Lafayette County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 7 of 19)

Several years ago Mrs. W. H. Bowen found a monster tooth in Graham's branch, nearly under the bridge of the old Lexington and gulf railroad grade, where Graham's branch puts into Rupe's branch. Mrs. Bowen submitted the specimen to Dr. Alexander, and he pronounced it a genuine mastodon tooth. Master Frank Lamborn, the " printer's devil,'* of the Lexington Intelligencer office, also has a mastodon tooth which was found in Graham's branch. And " thereby hangs a tale." Graham's branch, flowing westward along the southern border of the city of Lexington, is supplied with water mostly from an immense spring (the Mastodon spring), which flows out of the ironated sandbed underlying the bluff formation in all this region. At the point where this spring flows out, and for, perhaps, a hundred feet along down the stream, its bed and margin are miry, or composed of quicksand - very treacherous to tread upon.

The supposition is that in the ancient time, a mastodon' strolled along up this branch to cool and refresh himself with its perennial waters, but venturing too far, got mired in the quicksand, so that he could not extricate himself, and so died there. The conditions there were not favorable to a long preservation of his bones, and they long since dissolved away, but the teeth above mentioned remained to tell the story of the "Mastodon spring," and its prehistoric tragedy, at the city of Lexington.

In 1877 a petition was presented to the county for the appointment of a time for the people of Lafayette county to make a special and united effort for the extermination of the rat pests. The court appointed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 27, 28, 29; and it will never be know how many thousands of rats went to hades on those days.

In the Lexington Register of December 23, 1869, we find the following: " Mr. Robert Pucket, living in Old Town had been for some days bothered with an animal, in many things resembling a rat. He used every means at hand to capture it, but was unsuccessful. He then laid poison for it. Two or there days afterwards, he was removing a hearth in his house, and found his strange visitor dead. It proved to be a double rat. It has two well formed heads, a large eye and a small one in each head, four ears, eight legs and two tails. Mr. P. has it on exhibition at his shop. It is to be regretted that this singular lusus naturae had not been captured alive. "

In 1868 a blue catfish, which weighed 206 pounds, was caught with a hand line, near the mouth of Tabo creek, by Jesse Hamlet. In 1869 Joseph Utt caught one, in a net, near the mouth of Willow creek, opposite Lexington, which weighed 218 pounds; and up to this time that was the biggest fish ever caught within the bounds of Lafayette county. In 1876, Charles Silver, a colored man, caught a channel catfish, with a hand line, right at Lexington wharf, that weighed 176 pounds. Many other "whoppers" were caught at different times, but the above three are the only ones reported as having been accurately weighed at the time.

Mr. Joseph Utt, of Lexington, followed fishing here for fifteen years, and is probably the best posted on the fish question of any man in the county. From him we obtain the following complete list of all the kinds of fishes found in these waters:

Schools And Colleges

In 1817, a settlement was formed a few miles west of where the town of Waverly now stands, by Littleberry Estes, John Evans, a Mr. Hyde, a Mr. Russell, and a few others, whose names are not known. They were mostly from Madison county, Kentucky. What is claimed to be the first school ever opened within the bounds of Lafayette county, was started in this settlement, in the winter of 1819-20, by a son of Mr. Estes. Miss Susannah Estes, a sister of this first and youthful schoolmaster, afterwards married William Fristoe, who was, for about forty years, a well-known citizen of the county. In 1822-3, this school was taught by Edward Ryland, a brother of the elder Judge Ryland, who was afterward appointed circuit judge for eighteen, and supreme judge for eight years.

But now comes John Catron, Esq., and says the first school in the county was taught by Benjamin Gooch, in 1820,* in what was called the Bedwell school-house, on the premises of the late Washington Johnson, about two miles east of Lexington, on the Dover road. Joseph Farrar

*As near as we can make out from all reports, the fact seems to be, that young Estes started a little private school on his own venture, in the fall of 1819 : and Mr. Gooch's school was a more public affair, started the next fall.

taught at the same place, in 1822. In 1823-4, John Drummond taught a school about a mile further east, on the same road, about where John McFaddin now lives. James Warren taught in John Catron's neighborhood, in 1822. James Fletcher taught a three months' school, in 1823, at his own house, where Col. Joseph Davis now lives. Col. John Stapp, afterward county judge, taught, in 1828-9, at the Swift school-house, near where Mr. Ford now lives. James Francis taught in or near old Lexingington, in 1829-30. Dr. A. T. Buck taught the first grammar school in the county, using the old log court house in Lexington for a school-room. Judge James Pearson taught in the Warder neighborhood one or two years prior to 1830; and a Mr. White taught there in 1835.* William Spratt taught, in 1833, about four miles east of Lexington, in the Catron settlement - in a house built by the father of George M. Catron, Esq., who has been county superintendent or commissioner of schools for about ten years past.

The school-houses at this time were rude log cabins with dirt floors, and seats made of slabs with pegs stuck in them for legs. They were "subscription schools,'" the teacher being paid $1 per month for each pupil, and boarding around among them. It was purely a private enterprise, the teacher taking the risk of getting enough to pay him for his time; but the community at large generally provided the school-house, which was also used for Sunday preaching and other public meetings of the neighborhood. Each new settlement or cluster of families would soon have a school after this fashion, and no particular improvement was made for fifteen or twenty years; the only branches taught were reading, spelling, arithmetic, and writing with a goosequill pen, and often pokeberry juice for ink; occasionally a little grammar was added. But in 1836 we find at Dover a school which had risen to the dignity of having a puncheon floor in its log house, and was in other respects quite ahead of the other schools in the county - hence it was known as the "Dover Academy." It was at this time taught by John A. Tutt, a cousin to Judge Tutt, now of Lexington. Mr. Tutt's school was so large that he had to have an assistant; and in addition to the common branches he also taught grammar, geography, natural philosophy, geometry and trigonometry. The pupils paid $1 per month for the "common branches," and $1.25 or $1.50, according to what "higher branches" they studied. Dr. Gordon (now of Lexington), attended this school in the winter of 1837-38, and the next year was an assistant in the same school, while also a student.

*For these particulars about the first schools in the county we are indebted to Wm . H. Chiles, Esq., John Catron, Dr. Wm. A. Gordon, aad Rev. Joseph Warder.

1842; and on the 22d of the same month his will was filed for record in the probate court. It contained the following bequest for school purposes:

" I give, devise and bequeath in trust to the county court of Lafayette county, in the state of Missouri, the sum of one thousand dollars, to be loaned out by said court on real estate security, of ample value and free from all incumbrance, and at the highest legal interest, to be continued at interest perpetually - and the. interest accruing therefrom to be applied under the direction of said court to pay the tuition or education of orphan or poor children under the age of sixteen years, at or within two miles of the county seat of said county."

He also gave a similar amount for the same object and under the same conditions, to each of the counties of Ray, Clay and Jackson. James and Robert Aull, of Lexington, and Samuel C. Owens, of Jackson county, were the executors of this will.

The above explains the "Aull fund" which has so mysteriously appeared as a special item in the annual school reports for some years past, the county court having placed it with the public school resources.

We could not find in Lexington the first annual report of county superintendent, as his returns are made directly to the state superintendent; but on applying to the latter officer we received promptly the following reply, dated Jefferson City, Aug. 1, 1881 : "The records of this office show the first annual school report of your county to have been made by J. L. Minor, in January, 1842. Copy enclosed."

The first printed annual report of the state superintendent that we succeeded in finding was that of 1870 - printed in 1871. From the tabulated returns from Lafayette county as given in that report we compile the following statistics: Total number of subdistricts, 82; total number of school houses, 76 - 6 brick, 63 frame, 7 log; 8 new frame school houses had been built during the year. Total number of white school children, 7,388; colored children, 1,286; total, 8,674. Total number in schools, 4,574. Of this last number 601 were in private schools, the balance in the public schools. The average number of months taught was 5. Total number of teachers, male 64, female 30; 1st grade certificate 32, 2d grade 62; average wages per month, male $55.11, - female $39.28. Estimated total value of school houses and grounds $58,278; furniture and apparatus, $4,175. At this time the school-age enrollment was between 5 and 21 years; and the total in the state was 690,250.

