Greene County, Missouri - Chapter 15: History of the County from 1870 to 1875, 1883

Chapter 15: History of the County from 1870 to 1875

1870 - Miscellaneous Tragedies - The Kansas City and Memphis Railroad Subscription - Completion of the South Pacific Kailroad to Springfield - Celebration of the Event - The Political Campaign of 1870 - The Conventions and the Canvass - The "Possum" Policy - The Libernls^ Universal Amnesty and Impartial Suffrage - Defeat of the Radicals at the November Election and Enfranchisement of all the "Rebels" - Killing of "Ev" Hollingsworth - Items. 1871 - Miscellany - Murder of Judge Lindenbower - The Armstrong-Baughman Tragedy - The Crime and Lynching ot "Bud" Isbell - The Railroad Bonds. 1872 - Items - Special Election - The Presidential Election - Greeley "Crow" for the Democrats - Official Vote. 1873 - Dedication of the Baile}- Monument - Miscellaneous - Lynching of Green Buis at Walnut Grove - The Grange and the Grangers - The Panic. 1874 - The "Tadpole" Campaign.

Homicide. - On New Year's Day an affray occurred in the " Humboldt Saloon" in Springfield, which resulted in the death of one Owen Monday at the hands of Michael Connery. Both men had been drinking, and the affray resulted from a former quarrel. Connery stabbed Monday four times about the head and neck. Not long thereafter Connery pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was given five years in the penitentiary. Monday lived four oi- five days, and before his death bequeathed about $500 to the Catholics of Springfield to be expended in the purciiase of cemetery grounds, and a small sum was given to go towards erecting a residence for the priest. During the war Monday was in charge of the telegraph line between Springfield and Rolla. Coniierj (or Conway) was a saddler and in the employ of Mc Adams & Co.

JRobbeiy. - About the 20th of February a soldier's widow living in Taylor township was rolj])ed of her pension money amounting to $350, by two villains wlio piled brush at her door and threatened to burn down her house unless she gave them the money, which she had hidden in an old house near by. They had revolvers and were disguised hy having their faces blackened. They also threatened to murder the lady if she did not give them her money.

Suicide. - On the 21st of September John R. Kelso, jr., a boy 14 years of age and a son of Hon. John R. Kelso, ex-M. C, committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol, and his body was found in a ravine close by his father's house, not far from Springfield. It seemed from the statements of the famil}'^, that the boy had killed himself because his sister had discovered that he was using tobacco, a habit which his father had forbidden him to practice, and which he had promised to abandon.

A Colored Jury. - The first colored jury ever sworn and impaneled in Greene county was convened before Esq. Beiderllnden, of Springfield, in June 1870. The -case was that of Mary Button vs. John Jones, and was a controversy for the possession of a house.

A Horrible Deed. - About the 1st of June it was reported that one R. G. Andrews committed a nameless crime, his victim being a Mrs. Dummer, OO years of age, who lived in old Fort No. 1, near Springfield. He was said to have met Mrs. Dummer on her way to the depot and accomplished his purpose by threats of murder.

The Kansas City And Memphis Railroad

There was great interest taken in this county this year, in regard to the proposed building of a railroad from Kansas City to Memphis, Tenn., via Springfield. The people were almost universally in favor of the project, and numerous meetings in its aid were held. On the last day of May numeroush'- signed petitions were presented to the county court, asking that body to subscribe $400,000 stock in the Kansas City and Memphis Railroad, on certain conditions set forth in the petitions, one of which conditions was to submit the question to a vote of the tax-payers. At that time everybody seemed in favor of the subscription, and nobody against it. After deliberating on the matter for two days, the court, in full session, Judges Benj. Kite, G. M. McElhannon and R. P. Matthews being present, made the subscription on the conditions set forth. It is this subscription that is still in litigation between the county and the bondholders.

In October, the court modified and changed its order of subscription. Among other things, L. H. Murray was appointed to act as the county's agent in the matter of transferring the bonds to the Hannibal and St. Jo. Railroad Company - really the other party in interest, but represented by the K. C. and M. R. R.," a corporation within a corporation, a wheel within a wheel." S. G. Appleby and M. K. Smith were appointed assistant commissioners to act with Murray, a majority of the three to constitute a quorum, and to be under the especial instructions of the court. The following is a copy of the order of the court, making the subscription: -

Ordered hy the court in full session, That the county of Greene, in the State of Missouri, take and does hereby subscribe four thousand shares of the denomination of one hundred dollars each, amounting in the aggregate to four hundred thousand dollars, to the capital stock of the Kansas City and Memphis Railroad Company ; provided, however, that said stock is taken and subscribed upon the following express conditions, viz. : -

First. The said stock, amounting to the sum of four hundred thousand dollars, shall be paid in the coupon bonds of the county of Greene, maturing in twenty years after the date thereof, bearing interest, payable semi-annually, at the rate of seven per cent per annum, both principal and interest payable at the Bank of Commerce in the city of New York ; said bonds to be signed by the presiding justice of this court, and attested by the clerk, under the seal of the court, and the coupons attached to be attested or signed by the clerk.

