Jackson County, Missouri - Chapter 20: Westport Township, 1881

Chapter 20: Westport Township

Geographical Position - Old Settlers - Westport Formerly a Part of Kaw - The Santa Fe Trade and Those Engaged in It^Justices of the Peace from 18^4 to the Present Tim,e - The Town of Westport Laid Out - Incorportion - City Charter - City Gmiemment - Names of Mayors and Other Officers ^Churches and Schools - Business Directory.

Independence had for some ten or fifteen years been the center of the Mexican and Santa Fe trade, and had greatly prospered through the wealth thus brought into its door ; but a point of outfit and pasturage for the teams of the traders was sought further west. The outfitting post was located twelve miles west of Independence, and named from its position with respect to Independence, " Westport." Its close proximity to the unoccupied lands of the Shawnee Indians, where the Mexican caravans could feed, made Westport the scene of an active trade with the towns of Sonora, Chihuahua and Santa Fe, bringing in wealth and business to its inhabitants. Extensive wagon manufactories were kept in full operation for many years, and saddle and harness manufactories employed many hands. Westport continued to flourish till "Westport Landing," now Kansas City, increased more rapidly, and soon outstripped its parent, drawing most of the business nearer the river. Westport to-day is a faded suburb of Kansas City. Westport township has a population of 1,200.

Westport township is bounded on the north by Kaw, on the east by Blue and Brooking, on the south by Washington township, and on the west by the State of Kansas. It was next to the last township organized in Jackson county, being laid off by an order of the County Court, May 17, 1869, and became a separate township, with the boundaries as defined in the latter part of the chapter on County Organization. Big Blue courses along the eastern boundary from south to north, throughout its full extent. Brush Creek flows from west to east through near the center of the township, and empties into Big Blue about four miles east of the city of Westport. Big Blue has a deep bed, and the waters are of a bluish hue, hence its name. The surface and soil of the whole township are well adapted to agriculture, and inagnificent crops are yearly harvested. There are miles of stone fence, that material being readily obtained from quarries of shelving rock found in every section of the township.

Allen McGee, who came from Kentucky in 1825-6, and settled near where Kansas City now is, and about the year 1845, came and settled where he now lives, one-half mile north of the town of Westport.

John Crutchfield came at an early day, and lived at Independence for some time ; then about thirty years ago came and settled in the town of Westport. He came from Kentucky, being now about eighty years of age.

Frederick Chouteau was born in St. Louis, and came with his brothers Francis and Cyprian, to the present site of Kansas City, and being appointed by the Government to trade with the Indians in Kansas, removed thither. He came to Westport, where he now lives, in 1874.

William Bernard lived a long time in Westport town and carried on a large Santa Fe trade. He still lives at Westport and does business in Kansas City.

Westport township was organized -from a part of Kaw, and Kaw township was one of the three original townships into which the county was divided by order of county court. May 22, 1827. The order organizing Kaw township was as follows: "Commencing at the mouth of Big Blue, thence up said creek to the State Une, thence north with said line to the middle of the main channel of the Missouri River, thence down said river to the point of beginning; all of which territory contained within the above boundary shall compose the township of Kaw."

Indian And Santa Fe Tradf, At Westport

In 1848, the traders with the Indians were Simpson and Hunter, E. D. Price, Boone and Hamilton, S. C. Roby, C. Chouteau & Co., W. G. & G. W. Ewing and the American Fur Company. This trade until 1848, was all with the Indians. The Indian tribes trading here were Shawnees, Delawares, Wyandottes, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Kansas, Osages, Sac and Foxes, Miamis, Ottawas and many small tribes. All of these tribes lived in what is now the State of Kansas ; many of them had been removed from States east of the Mississippi River by the U. S. Government. The trade with these tribes just enumerated, was the whole trade of the place up to 1848, subsequently there has been trade with the Indians of the Plains and Rocky Mountains. The names of some of the prominent tribes were the Sioux, Cheyennes, Arapahoes, Kiowas and Comanches.