For some years the state school law required Teachers' Institutes to be held periodically, and made some provision for the necessary expense attending them, besides allowing teachers engaged in school their wages while attending the institute.

The first Teachers' Institute ever held in Lafayette county was at Lexington, in the old Masonic College, June 13th, 1867. The only names mentioned as taking part in itare G. K. Smith, county superintendent; Dr. D. K. Murphy, A. Slaughter, and A. M. Clay. The next Institute was appointed to be held at the public school house in Lexington, August 10, 1867; and others were held at the same place in succeeding years.

In November, 1873, one was held at Aullville, conducted by Prof. Baldwin, principal of the State Normal School at Warrensburg, who eight years afterwards told our present county school commissioner, Geo. M. Catron, Esq., that that Aullville Institute was the best Teachers' Institute he ever attended. We therefore make it a historic waymark in this sketch of our county's school progress. The executive committee were G. M. Catron, W. F. Bahlmann, L. B. Wright. Prof. Baldwin, conductor. The Institute continued from Monday morning, Nov. 24, till Saturday night, with from 21 to 27 separate exercises each day. We could not learn how many were in attendance, but found the following names of teachers who took leading parts in the exercises, to wit.: Miss Gussie Clowdsley, Miss Mattie Wallace; Messrs. Taylor Winn, J. G. Worthington, N. T. Moore, F. Thornton; Miss Ella Shaw, Miss Aurelia Miller, Miss Lucy W. McFarland; Messrs. Samuel M'Reynolds, J. M. Bediechek,

The teachers entered into the work with a zeal and enthusiasm which made this meeting, which was the largest one ever held in the county, also the most brilliant.

In November, 1874, another institute was held, under the same executive committee and the same conductor, Prof. Baldwin, at the village of Dover. But meanwhile the public provision for expenses had been abolished; the teachers had not only to do the work but also to pay the expenses; and the good people of Dover were generous in providing free entertainment for those who attended. From this time forward the county institutes rapidly declined and soon went out altogether - and for several years past no attempt has been made to hold them. School teachers cannot afford to hold them at their own private cost.

Total number of school houses in the county, 106; houses rented for school uses, 3 ; value of school property, $50,660 ; No. of white schools in operation, 90; ditto colored, 19; No. of teachers employed during the year - male, 63; female, 85. Average of salaries per month - male, $39.97|; female, $31,27. Total of teachers' wages during the year, $27,- 740.74. Average cost per day of tuition for each pupil, 8 cents. Fuel during the year cost $1,326.21. Total assessed valuation of the county, $7,426,240; rate per cent, levied for school purposes, 33 cents on $100.

The Aull School Fund

The last will and testament of John Aull, of Lexington, was admitted to probate February 22, 1842, and contained special bequests amounting in all to $62,000. Among the special bequests occurs the following: "I give, devise and bequeath in trust to the county court ot Lafayette county, in the State of Missouri, the sum of one thousand dollars, to be loaned out by said court on real estate security of ample value and free from all incumbrances, and at the highest legal interest, to be continued at interest perpetually - and the interest accruing therefrom to be applied under the direction of said court to pay the tuition or education of orphan or poor children under the age of sixteen years, at or within two miles of the couuty seat of said county." (The same amount, under the same conditions, was bequeathed to each of the' counties of Ray, Clay and Jackson.)

This bequest was received by the court, placed among the county's various funds, and remains intact to this very day. The interest goes annually into the public school fund of the city of Lexington.

County Convention Of School District Presidents

January 5, 1875, a convention of presidents of school districts was held at Lexington. The following list of that convention will serve to show the school system of the county:

Wm. Houx relates the following: In the forepart of the winter of 1838, George Houx and his brother Wm. Houx, originated the idea of establishing a high school. William Houx hewed cottonwood logs on an island in the river above Lexington, and floated them down to the town, and the same year erected a log house, 18ft by 20ft. He got the boards to cover the house from a large white oak tree that stood near where the

Baptist church now stands, corner of North and Poplar streets. This was the beginning of the high schools in Lafayette county. A number of ladies were principally educated here, who afterward became wives of prominent men of the state. The Messrs. Houx secured the services of Mrs. David Hogan, of Pettis county, to come and take charge of the school. The school continued in a flourishing condition for several years. The Messrs. Houx after a number of years, gave their interest to Rev. Robert Morrow. Mr. George Houx was the leader in this enterprise, and furnished all the means.

The Old Masonic College

It has been extremely difficult to get any data for a sketch of the early days of this historic institution, although some of its graduates have won honorable celebrity in their several spheres of life. We first interviewed five or six different men in Lexington who were supposed to know all about it, but we were always referred to some one else. We then wrote to Rev. Dr. Vincil, and here is his reply:

* * * I had full knowledge, but most strangely, I fail to remember those facts so as to answer your purpose. I have no papers or memorandum to which I can refer to assist me. * * * Everything was written down, and all papers and records were kept by Dr. Boulware, since deceased. * * * I think it probable that his widow, Mrs. Boulware, still residing in Lexington, has preserved them, and if so, I am sure it will give her pleasure to give you full access."

Thereupon we interviewed Mrs. Boulware, who said she had given all her husband's papers to Dr. Chapman, administrator of the estate, and to Zenophon Ryland, Esq. We sought Dr. Chapman, and he said no Masonic records or papers had come into his hands; then we found Mr* Ryland - and he did not remember about it, but said if he did receive any he sent them to the grand secretary, as the college was entirely under the control of the grand lodge. But really he did not think Dr. Boulware ever had any records of the college; he was secretary of the Masonic lodge, but not of the college. We give the foregoing facts to show how difficult it often is to get reliable historic data on a matter supposed to be

We finally got the following points from Mr. James Cloudsley: "After considerable discussion in the grand lodge over the proposition to establish a college for the orphan children of deceased Masons, it was finally decided to do it, and the cities of Lexington and Palmyra became rivals to secure its location; but Lexington made the Largest offer, subscribing $30,000 toward it, and thus it became located here. In the spring of 1847 the corner-stone was laid, with the usual ceremonies, by the grand master, Joseph Foster, E. Winsor and Wm. P. Walter being marshals of the day. The main building was erected that year, and in 1848 it was dedicated by Grand Master Foster. It was controlled entirely by the grand lodge; it was primarily for the benefit of the orphan children of deceased Masons; and each member in the state was to pay a small per capita tax to support the collage. H. Sherwood was the first president of the board of trustees. The first professors were Archibald Patterson and Matt. Williams.

Gen. John S. Marmaduke, of Saline county, Judge Samuel F. Gilbert, of Platte county, Missouri, and Stephen B. Elkins, member of congress from New Mexico, were educated in this college, and have since distinguished themselves.

The people of Lexington raised altogether about $32,000 and put into the buildings and grounds of this institution. But when the civil war broke out in 1861 it was early occupied as a military post, and was alternately in possession of federals and confederates all through the war. Soon after the close of the bloody struggle the old college building was converted into a military institute by the state authorities. But in this character it soon became such a palpable farce that the state returned it to the Masons.

By Mr. Miller, of Lafayette: On leave, resolution that a committee of five be appointed to visit the Missouri Military Institute, at Lexington, and report its condition to the house.

Mr. Miller said that the institute there was a swindle on the state. The military part of the institution consisted of four colored youths, who periodically parade around the dilapidated building. The superintendent resides in two rooms of the building. Beyond that it is unoccupied. About two hundred dollars had been spent in improving the house. It was a burlesque upon the design of its founders and proprietors. He would like to know what had become of the $3,000 a year appropriated to the institution. The state should either re-cede the grounds and property to the donors, or establish there a school worthy of the name. The money is drawn out of the treasury on some pretext of official requisition, but the accounts should be examined to find how the funds had been applied.

The governor had informed him in effect that there had been no school there for twelve months. The motion was adopted, and Messrs. Miller, Weinrich, Powell, Ithner and Key were appointed.