/Second. None of said bonds shall be signed, issued or delivered until the road-bed of said railroad shall be completed, - that is to say, the grading, })ridging and masonry thereon, - to the northern line of Greene county. And when the county court shall be fully satisfied and officially informed of the completion of the road-bed, as aforesaid, to the county line aforesaid, the presiding justice of this court snail sign, issue and deliver to said company, through its legally organized agents, bonds as aforesaid, amounting to one hundred thousand dollars. And when said company shall complete the roadbed of said road to the city of Springfield, as aforesaid, then said company shall secure the further sum of one hundred thousand dollars, in said bonds. And when said company shall complete their road-bed as aforesaid southwardly from Springfield to the county line, in the direction of Memphis, then the said company shall receive the further sura of one hundred thousand dollars, of said bonds, to be issued and delivered as aforesaid. When said compan}^ shall have their cars running to the city of Springfield, then said company shall receive the balance of said bonds, amounting to one hundred thousand dollars, issued and delivered as aforesaid.

Third. It is furtiier expressly stipulated that the depot of said road shall be located and established within one-half mile of the courthouse or public square of Springfield ; provided that the city or citizens of Springfield shall secure and place at the disposal of said company sufficient and suitable grounds for the purpose of a depot and depot yards, for said company.

The bonds herein provided for shall be delivered by the duly authorized commissioners or agent, to be hereafter appointed by this court, and simultaneously with the delivery of said bonds, or any portion thereof, by said company, there shall be issued and delivered to said company, to the commissioner aforesaid, a corresponding amount of the paid up stock of said company to Greene county.

Completion Of The Pacific Railroad To Springfield

For some time the work of constructing the Southwest branch of the old Atlantic and Pacific Railroad through Greene county had been in progress, and the locomotive drawing the construction train had been slowly creeping forward. At last, on the 21st of April, the iron horse reached a point where now North Springfield is, halted, as if to gather his Avind, and snorted violently and in triumph that the journey which he had been twenty years in making was at last finished, and the long-hoped for Pacific road (at this writing called the St. Louis and San Francisco) had its terminus at Springfield.

This was the same road for which a tax of $20,000 had been levied and paid by this county in 1856, but at the commencement of the war the road was only- completed as far as RoUa, and as the original company were unable to fulfil their contract and complete the road, it fell into the hands of the State authorities, from whom, in 1866, it was purchased by John C. Fremont for $1,300,000.

But this sale to Gen. Fremont did not result in the completion of the road to Springfield. The first installment of $325,000 was promptly paid, and the road was completed as far as Little Piney ; but when the second payment fell due, Fremont was unable to meet it, and the road again reverted back to the State.

Rolla, were among the inconveniences from which the county suffered. The overland stage route to California had been continued through up to 1861, but after the war was never re-established. There was, however, a continuous line of stages to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and the telegraph line to that place was still continued. Up to the close of the war the telegraph was controlled b}^ Federal authority, but in

Soon after Fremont's failure and the relinquishment of his claim to the railroad, New York and Boston capitalists began to be interested in the building of a number of roads in the South and West, and, in

During the war when Col. S. H. Boyd was in Congress, he visited President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton, and got their consent that the Federal government should complete the road from Rolla to Springfield, as a *' war measure," to be used chiefly in the transportation of troops and supplies until the war should end, wlien it was expected that the citizens would gladly take it ofl" the hands of the government. The project was defeated, however, by Gen. Curtis who represented to the authorities at Washington that the cost of constructing, maintaining, and garrisoning the road would largely exceed the benefits likely to be derived therefrom by the government ; and these representations were perhaps true, although it might have served a good purpose at the time of the Price raid in transporting troops to the Southwestern part of the State to head ofl' the Confederates when they retreated.

Grand Opening Of The Pacific Railroad

Soon after the completion of the railroad to Springfield, it was arranged to have a grand opening of the same. An excursion was gotten up, many notables invited, the day fixed, and early on Tuesday morning. May 3, 1870, citizens from the town and country began to gather at the depot to witness the arrival of the excursion train from St. Louis, and participate in the opening ceremonies. Among them were many who had never seen a locomotive or a railroad car. They had lived long lives on the verge of civilization, and were now for the first time to be overtaken by the locomotive, and catch a glimpse of its wonderful proportions. Of course, the hour for the arrival of the train was waited for with intense interest. All were interested ill beholding the novel sight of a train of passenger oars approaching Springfield, and when the long train came in sight, there was great cheering from the assembled mnltitiides, mingled with the loud bellowings of the huge guns which gave the grand salute. The cars were beautiful ones, and the locomotives were tastefully decorated with numerous small flags, flowers and wreaths of evero-reen. The siofht was a grand one, and will long be remembered by all who witnessed it.

By some mistake on the part of the railroad authorities to notify the citizens when the train would arrive, no carriages were in waiting to convey the guests over to "Old Town," and the party, numbering about 400, among whom were a number of ladies, had to trudge the entire distance on foot. The journey was a hot and dusty one, but at length all reached the public square, where at about two o'clock the crowd assembled around a stand erected in front of the courthouse to listen to the reception speeches and responses. Upon the stand were the Governor, Lieut. Governor, Secretary of State, S[)eaker of the House of Representatives, and many other distinguished citizens of the State, besides the president and managing director of the road.

On moticm of Hon. S. H. Boyd, Governor McClurg was elected to preside, and D. C. Kennedy and H. E. Havens, chosen secretaries. On motion the following gentlemen were appointed vice presidents : Hon. R. T. VanHorn, Hon. T. C. Fletcher, Hon. J. S. Phelps, Lieut. Gov. Stanard, Hon. S. W. Headlee, Hon. L. A. Rountree, Hon. D. S. Jewett, Hon. John Hogan, Hon. L. R. Shyrock and R. W. Jameson.

