the country a farmer's administration, which meant economy and good times. The Whigs had decidedly the best of the fight and the campaign was "immense" with its grand barbecues, speeches and songs. The lavish expenditures of Van Buren were harped upon with wonderful effect, and many songs were composed and sung of the way he got away with the peoples' money, in aristocratic living. One verse which was sung with a wild enthusiasm in the campaign, was as follows, speaking as coming from the president:

"Bring forth, he eries, the glittering plate, We'll dine to-day in royal state; He speaks, and on the table soon They placed the golden fork and spoon. Around him bends a servile host, And loud they shout the welcome toast, Down with Old Tippecanoe! Down with Old Tippecanoe!!""

This generally brought down the house when an indoor meeting was held, and out doors the shouts were fairly terrific. The Democrats, however, were not idle; they saw the storm and proposed to meet it with a counter charge of the same kind of ammunition.

Henry Clay, of Kentucky, was the leader of the Whig party of those days, and he was made the target of Democratic thunder. The songs were not all on one side; but the charge of royalty was the winning card of the Whigs. flowever, the Democrats got off a good many songs against Clay and his party, and a verse is given to show the tactics of the opposition. Here it is:

"There 's Harry Clay, a man of doubt, Who wires in and wires out; And you cannot tell, when he's on the frack, Whether he 's going on or coming back."

The election came off and the songs of the old log cabins "did the business." "Old Tip" was elected, and Tyler, too, and the people once more settled down to a quiet life.

But if you want to put life and snap in the voice and limbs of an old pineer on an election theme, strike the key-note for the year 1840. His eyes will brighten, his limbs will straighten, and his voice will sound as clear as a bell when telling you of that greatest and best of political campaigns ever held in this country. The contrast to the bright glow and the lonesty of the one party to the victory, and the dark and damning treachery, with its black and frowning brow, of the other, joined in the work of defeating the party which had dealt him both honors and emoluments, and so Van Buren sank out of sight and "Salt River" became a household word, a good many people actually believing that a vessel had taken the Democratic candidates on a voyage up that beautiful and historic stream.

Harrison was deserving of the country's honors, and though Cass may have been better versed in statecratt, yet if Harrison had lived the country would never have suffered. But at this day the campaign of 1840 would be a farce. There is too much bargain and sale. They would not chime in with an innocent song, for there is very little innocence in the elections nowadays. Principles have very little to do at present with elections. High sounding words, plenty of promises to be broken, capital to the front, labor to the rear, monopolies to roll in wealth, the people to live and work. This is the present outlook of parties so far as their love for the dear people is concerned.

So the old pioneer revels in the times of long ago, and he is not far out of the way. Those days were as full of wrangling and bitterness as those of the present, but it was a square fight for principle only. Money was not the mighty power which has controlled the elections of the last decade. It did not rule Congress, buy legislatures or elect presidents. It had the will to do it, but its representative power, the old United States Bank, was crushed, and tariff and protection was the principal question which divided parties.

An Incident

The following incidents were kindly furnished by Mr. Joseph H. McGee, and vividly bring to mind the early days, and the tun enjoyed by the old pioneers. In speaking of the settlers of 1834 and 1835 he said: * It was abont this time that an occurrence took place that decided the championship as to who was the best man, physically, in the Grand River country. The contestants for the honors were Jacob 8. Rogers, Sr., and a man by the name of John Brasstield, who afterwards settled in the east part of what is now Liberty township, Grundy county. These two men were acknowledged by the settlers as being of superior physical strength to any other two men in the county, but as yet it never had been decided which of the two was the best man. Rogers was Brasstield's senior by a few years, although they were both young men. William Roper, residing near Taylor's Ferry, on Grand River, was justice of the peace, and it was customary among the early settlers to attend justice court, and while cases were being tried, if not serving on the jury, amuse themselves in shooting-watches, jumping, wrestling, ete. The rifle was always with the settler, or the settler with the rifle. They never separated on leaving home until they returned. It was Squire Roper's law day, and these two men, with others, as was customary, went to have a good time. Rogers, it is said, proposed to Brasstield that they should settle thé question as to who was the best man. Brassfield declined. Rogers, however, insisted, and went so far as to strike Brassfield. This started the contest and the struggle began, which lasted full five minutes, and was said by those who witnessed it to have been the severest ever fought in the Grand River country. Rogers threw up the sponge and Brassfield was awarded the belt. And this he afterward wore as long as he remained in the county. The two soon became friends again and championed each other in many a well fought battle."

