Johnson County, Missouri - Chapter 13: - Columbus Township, 1881

Chapter 13: - Columbus Township

Scarcely a greater tribute of respect can be paid any family than that of noble parentage. Honesty gives confidence and trust; education gives refinement and qualifications; and wealth may buy a name, but blood will give a prestige to the quality of the man. The old Romans moved in a circle peculiar to themselves, which kept the stock true to its noble proclivities. The Hebrews, the purest of the ancient people, considered the subject of stock in the human family of so much importance that laws were enacted and held binding under their theocratic government, that they should not take wives nor husbands from the pagan nations. In this age as in all the past periods, the best families among all nations have sought the high and noble incentive of improving the race. It is God's plan that the human family should be improved physically and spiritually. It is not wealth nor the glittering of treasures that make the man. When good health is added to a sound body the symmetry of form gives superiority, and culture and refinement will be the outcome.

The pioneer settlers who settled this township were mostly of the very b^st families of the older states. Many of them of the royal " F. F. V's" who can look back to their ancestry with pride and satisfaction, worthy to be esteemed.

Fifty years have passed since the first settler built his rude log cabin in the edge of the beautiful wild forest. Now in man}^ cases an elegant mansion stand on the site of the old log cabin, and all its surroundings show that it is the abode of wealth and refinement. The streams are now spanned by substantial bridges, but were then ugly and dangerous to cross. In fine, a change is written on all that we behold.

In giving a sketch of this township we shall aim to touch upon the most interesting facts accessible. We are sorry to say we cannot give a more elaborate narrative of the old settlers, from the fact that many have either moved away or died; but what facts we give have been fur¬ nished us by worthy old settlers who still live to tell the story of a fron¬ tier life. There may be some events that have not come within the writer's possession, hence will be left for the historian of another genera¬ tion.

Name. - Every name has weight. The name of every place and object bears an influence according to its fame. The Jews look to Jerusalem and the Mohammedans to Mecca as the place worthy of veneration. Let come what will, many names in history will continue to bear signifi¬ cant meaning as long as they are understood. The ancients gave signifi¬ cant names to all objects and persons, according to the function and relations they held to others. God himself regarded this and his people kept up the same custom for centuries. In this age it is different. We name objects and persons for others, often regardless of what they can do or what they are. Ever since the birth of the Savior, the name Mary has been given to thousands to honor her who was most blessed among women. Adam has not been forgotten and his name lives in thousands, who look to him as their progenitor. The Irish Catholics will not forget St. Patrick, neither will protestants forget Martin Luther. To many a mother the name of her child, although passed into history, as a man of usefulness, or as a vagabond, bears with it a thousand sweet memories that only a loving mother can retain. Around the name of Columbus cluster many incidents that belong closely to the discoverer of America, and remotely to a few places that honor his name. This township was named in honor of Christopher Columbus, the great discoverer of the new world.

Columbus township is bounded on the north by Lafayette county, on the east by Hazel Hill township, on the south by Centerview and Madi¬ son townships, and on the west by Jackson township. It contains all of congressional township 47, range 27, and in addition six square miles of territory from northwest corner of township 46; viz., sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17 and 18. The municipal township does not extend as far north by two miles as Hazel Hill, Simpson and Grover townships. In size it is the same as Madison township, containing forty-two square miles. It is seven miles from the county seat at the nearest point, and twelve to fourteen miles at the farthest point. The municipal township of Columbus was first defined by an order of court, May 12, 1870.

Physical Features. - The surface is quite rolling, being drained by numerous creeks. Excellent timber lies along these streams, while that portion between is rich, rolling prairie land. For some time after the organization of the county this section was included in Jackson township. The township is well-watered, Honey Creek running southeast, flows through the northeastern part. Houx' branch and Rice's branch are little streams flowing through the central part of the township. Little Blackwater extends through the western part. Little Black water is some¬ times called North Black water. It is quite crooked and is bordered with fine woods, containing oak, hickory, elm, walnut, and other excellent tim¬ ber. Lizard Creek is a small branch which sluggishly flows east and enters Black water just below the peninsula, in section 28. Snail Creek is a slothful stream, as its name indicates, having its source in section 32, it flows east and unites with Blackwater in the eastern part of section 33.