Prayer was offered by Rev. A. Greenman. Hon. John S. Phelps was introduced by the chairman, and delivered a welcoming speech. Francis B. Hayes, president of the road, was introduced, and responded to the address of Mr. Phelps,

D. T. Jewett, Hon. E. O. Stanard, and Hon. John Hogan, of St. Louis ; and J. Milton Turner, of Jefferson City, all of whom spoke of the great importance and superiority of this route to the Pacific, and

After speeches by Hon. S. H. Boyd, Mr. Pope and Senator Headlee the meeting adjourned. Many of the visitors returned by the 6 o'clock train, but a large number remained over and attended a ball in the evening at the City Hall.

By the 19th of May trains were running between St. Louis and Springfield on regular time, and every day about one hundred cars, including those containing railroad supplies, were received and handled at the latter point. Many a man and woman, too, of mature years, saw at Springfield this year, for the first time, a locomotive and train of cars. Many a trip of some miles was made purposely to see "the steam kyars."

The Political Canvass And Election Op 1870

No more important or exciting political contest ever came off in Greene county, not even in Presidential years, than that in the year 1870. The contest was between the regular Republicans or *' Radicals " on the one side and the Liberal Republicans and Democrats on the other, and extended throughout the State.

The questions of universal amnesty and enfranchisement, of the repeal of the Missouri iron-clad oath for voters, jurymen, ministers, lawyers, teachers, etc., were rapidly sowing the seeds of discord and disintegration in the Republican party in the State, dividing it into two "wings " as they were called. Radical and Liberal ; the former maintaining the extreme and the latter the more magnanimous policy in regard to those who by word or deed, or both, had had complicity with the rebellion.

The Radical Congressional Convention In Springfield

July 25th the Republican Congressional Convention for this district (then the 4th) met at Springfield. Col. Dale, of Neosho, presided. The candidates before the convention were H. E. Havens, of Greene, and S. W. Sennett, of Jasper. Hon. S. H. Boyd was voted for in the convention, but had withdrawn his name as a candidate. Mr. Havens was nominated by a large majority.

Speeches were made by Col. J. J. Gravelly and others. Gravelly's speech was very " Liberal, " so much so that some of the delegates termed it a good Democratic speech, and Capt. White, of Barry, called out to the Colonel : " How much do the Democrats pay you for

7. The obligation of the nation to its brave defenders during the late war for national existence, is of the most sacred and bindinof character, and we favor a liberal payment of bounties and pensions to disabled soldiers, and to the widows and orphans of the gallant dead.

8. That respecting the unity and harmony of the Radical party throughout the State, we pledge ourselves to act in accord with the action and platform of the coming Radical State Convention.

12. The question of enfranchising rebels, as presented by the proposed suffrage amendment to our State constitution, should not be considered a test of fidelity to the Radical party, and we recognize the right of an}'^ citizen to act upon it according to the dictates of his own judgment.

For some time the breach between the two factions of the Republican party in this county had been widening, and when the county convention convened on August 22d, to select delegates to the State convention, there was, to borrow a slang expression, " music in the air." Both factions were represented in the convention, although the Radicals were largely in the majority. The wily Democrats kept aloof, knowing that their hopes of success depended entirely on the distraction, disruption and division of the Republicans, and a union with the Liberal wing, which favored the enfranchising of so many men who would vote the Democratic ticket if allowed to vote at all.

The convention was called to order by "Alphabet" Mack, and Maj. L. P. Downing presided. Matters went smoothly enough until the committee appointed to select delegates to the State convention reported. Mr. Rice, on behalf of a majority of the committee, reported the following for delegates : -

Immediately the "music " struck up. MuUings advocated a division of the delegation, and said if this were not done he would not be bound by the action of the convention. Mr. Creighton led the fight for the Radicals. He declared that the delegation was already divided, as five of those whose names were reported were known to be in favor of the suffrage amendments to be submitted at the ensuing election, and he believed that the majority should rule, and not be dictated to ])y a factious minority. A noisy discussion followed, and Jit last on motion, the townships were called on the adoption of the amendment, and the vote stood as follows: ayes 7 ; noes 21. Mr. Rountree then moved the adoption of the majority report. The vote was taken by townships, and stood as follows : ayes 21 ; noes 7.

MuUings then attempted to have a resolution passed giving certain instructions to the delegation. On this resolution he spoke at some length, being frequently interrupted. To this resolution at last Creighton offered an amendement pending the consideration of which the convention adjourned amid great confusion and excitement.

Knowing that the trouble would be increased tenfold by an attempt to nominate county officers in a convention, the Republican party managers left the selection to a primary election, which was held September 17th and resulted in the choice of the following ticket : -

The Liberals bestirred themselves. On the 22d of September they had a grand jubilee at Springfield, at which B. Gratz Brown, was the principal speaker, followed by Col. W. E. Gilmore. At the Republican State Convention at Jefferson, August 31st, there had been an open disruption of the party. Headed b}^ Carl Schurz, 250 of the delegates withdrew from the regular convention, formed another, and nominated a full State ticket headed l)y B. Gratz Brown for Governor and Col. Wm. E. Gilmore, of this county, for Lieutenant Governor. Owing to the shortness of time he had lived in the State, Gilmore was disqualified for the place, and Col. J. J. Gravelly was substituted.