The traders with these last named tribes, were : Bent & St. Vrain, Ward & Guerrier, John L. Hatcher, Lucien Maxwell, the proprietor of the Maxwell Grant in New Mexico and the American Fur Company. St. Vrain was the proprietor of the St. Vrain Grant in what is now Colorado. James Bridger, of Ft. Bridger, was another trader. William Bent built two forts on the Arkansas River. St. Vrain built a fort on the Platte River about forty miles from the present site of Denver. Some of these forts were built as early as 1840. It should be remembered that in 1848 a trader by the name of F. H. Aubry, made a trip on horseback from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Independence, Jackson county, in five days and twenty-two hours, a distance of 800 miles, over one hundred and thirty three miles per day. He was also the first man who was able to take a mule train across the plains in the winter time, which was done during the winter of 1849-50. F. H. Aubry established a fast winter freight line from Westport to Santa Fe, known as Aubry's express. His train consisted of twenty wagons of eight mules each.

In 1848 the Santa Fe trade commenced with great vigor. Those engaged in the trade at its initiation were Boone & Bernard. This was the only firm engaged in the trade of that time. The first large stock of goods was consigned to them and loaded at Westport Landing, what is now the foot of Grand avenue, Kansas City. It belonged to Messowey arid Webb, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and consisted of sixty-three wagon loads and was freighted by John F. McCauley, of Independence. It was a general stock of merchandise suitable for the Mexicans and Indians, for the Indians received about the same kind of goods as the Mexicans. Each wagon contained 6,000 lbs, and drawn by six yoke of oxen. It took six months to make the round trip with oxen. There were about

In 1849 Jose Chaves was the first Mexican merchant who outfitted at Westport. He obtained his outfit from Boone and Bernard. When he came in he brought 103,000 Mexican silver dollars, which he deposited with the above named firm and took exchange on New York. The silver was transported in two wagon loads, cased in raw hide skins which had been sewed around, about $4,000 or $5,000 in each package. When the hides became dry they would shrink and become so tight that the money would not "gingle."

This man's brother had been murdered on the plains about five years previous and robbed of $34,000. The murderers were caught, tried and hung in St. Louis. It was with a sense of great relief, therefore, that he deposited the money with Mr. Bernard. . He remarked that he had not slept nights during a great portion of the trip of eight hundred miles for fear of robbers, and was, therefore, greatly relieved when he reached civilization and security. This Mexican silver was the principal currency of the border. The United States government annually paid in silver to the Indians over $300,000 as an annuity, which, together with the furs and pelts taken by the Indians, constituted the trade with those tribes at Westport

The California immigration commenced in 1849, when it was estimated that 40,000 crossed the plains, of which probably 20,000 passed through Westport, and outfitted there; and in 1850 about the same number outfitted for California.

The trade to Mexico continued to increase and the prominent traders coming from New Mexico, in addition to those mentioned, were : Manuel Armijo, brother of Gov. Armijo. Armijo also traded to Chihuahua, in Old Mexico. The Perias were also traders. Ambrosio and Nestor Armijo from Albuqurque.

In 1853 Charles E. Kearney, who had been a successful merchant in New Mexico, was associated with W. R. Bernard in place of A. G. Boone, under the name of Kearney & Bernard. This year the firm of Kearney & Bernard extended their trade not only in New Mexico, but into Chihuahua and Sonora, in Old Mexico. Other manufactories for wagons and harness were started at Westport.

In 1853 six hundred wagons were outfitted at Kearney & Bernard's establishment for the New Mexican and mountain trade. In 1854, eight hundred and twenty-two wagons by the same firm. In 1853, 1,217 wagons. In 1856, J. & W. R. Bernard, successors to Kearney & Bernard, outfitted 1,407 wagons, most of which were loaded with goods bought from this firm, the trade having at this time assumed more of a jobbing than outfitting trade. In 1857, 1,560 wagons; in 1858, 1,902 wagons; in 1859, 2,242 wagons; in i860, 2,113 wagons.