Spanish Oak is a little brook. James' branch has its source near the Lafayette county line, and flows due south and unites with Blakwater. Honey Creek, the largest stream except Blackwater, received its name from the fact that so many bee-trees were found in the woods along its banks. The stream enters the county in the northeastern part of sec¬ tion 4, and flows southeast through sections 3, 4, 11, 13, and 24, where it enters Hazel Hill township. In the eastern part of the township the sur¬ face is diversified with hill and dale, and the soil is a rich loam. In the southern part the soil a deep black limestone and produces well. In the western part the soil is of an ash hue, underlaid with marl, which will make the land productive for a lifetime. In the northwestern part the soil is of a red color, mingled with deep black limestone soils. This soil is generally covered with post oak brush, and might be called post oak land. The surface easily washes, but the beds of clay prevent the cutting of deep gullies in the land. Limestone beds are found in various parts of the township. The timber is thickly set in the forest's, and the township sur¬ passes any other in its beautiful groves. The fire has been kept from the forests for upwards of twenty years, and one ca,n now see the bless¬ ings accruing from it. It is said a bed of limestone underlies the greater part of the township. An excellent mineral spring breaks out near the village of Columbus. One has said of this spring; "Here is the fountain of life fully tested." The mineral water from this spring is said to have performed some wonderful cures.

In brief, this township is most noted for its picturesqueness. Many of the old places are time-worn. Here it was verified that the " goves were God's first temples." Fine wild crab-apple orchards skirt the woods and are scattered along the ravines and little valleys, and beneath their boughs grow fine swards of blue grass that furnish good pasturage a great part of the year. These trees variegate the forests skirts with a beautiful pink dress in the spring, when in full bloom. In the spring the beautiful wild roses, interspersed with hundreds of brilliant flowers, open to the admir¬ ing eve of nature a lovely landscape.

The land is well drained, naturally, and farmers are seen almost imme-» diately after a rain working the soil, so complete is the drainage and porosity of the soils. The broken lands are principally along the creeks and with this exception there is no sterile land in the township. This township produces some of the tallest trees of the county. In these woods and along their borders the hardy old pioneers pitched their tents and erected their long cabins, which have now passed away in the ravages of time. Here old roads are cut several feet in the soil by the successive years of travel since the day the pioneer set his foot in this county and commenced to delve in the soil.

8 asses, $430: 182 mules, $7,382; 1,647 cattle, $17,707; l,20o sheep, $2,410; 3,485 swine, $5,127; notes, $23,304; all other personal property, $31,415. The land sells at present from $12 to $40 per acre, according to the situation and improvements. Some of these fine farms are ow'ned by well to-do farmers who love home too well to sell; however, in some localities excellent unimproved land may be purchased yet at reasonable prices. Except in the brush land, this is one of the best townships. The well improved farms and beautiful homes, owned by the very best class of citizens of the county, render this spot one of the most attractive in the

Early Settlers. - The first settlers, by right of custom, in any country, lay claim to the historian's affections. Those who first set the tent stakes in the wild brush about the ancient town of Columbus, should long be remembered by their descendents. It was by their patient endui ance that the county rose to so eminent a rank early in its history. Several writers have disagreed concerning the date of the first settlement. We have, by close investigation, searched every avenue for a correct record of the first man who settled in the county. For a long time the honor of the first settlement has been given to Columbus township, and a few, from his prominence, have believed the esteemed pioneer, Nicholas Houx, to have been the first permanent settler. Not plucking any honors from this honored and respected pioneer, we find that Pleasant Rice settled in tnis township in the spring, and Nicholas Houx came with his family the fol¬ lowing fall. This was in the year 1828. It has been reported that a fewr hunters had camped in various parts of the county prior to this time, and that a hut by John Leeper was erected in the woods on Walnut creek, in the part of the county now called Grover township. Even if this be so, Indian like, they passed away before permanent settlements were made. The honor of being the first permanent settler belongs to Pleasant Rice. He is still living and shows proof of his precedence. He is a gentleman who has always lived as his name implies, and may it be said of him -