The Liberal Republican Congressional convention for this district was held in Springfield, Sept. 23. Col. Wm. E. Gilmore was nominated for Congress, and thus, as in 1868, both candidates for Congress were from Greene county. The resolutions adopted b}'^ the convention were these : -

1st. That we heartily indorse the platform of principles adopted by the Liberal Republican party of the State which nominated B. Gratz Brown, of Missouri, and pledge our mutual support to such platform of principles and the candidates nominated by said convention.

2d. That we are earnestly in favor of a reduction of the present tariff rates on sugar, coffee, tea, salt, iron, and all other articles of common consumption among the people.

The third resolution favored the equalization of bounties bill, to pay to each soldier $8.33 for ever}^ month he served in the Union army during the war.

The Democrats - the wily Democrats - made no regular nominations, but suggested names to be voted for to fill three or four offices, and although the Liberals had nominated a full ticket, except for probate clerk, it was understood that the candidates for sheriff, circuit clerk, and county judge were not to be voted for, a trade having been consummated with the Democrats, by the terms of which they (the Democrats) were to support the Liberal ticket entire, State, Congressional and county, except in the case of the four offices named and to fill these the Liberals - or a large majority of them - agreed to vote for E. D. Ott for probate clerk, M. J. Hubble for circuit clerk, C. B. Owen for sherift', and Ralph Walker for county judge. Both Democrats and Liberals seemed to think half a loaf better than no bread .

The Democrats worked their "possum policy" very adroitly. Leading Democrats made no speeches, but greatly assisted the Liberals. Judge R. W. Fyan, Col. J. J. Gravelly, Col. Gilmore and others stumped the county, and November 3, Carl Schurz spoke in Springfield. Hons. H. E. Havens and J. W. Sennett represented the regular Republicans, and were assisted by the local talent. October 27th Senator Chas. D. Drake spoke at Springfield in aid of the regular Republican ticket, headed by J. W. McClnrg for Governor.

The Legislature the previous winter had submitted certain amendments to the people, three of which had for their object the repealing of the provisions of the "Drake Constitution " establishing the " oath of loyalty " for jurors and voters, and abolishing certain disqualifications on account of race, color, or [)revious condition of servitude or on account of former acts of disloyalty. For these amendments all of the Liberals and Democrats and a majority of the regular Republicans of this county were expected to vote. But many Republicans were still opposed to allowing " rebels" and "rebel sympathizers" to vote, hold office, or sit on juries, as the vote in thijs county will show.

The Liberals headed their tickets with the motto, " Love is Stronger than Hate." and the burthen of their speeches was opposition to " the principles of eternal hate." They made reference to the fact that while President Grant had an ex-Confederate officer, Col. A. T. Akerman, in his Cabinet, out in Missouri a poor ignorant, perhaps deluded, rebel could not even vote.

As the November election, 1870, forms an important epoch in the history of Missouri, marking the period at which the Republicans, for eight years the dominant party, surrendered their power, which they have not since been able to regain, - the vote of Greene county is herewith given by townships, on the three notable constitutional amendments and for the principal officers : -

School

The result of the election was the choice of for representatives, J. W. Langston and Hosea Miillings, Liberals ; R. A. C. Mack, Radical, clerk of the circuit court; Al. Demuth, Radical, clerk of the county court ; El, D. Ott, Democratic Liberal, clerk of the probate and common pleas court; Chas. B. Owen, Democratic Liberal, sheriff- Jared E. Smith, Liberal, treasurer; Ralph Walker, Democratic Liberal,

The 2d constitutional amendment abolished the " oath of loyalty " for jurors ; the 4th abolished the " 6ath of loyalty" for voters ; the 5th removed certain disqualifications on account of " race, color, or previous condition of servitude," and on account of " former acts of disloyalty."

In the State the amendments carried by overwhelming majorities. Brown was elected over McClurg by a majority of 41,038. Li this congressional district. Havens, regular Republican, defeated Gilmore by a large majority.

Murder Of A. Holling8Worth By O. B. Reed

On the 22d of April, 1870, A. Hollingsworth, an old citizen of this county, 74 years of age, and formerly marshal of Springfield, and county jailer - well known as " Uncle Ev.," - was killed a few miles south of Springfield, by another old man named O. B. Reed, of Christian county. It seemed that Reed had been to town with a load of lumber, and became intoxicated. He then started home, having a bottle of whisky in his pocket. He was next seen lying in the road a few miles from town by some one who passed on to Mr. HoUingsworth's house, a short distance, and informed him that a drunken man was lying in a helpless condition and ought to be taken care of. Mr. Hollingsworth repaired to the spot, where he found Reed entirely helpless, having apparently fallen from the wagon, and his team tangled in the brush and his wagon broken. Mr. Hollingsworth took a coffee pot from the wagon and filled it with water at the branch near by, and proceeded to bathe the head and wrists of Reed. He was thus enfjaged when Mr. W. H. Patterson, who witnessed the remainder of the affair, rode up on horseback. The effect of the cold water revived Reed so that he rose on his elbow, and began to abuse Hollingsworth, asking him if he wanted to fight, etc. Mr. Hollingsworth paid little attention to him and proceeded to pour the water on Reed's head, when the latter sprang to his feet, drew a knife and attempted to stab Hollingsworth, the latter retreating slowly for a distance of about thirty yards, closely pursued by Reed, who finally caught Hollingsworth with his left hand and struck him five times with the knife. When Mr. Patterson discovered that Reed was using a knife, he immediately jumped from his horse, caught him and tried to take the knife from him. Failing in this, he jerked him down, placed his foot upon his wrist and, with a stone, broke the blade of the knife. Patterson then assisted HoUingsworth to get upon his horse. Reed, in the meantime, attempted another assault, when Patterson threw him in a branch where he left him.