In 1858 there were manufactured at Westport, 240 new wagons for this Santa Fe trade, two thousand ox yokes, 3,000 wagon sheets, and $25,000 worth of harness. There were also at this time several plow factories that turned out from 800 to 1,200 plows annually. The Santa Fe trade fell off in the spring of 1861 about one-fourth, and in the fall of the same year entirely ceased. The sales of the firm of J. & W. R. Bernard ranged for the year 1857 to i860 inclusive, from $218,000 to $260,000.

It should be said to the credit of the honest Mexican that in all this trade there was just half of one per cent, lost, or in a business of one million dollars, five thousand dollars would cover all the losses.

In 1858 the town of Westport contained a population of over two thousand. Many of the merchants were doing a large business with settlers in the vicinity, and even as far south as Arkansas and southern Kansas. At this time there were at least five church buildings, several good schools, and a grist mill. Until the war Westport was a flourishing town, but after the war it was absorbed by Kansas City, and nearly all the trade removed to the latter named place.

After C. E Kearney had disposed of his interest in the firm of Kearney & Bernard at Westport, he took a trip to Europe, and after his return established a wholesale grocery business in Kansas City on the Levee.

Justices Of The Peace

This township was laid off May 17, 1869, but the Justices of the Peace for Kaw township, when Westport township was a part of it, from 1854 were as follows, as near as can be recollected at the present time :

G. D. Foglesong resigned in 1854 and Wm. P. Lee was appointed by the court to fill the vacancy. Lee also resigned, and Oscar Scruggs was appointed in his place, and Scruggs resigned the same year, then T. J. Goforth was put in his place and has since held the office of Justice of the Peace, except four years during the war.

Union Cemetery, for the cities of Kansas and Westport, was platted in the year 1858, and filed for record on the isth day of April of the same year.

The Clinton & Kansas City Branch of the Tebo & Neosho Railroad was graded north and south through the township, but rails were never put upon the grade, and it is probable never will be, unless some other company utilizes the same.

Names Of Mayors, Clerks And Marshals Churches And Schools

Westport is well supplied with good schools and churches. The graded public school furnishes ample accommodations for all children within the limits of the city and for considerable distance around. Among the churches are the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Christian; all or nearly all have regular religious worship on the Sabbath, and also maintain a thriving Sunday-school. A diligent effort has been made to obtain more particulars in reference to the churches, but we give what we were able to secure.

The "First Baptist Church" was known originally as the " Regular Baptist Church at Big Blue," and was organized on the 4th day of July, 1840. The names of the early prominent members found in the constitution are as follows: Henry Bowers, Mary Bowers, Peter Booth,. Francis Booth, Jane Bradden, Catherine Bradley, John W. Campbell, Eliza Ann Campbell, Stephen Davenport, Hugh L Gregg, Cynthia Ann Gregg, Jesse King, Angelina King, Permelia Laws, Thomas R. Rule.

A Brother Burris, who resided on the other side of the river, was the first chosen pastor. In those days, no remuneration for pastoral services was expected; hut a, minute in the record shows that the church magnanimously agreed to pay the good hvother' s ferriage back and forth across the river. It is presumed that this did not greatly burden our ecclesiastical ancestors, inasmuch as the pastor did not continue his visits but a very short time.