Soon after Pleasant Rice came, his bosom friend, Nicholas Houx, followed, who was a well to-do, plain man and a noted hunter. Around him no poor pioneer suffered for charity. In the quiet little log cabins these pioneers enjoyed life. Several old settlers still live, and when inter¬ rogated concerning Nicholas Houx, they exclaim with tears trickling down their wrinkled cheeks: " God bless his soul, there never was a better man."

Pleasant Rice, the first permanent settler, in 1818, before the state of Missouri was admitted as a member of the Union, visited this spot on a hunting expedition, and was favorably impressed with the locality; and the next fall, 1819, he made a second visit in company with Dangerfield Rice, Capt. Hugh Brown, Cicero Brown, Hugh Brown, Jr., and John

The Log Cabin Of The Pioneer

Wallace, and took back with him 260 gallons of wild honey. Mr. Rice states that he found in one day twelve bee trees, averaging from four to sixteen gallons of honev each. Henceforth, the little creek was christened " Honey creek." At this time hundreds of Indians had wigwams and villages near their suitable hunting grounds. Mr. Pleasant Rice states that he has seen as many as 2,000 Indians within four miles of his log cabin. Pleasant Rice, the worthy and honored pioneer of Johnson county, was born March 7, 1803, of Dutch-English extraction, near the city of Nashville, Tennessee, and is living with a sound mind and moder¬ ate health. His devoted, loving wife, nee Miss Virlinda G. Ray, daughter of Senator Ray, of a prominent and good family, was born May 13, 1809, of English ancestry, in Warren county, Kentucky. She is living and enjoying the companionship of her husband. These aged people have led a model life. The result of a congenial and a happy conjugal union of souls. God has blessed them in their marital relations. They were united in holy wedlock August 26, 1826. He at the age of twenty-four and his mate eighteen. The result of this union has been thirteen children , ten grew to maturity, four sons and six daughters. The youngest of the sons is a faithful bachelor, about thirty-six years of age. The father of Pleasant Rice was a revolutionary soldier, and one of the twenty brave men that defended Buchanan's station, where Mrs. Buchanan run bullets for the soldiers while they fought. . Pleasant Rice brought his family and settled, in the spring of 1828, on Honey creek, section 10, town 47, where Capt. John Kelly now lives. The first building he put up was a log cabin, 14 feet square, covered with long clap-boards and weight poles, the chinking of mud and blocks, the door swung on wooden hinges, and was fastened by a wooden latch, whose string always hung out. The chimney was built of mud and sticks, and around that old fire-place Mrs. Rice can distinctly remember preparing her meals. This old hut was erected by Pleasant Rice, a negro, and a hired hand, and is still stand¬ ing, and is used on the old place for a kitchen. The logs are of white oak and will last a century. Here he entered the first eighty acres of land in the county at $1.25 per acre, in the spring of 1828, and the U. S. patent was issued the 6th of March following, 1829.

The 'first child born in the county was Mrs. James S. Gaut, nee Miss Virlinda Ann Rice, daughter of Pleasant Rice. She was born April 7, 1829, and died October 6, 1870.