Dr. Barrett was sent for to attend HoUingsworth and at first it was hoped his life might be saved. He, however, died the second day afterward. He was aged about 74, unusually stout and vigorous. The two were strangers to each other and no cause of quarrel existed between them. Reed was an old gray-headed man, feeble in appearance, with every indication of being inoffensive and harmless. He said he had no recollection of anything that passed after he left town until in the night when he awoke and found himself in a strano;e room under guard.

On preliminary examination before Justice Hubbard, Reed was committed to jail to await the action of the grand jury. He was afterwards tried and sentenced to three years' imprisonment in the penitentiary, but was soon pardoned by the Governor.

In February, 1870, an abstract of the taxable property of the county, taken from the assessor's books, showed a total valuation of $6,241,648.

On the 2l8t of April the colored people celebrated the ratification of the 15th amendment by a grand mass meeting, procession, etc., in Springfield. J. H. Rector was president of the day. Addresses were delivered by Rector, Rev. Reed, and J. Milton Turner, colored, and by W. D. Hubbard, Col. Gilmore, and Col. Mack, white. A few days later, however. Rector was expelled from the city omnibus by reason of his color.

May 14th the first man was killed by the cars at North Springfield . His name was said to be Patrick Borland, and many thought his death a case of suicide.

to protect farmers and others from the depredations of horse thieves. Wm. Massej was chosen chairman and C. F. Leavitt acted as secretary. Geo. Lawrence, John Young, and C. F. Leavitt were appointed a committee to draft a plan of organization.

In May, Ash Grove and North Springfield were re-incorporated by the county court. Both towns had improved largely the first year of their oflicial existence, and were still improving.

John Hursh died in November, and December 16th Hon. John W. Hancock, who, prior to the war, was a well known politician, in this county and Southwest Missouri, died at his home in Paris, Texas. Col. Hancock was long a citizen of Greene county, and is frequently mentioned elsewhere in these pages.

Decoration Day of this year was observed by a procession to the National cemetery, an address by Dr. Thos. U. Flanner, and the decoration of the graves of the soldiers by the young ladies. In the procession there were tableau cars and other interesting features.

June 21st the graves of the Confederate dead near Springfield were decorated very beautifully and very bountifully. There was no procession, however. An oration was delivered by Col. R. H. Musser, of Brunswick. Gens. Marmaduke and Shelby were expected to be present, butthe}^ failed to come. In the evening a reception was given at the City Hall. Addresses were delivered by Hon. Thos. C. Reynolds, ex-Lieutenant Governor of the State, and Hon. John S. Phelps, and letters from a number of prominent ex-Confederates, including Jeft". Davis, were read.

Murder Of Judge H. J. Lindenbower

January 24th, 1871, one Wm. Cannefax shot and killed Judge Harrison J. Lindenbower in a saloon near the court-house, in Springfield. The murder was in broad daylight and in the presence of witnesses, from whose statements this account has been derived. The judge was either seated upon or resting one foot on a barrel talking to another gentleman, when Cannefax approached him and asked:

*' Well, what are you goino; to do about that land?" Lindenbower replied, " O, you go and see your lawyer and lot him attend to it for you. " Immediately Cannefax stepped behind Lindenbower and opened on him with his revolver, shooting three times. At the first fire Lindenbower sprang up and cried out in great agony and ran wildly about the room a few seconds, when he fell and expired.

As stated to the writer, Cannefax' s enmity towards Lindenbower was occasioned by the following circumstances. During the war Benj. Cannefax, an uncle of William, went South, and abandoned his home in this county. He was somewhat involved and during his absence suit was brought against him by his creditors, judgment rendered against him by default, and his land, a fine farm, south of Springfield, was levied upon and sold. Judge Lindenbower was the purchaser or one of the purchasers. Afterwards William Cannefax came forward and claimed as rightfully his a portion of the land purchased by Lindenbower, alleging that he, Cannefax, had conveyed it to his uncle some time before in order that certain creditors might not seize it, but that the sale had been, and was so understood to be, a sham sale. Cannefax urged Lindenbower to let him have his portion of the land back again, but Lindenbower refused to give up his title unless the matter was properly adjudicated in the courts. This irritated Cannefax, and led to the commission of the crime before described.

Judsfe Lindenbower was a native of Ohio, and at the time of his death was only about 35 years of age. He had been a resident of Springfield since 1858. He was a lawyer by profession, a Republican in politics, and his public career is mentioned on other pages of this history. He was a shrewd speculator and was in a fair way to amass a competence when he was killed. Cannefax occupied a humble position in the community, and was a small farmer. He was of middle age, and was an old citizen of Greene county, his father, Joseph Cannefax, being one of the first settlers.