Honey And Venison

It was during the early days (1829) and before any settlements were made in the Grand River country, and when this, the finest portion of north Missouri, was visited only by the bee hunters and others in pursuit of game, in which this country then abounded, that names were given to many of our streams. Uoney Creek, south of Gallatin, was so named trom the great number of bee trees found in the woods along its banks. John Stokes, who afterward lived and died near its waters, was one of the party of bee hunters who gave ita name. Marrowbone Creek, which passes through Colfax, Sheridan, and the northwest corner of Monroe townships, received its name from a different cause. A party of bee hunters from Ray county, among whom were Daniel Devaul, John Stone, Wyman Vanderpool, and Thomas Linville, were out in quest of honey and venison. They had camped on the creek near where the old Indian trace crossed it, in Sheridan township, north of the old man Marsh's, at what is yet known as the deep hole, when some one of the party announced that a drove of elks were approaching. Arrangements were immediately made for their reception. The wind was blowing from the elks to the hunters and everything was favorable. The party deployed themselves and with cocked rifles awaited the coming of the much-coveted prizes. They did not have to wait long. Old Uncle Daniel Devaul has repeatedly told that it was the grandest sight he ever beheld. The herd consisted of about twenty elks, led by four full-grown bucks, with antlers measuring from six to nine feet from point to point. All was eager expectancy. Every hunter appeared to have his eye on those bucks, and the wind continuing favorable the elks were permitted to come within one hundred yards, when at a given signal the whole party fired. The four bucks were killed and two others with them. Now this was considered pretty good work, and it was at once decided to celebrate the oceasion and have a grand good time. The marrow in the bones of an elk is said to be superior to that of any other animal, and our hunters resolved to roast these bones and never stop until they had disposed of the last drop of the mar- row. Visions of the good time they were going to have flitted through their minds as they prepared the fire on which to roast the bones. But, alas for human weakness! they had forgotten the warning of Burns when he tells that "The best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft aglee." The bones were roasted, the feast partaken of; each Nimrod, feeling well satistied with himself and his day's work, retires to his virtuous deerskins. The camp was shrouded in gloom, except that now and then eame fitful flashes from the camp-fire, leaving the darkness, however, more intense. Not a sound broke the stillness; even the hooting of the owl had ceased, and the wolves had not yet scented the blood of the slain deer, The dogs had eaten their fill and were slumbering the hours away. It seemed to be past midnight, and the "wee sma' hours" were ushering in the coming day, when the camp was aroused by the groans and contortions of Unele Daniel Devaul, who complained of too much marrow in the stomach. But it soon became apparent that Uncle Daniel was not alone in "his glory." Unele John Stone felt that if he were turned wrong side out it would be a reliet. Linville asserted in heartrending tones that he didn't wish to live any longer, while Vanderpool prayed for the Pool of Siloam that he might be cleansed. The whole camp in fact was moving, and all seemed anxious to get rid of marrow on the stomach. But why attempt to describe the harrowing scene? The pen fails to deseribe, or words to express, its full horror, and only the artist's pencil could portray in vivid colors the moving panorama of the occupants of Marrowbone camp. Suffice it to say that for three days they enjoyed that rest which their suecesstul effort in going into the "marrow" of their subject brought upon them. It took them that length of time to get strength enough to harness their tearm or saddle their horses. They named the ereek * Marrowbone." The hunters survived, but never did they forget their victory over those marrow bones, and they never tired of telling of the awful incidents of that first night. On the third morning atter the feast, feeling stronger, they concluded to move camp. And here may be mentioned the fact that the dogs had been feasting on elk for three days and nights, and thereby hangs a tale. A dog is a singular animal; you never really know how much there is in a dog until you see him moving around. Give him plenty to eat and nothing to do, and he will lie quietly in the sun and dream of dog heaven with lots of rabbits, deer, and elk. Our hunters moved their camp about four miles northeast on the next ereek, which was a tributary to the one left. Here they pitched their tents, and about the time supper was over and they were enjoying themselves with their pipes around their new camp-tires, the dogs commenced coming in and arranging themselves around the fire. They were really tired. They had been moving around considerable since leaving the last camping-ground, and the elk which had been dormant on their stomachs for three days became powerfully wrought up, and our hunters soon became aware that a mighty struggle was going on between the dogs and the elk for supremacy. At first they would imagine from the odor with which the air had become impregnated that it was all dog, but the next instant changed their mind, and they were fully as well satisfied that it was all elk, and then there would come a time when it seemed to be part dog and part elk. If they had become satistied at their last camping-place that they had had too much marrowbone, they were equally as well convinced that they now had too much dog. As they had named the other creek Marrowbone, they would now name this creek Dog Creek, and although by no means a romantic name, yet it is so called and known to this day, and the inhabitants on the banks of its classic waters are as well pleased with the name as though it had been ecalied '* Ceylon."