Nicholas Houx, one of the hardy pioneers, was of Dutch ancestry. It is said that he could make 250 rails a day, and then visit and chat his neighbor till ten o'clock at night. The old settlers say that he killed nine panthers in one week, and from their skins had a suit of clothes and a cap made. The pathers' tails hung from the borders of his coat, and one tail hung down behind from his cap. For this suit he refused $150. It is said that he was the first man of any wealth and prominence in the county. He came here in the fall of 1829 with his family and several negroes. He was the first slaveholder, and his blacks the first slaves in the county. His first buildings were log cabins. It was not long until he erected sub¬ stantial dwellings. He put up the first brick residence in the county. He died about 1834, and was the first to sleep in the old cemetery at Col

The following is a list of the early settlers: PLEASANT RICE, Nichol Houx, Rob't King, Dr. Rob't W. Rankin, John Whitsett, Thos. Evans, John Evans, David Norris, Samuel Ramsey, John Kelley, Unal Jackson (who had the first horse-mill in the county), Moses Pinkston, Jesse

Marrs, Thomas Windsor, Richard D. Bradley, Sr., John Furguson, Elmore Douglas, Morgan Cockrell, Jonathan Fine, B. H. Fine, Prince L. Hudg¬ ins, Wm. Logan, Isaac Garrison, James Morrow, Urial Murray, David Morrow, Wm. Davidson, Joseph Cockrell (the father of Hon. F. M. Cockrell, U. S. senator, who may also be counted an early settler of the township), Josiah Beaty, Wm. Kincaid, J. Washam, James C. Francis, Col. Ambrose Toombs, Benj. Runnels (who was a soldier under Gen. W. H. Harrison in his Indian campaign), Benj. Matthews, C. D. Cobb, Love S. Cornwell, James Perdee, Rob't Craig, N. W. Lowry, James C. Strange, a gentleman by the name of Edwards (who was a tailor in the town of Blackwater, and who is the father of Senator Edwards, of Lafay¬ ette county), Peter Drace, Levi Simpson, Wm. C. Baker, T. Simmerman, Jesse Kelley, Rob't D. Morrow, Wm. Horn, I. Reese (who w$is sherriff at one time), Thos. Claunch, J. H. Miller, J. W. Henderson, Dr. E. D. Schreiner, R. R. Dalton, Abel Gilliland, Rev. Wm. Horn, Reason OfFnit, Wm. E. Cocke, R. Sanders, J. P. Murray, R. Rudolph, P. H. Drace, John Kitchen, J. Kinder, Wm. Ramsey, W. T. Herndon, M. Davis, J. Harner, B. W. Boiseau, J. Fickel, C. Gautt, Z. T. Davis and James M. Fulkerson, the first physician in Johnson county.

Many of these old settlers left for other parts of the country soon after they came here. They were mostly Kentuckians. These settlers, with some others whose names we failed to get, settled here prior to the year 1840.

The hospitality of these old pioneers was unbounded. They did not know what it was to be selfish. To those that are living, the historian extends his sincere thanks to the many good friends who welcomed him to their homes and aided in giving historical facts. They may pass away, but this record of their magnanimous and liberal deeds will be kept through ages to come, and be read with deeper interest by their descend¬ ants.

The first mill was erected in 1830 by Urial Jackson. This was a twohorse mill. The old settlers say that one could mash the corn about as fast as it would grind. To improve his mill he went to the Osage river, where millstones could be cut from the rock, and brought back a pair of burs. The next was Wade's mill, on Blackwater. It was turned by water-power, and stood near the present iron bridge.

The first hog thief is said to have been fined $100 and put in jail, but the jail not being much better than a pole pen he made his escape. The first horse thief stole a horse from Nicholas Houx and Jonathan Fine in 1832. The thief was pursued by these valorous pioneers and caught in the Gasconade hills and given 256 lashes on the naked back.