Cannefax was arrested, indicted for murder in the first degree, and committed to jail. He secured a change of venue to Taney county, but the )iext June he and three other prisoners broke jail at Springfield and made their escape. In July, 1874, he returned, was re-arrested by Sheriff Potter after quite a struggle and arraigned, and his trial coming on at Forsyth, on the advice of his counsel, J. C. Cravens, Esq., he pleaded guilty to the charge of murder in the second degree and was sentenced to the penitentiary for life.

the people. He was a man of prominence and high character and there seemed to be no sort of extennation or palliation for his untimely taking off. His reputation as a sharp trader was well known, and there were those who said that he sometimes drove a hard bargain, but always a fair one, and this seems to have been all that was ever said in his disfavor.

' Two days after his death the bar of Greene county met to do honor to the memory of Judge Lindenbower. John S. Phelps presided and J. C. Cravens was secretar3\ Resolutions were unanimously adopted setting forth that Lindenbower had been " basely murdered in the prime of his manhood and usefulness, " and declaring that in life he had been " an able and honorable member of our profession, an affable and courteous gentleman, a trustworthy friend, and an estimable citizen." The following attorneys were selected as pall-bearers: Hons. John S. Phelps, John S. Waddill, J. H. Show, W. F. Geiger, Thos. A. Sherwood, C. F. Leavitt, J. R. Milner, O. H. Travers.

The Armstrong-Baughman Tragedy

July 20th Constable Jacob Baughman, of Campbell township, went to the eastern part of the county to arrest a man named John Armstrong, who lived near Strafford. Baughman took with him R. M. Jones and his son Henry, both of whom lived in the neighborhood, and were not on friendly terms with Armstrong. The party arrived at Armstrong's about daybreak, Armstrong had been sick for some days, and was lying on the floor. Baughman punched the prostrate man with his cane and told him to get up and go to Springfield with him. Armstrong replied by ordering the entire party to leave his house.

One of the Jones' presented a pistol, which was caught by a Mrs. Pritchard, a sister-in-law of Armstrong's, residing in the house with him. A confused struggle between all of the parties followed, during which Armstrong and Baughman were shot, both ftitally. Armstrong was shot by Henry Jones, who fired a charge of buck-shot into his victim's body, killing him instantly. It was not certain at the time who shot Baughman, but there were those who believed R. M. Jones did it accidentally, while he was struggling with Mrs. Pritchard. - Baughman died next day. The Jones were arrested and admitted to bail.

of Peter A. Christian, a laborer, who lived near the old fort in Springfield, and asked Mrs. Christian for a drink of water. Mrs. C. was alone and handing the negro a cup, she directed him to the well nearby. The negro returned from the well in a few moments, and confronting Mrs. Christian, knowing that she Avas alone and unprotected, made to her an outrageous proposal. The lady refused, but being a small and frail woman, and no help being near, she was wholly at the brute's mercy, and of course he rendered her none. The tale is best told briefly.

As soon as possible Mrs. Christian gave an alarm, but the negro had fled. A reward was ofiered for his apprehension, parties went in pursuit, and telegrams were sent to other points. Five days later, or Saturday, June 19th, two men from Newton county, came into Springfield with Isbell, whom they had captured near Newtonia. He was taken into the presence of Mrs. Christian and conclusively identified. He was then brought to the public square, and an excited crowd soon gathered about him. After a noisy and violent discussion for half an hour, the crowd decided to hang the black-skinned and black-hearted ravisher, and he was speedily trotted oflf to the northwest across '* Jordan," and to near the spot where, twelve years before. Mart. Danforth was hung for a similar offense. Arriving at a suitable tree the negro was placed on a horse. Then one end of a rope was fastened about his neck, and the other tied to the limb of a tree. The horse was then led away, and "Bud" dropped so low that his feet touched the ground, and he had to be lifted up and the rope shortened, before he would swing clear. After hanging a short time some one in the crowd fired a shot into him, and he was soon aftera corpse. After he was dead the crowd dispersed. The coroner soon arrived and took charge of the remains. The jur}^ returned a verdict that the deceased had come to his death by being both hung and shot by three men (whom the}-- named), assisted by many others.

There was no effort on the part of the officers of the law to interfere with the lynching. It was stated that the sheriflT of the county and the mayor and marshal of the city were on the public square when the crowd was considering what action to take in the premises. At the place of hanging, Maj. R. B. Chappel addressed the crowd, advising the members thereof to make full and careful investigation of the prisoner's guilt before proceeding to extremes, and if it should be determined that he was guilty and ought to be hung, then let him be taken out of town, and so disposed of. But the major's motives were

Isbell seemed little concerned. As stated, he was al)Out 21 years of age and was ignorant and brutal. There was no doubt of his guilt in the particular case mentioned, and he was accused of having perpetrated the same crime on a young colored girl a short time previously.

The Kansas City And Memphis R. R. Bonds

During the year 1871 there was no end of controversy and squabble over the bonds ($400,000 in amount) issued a year before by the county in aid of the Kansas City and Memphis Railroad. The order was rescinded, re-rescinded, certain bonds burned, then reissued, etc., commissioners appointed, and a great deal of legislation and action performed by the county court. The said bonds are still in existence, as is the controversy, and when the one will become extinct and the other will terminate cannot just now be foretold.

In January Jackson township was divided into two voting precincts. In May Center township was similarly divided, and in June Walnut Grove township was formed out of the northern portion of Boone, and at the same session of the county court a portion of Center was attached to Boone.

The assessor's books this year showed 3,963 names, and 9,146 tracts of land and town lots. The total taxable property was $7,022,- 309. The consolidated tax delinquent book showed 3,125 tracts and town lots delinquent. In November the number of registered voters in the county was 4,369.