That hunting trip proved a grand success, they having secured four horse loads of venison and honey. They carried the honey in the deer skins. Cutting off the elk's head, then taking hold of the skin and running their hands down on the inside the hide was pulled off perfectly clean, and they then tied up the neck and the joints on the legs, and their honey-proof sack was ready for business. This party had many other tramps atter the one above recorded, where elk and honey were found, but they never afterwards indulged in marrowbone.

Horse Mill V. Pestle And Mortar

In 1840 William Hunter settled on Grindstone Oreck, just across the Daviess county line. He settled a short distance above Benjamin Taylor's, an old pioneer, whose rugged hospitality and generosity were well known throughout this whole country. Benjamin Taylor was the father of Wright Taylor, who now lives in Jefferson township, this county. He was, by birth, a Kentuckian. William Hunter came from Tennessee, and what made his name familiar for miles around was the fact that he built the first horse-mill in that section of the country.

"It was principally used for grinding corn; and as there were no watermills within fifty or sixty miles, this was considered a God-send to the settlers. Hunter's horse-mill was known and patronized for ten to fifteen miles around. As the grinding was done by turns, and the team holding the turn, people would sometimes remain a day and night to get two bushels of corm ground. Tt was nothing uncommon to see from twelve to fourteen teams hitched around in the brush awaiting their turns. Some one will probably ask what did the early settlers do for meal before horse-mills were erected? Nearly every pioneer was provided for in this respect. A mortar was prepared (not the size of those used by doctors to manufacture pills) by felling a good sound burr or white oak tree of about three feet in diameter; a block would be sawed off abont three feet long; this was set on end - the top end was now bored and burned out so as to make a mortar capable of holding from one- half to one bushel of corn. A pestle was next made, to correspond with the mortar. The lower end of the pestle was usually split and an iron wedge inserted and firmly secured by an iron band. The pestle was then fastened toaspring pole, erected after the fashion of the old well sweeps, 80 as to hold the pestle from one to two feet above the mortar. A sufficient amount of corn was now placed in the mortar, the pestle seized and jerked down upon the corn and the spring-pole would raise it up again. The operation was continued until a sufficient amount of meal was obtained, the coarse part being reserved for hominy, which was far superior to that ground out at the mills.

" Nor was this the only resource of the pioneer. The old-fashioned and well known grater could be found in every cabin. It was made of sheet iron or tin, which was punched full of holes with a square-pointed instrument so that the edges of the holes would be rough and sharp - this was now fastened to a piece of plank in such a manner that its shape wonld be oval, the rough side of the grater being wp. [t was now ready for use, and so soon as the corn got too hard tor roasting-ears, the grater was bronght in requisition and was inconstant use until the corn was hard enough to pound in the mortar or to be taken to the horse-mill. As the grating was generally done by some junior member of the family, it was by them called going to mill, which had to be done before every meal, and as grated meal would not keep, this sometimes gave a late breaktast - but what of that; there were no railroads nor telegraphs at that time to hurry them up, and they could afford to + wait tor the wagon, but now, in this age of steam and lightning, it is ditferent. The farmer can scarcely afford time to take his grain to a steam or water-mill and wait until it is ground, but in many instances sells his grain and buys his meal and flour."

An Accident

It was while the Indians still roamed this country through, and the white man ouly trod the grass-carpeted prairie and stealthily tread the timber in pursuit of game, that the following terrible accident happened to an intrepid hunter among these wilds. This hunter's name was Walter Creason, and he came from the lower part of Ray county (the Fishing River Bottom), in company with his little sou,a boy of only ten vears of age, and was in search of honey. The wecount says:

"He was camped in the torks of Dog Creek, near the northeast corner of what is now Colfax township. He and his son lad just finished their breakfast when he discovered a deer coming down the ridge in the direction of the camp. He stepped for his gun which was lying with the muzzle toward him. He took hold of the muzzle, and pulling it toward him, the hammer caught in the bed clothing and the gun went off, the ball passing through his thigh bone close to the body and shattering it to pieces. He