though possessed of no very favorable circumstances, his parents having so many to provide for, he pushed forward to the position in life he now occupies. His father settled near Tabo Grove, in Lafayette county, in 1829, when James M. was only eighteen years ot age. In 1831-2 he attended a series of lectures at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1834 he came to Johnson county, and made his home at the residence of Nicholas Houx, and it was not long till he won the hand and heart of Miss Elizabeth C. Houx, and on January 5, 1836, they were united in marriage, and soon commenced house keeping for themselves. The old log cabin in which they spent their honeymoon during 1836, is now used as a chicken house. This couple have led a happy life together, still living to enjoy prosperity given them hy the hand of Providence. By strict economy the doctor accumulated considerable wealth. In the year 1860 he owned a large number of slaves and about 3000 acres of fine land. He served one term as state representative of the county. He has, for a long time been a prominent man. He served as surgeon in the Osage Indian war. He was also in the Mormon war of 1834. Six of his children are living and four dead. Two of his daughters are yet under the parental roof. Polit¬ ically he was a staunch democrat till the greenback party began to take prestige, in 1876, when he joined heartily in the ranks of the " rag baby" party and has ever since showed his allegiance to this new party. To illnstrate the wonderful pluck of the doctor in his declining years he rode thirty miles to Lone Jack and back to an anniversary celebration, and on the following day rode to Warrensburg to a greenback meeting and remained at night to hear the speeches and returned home that night. This was horseback riding and the doctor did not complain of being fatigued. This was in August 1881. Dr. Brooks practiced medicine here at an early day. The only physician often had a circuit of twenty to thirty miles to visit his patients.

The first piece of land owned was that belonging to Pleasant Rice. He entered 80 acres in the spring of 1828, as follows: The wj nej sec¬ tion 10, township 47, range 27. The patent was issued from the general land office, March 6th, 1829, Independence of the United States, fiftythird, signed by Andrew Jackson, president, G. W. Graham, commis¬ sioner of the general land office; Certificate 780, vol. II, page 327. The piece of land was entered May 1, 1828. Nicholas Houx erected his house on the west half southwest quarter section 22, township 47, range 27, land also entered May 1, 1828. John H. Ingram entered west half southwest quarter section 5, township 47, range 27, also May 1, 1828. Eld. W. C. Duncan once resided within the limits of this township. He was born in Amhurst county, Virginia, January 1, 1827, of Scotch extraction. His parents came from Lincoln county, Kentucky, to Johnson county, Mis-

Mr. Duncan states that in 1850 he joined the gold hunters and went to California; he returned on an English sail vessel not much wealthier but a great deal wiser. He was commissioned by the county court as justice of the peace for Kingsville township, where he resided till July 20, 1874. In 1875 he was selected to solicit aid for the grasshopper sufferers. He was commissioned by Gov. C. H. Hardin as notary public in the county for a period of six years, from February 16, 1876. He is now a poor man but full of common sense, and has spent considerable of last years in preaching the gospel for which the Lord will bless him as he deserves. He now resides in Warrensburg township.

In a few adjacent -settlements the Mormons would hold meetings and get a few converts. It is said that they would woo a wife in one settle¬ ment and then go to another for the same purpose, and in this way got a great number of recruits to the army of Latter Day Saints.

For a long time Columbus was the county seat. The courts would meet at the residence of the late Nicholas Houx or under a shade tree near by. The county seat was first located three miles east of the present site of Columbus on the farm of Mrs. Fanny Cockrell, but the selection met with much opposition from other parts of the county. The commispioneers reconsidered their decision and selected the present location.

The first election held here was in 1832, and forty-four votes were cast, forty democrats and four whigs. The democrats became indignant at the whigs and insisted that they should be ducked in the creek, but through the influence of the more thoughtful the project was abandoned. In 1834 the democrats cast 100 votes and the whigs 44. Pleasant Rice, the clear headed old pioneer, was appointed by the court and ordered both of these elections. Since then the whig element has died away and by the changes wrought by internecine war, other parties have sprung up, yet the democratic spirit still burns in the hearts of the descendants of the fathers who stood by Jefferson and Jackson, the founders of the party.

The first store was erected in 1836 by Wm. Beaty. Nicholas Houx kept a tannery here, and P. L. Hudgins kept a whisky shop. The latter soon left with his "fire water" and started the town of Blackwater.