Central Female College

of the Methodist Episcopal church south, on condition that they would maintain a first-class female college in the building, and furnish free tuition to a limited number of daughters of deceased or indigent Masons.

The Central Female College was organized in 1869, and duly incorporated, with all the powers usually pertaining to a collegiate organization. Many of the members of this new body had been among the original incoi porators of the Old Masonic College, so that the ultimate succession was the more easily effected. Wm. Morrison was first president of the board of curators. The first session of the new female college opened on the first Monday in September, 1869, with Dr. Wm. F. Camp as acting president of the faculty. He was in a short time succeeded by Dr. J. O. Church, who filled the chair about two years, and was then followed by X)v. W. T. J. Sullivan. The next president was Rev. Marshall Mcllhany; and after him W. F. Kerdolff, Jr., the present incumbent.

W. F. Kerdolff, Jr., was born in Lexington, Missouri, in October, 1853. During his early life he attended constantly either private or public schools in his native town, and in the fall of 1870, left home to attend Central College at Fayette, Mo., where he remained four years. Very early in life he united himself with the M. E. church south, and has since remained a consistent member of the same. During the time he was at college, he obtained license to preach, and since that time has continued his relation of " local preacher " in his chosen church. Soon after leaving college he married Miss Alice Eaton, an estimable young lady who resided near Fayette and whose father and mother are of old Kentucky and Virginia stock. In the fall of 1875, he began teaching school in Morgan Park Military Academy, near Chicago, 111., where he remained two years. At the end of this time he came back to his old home, Lexington, Mo., and took charge of the Lexington High School, where he had graduated before leaving home to attend college. In this position he remained three years and was re-elected for the fourth year, but declined the proffered position and was soon after called to the presidency of Central Female College. Under his administration the college is now in a more prosperous condition than ever before, there being more pupils enrolled at this time of the present year, October, 1881, than during the whole of any previous "year.

Elizabeth Aull was born at New Castle, in the state of Delaware, in 1790. She united with the Presbyterian church of her native town when about fifteen years of age. She was sister to James, John and Robert Aull, and Mrs. Maria Pomeroy, all of whom were early settlers and in their lifetime, wealthy and prominent citizens of Lexington. As early as 1839 we find the names of Elizabeth Aull and her sister Mrs. Pomeroy and ' brother James, among the first members of the Presbyterian church, which was organized in Lexington during that year. There were twenty of those first members, and Mrs. Pomeroy is the only one of them who is still living, 1881.

In 1857-8 Elizabeth had a lingering sickness which finally resulted in her death. During this period she meditated much upon what she should do with her property, she having about $150,000 in her own right; and it was in this time of protracted wasting of body that she formed her plan and purpose to do something for the education of the young women of this state, for she had observed that the provisions for their education were meager and insufficient. Also, about this time occurred the business failure of H. S. Chadwick & Son, to whom she had loaned $10,000 and taken security on Mr. Chadwick's fine residence. This mansion was about to become her property, and it seemed like a providential provision for the female seminary which she was planning in her mind. The plan and purpose and determination of the project was entirely her own ; and after she had fully decided upon it, then she called in her pastor, Rev. B. M. Hobson, and asked his counsel about some of the lesser details of the matter. It has been commonly believed that Mr. Hobson had used his influence to induce her to devote some of her ample means in this way, for the benefit of the church, but Mr. Hobson himself says it was not so; and Mrs. Pomeroy also informs us that it was Elizabeth's own doing - that she did not even mention the matter to her until she had determined upon it, and thought of the Chadwick house as a nice place for the school.

j6l/i. I give and bequeath to Robert Aull, George W ilson and Rev. B. M. Hobson, as trustees, upon the conditions and subject to the restrictions hereinafter named, the following real estate situated in the city of Lexington, Missouri, viz: The real estate recently purchased by me of Hanson S. Chadwick, and now in his possession, embracing lots numbered five, six, seven, eight and nine, in block number two, in Mundy's addition to the town of Lexington, as described in the plat of said addition, now on file in the recorder's office for said county of Lafayette, the real estate hereby bequeathed, being the whole of the real estate conveyed to me by the said H. S. Chadwick and wife by deed dated the 29th day of September, A. D., 1858. In trust, however, to be used as a female seminary of learning, under the management and control of the Presbyterian church, in Lexington, Missouri, of which I am now a member; upon condition, however, that upon said premises such seminary shall be opened and established within three years after my death. And, if upon said premises such seminary shall not be opened and established within the period aforesaid, then said premises and every part thereof shall revert to and become a part of my estate ; or if after said seminary shall be so opened and established, said premises shall cease to be used for the purpose aforesaid for a period of two years, then said premises and every part thereof shall revert to and become a part of my estate. And, in the event, for the reasons aforesaid, or either of them, said premises shall revert to my estate, I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof to my residuary legatee hereinafter named, his heirs and assigns forever. And, if in addition to the real estate above specified, which I value at ten thousand dollars, a further subscription of ten thousand dollars in money, shall be made and paid to the proper person or persons, for the use and benefit of said seminar)'-, within three years after my death, then I give and bequeath to the said trustees, above named, the further sum of ten thousand dollars for the use and to be expended for the benefit of said female seminary.

This will was signed and sealed by Miss Aullin the presence of Edward Stratton, Wm. P. Boulware and A. H. McFadden, October 1, 1858. Her death occurred December 12, 1858, and on December 18th the certificate of probate was issued. February 22, 1859, the will was recorded, and the executor named in it (Robert Aull) was placed under bonds of $150,000 for his faithful execution of its many bequests.

The citizens of Lexington soon commenced making subscriptions toward the additional $10,000 which were necessary to secure the bequest. About $6,000 were subscribed; but it began to be feared that under the conditions of the will some state of facts might occur which would cause the whole property, subscriptions and all, to revert back to the residuary legatee. The requisite $10,000 could not be made up, and consequently the Chadwick property, and the contingent $10,000 named in the will would soon fall to John Aull, as the will provided. At this stage of affairs Mr. Aull made a proposition which should still meet, legally, the terms of the will, and at the same time not defeat his sister's wish to found a female seminary. He would take the Chadwick property, as the will provided he should, and give his own house in place of it for the school; and give one-half of the contingent $10,000. This was not nearly so liberal a provision as Miss Aull had herself intended to make; Mr. Aull's house was not so good a one, and the amount of money was only half; but it was a great deal better than to lose the school entirely, because the $10,000 ''additional subscription" could not be raised. So the working friends of the enterprise accepted Mr. AulFs proposition, as the best they could do under the circumstances. And about $2,000 of the $6,000 which had been subscribed were ultimately paid in, notwithstanding this change of plan. Stephen G. Wentworth has been one of the trustees from the beginning; he was treasurer seventeen years, and president of the board three years; he donated to the school a telescope and some other scientific apparatus, besides other liberal benefactions.

The legislature of Missouri chartered the constitution March 12, 1859, and incorporated Robert Aull, Rev. B. M. Hobson, Gen. R. C. Vaughan, Dr. J. B. Alexander, John Chamberlain, George Wilson, James Wilson, S. G. Wentworth, Samuel F. Taylor, A. W. Hutchins, W. J. Ferguson, Rev. T. A. Brachen, and Edw. M. Samuel, as the original board of trustees.

Rev. Lewis Green Barbour, A. M., now professor of mathematics, Central University, Richmond, Kentucky, was chosen the first president. Under his management the school opened its halls for the reception of students September, 1860. The school prospered under his care, and made for itself a fine reputation. The war, however, soon came on; while the school was not closed, it materially interfered with its peace and prosperity. Mr. Barbour remained, true to his trust, until the war closed, when he resigned, and was succeeded 'bv Capt. Rufus W. Finley, A. M., who entered upon his duties in the fall of 1865. His term of office closed in the summer of 1867.