"The boy mounted a horse and started tor the settlement. He found the way and procured assistance, but on his return, there being no roads and all points of timber looking alike to him, he lost the way and over two weeks were spent in search before the father was found, who was yet alive but nearly famished for food. His provisions had lasted but a day or two after the boy left, and after starving near a week, he killed his little dog that had remained with him as his only companion, and tried to eat him, but his stomach refused the proflered nourishment. The thoughts of it being his dog was too much even for his famished stomach, and he too added to the already christened name of the creek by naming it in honor of his dog. He was conveyed to his home, in Ray county, where he recovered from the wound but always remained a cripple.

" Many other instances might be narrated, showing the trials and hardships to which many of the early settlers were subjected, but space will not permit. One more incident showing the daring and determination of our early settlers to accomplish whatever they desired.

" James Stone, a brother of Hardin Stone, Thomas Auberry, who settled in the grove north of Jamesport, and trom whom it received its name, and his brother, John Auberry, were returning from Ray county to their homes in this county. They had crossed Shoal Creek. in Caldwell county, and were coming up the ridge in the direction of where the town of Hamilton now stands, when they discovered a black bear making from one point of timber to another. They were all mounted on good horses, but untortunately, had no fire-arms with them, their only weapons being pocket knives. Now this might be considered rather a bad fix for men to be in who had never allowed game that they had once sighted to escape them. But thena pioneer's resources were never known to fail. It was customary in those days to ride with heavy iron stirrups. The hunters unbuckled and each took off a stirrup and taking the leather in the hand, this made quite a formidable weapon. They headed the bear off from the point of timber to which he was making, and turned him in the direction in which they were traveling. They would then ride up by his side and belabor him over the head and body with their stirrups and then get out of his way when he showed fight. But his head was top hard, and his shaggy coat too soft, for the stirrups to make much impression; they, however, by continued harrassing and pounding him with their stirrups, succeeded in so worrying him that when just east of where Hamilton now stands, he attempted to climb a tree which stood in the hollow near where the railroad tank stands, but he was so tired he could not climb. It was nearly night and some distance to the next point of timber and our hunters were anxious to get through with Bruin before dark; they accordingly permitted him to lie down and rest whilst one of their number climbed the tree, and with his pocket-knife, ent some clubs with which they put an end to Bruin. It was now dark and our hunters had ten miles to travel to get to the house of James Stone, he living the nearest of the three. They opened the bear, took out his entrails and placed the carcass on one of their horses and went ahead. Their course lay by the cabin of Hardin Stone, who then lived in what is now Marion township. When they reached his cabin Uncle Hardin and his family had all retired, so they took off the careass and very quietly took it into Uncle Hardin's smoke-house, where they lett it, and then mounted their horses and went on home. The surprise of Mrs. Stone on going to the smoke-house in the morning for meat tor breaktast, ean better be ines: ined than described, but it is sntticient to say that Uncle Hardin didn't get mad and throw the carcass out of the door, The family had bear steak for breakfast."

Such were pioneer life and incidents in the early days. There ae many other incidents which are worthy of record, but the particulars are not at hand. Through all these trying years of the early history of this county, they settled and worked to improve their lands and seenre a competency foroldage. And so the country grew and prospered under the strength of the brawny arms of her noble old pioneers. Civilization advanced, and material prosperity could be seen on every hand. School-houses were built and they served for churches also, and thus the pioneer sought enlightenment and bowed betore his Maker.

Such has been in a measure the history of the early pioneers of this beautiful country, and those who are living can look back with interest to the days which tried the nerve, the muscle, and the indomitable will of the fathers and mothers who had the infancy of Daviess county in their keeping.

In closing this part of our history, covering but a short period, less than a decade, there has been much given founded more upon tradition than fact. The early pioneers made history, but took vo care to preserve it. This is a sad loss to the county. Those years, and the lives and actions of the heroes and patriots then living, were of the greatest importance. Then it was that the foundation was laid and a noble and enduring superstructure was to be reared, upon which the moral, physical and political future of the country was to rest. There were no stirring events, or remarkable happenings, but it was a time of self-reliance, of persevering toil, of privation, of sufferiny that was endured with heroic fortitude, believing in a future reward of successful labor, of the good time coming, when the woods and the open prairie should resolve themselves into well cultivated tarms, and their humble cabins into residences befitting their improved financial condition. They had come into the boundless wilderness poor in purse, but rich in faith and powerful in endurance, and their future was before them.