At that time, under the law of the state, the church could not own property, so the eighty acres of land on which Columbus was built was entered by Samuel Ramsey, Dr. R. Rankin and Rev. Robt. D. Morrow, for the church, in their names. The town was laid out by Mr. J. Epper in 1836. The same year (1836) the village of Blackwater was started and laid out by P. L. Hudgins in March, 1836, on the N. E. qr., S.E., sec. 28, T. 47, R. 27. The man Hudgens was afterwards converted to the Christian faith, abandoned the whisky shop, and commenced preaching the gospel. He was a man of- some talent.

The town of Columbus was one of the first trading places in the county. At present G. C. Wolf is selling groceries and dry goods here. The place has a blacksmith shop also. The postoffice since the war has had the following postmasters: Newton Stogden, Geo. Stepper, L. Y. Hyatt, G. W. IIoux, W. H. Violett, L. T. Hyatt and E. Cobb. Columbus mills are one mile west of town. At present the old village of Columbus is nothing more than a country store, postoffice, and a few shops. Its glory faded long ago. The churches are the chief attractions of the village, and their members are noted for piety. The postoffice was established here in 1832. The postmasters were Wm. Kincaid, Josiah Beaty, Jerry Washair. and Chas. D. Cobb. At one time the office was kept at Blackwater. The first postmaster, Wm. Kincaid, was postmaster for consid¬ erable time.

Columbus and several farm houses were burned on the 7th and 8th of January, 1862, by the "Kansas Redlegs." For these particulars we are indebted to Mr. J. E. Rankin. The following is a partial list of those who were burnt out of homes: R. Dalton, W. Violett, J. Stogden, Col. R. Cockrell, Mrs. Davenport, and several others. At one place two little children were set out in the snow while the house was wrapped in flames. Slaves were taken from their masters by these robbers.

This place may be said to be the birthplace of religion in Johnson county. It was in these groves that the first campmeetings were held. Almost cotemporary with the first settlement Rev. J. B. Morrow began to preach the gospel to these pure minded pioneers. The Christian heart of Robert D. Morrow constantly beat for the salvation of his fellows. He asked no money, but God blessed him with prosperity. For awhile there was preaching at the residence of Nicholas Houx, and for about one year only three families attended. Regular monthly meeting commenced in 1829. Soon after this a log church building was erected, and the first campmeeting was held in 1831 in a beautiful grove. Revs. Finis Ewing and Samuel King, founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, were present; also, Revs. Rob't King and J. B. and R. D. Morrow. Here the church began the great work that is seen everywhere over the county, of planting and sustaining organizations. Here was the first Sunday school, in 1834. James Harris and James Morrow should long be remembered as among the first Sunday school workers. A preachers' institute was organized here and taught by Rev. J. B. Morrow. The young students

R. D. Morrow, and in 1837 the people built a log house. In 1847 a brick house was built at a cost of $800. The house is one story, 40x32. The following pastors have served: Revs. Rob't D. Morrow, Jas. H. Houx, John A. Prathor, S. Finis King, A. Vanausdol and A. A. Moore. The names of the original members are Nicholas Houx, Rachel Houx, James B. Harris, A. Harris and Isabelle Foster. The first records are lost. The present membership is 102. The average number attending Sunday school is forty, and Wm. Woods is superintendent.

The first church house was made of large, hewn logs, and built by the people of the vicinity. The second house, a brick, was built by subscrip¬ tion, Cornelius Gaut, Wm. Davis and Charles D. Cobb leading in the enterprise. James Brown did the brick work and T. P. Taylor and R. M. Davis did the carpentry. The present large frame house was built in 1870 by subscription. When the church was organized in 1830, James B. Harris and Nicholas Houx were ordained elders, and after the reorganiza¬ tion bv Rev. R. D. Morrow, Wm. Davis and Wm. Whitsett were made elders. The first pastor, Rev. R. D. Morrow, was the first missionary sent out by the church, in 1818. The present pastor, Rev. S. F. King, is a grandson of Rev. Samuel King, one of the founders of the church.