The next president was Rev. J. A. Quarles, A. M., a graduate of Westminster College, Missouri, during the incumbency of Pres. S. S. Laws, now at the head of the State University. This was the beginning of a new era in the history of the seminary. Mr. Quarles, in addition to his tutelage for eight years, under Prof. F. T. Kemper, of Boonville, Missouri, had attended the college at Fulton, had passed two years at the great University of Virginia, then at the zenith of its glory, and had taken theological course at the world-renowned seminary of Princeton, New Jersey. Possessed thus of an unusually liberal education, he was also gifted with energy and rare executive and organizing talent. He threw his whole soul into the work, and thoroughly remodeled the school from top to bottom. The present plan, which is quite peculiar, is his work. Its radical features were introduced by him at once; but the minutiae have been the result of his thought, experience, and observation since he has been engaged in the work. He was fortunate to associate with himself

Mr. Quarles continued at the helm for three years, during which period the school grew in patronage until it became necessary to add the left wing to accommodate its increasing members. The joint labors of the church and school proving too much for him, he resigned the presidency in 1875, and Rev. Jas. M. Chaney, A. M., was chosen his successor. The administration did not last longer than three years, when he was followed by Maj. A. H. Todd, A. who conducted the school one year.

In 1877 Mr. Quarles, having been laid aside from the ministry by what the physicians pronounced an incurable disease of the throat, was again chosen president for a period of ten years. The past four years of his second administration have been growingly prosperous. In 1879 Mr. Quarles purchased the square of ground adjoining the Seminary on the southwest, and converted the brick building that was on it into the Preparatory Department. In it are also rooms for the school of Design. In 18S0, the buildings still being crowded, seven additional rooms were added in the rear of the chapel. Even this did not furnish the accommodations needed, and so, later in the y^ar 1881, Mr. Quarles bought the square next southwest, on which stood the elegant and commodious mansion which was Miss Aull's original bequest to the Seminary. This he occupies as a residence, and as a home for any pupils who may not be able to find accommodations in the main buildings of the Seminary. In the cut of the grounds as found in this volume, the three adjacent squares, all under one enclosure, are presented. The buildings on the right, as you look at the picture, are the Seminary proper, containing the chapel, recitation, music and sleeping rooms, all under one roof. The central building is the Preparatory Department. The house on the extreme left is the president's mansion. These buildings have but two stories, and thus long stairways are avoided. The main buildings are lighted throughout with gas. The grounds altogether enclose something over six acres. The location is the bluff of the Missouri river, the buildings overlooking the turbid waters of that majestic stream. The health of the institution has been so good, that not a single death has occurred amongst the boarders or teachers during the twenty-one years of its existence.

The studies are divided into two grand departments; easily, naturally and necessarily seperable from each other. Each of these are sub-divided carefully and accurately. The sciences are arranged into subordinate departments. The preparatory, the intermediate and the collegiate. This division is, of course, based upon grade. The collegiate department of the sciences is arranged into separate schools: The school of English, of mathematics, of history, of languages, of physics, of metaphysics, and of the Bible. The department of the arts is also classified into schools: the

The course of study in mathematics embraces the calculus; in physics, ten of the natural sciences, in languages, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Anglo- Saxon, German. French, Italian, and Spanish. In music, the course is classical and unusually extensive.

In the collegiate department, the graded system has been abandoned, and the elective substituted for it. This is one of the more radical features, and, as its friends claim, most important reforms. Each pupil is graded in each study according to her attainments in that study, and without reference to her proficiency in anything else; and no pupil is advanced or retarded bv those who belong to her grade. A parent or pupil may select iust those studies which taste and talent may indicate. There is no treadmill course. Each one stands exclusively on her own merit in each department. The pupils are not graduated by classes, each one must work her way, study bv study, until she has passed successfully all the written examinations of the course. The work of no other institution is accepted. That is, if a pupil has passed to the senior year in another college, and then comes here, she must stand the regular written examinations of this seminary in the studies she has pursued, if she wishes to graduate. As proof that the standard for graduation here is exceptionable high, Mr. Quarles points tp the fact that during the seven years of his prosperous administration, onlv five young ladies have received the baccalaureate diploma, while the mistress' degree has not yet been even attempted.

Another peculiarity of this seminary is its partial diplomas. If a pupil here does no more than pass the examination in spelling, she is given a certificate of that fact. So she is awarded a similar testimonial for every success that she attains. If she passes five examinations, or fifteen, she is given an authentic record of it, with her standing in each. Moreover, quite a number of distinct diplomas are given, besides those for the baccalaureate and mistress' degrees of science. In each school of studies, a baccalaureate and a mistress' diploma are offered. So there is a normal degree for teachers. A seminary degree, corresponding to that usually given bv female colleges. Bv these means, all the varieties of taste and capacity can be accommodated: each girl is stimulated and encouraged> and exact justice is done to every pupil upon her record.

Another characteristic is written examinations. These are the foundation for all the honors that are offered. No public exhibition has been given for eleven vears.

J. A. Quarles, president of the Elizabeth Aull female seminary, was born in Clark's Fork township, Cooper county, Missouri, near Boonville, April 30, IS 37, of parents who had emigrated from Virginia the preceding fall. When he was nine years old he was so fortunate as to be placed under the care of the famous Prof. F. T. Kemper. Here he rema:r-: until the summer of 1^54, having completed the course of mathema: including the calculus, and having read a full - : :he Greek and Latin

He was then sent to the university of Virginia, where he spent nearly two Years. This institution was then at the zenith of its prosperity, having an annual attendance of over six hundred students. In the summer of IS 54 Mr. Q. returned to Boonville, and Prof. Kemper having accepted a professorship in Westminster college, he was asked to take temporarv charge of the schools, which he did for the next school year. In the fall of 1*57 he entered the theological seminary of the Presbvterian church at Princeton, New Jersey, where he remained two years enioving the instructions of its celebrated professors. In the spring of 1S55, Prof. Kemper being a professor in the college at the time, he was admitted into the senior class of Westminster college. Missouri, where he graduated first in his class, after an attendance of onlv three months.

In the spring of IS 59 he returned to Missouri from Princeton, and was licensed to preach, April 9, by the presbytery of Missouri, in the Presbvterian church of Columbia. He then went to Springfield, Mo., with a view to a permanent settlement, but in the fall of the same vear he received a call to the church at Glasgow, Mo., which he accepted, and where he was ordained and installed pastor Februarv 15, I860, and remained until January, 1866. He was successful in his work here, the church having quadrupled its members during his stav of six vears.

January, 1866, he removed, upon invitation, to Lexington. Mo., and preached his first sermon as pastor on the opening Sabbath of the new year. The congregation had been scattered and the church was a good deal discouraged. He remained pastor until September, 1S73 - nearlv eight years - during which time 2*39 persons united with the church, about two-thirds upon an original profession of faith.

September. 1873, Mr. Q. was called to the High street church, St. Louis. He accepted and removed to that citv: but was almost immediately informed by the most skilled phvsicians there that he was the victim in an aggravated form of the "preacher's sore throat." He continuec labors, however, enjoying the skilled treatment of Dr. Wm. C. Glasgow, until the summer of 1*74. when he w - reluctandv compelled to give up the profession for which he had been trained, to which he had gr his early enthusiasm and was most ardently attached, and in which he had been greatly blessed. During his brief and trving ministrv in St. Louis 88 persons united with the High street church.

July, 1*74, Mr. Q. returned to Lexington, and went, for his health, to spend the summer in Colorado. In the fall, for the support of his familv, he opened a drug store in Lexington: and this proving inadequate, he accepted from Mr. Wm. B. Steele the position of deputy county clerk of Lafayette county, and entered upon his labors January, 1875. Here he remained until the summer of 1877, having the satisfaction of seeing the county in far better condition than when he entered its service.

In the summer of 1870, while Mr. Q. was pastor of the Presbyterian church, he was elected to the presidency of the Elizabeth Aull seminary, under the control of that congregation. For three years he discharged the double duties without rest, winter or summer, Saturday or Sunday. This was doubtless the cause of the failure of his health. In 1S73, as already stated, he resigned and went to St. Louis. In 1877 he was re-elected to the presidency of the seminary for a term of ten years. This position he now fills.