In March, 1841, the church ordained, from among its own membership, a brother Henry Bowers, who entered upon his work in the following December. His pastorate proved a stormy one, for about this time the great anti-mission contest came up. Unfortunately, the pastor and deacon, with other leading members, took strong ground against missions ; and, through their influence, a majority declared themselves "opposed to the institutions of the day commonly called benevolent." It was a crisis in the history of the little church, and sorely tried the more liberal and enlightened portion of the membership. It was at this juncture that the boldness and decision of the clerk, Bro. John W. Campbell, brought him to the front. It seems that the Association, " Blue River," had already taken a stand on the side of missions. The Anties had called a convention, to meet on the fourth Saturday in March, (1842); and it was the intention of the pastor and his confreres to have the church represented; but this object was defeated through the energetic action of the clerk, who thoroughly counterplotted, (and yet in a perfectly legal way,) his opponents; and finally called upon all who were in fa^or of abiding by their constitution, and remaining with their association, to meet him upon the tiext regular day, at the house of Bro. B. M. Adams. They did so; the names of the Anties were erased, and thenceforth the organization became known as the "United Baptist Church at Big Blue." The record shows that the church now enjoyed uninterrupted harmony and prosperity; constant additions being made to its membership.

In May, 1843, Brother J. Farmer was called to the pastorate, under whose ministry we find the first mention of a "pastor's salary;" the church agreeing to "try to raise" seventy-five dollars; upon which precarious promise, the faithful man cheerfully left home and family, as well as more lucrative business to take care of themselves, whilst he rode regularly, through storm and cold, all the way from Harrisonville, to meet his little flock and break to them the bread of life. The light of eternity alone will enable us to appreciate the faithfulness and hardships of those older brethren who laid the foundations of our cause, and into whose labors we have entered.

The church, from its organization, like the ancient Tabernacle, maintained rather a migratory existence, holding its meetings from house to house, or in some school building, according to circumstances and convenience, until about the year 1850 when the " Old Union Meeting House " was built, and the name of the " First Baptist Church of Westport" was assumed.

In August, 1861, the present edifice was completed, at a cost of $3,250, and dedicated by E. S. Dulin. The new pastor. Rev. G. L. Black, had entered upon his work, and all looked fair; but alas! " Man proposes, God disposes." Here follows the sad story of the war, with its dark days. We need not particularize. Suffice it to say, preachiifg ceased, the pastor left, the membership scattered, and the candlestick seemed removed.

Part Second

To introduce part second, we will give the following brief extract from a letter from Hon. J. B. Wornall, to the Western Recorder, dated June 6, 1864: f

" Brother Machett's position severing his connection from the Presbyterian church, he united with us on Saturday, before the first Sunday in May, and was baptized by our venerable brother, James E. Welch. Our church called a council May 8th, and after a satisfactory examination, proceeded to the solemn rite of ordination.

"We had not met, previously, for more than two years. The evils arising from the war, in which our country has been involved, had so disorganized our church that we had become scattered, and were as ' sheep without a shepherd.' Brother M. has been preaching regularly ever since to a large and attentive congregation.

In the following October, 1864, a gracious revival followed, in which many, many backsliders were reclaimed, thirty-seven souls were hopefully converted, and the numerical strength of the church doubled.

At that time, of the Baptist churches in Jackson county, before the war, none remained except Kansas City and Westport, and these were indebted to the timely aid obtained from the Home Mission Society.

Since the war the following men have been pastors of the church : Revs. X. X. Buckner, J. L. Tichenor, G. W. Wheatley, and Alex. Machett, under whose preaching the church was divided, January, 1875, on the communion question, he taking part of the members, and organizing what was called an open Communion Baptist Church, which continued as such for about four years, he being their pastor. They then disbanded, and Mr. Machett, with some of the members, came back to the old church. After the division, Rev. A. C. Rafferty was chosen pastor, who was succeeded by Prof. A. J. Emerson, and he by Rev. W. T. Campbell, its present pastor. The present membership is 120.

The church has regular services every Sabbath, prayer meeting Tuesday evening, business meetings Saturday before the first Sabbath in each month ; Sabbathschool numbering 65, A. D. Budle, superintendent.

Business Directory

Livery and feed stable, William Brannick. Saddle and harness stores, M. Stegmiller. Saddle and harness stores, J. F. Ragen. Shoe stores, William Reinsch.