The Church of Christ was organized by Elder D. Young, with con¬ siderable opposition at an early day in the history of Columbus. In July, 1865, the church was reorganized. The frame church building was erected in 1868, at a cost of $2,000. The following is a partial list of the pastors: Hiram Bledsoe, C. A. Hedrick, G. W. Longan, D. M. Grandfield and E. M. Monser. The original members were: E. A. Cheatham, Samuel B. Starks, James Myers, W. E. Frakes, Ralph Greenwell. Geo. F. Hedges is clerk. The present membership is 100. The average attendance of the Sunday school is 50. The superintendent is Nick Houx. Much of the history is lost. The early members have preserved no record of their meetings, and for the want of these we cannot do this denomination justice.

The M. E. Church, South. - The following is a list of the original members as far as could be ascertained: P. S. Baker, Willis Violett and wife, Wm. Wilcoxen, W. L. Long and wife, Chas. Cobb, Delia Rice and Virgil Fdce. Columbus does not appear in the records of the Methodists till 1843, at which time we suppose the society was organized. The follow¬ ing ministers were on this circuit: Revs. Thomas T. Ashley, 1843; Dan'l

The civic societies were but few because the pioneers did not have much faith in them. Lodge No. 85, A. F. and A. M., existed here prior to the war. A lodge of I. O. G. T. was organized here since the war, and is the most faithful and prosperous lodge in the county. It has done much good in educating the youth to shun the intoxicating cup and to furnish betttr associations than in the saloon. The people of the vicinity have always looked well to the religious and moral influence thrown about them. From 1830 onward, these good hearted old settlers have denounced the whisky traffic as a curse upon the morals of the county.

The Cemeteries of the township are among the oldest of the county. The first one is Columbus cemetery. Here the beloved Nicholas Houx was the first to " lie down to peaceful slumbers." The two churches now have cemeteries; besides there are several scattered over the township.

The Schools of the township were not neglected. Most of the pioneers came from the F. F. V's, and believed in education. " Education," Burke says, " is the cheap defense of nations."

From the old log school houses of fifty years ago to the present neat frame school buildings, there has been a chain of progress, only inter¬ rupted by a few years of civil strife. The teachers too have kept pace with the wheel of progress.

The first school taught was in 1833, by Z. T. Davis, at the farm house of Robert Craig. Mr. Maum and his wife, Lewis McCoy, Joshua Rogers, James Francis, Rev. Ben. Love, and Ben. A. Bradley are among the old teachers. Rev. R. D. Morrow was a teacher of excellent merit. The teachers of this period are: W. C. De Witt, John Sarency, C. A. Potterf, Albert Potterf, and Miss Nannie Dalton.

The Waldon school, (No. 84,) was built in 1868, at a cost of $700. The first director was James Middleton. The following teachers have taught: S. M. Corman, four terms; Henry Harmon, Miss Mattie Gaskin, Miss Minnie Morrow, Miss Maggie Brown, Wm. Cook, Miss Nannie Dalton, D. W. DeWitt, G. B. Longan, W. C. Knaus, Miss Jennie C. Woolsey, three terms; Albert Dunbar, Chas. A. Potterf, S. P. Culley, Henry C. Potterf, Miss Eula Tracy, and A. J. Sparks. The directors are: Jno. M. Rice, J. P. Welsh, and Samuel W. Campbell.

marauder gangs, Kansas redlegs and bushwhackers. Three of the redlegs were killed. These Kansas guerrillas set the village on fire, and then are said to have thrown their three dead comrades into the fire.

Concerning Cuss Jackson, the following anecdote is related by Mr. Russell: "It was supposed that Columbus township was a rendezvous of the confederates, being on the line between the southwest to the Miama crossing of the Missouri river. This was an old road. An old negro, Cato, played the drum. He had played in the battle of New Orleans with Jackson. Old Cuss Jackson had a peculiar way of calling his hogs, and the same called the confederates from the bushes. The federals went there in hot pursuit of supposed concealed confederates, and the old man met them at the gate with the old fife, with which he played at the battle of New Orleans, in 1814. He played for them and said, 'I am so glad to see you ; this is the same fife and tune that I played at the battle of New Orleans. ' "