Oct. 11, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie W. Field, daughter of Wm. H. Field, Esq., a distinguished lawyer of Pettis county, Missouri, whose tragic death at the hands of the federal soldiery was one of the most shocking incidents of our civil war. Mrs. Q. still lives, and is the mother of ten children, but five of whom, however, are now living.

The Baptist Female College

The seed germ from which this excellent institution of learning sprang, was sown in about 1853, in the shape of the first female seminary, or select school for young ladies, established in Lexington, by Rev. A. V. C. Schenck, which, at that time was not under the auspices of any particular denomination. Rev. Mr. Schenck had in June, retired from the pastorate of the first Presbyterian church of Lexington, and then started this school. In 1855, this was merged into the Baptist female college, under the auspices of a joint-stock company, known as the "Blue River Baptist Association," the trustees of which procured a charter in the same year, and purchased a building at a cost of $24,000, [the old brick court house], located in that part of Lexington, known as " Old Town, " and elected the Rev. E. S. Dulin, D. D., president. Under his direction some $6,000 or $8,000 were expended in fitting up the building, and beautifying the grounds in order to render it a suitable place for the education of young ladies. As the result of his judicious management the school became one of the best female colleges in the state. He resigned the presidency in 1859, and Professor J. B. Budwell was requested to occupy the place until a suitable successor could be found. In the same year the Rev. J. A. Hollis was elected president, under whose control the school attained a high degree of prosperity, the attendance reaching above two hundred. He retained his position until 1861. During that year when the federal's came to occupy Lexington, it was at once seen that the edifice of the Baptist college, and that of the Masonic college, for the education of young men, were very suitably located for garrison and hospital purposes, and the federal authorities required that these buildings should be vacated. Thus two of the best educational institutions of the state were obliged to suspend. Except for the short time during which General Price held Lexington, the federal authorities held undisputed possession of the college building for hospital purposes, and even during that time the sick and wounded federals, who were unable to bear transportation were allowed to remain, and upon the departure of the confederates were left in quiet possession of the building, where they were found by the federals upon their re-occupation of the city.

Shortly afterwards the authorities converted the building into a pesthouse, and the small-pox patients of their army were sent to it. During the mutations of the war, these poor fellows were frequently neglecLed. The citizens of Lexington kept them from starving, but for want of transportation could not furnish them with the necessar}*- supplies. In consequence ot the severity of the weather, and of the limited supply of fuel, they were obliged to burn the doors, door and window casings, etc., in order to keep themselves from freezing. Hence when the building again came into the possession of the trustees, after the war, it was found to be entirely unfit for occupancy, and this fact, together with that of its having been used as a pest-house, rendered the board unwilling to re-occupy it as a college. They, therefore, disposed of the building and grounds for the pitiable sum of $4,000. Thus was a property worth at least $35,000, sacrificed. The board of trustees has never put in a claim for this loss, but they have petitioned the general government to allow them a fair rental, - or about what they had previously received, a thousand dollars a year, for the four years during which the federals were in possession. They have been informed that the claim has been allowed, but no appropriation has yet been made for its payment. This has worked a great hardship to the friends of the institution. In their efforts to re-establish it they have contributed and expended $25,000, but in defiance of their best efforts they find the college burdened with a debt of $4,227, and during the past twelve years they have been obliged to provide for the annual interest at the rate of ten per cent on the above debt.

During the year 1854, while the college edifice was still occupied by troops, Dr. K. S. Dulin consented to resume the presidency, and other buildings were secured. Under his judicious management the prosperity of the school was restored, and it soon became necessary to provide additional accommodations. Accordingly, in 1868, the present college buildings were purchased for $11,500, and $4,300 expended in fitting them up for school purposes. Dr. Dulin presided over the interests of the college until 1869, when he was induced to accept the presidency of Stephen's college at Columbia, Missouri. The lamented D. H. Selph, D. D., was his successor, becoming president of the college in 1869, and although as

In June, of the same year, Prof. A. E. Fleet was chosen to the presidency and during his administration the school steadily increased in popularity and efficiency. During the summer of 1876, owing to the increase in the number of boarding pupils, the trustees, at a cost of $2,000, added a new story to the main building, which with its mansard roof and tower, make it one of the handsomest and most convenient school-buildings in the state. The whole house has been fitted for gas and the use of kerosene has been entirely discontinued. During the session of 1876-7 the number of boarding pupils was fifty-six and that of day pupils the same - one hundred and twelve in all.

Frequent improvements, have since been made, involving the expenditure of several thousand dollars. In 1»79, Prof. Fleet resigned his position to take the chair of Professor of Greek in the State University, and Professor John F. Lanneau, who still occupies the presidency, was appointed to succeed him. Prof. Lanneau was formerly professor of mathematics in William Jewell College, and for several years president of the Female College at Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Baptist Female College is divided into three departments - literary, art and home. The faculty for the coming year (1881-2), consists of fifteen teachers; six in the literary, six in the art, and three in the home departments. Prof. Charles Gimbel, of the art department, is a gentleman of national repute, as a music composer, being the author of over fifty pieces of sheet music published by leading houses. The average attendance during the school term in this college for ten years past has been about 125. The number in attendance October, 1881, was 121.

John F. Lanneau, A. M., president Baptist Female College, Lexington, Mo. Born in Charleston, S. C. in 1836. In 1856 graduated at the South Carolina Military Academy, at the head of his class, and was during his senior year assistant professor of drawing. In 1856, became tutor in mathematics in Furman University, Greenville, S. C, and the next year was appointed adjunct professor of natural philosophy and chemistry. In 1861 he enlisted in the war on the side of his native state, and was commissioned captain of cavalry in the Hampton Legion; in 1862 was lieutenant, and in 1864 captain of engineers;. and in this capacity served on the staff severally of Gen. Longstreet, Gen. Lee, and Gen. Hampton. At the close of war in 1865 he returned to his post in the Furman University and was made profesor of mathematics and astronomy. In 1868 he became professor of mathematics in the William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo. In 1873 Prof. Lanneau accepted the presidency of the Alabama Central Female College at Tuscaloosa, Ala. In 1879 he took charge as president of the Baptist Female College of Lexington, Mo., his present position ; and under his management the school is enjoying a very high degree of popular favor and financial success. Prof Lanneau was married in 1869 to Miss Louise S. Cox, of Greenville, S. C, a graduate of the Baptist Female College at that place.

Wm. Wentworth, son of Stephen G. and Eliza Jane Wentworth, was born at Lexington, Mo., December 30, 1852. When about fifteen years old he united with the Presbyterian church, and was a young man of high moral character; indeed, he was held in esteem and affectionate regard by the entire community. For about rive years he was well known to the business men of Lexington as acting teller of the Morrison-Wentworth bank. But his health began to decline; and in January, 1877, he went to Texas, hoping that the change of climate would restore him ; it did benefit him for two seasons - but death had marked him for its own, and there could be no permanent rejuvenation of the frail body. He returned to Lexington, May 2, 1879, and in ten days thereafter yielded up his spirit, falling asleep in Jesus, the dear and loving Savior in whom he put his trust. It was a great comfort to his father that William was providentially permitted to spend his last days at home, surrounded by true and faithful friends, and to breathe his life out with the serene and peaceful trust of the Christian's well anchored hope.