Names Of The Early Pioneers

In bringing this portion of our history to a close, the names of those who first trod the wilderness of what is now Daviess county may be of interest, not only to those who are now living, but to future generations. Not all who figured in the early history are here recorded; many familiar names may be missing - all could not be secured. The list numbers nearly two hundred, and with very few exceptions, all were residents of Daviess county January 1, 1837. There were but two hundred and eighty voters, in 1840, as of record at that time, and the number here present are probably all that were in the county at the date first above mentioned. There are names found elsewhere in this history not recorded in this list. The record is as

°T is almost halfia hundred years, Since you and I, old pioneer, With aspirations free A home within this region sought; But who of us then dreamed or thought To see the many changes wrought That we have lived to see ?

Our object and our aim the same-- A home in this far West. A cabin here and there was found, Perhaps a little spot of ground Inclosed and cleared, while all around In nature's garb was dressed.

Large towns and villages arise, And steeples point toward the skies Where all was desert then; And nature's scenes have given place To those of art; the hunter's chase Has yielded to the exciting race Of speculative men.

Ah! what a change the pioneer In forty years has witnessed here; The country changing still; How many changes it's passed through - And we, old friends, are changing, too - There 's been a change in me and you, And still that change goes on.

Our places will be vacant here, And of the last old pioneer The land will be bereft; The places which we here have filled, The fields which we have cleared and tilled, Our barns, though empty or though filled, To others will be left.

'Tis natural that we should think, While standing on the river brink, How wide the stream had grown. We saw it when 't was but a rill, Just bursting from the sunny hill, And now its surging waters fill A channel broad. unknown.

'Tis natural and proper. too, That we compare the old and new - The present and the past - And speak of those old-fogy ways In which we passed our younger days; Then of the many new displays That crowd upon us fast.

We little knew of railroads then, Nor dreamed of that near period when We *d drive the iron horse; And "t would have made the eravest laugh, Had he been told only one-haif' The wonders of the telegraph - Then in the lrain of Morse,

We did not have machinery then. To sow and thresh and reap the grain, But all was done by hand; And those old fashioned implements Have long ago been banished hence, Or rusting, lie inside the fence-- No longer in demand.

Yes, there are grown-up men, | know, Who never saw a bull-tonene plow, A flail or reaping-hook; And who could not describe, you know, A swingling board or knift, although Their grandmas used them long ago, And lessons on them took.

They say the world has wiser grown, They 've got the speaking telephone - Talk hundred miles or more. And preachers now may preach and pray To congregations miles away; And thousand other things they say We never had before.

Ambition, too, with smile so soft, Was pointing us to seats aloft, Where fame and honor last. We had not learned what now we know-- The higher up the mount we go The storms of life still fiercer blow, And colder is the blast.

Or wear the victor's crown; Though far above the clouds we tread, Other clouds there are still o'erhead, And on the mind there is the dread,

The incidents of early years, Known only to the pioneers, With them will soon be lost, Unless, before they hither go, Those incidents are stated so Posterity the facts may know, When they the stream have crossed.

The mind goes back throngh all the years - We call to mind the pioneers, Those bold and hardy men; We pass them in the mind's review, The many dead, the living few; Those unpretending settlers who Were our compatriots then.

Men who of toil were not afraid, Men who the early history made Of this now famous land; yi The men who, ere the Mormons came This heritage so fair to claim, Were here, prepared through flood and Hame Those claimants to withstand.

But time would fail to speak of all Those changes that our minds reeall; The world is shifting strange And soon its shitting scenes will bear

The poem closes, more particularly, the career ot the old settlers and their work. And it closes in verse a better description of the old pioneer and his work than many pages of prose could have done. Not all has been given which the compiler of this history wonld have liked to record, and many omissions may be found that should have had a place in the foregoing pages, but what is here given is a record of facts, and will be found to be very full of the passing events of the early settlement of the county. The memory of the old pioneer was not always to be depended upon; dates were seldom remembered, and it was a work of days sometimes to verify a statement and secure the proper date. The years 1837 and 1838, with the troubles and trials arising from large settlements of Mormons in the county, and in the next few pages the Mormon history, so far as it relates to their rise and progress and their advent in and exit from Daviess county, will be fully and graphically detailed.