In November and December nearly every horse in the county was afflicted with epizootic, and oxen were largely used, even in Springfield, for draft animals.

their adoption or rejection, the question of whether or not Greene county should adopt the township organization plan of county government. The petition was granted, and a special election ordered to decide the question on the 21st of May. This election resulted in an overwhelming defeat of the proposition, the vote standing : For township organization, 327 ; against, 1,350.

The November Election, 1872

This being a presidential year, and everybody being allowed to vote that had ever been entitled to the privilege, Greene county was stirred with excitement from border to border. The nomination of Grant and Wilson was acceptable to the great mass of the Republicans, and they were enthusiastic for him. The liberal Republicans at Cincinnati, in May, nominated Horace Greeley and B. Gratz Brown, the latter Missouri's Governor. The Democrats of the Union indorsed these noininations at Baltimore, although many urged the '- possum policy," so successfully tried by the Democrats in this State in 1870, and counseled that no nominations be made at all. -

The canvass in this county was warm and exciting. Both parties held meetings and pole-raisings, and there was all of the pomp and circumstance, the fuss and fustian, and the fifing and drumming common to political campaigns when the vote is rather close and the party lines shart>ly drawn. As usual, Greene county was represented amonof the candidates to be voted for. Two of the candidates for Supreme Judge, John P. Ellis and Thos. A. Sherwood, the one a Republican, the other a Democrat, were from this county, as were the nominees for Congress, Hon. H. E. Havens, the Republican, and Hon. C. B. McAfee, the Democratic candidate.

Not all of the Democrats could be induced to vote for Horace Greeley. His bitter denunciation of them and their party for years and years could not so soon be forgotten and so easily forgiven as that they could recognize him as a proper Democratic candidate for President. A great many voted for him under protest ; a great many " hurrahed " for him faintly, and a great many tried to, but the " hurrah," like Macbeth's "amen," stuck in the throat, and never came out. Many Democrats would not go to the polls, and some who went would vote for nothing but county officers, while others voted what was called the "straight" Democratic ticket, headed by Charles O'Conor for President, and John Q. Adams, Jr., for Vice President.

Senator

Decoration Day - Dedication of the Bailey Monument. - On the 30th of May, of this year, extraordinary preparations were made and carried out in the proper observance of Decoration Day. The fine monument provided for in the will of Dr. T. J. Bailey, to be built in honor of the Union soldiers killed at the battle of Springfield, January 8, 1863, was to be dedicated and was already in place. There was a long procession from Springfield to the National Cemetery, a tableau car, carriages, containing flowers in great profusion, visitors from abroad in considerable numbers, etc. Arriving at the cemetery addresses were delivered by Judge W. F. Geiger and others, when the veil covering the monument was removed by Miss Belle Robertson. An able dedicatory address was delivered by ex-Gov. Thos. C. Fletcher.

Confederate Decoration Day. - June 12th the graves in the Confederate Cemetery were dedicated with appropriate services. A large concourse of people was present. Col. Celsus Price, of St. Louis, a son of Gen. Sterling Price, was orator of the day.

Sentenced for Life. - At the June term of the circuit court Ed. Til ley was sentenced to life imprisonment in the penitentiary and Ned. Bryant given fifteen years \n the same institution for stabbing and killing Joseph McGee (colored) at a dance in North Springfield, some time previously.

Robbery. - In the month of June a case of robbery occurred three miles west of Springfield, remarkable for its singular character and its remarkable mode and method. Mr. Wm. R. Robbertson was at work in his field when he was approached by his brother-in-law, one Mitchell, who had been absent from the county for some time, and who now rode up and, presenting a revolver, demanded Mr. R.'s money. Robbertson gave up what money he had, amounting to about $50. Mitchell ordered him to go to the house and get more and when Mr. Robbertson said he had no more, Mitchell called him a liar and shot and wounded him pretty severely. Mitchell escaped.

July 7, 1873, one Greenberry Buis was hung by the vigilantes near Walnut Grove. It seemed that Buis had married a daughter of Mr. Jas. Brinn, a respectable citizen of this county, with whom he lived for some time. In 1872 they moved to Cass county, where Buis was arrested for stealing horses, and sent to the penitentiary. In the meantime, his wife's father had taken her to his home again, which she had left against his desire to marry the unfortunate man. The Governor pardoned Buis, who returned to the vicinity of Walnut Grove, where he had some relatives. Of course his wife returned to him. Although he had been out of the penitentiary about a month, he and a brother-in-law. Wood by name, were accused of stealing sheep and selling them to the butchers of Springfield and in Polk county. They were arrested and Buis escaped, while Wood was sent to Hermitage jail, in Hickory county.

Buis was arrested in Barry, and was being conveyed to Polk county for trial. He requested the guards to allow him to remain one night with his wife, and they accordingly stopped with her on the fatal night. About 9 o'clock a body of about twenty-five armed men rode up, took the prisoner out and hung him to a tree. The guards knew not the men, and were powerless to prevent the terrible deed. The man hung, within a quarter of a mile of his home, until the next evening at 4 o'clock, when the inquest was held and the body cut down.