The father's heart was so profoundly touched with gratitude to God for this blessed comfort in his affliction, that he decided to make a thankoffering in some form of public benefaction, in token of his heartfelt thankfulness, and as a memorial of love for his noble son. After meditating upon and considering prayerfully various modes of public benefaction which presented themselves to his mind, he finally decided that as the Christian education of young women in Lexington was well provided for by three excellent female colleges, liberally sustained by their different religious demonstrations, he could not do a more useful thing than to establish in the same city a first-class academy for boys and young men. These were the circumstances, and these the motives out of which was born the new educational institution we are here recording. In 1878 the " First Presbyterian church of Lexington " dissolved its organization, and Mr. Wentworth bought their house of worship, on the corner of Elm and North streets, for $2,500, (the building orignally cost $11,000), with a view to carrying out the plan which he had formed for a male academy. In September, 1880, a school was opened in this building, under the name of "Wenworth Male Academy." In September, 1879, Prof. B. L. Hobson had opened in Lexington a select school for boys, but in view of Mr. Wentworth's plans, he merged his enterprise into the new academy, and associated with himself Prof. Sandford Sellers; they conducted the

" Now therefore, we, the undersigned, S. G. Wentworth and Wm. G. McCausland, of the Presbyterian church ; Henry C. Wallace of the Missionary * Baptist church; Edward Winsor of the Methodist Episcopal church south; George M. Catron of the Christian f church; Wm. F. Kerdolff, Sr., of the Episcopal church, and Benjamin D. Weedin, of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, hereby constitute ourselves, our associates, and successors, a body corporate and politic under the corporate name of ' Wentworth Male Academy,' for the period of 990 years from and after the date hereof, subject to renewals and extensions, and vested with all the rights, immunities, powers, and privileges granted to educational associations under article ten of chapter twenty-one of the revised statutes of Missouri of 1879."

Article III says: "The affairs of said corporation shall be managed by a board of seven trustees who shall be resident male members of the principal protestant churches in Lexington, Missouri, and vicinity. Said Academy shall be free from the control of any one religious denomination, but shaH"always be managed and taught by Christian men." Full provision is made for the filling of vacancies in the board; and if from any cause any one of the churches named should cease to exist in Lexington, then the church next nearest like it in form of doctrine and mode of worship shall be entitled to the lapsed representation in the board. And thus every contingency of the perpetual succession is provided for. This is in some respects a " new departure," and the very fact that six different religious denominations have thus united on a basis of mutual trust and mutual respect to manage a christian college by jointure of representation in its governing board, is one of the signs of the times full of good hope for the future.

The first annual catalogue of this Academy was issued in July, 1881, and showed a roll of fifty-three students at that time. Prof. Sandford Sellers, A. M., principal; Prof. A. W. Payne, A. B., assistant. S. G. Wentworth, president board of trustees; Geo. M. Catron, secretary; Wm. F. Kerdolff, treasurer.

In addition to the Academy building, Mr. Wentworth also purchased a house two squares further west, on the corner of north and oak streets, commonly called College street, for the Academy boarding house, so that students who did not reside with their parents or friends in the city could have a home together under the constant guard and counsel of the pro-

* There is a branch or body of Baptist people commonly called " Hardshell Baptists,1' who are opposed to missionary operations; and those Baptist churches which do engage in missionary work use the name il Missionary Baptist" to distinguish themselves from the anti-missionary body. fOr Disciples.

tessors, and a discreet, motherly Christian woman as matron. This building contains ten good rooms, besides the dining room and outside kitchen. Mr. Wentworth's idea has been to do for the cause of Christian education what he could during his own lifetime, and while he could see to it himself that his intentions were carried out and his money properly applied, instead of leaving a bequest to take all the chances of mismanagement or misappropriation by others after his death - an idea which is worthy of all commendation and public gratitude.

County Organizations

This society was orgagized in 1852, at Lexington, and had from fifteen to twenty members. Monthly meetings were held regularly, with interest and benefit. Matters concerning the diseases peculiar to this region, and their medical treatment, were sometimes discussed with much ability and research. Dr. J. B. Alexander and Dr. J. F. Atkinson were its delegates to the American Medical Association at its St. Louis session, in May, 1854. Dr. Alexander was secretary most of the time, but the society was broken up and its records lost during the civil war.

June 13, 1865, a meeting or convention of physicians was held at the court house, to organize a medical society to be "composed of resident physicians of the city and county." One object stated was to establish by joint interest a medical library which all might consult, of such costly books and charts as one physician alone could not afford to purchase. Of this meeting Dr. W. P. Boulware was president and Dr. J.W. Teader secretary. A committee consisting of Drs. Atkinson, Cooley, and Alexander was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. But we found no further record of this society.

The next record we find shows that the physicians of Lafayette county l^- met on Saturday November 20, 1869, in the court house in Lexington, for the purpose of organizing a county medical association, having for its object the discussion of medical subjects and the cultivation of brotherly feeing among the members of the profession. Dr. J. F. Atkinson was called to the chair and Dr. O. F. Renick was chosen secretary

On motion of Dr. A. V. Small the following gentlemen were elected permanent officers for the ensuing year: Dr. J. F. Atkinson, president; Dr. O. F. Renick, vice-president; Dr. Wm. P. Boulware, secretary. On motion the president appointed the following committee to draft a Constitution and By-laws, by which, when adopted the society is to be governened. Said committee to report at the next meeting of the society, viz.: Wm. P. Boulware, M. D.; T. S. Bolton, M. D.; P. H. Chambers,

In 1879 a "Lafayette County Medical Society" was organized at Higginsville. It holds monthly sessions at different places throughout the county It has met at Higginsville, Odessa, Mayview, and Lexington. No further particulars furnished.

This society was incorporated in 1855, for the purpose of promoting improvements in agriculture and manfactures, and in the raising of stock. It was the first enterprise of the kind in the county. The following were the original members or incorporators:

The society was authorized to hold land not exceeding thirty acres, and other property, including exhibition building, not exceeding in value $10,- 000. Judge Wm. T. Wood was its first president and E. Winsor, Esq., its first secretary. This society established and built the historic fair ground, about two miles southeast from Lexington city. It held many fine exhibitions, and kept up a good interest until the war time; but since that it has lain dormant.

and near the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis railroad. Their first annual exhibit occurred in August, 1881, and was a grand success. The managers of the first fair held by this society were: Dr. C. W. Seeber, general superintendent; H. G. Smith, assistant superintendent; B. S. Higgins, chief marshal; Mansfield Wilmot, assistant marshal; J. D. Conner, general superintendent of floral hall, agricultural and mechanical department; W. W. Preston, superintendent agricultural department: D. S. Swacker, superintendent of mechanical department; W. C. Beatie, superintendent, and Mrs. R. Todhunter, assistant superintendent of homi', field and garden: Mrs. H. C. Chiles, superintendent fruits and flowers; Mrs. Jackson Corder, superintendent of fine arts department; Mrs. H. J. Higgins, superintendent textile fabrics and materials; Geo. Catron, superintendent of poultry department; H. C. Chiles, superintendent sheep and swine.

At a meeting of the old citizens and soldiers of the war of 1812, held August 4, 1868, at the residence of Mr. James Hicklin, on motion of Henry Wallace, it was agreed that an " Old Men's Association " should be formed, comprised of persons of seventy years of age and upwards; that all persons present should record their names, age and place of nativity, which was done. On motion, Henry Wallace w is elected president and Jabez Shotwell, clerk.

On motion, Henry Wallace and Jabez Shotwell were appointed a committee to draft and present to the consideration of the association, a constitution, which duty was duly performed; the committee reporting the following which was unanimously adopted by the members present :

Art. 2. A clerk shall be elected at each meeting, whose duty it shall be to keep a record of all the names of the members, their age and nativity, and the proceedings of each meeting.

Art. 3. Meetings shall be held during the months of May and September of each year, at the houses of the different members, for mutual conversation and enjoyment.

Art. 4. All members of this association must be seventy years of age, or upwards and must be elected by the unanimous consent of the association.

The following is a complete list, as far as can be obtained from the records, of all who have joined up to the present time, with date of birth, place of nativity, and date of death if not living:

Henry Wallace, Sr., founder of the " Old Men's Club " association. Mr. Wallace was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, March 24, 1792, and died in Lafayette county, Missouri, May 27, 1875. His father, Hon. Caleb Wallace, a physician and Presbyterian minister of considerable eminence, was one of the earliest settlers of that region of territory afterwards formed into the State of Kentucky, residing there as early as 1782, when it formed a part of Virginia. His father was a native of Virginia, and was a member of the several conventions held preparatory to the formation of the state of Kentucky, as well as of the constitutional conventions of 1792 and 1799, under the former of which, Kentucky was admitted into the union. He was appointed judge of the court of appeals of Kentucky in 1792, and filled the position with honor till 1812. The maiden name of the mother of the subject of this sketch, was Rose Ann Christian, who was a daughter of Col. Israel Christian, a revolutionary soldier and highly respected citizen of Virginia. The subject of this notice had seven brothers and one sister, and was the survivor of them all. The sister, Priscilla, became the wife of Judge Wm. Logan, a well known citizen of the state of Kentucky, also, a member of its court of appeals.