The following is a story of a heroic girl as given by her brother: "On the night of January. 8, 1865, two men knocked at the door of an old gen¬ tleman's house by the name of Bedichek, living near Columbus, in this county, asking admittance to warm. The daughter, a girl nineteen years of age, on going to the window, saw that the men were armed with double-barrel shot-guns. She told them one might come in if he would lay down his gun. He did so, saying, " If that's all, I can do that.' Walking in, he refused to be seated, and went to the beds and examined them, inquiring if the old man and his daughter were the only inmates of the house. On being told that they were, he drew a revolver and pre¬ senting it to the old man's breast, said, " Old man, I came to kill you.' No sooner said than the old genleman seized the pistol with one hand and threw the other around the ruffian, and being very strong for his age, the old man succeeded in preventing him from shooting. By this time the daughter had concealed by her side a very heavy corn-knife, and when the would-be-murderer wrenched the pistol from her father's hand, she struck him on the head with the knife. Her fiery indignation arose, and with valor she went to work with her corn-knife. The first stroke cut off one ear and disabled the hand that held the dealy weapon. Then she com¬ menced her work on his head. In the meantime the old man had disen¬ gaged himself and walked back and procured a sword which he fortu¬ nately possessed, and pricked the miscreant through three times about the stomach. By this time he was shouting, ' Murder! murder! please, let me alone. I'll trouble you no more.' His comrade outside, hearing this, broke open the north door. The brave girl immediately rushed there and struck him a severe blow with the corn-knife, backing him out

-of the "house and bolting the door. She then put up a window shade that had fallen down. He then went around the house and fired two shots into the window and one in the door. The window being high from the ground carried the ball into the joist above. He then succeeded in break¬ ing open the outside door, and took his wounded comrade out. Next morning his hat was found by the hen-coop, hacked to pieces. Here it is supposed he died, and the corpse was taken off on horseback. The val¬ orous girl did her work well, and deserves a name in the constellation of those who defend their homes. With her it was not only self-preserva¬ tion, the first law of nature, but the saving of the life of a dear father. This noble act fully comprehends the fifth commandment of the deca¬ logue.

Warrensburg was the nearest military post, and word of the tragedy had reached the station. Capt. Box, accompanied by a scout of thirty militia came out to see what was done. The father and daughter on see¬ ing the scout approach, not aware whether friend or foe, decided to remain in the house and fight if necessary. The soldiers came in peacefullv, and the young lady took her large knife from its scabbard, which had concealed in her dress, and placed it on the mantel shelf. The cap¬ tain taking notice, remarked, ' What a brave lady!' She had been whet¬ ting her knife to fight all thirty of us.' Col. Crittenden was then in com¬ mand of the post, and on hearing of the lady's bravery, made her a pres¬ ent of a good Colt's revolver, something better than a corn-knife with which to defend her home. Several ladies of Warrensburg made her nice presents, and she won the universal praise and best wishes of all good citizens."

This noble hearted lady, Miss Mary M. Bedichek, married S. W. Campbell, in the fall of 1867, and is living near the spot of the tradegy of 1865. She is a lady of high moral culture, and a consistent, devoted, faithful member of the church of Christ. She is the same extraordinary lady, that the papers said so much about, who fasted forty-one days in the winter of 1879. She is now enjoying good health and a sound mind. Her father, F. A. Bedichek, is of French blood, and was born in Switzerland, came to the United States in 1836, and settled in this county in 1857. He can speak the French language fluently. His wite, nee Miss Mahulda Jib- was of good Virginia stock and well educated.

The agricultural interests of this township are excellent. Corn and wheat have long been the staple products. For upwards of twenty years after the old settlers opened their "patches," hemp culture was largely engaged in and brought considerable wealth to the farmers.

The horticulturist could not find a more favored spot in the county to become wealthy. The soil everywhere is well adapted to fruit growing. Every variety of apples, grown in this climate, do well here. Several