The Patrons Of Husbandry

In the year 1873 the first lodges of this order were established in tliie county. June 23d, Mr. T. R. Allen, of St. Louis county, came to Springfield and organized the first Grange in Southwest Missouri, called Springfield Grange. The following were the first members : - Dr. A. W. McPherson, master; J. W. D. L. F. Mack, lecturer; J. B. Lawson, gate-keeper; J. J. Weaver, treasurer; C. Cannefux, chaplain ; Henry Scholten, steward ; R. P. Matthews, assistant steward ; Miss Bettie Weaver, secretary ; Mrs. M. C. L. Cannefax, lady assistant secretary ; Mrs. J. A. Lawson, Flora ; Miss Lizzie McPherson, Ceres ; Miss Ella J. Cannefax, Pomona ; S. H. Owens, Joel Philips, J. A. McConnell, B. W. McCormick, W. H. Kershner,

The same evening of the organization of Springfield Grange, Mr. Allen went a few miles west of town and there organized another. After a time, A. W. McPherson was appointed district deputy, and himself organized and set to work several granges in this county until at one time the total number was about twenty.

September 5th, 1873, the Patrons, or Grangers, held their first picnic at the Newbill farm, two miles west of Springfield. The picnic was given under the auspices of Grand Prairie Grange. Addresses were delivered, and there was an enjoyable time for all that attended. Other picnics were held at different times, while the order flourished in this county. A notable one was at Weaver's Grove, west of Springfield, June 2d, 1875. Speeches were here made by I. 8. Haseltine, J. W. Mack, J. H. Show and J. H. Creighton.

After a time a county council was organized at Springfield, and from time to time delegates were sent to the State Grange. In 1873, A. W. McPherson was the delegate ; in 1875, Hon. J. H. Show. At one time, in 1876 or '77, A. W. McPherson was county agent for the grangers of this county, and bought a great quantity of seeds, etc., for them, but was forced to give up his position on account of the hard work involved and poor pay received.

November 18, 1875, the district grange held a special meeting in the Odd Fellows' Hall, at Springfield, for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of stock that had been subscribed to a ''co-operative store," in response to circulars. Only five granges had responded. Rocky Point grange had taken one share ($100), Kickapoo grange, two shares ; Pleasant Springs, two ; Wesley Chapel, one share ; Hunt's, one. Springfield and O' Sullivan granges refused to subscribe. Other o;rano;es had not received the circulars in time for action.

Afterwards a " grange store " was conducted on South street, in Springfield, by a firm already in business, but its life was short and its business insignificant. The grangers would buy where they pleased - if they could buy cheap, and get credit.

District Granges

field. The following copy of its proceedings has been kindly furnished by Mrs. N. M. McKibben, the former secretary and well known efficient lady worker in the order : -

The Patrons of Husbandry met for the purpose of completing an organization under the name of the District Council, composed of Greene and adjoining counties, adopted a constitution, appointed committees, and elected officers.

was at Springfield it cliaiiired its name to S pring field District Grange. The District Council, at the time of its organization, was composed of over sixty subordinate granges, from the counties of Greene, Christian, Polk, Taney, and Cass [?], But as the object of the Patrons of Husbandry became more generally disseminated, each of these counties, except Christian, had its own count}' organization of the Patrons of Husbandry, and such granges of Springfield District Grange as were located in these counties, withdrew, and attached themselves to their own county organization, so that the granges composing Springfield District Grange were confined principally to Greene county.

January 5, 1883, Springfield District Grange adopted a revised constitution which did not change the object of the district council co-operation, but considering it more appropriate, it changed its name to Greene County District Grange.

Effect Of The Panic Of 1873

The panic of 1873 had a more damaging effect upon Greene county than on many other communities in Missouri. *' Hard times " set in in the fall and continued until late in the^following year. Money was scarce, the rates of interest exorbitant and usurious, while property of all sorts and kinds depreciated ver}^ seriously. Lands in the county were indeed "dirt cheap" and lots and houses in Springfield sold for one-half of their former value. North Springfield was badly injured. Many persons disposed of their property at a sacrifice *and left the county.

In this year Brookline township was formed. The order of the county court defining its boundaries, made January 23, was us follows : - Townslilp - Commencing at the northeast corner of section 1, tp. 28, range 23 ; thence south to the southeast corner of section 25 ; thence Avest to the southeast corner of section 30 ; thence north to the northwest corner of section (5 ; thence east to the northeast corner of section 1, the place of beginning - all in township 28^ ranofe 23."

** Reform party," but was termed by the Democrats the Tadpole party," because some of its members, the Democracy said, were old Democrats gradually changing to Republicans, as a tadpole changes to a frog. The " People's party " at its State convention, composed chiefly of Republicans, and held in Jefferson City, Sept. 3d, nominated a full State ticket, headed by Hon. William Gentry, of Pettis county, for Governor, and Hon. S. W. Headlee, of this county, for Lieutenant governor.

The Democratic convention, held August 26, nominated Cha^. H. Hardin, of Audrain, for Governor,^ and Col. Norman J. Colman, of St. Louis, for Lieutenant Governor. The November election in this county resulted as follows : -

In January the Legislature had submitted to the people of Missouri the question of whether or not a constitutional convention should be called, the question to be decided at the November election. In the State the proposition was carried by only 283 majority, the vote standing: for a convention, 111,299; against, 111,016.

1 By one-sixth of a vote over the number of votes necessfiry to a choice (159), and by three votes over his competitor, Gen. F. M. Cockrill, now U. S. Senator, - the vote standing, Hardin, 159 1-6; Cockrill, 156 5-6. .