Mr. Wallace was raised to manhood in his native county, with only sue opportunities for an education as a new country then afforded. At the age of twenty, he volunteered into the cavalry regiment of Col. McDowell for the war of 1812, and served under Gen. Wm. H. Harrison, in a vigorous winter campaign against the Indian allies of Great Britain, in Ohio and Indiana. After the expiration of his term of enlistment, he became a farmer within his native county, and soon after, on August 18, 1814, led to the marriage altar, Miss Elizabeth C. Carlyle, daughter of George Carlyle, an old veteran of the revolutionary war, and also, an early setder of Kentucky, from Virginia. This estimable Christian lady is still living near the city of Lexington, Missouri. Mr. Wallace united with the Baptist church in Woodford county, Kentucky, in 1823, and ever after lived in the communion of that denomination, a consistent Christian, characterized by deep piety and wide benevolence. He immigrated to Missouri and settled in Lexington, Lafayette county, in the spring of 1844, and resided in the city till 1853, when he removed to his farm a mile and a half south of Lexington, where he spent the remainder of his days. He enjoyed, in a high degree, the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens, both in Kentucky and Missouri, a tribute won by his exemplary life, public spirit and unimpeachable Christian character. He was endowed with great force of character; had a vigorous and well cultivated mind, and maintained to the end of life an abiding faith in the truth of the Christian religion, and the government and providence of God.

He was the founder of the " old soldiers' club," afterwards known as the "old mens' club " of Lafayette county, most of the members of which, like himself, have passed away from the battles and {oils of this life. He raised ten children. The eldest son, Caleb B. Wallace, a well known lawyer and once state senator of Kentucky, died in Missouri while on a visit to his parents and friends in 1855.

Three sons, Hon. H. C. Wallace, a prominent lawyer of Lexington, Missouri; Charles C. Wallace, of the same place, and Curtis O. Wallace of St. Louis, still survive him. One of his surviving daughters resides in Mound City, Illinois, and another in Jackson county, Missouri, and one, unmarried, at home with her mother; Three others, Mrs. G. W. Carter, Mrs. Dr. P. H. Chambers, and Mrs. F. C. Short, died some years ago, all leaving descendents.

Mrs. Marie Uphans, who resides in Freedom township, near Concordia, was born in Prussia, March 11, 1780. Her 100th birthday was' celebrated by a gathering of about three hundred persons. She is still living, October 1, 1881, aged 101 years and 7 months, and is doubtless the oldest living person in the county.

Alexander C. Hogan, of Davis township, was born March 1; 1783, near Richmond, Virginia.. He came to Davis township in 1839, and has lived there ever since.

Dr. Robert W. Rankin, now residing with Judge F. E. Barnet, in Sniabar township, was born in Kentucky, August, 1790. Served as magistrate in Lillard county several years before the name was changed, in 1825, to Lafayette.

Bettie Langhorn, a negro woman who died in Lexington, March 29, 1880, was born in Buchingham county, Virginia, during the winter of 1876-77. This was vouched for by Mrs. A. F. Brown, of Malta Bend, Mo., whose grandmother's family originally owned Betty as a slave and knew her age. Old Betty was the mother of eleven children, and finally raised a child of her own granddaughter. She was over 104 years old when she died.

Richard Collins Johnson, of Sniabar township, is over 9S years of age. He was a soldier under Gen. Jackson, and was in the battle of Talladega during the war against the Creek Indians in Florida.

Dover Township. - Mrs. John Lovelady, who was the bride of the first wedding in the county, and the mother of the first child born in the county. Jesse Cole, also of Dover.

There is a sort of " Early Settlers Association " in existence, of which every person who has resided forty years in the county is ex-qfficio a member; but no statistics of the organization were furnished.

The Old Whig Party-Of Lafayette

In 1861 that patriarch of the press in Lafayette county, Mr. Charles Patterson, wrote for the Waverly Visitor, some political reminiscences which have a historic interest and value. We here quote the main facts, after eliminating sundry personal and partisan matters that were local to the time:

When Lafayette county was first organized out of old Lillard, she had only thirteen whigs in her limits. * * * The county never exhibited signs of returning reason until 1838, when Mr. Burden and his compeers in the " good cause," at the sacrifice of much precious time, " bushwhacked" every neighborhood, and Mr. Burden, young as he was, mounted the " stump " in opposition to Democracy's champion, Col. "James Young, who had had the field almost to himself.

Two years passed over, and the campaign of 1840 approached. * * The whig cause increased in enthusiasm; 'log cabins' were built, 'hard cider' was drank, 'latch strings' were hung out side; and 'mass meetings' were held. 'Tippacanoe and Tyler too' were the watch words, and the 'union of the whigs for the sake of the union' was the great motto of the land. Previous to the state election in August, 1840, the whigs of Lafayette in mass meeiing nominated Drs. J. B. Vivion and Wm. Ward for the legislature. The canvass was an interesting one, and was conducted with enthusiasm.

Election day came on, and when the polls were closed, Lafayette was redeemed - the two doctors were elected by 25 majority. The result added a new impulse to the whig cause, and all attention was then directed to the presidential canvass. An immense 'log cabin' was erected and a 'tall' Harrison pole was raised. Election day arrived, and when the votes were counted, Harrison and Tyler had 75 majority over Van Buren and Johnson. * * John B. Clarke of Howard, was the whig candidate for governor, in August, and carried the county. Two years rolled by, and another county election was at hand. Mr. Burden was the nominee of the whigs for the legislature, the county having but one delegate under a recent apportionment. * * In 1844, Mr. Burden was returned to the legislature, and before the close of his second term, secured the location of the fifth branch of the state bank at Lexington.

* In November, Clay and Frelinghuysen obtained 480 majority, the parties then being purely whig and democrat. In 1846, the opposition to the whig party was only limited, and their candidates were elected without a struggle, and the year passed quietly. In 1848, the August election resulted in Lafayette, in large whig majorities for state and county tickets, and in November, over 500 majority for Taylor and Filmore. Two parties still extant. In 1850, we had an excited canvass for the legislature - Mr. Burden again being a candidate, and almost desperate efforts were made to defeat him. But the whigs of old Lafayette were true to themselves, and saved their county and party, by electing their entire ticket.

In 1852, the county still remained firm, and rm August returned the whig candidates to the legislature. Dr. I. S. Warten and Col. R. N. Smith were elected by a respectable majority. In November she gave Scott and Graham a handsome majority. In 1854, owing to certain movements among our foreign guests, and the manifest ambition of many -naturalized citizens in the union, the 'American,' or 'know nothing' party was organized, and whigs and democrats abandoned their former associations, and united with the 'dark-lantern' club. The elections all over the union were disastrous to any party that attempted to sustain the cause of foreign aspirants. Lafayette sent Wm. S. Field, Esq., and Maj. S. T. Niell to the legislature by large majorities. In 1856, at the August election, R. C. Ewing carried the county by upwards of 600 for governor, and the 'American' delegates to the legislature, Messrs. E. Burden and Wm. Morrison, were elected by nearly as large a vote. In November, - Filmore and Donnelson carried the county by a large vote. During the years of 1854, '55, '56 and '57, the Kansas imbroglio occupied a considerable share of the public attention, and attempts were made to seduce the ^American' majority in Lafayette into new issues. All failed, however, and Lafayette remained true to her virtue.

In 1858 Messrs. S. F. Taylor and E. Burden were elected delegates to the legislature by large majorities. There was no particular excitement, and the "American" candidates met with only a limited opposition. In 1860, just past, our readers recollect all the events and results. August placed two constitutional union candidates in the legislature, all the union state and county nominees were successful; and in November Bell and Everett carried the vote by a triumphant majority. New issues springing up after the presidential election had been decided, all parties underwent a material change. The union party retained its organization, only losing a few of its former members, while at the same time large accessions were made from the Douglas party, and a few from Breckenridge side. The result on the 18th of February last proves conclusively that Lafayette is decidedly a constitutional union county.

Lexington Express. - In October of 1839, Mr. Charles Patterson issued the prospectus of the Lexington Express - the first newspaper published in Lafayette county - from the office of the paper published at Liberty, Clay county, Missouri, which at that time was the only paper published west of Boonville and Fayette. In November of the same year he went to Cincinnati and purchased printing material; but on account of the Ohio river being low his press was not shipped until February following, and reached Lexington in March. Mr. Patterson was assisted in his enterprise by Messrs. James and Robert Aull, Eldridge Burden, Samuel B. Stramcke and Gen. James H. Graham. On the 4th of March, 1840, the initial number of the Express was issued. When the prospectus was issued, Henry Clay was the expected whig candidate for the approaching campaign ; but in the Harrisburg convention Gen. Harrison received the nomination for president, and the Express hoisted his name to its mast-head. This paper was published continuously until 1861, by the successive administrations of Charles Patterson; Patterson and Jacob M. Julian; Patterson, Julian and John R. Gaut; Patterson, Julian and Wm. Musgrove, Sr.; W. M. Smallwood and Julian, and Julian and R. C. Vaughan* It was issued as a daily during portions of 1860 and 1861, by Smallwood and Julian. The paper was suspended early in 1861, and the material was in custody of Ethan Allen at the time of the seige or battle of Lexington. With it he printed an " Official Bulletin," containing the reports of all the confederate officers, the next day after Col. Mulligan's surrender.

Western Chronicle. - In 1848 a democratic journal was founded by Harrison Branch; this was succeededby the Western Chronicle in 1850, which was published until after the Presidential election of 1852.

American Citizen. - This paper was founded in 1855 by William Mus grove, Senior. It advocated the "Know Nothing" branch of politics; but after a brief existence of two years expired with its founder.

The Expositor was established in 1856, by Yost & Stofer, who wer succeeded in 1858 by William Anderson, as editor. It was democratic in principle and its publication was continued until the latter part of 1861, when the greater part of their apparatus was carried away by the First Regiment Kansas Volunteers.

Missouri Cumberland Presbyterian was established in Lexington in 1850 and was edited by Rev. J. B. Logan. It was subsequently moved to St. Louis, where it was published until 1874; about this time it was pur-

* We are indebted largely to the very excellent centennial 4th of July address of Wm. ' H. Chiles, Esq., for the facts embodied in this article. His address was delivered at the court house in Lexington, July 4, 1876, and afterwards published in pamphlet form as a "History of Lafayette County," from the Lexington Register office. But we have gathered many additional facts not before published.

The Visitor. - This paper was edited at Waverly by Charles Patterson, the founder of the Express. It was established in 1858 or 59 and existed a little more than one year. A paper called the Waverly Express was puplished awhile but we could not get particulars.

The Citizen's Daily Advertiser. - Howard S. Harbaugh started the above named paper in 1860, but his editorial career was soon cut short because of his advocacy of Abraham Lincoln for President. He was notifiied by the "Knights of the Golden Circle" to leave the State within six days of they'd hang him. He left, and afterwards became editor of the Chilicothe Constitution.

When the war broke out there were but two newspapers published in Lexington, the Express and the Expositor, which were discontinued as before stated, in consequence of the unsettled condition of the times, and for a while there was no paper published in the city. In 1862, however, H. K. Davis established the Lexington Weekly Union which supported Gen. McClellan for President in the campaign of 1864. In 1865 it was changed to the Lexington Weekly Express, and that in turn gave way to The Caucasian in 1866, owned by Jacob M.Julian, Ethan Allen & Com-- pany (Wm. Musgrove, Jr.) The control of this paper was varied: Peter Donan and Allen; Donan and Charles J. Nesbit; Allen, Jacob T. Child, and Wm. Musgrove, Jr.; Donan, Reavis, Andrew Donan, and Wm. G. Musgrove, Jr., being successively its proprietors until it was merged into the Intelligencer in 1875. It was democratic in politics.

Lexington Weekly 'Journal. - This paper was started June 9, 1864, by C. C. Coffinberry, editor and publisher. It was republican in politics and supported Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson for president and vicepresident. The way this paper was started is worthy of record. Some of the decisive Union men of Lexington, thought they ought to have a newspaper of their own, so they clubbed together and raised money for the purpose, Henry Turner being their treasurer; Wm. H. Bowen went to St. Louis and bought the printing material, and brought up with him a printer to take charge as foreman. It was soon discovered that they had not enough printing material, so they raised $300 more and sent the printer man to St. Louis to buy more types; but the printer got drunk, and never returned with either money or types. During Gen. Price's raid in 1864, the paper was stopped, and the types all knocked into pi by guerrillas.

Lafayette Advertiser. - This paper was edited by a Rev. Mr. Crawford, a Methodist preacher, although his name did not appear. Col. Gruber's name stood at the head as "proprietor and assistant editor." Some time in the latter part of 1865, the paper was bought by Dr. F. Cooley and Lewellyn Davis; Davis became its editor, and they changed the name to

Missouri Valley Register : - In 1867, Samuel S. Earle bought Dr. Cooley's interest. In 1868 Col. Mark L. DeMotte bought out Mr. Earle. In 1869 Edwin Turner, brother-in-law to Mr. Earle, bought out Mr. Davis. During the state election campaign of 1872, the Register being the republican paper and the Intelligencer (edited by L. W. Groves), the democratic paper, very sharp personalities were indulged in by the editors on both sides. This resulted in personal exchange of harsh words between Mr. Turner and Mr. Groves when they met; and finally Edwin Turner shot Groves and instantly killed him, at the corner of Laurel and North streets, on November 8th, 1872. Turner immediately gave himself up to the sheriff, Mr. Taubman, and was taken to Kansas City for confinement, from fear that Groves' friends would break into the jail and lynch Turner if he was kept at Lexington. By change of venue his trial was had at Kansas City; and after lying in jail there thirteen months he was finally acquitted on the ground of self defense, the testimony of Dr. J. F. Atkinson and others showing that Groves had a cocked pistol in his hand when he fell.* Edwin Turner still owns a half interest in the printing office. DeMotte & Turner dropped the words "Missouri Valley" from the name of the paper, and called it Lexington Register ', the name it still bears. In 1874 Henry W. Turner bought Col. DeMotte's interest although the latter continued as editor until 1877. During the winter of 1874_5 the office was burned out, losing everything; but the paper did not miss an issue. Two numbers were printed at The Caucasian office, and by that time new material had been obtained and they went ahead in their own office again. After Col. DeMotte left, in 1877, the paper was edited by Edwin Turner and Cam. B. Wilson, until August, 1881, when W. G. Phetzing took the editorial chair. The paper has .always been straight republican in politics. H. W. Turner, one of its proprietors, was appointed postmaster of Lexington, in April, 1877, and was reappointed

The Lexington Intelligencer, the organ of the democracy, was established in April, 1871, and was founded by Judge William Young, John T. Smith and R. B. Vaughan, with the first named as its editor. Sooi after its commencement Lafayette W. Groves bought out Smith and sue ceed to the editorship, which position he filled until his tragic death, in

November, 1872. During the fall of the same year, John S. Davis purchased an interest in the paper and became its publisher, it being edited successively, after the death of Mr. Groves, by Michael A. Steele and Henry L. Haynes, until its consolidation with the Caucasian, as previously stated, in 1S75. The paper is now owned by the corporation known as the "Intelligencer Printing Company," managed by Ethan Allen and W. G. Musgrove, Jr. Since the consolidation. Capt. A. A. Lesueur has filled the editorial chair of the Intelligencer. In 1879 Capt. Lesueur was elected to the state legislature from Lafayette county, and at this writing is still the incumbent. In May, 1881, he was chosen president of the state press association, the most honorable position known to the newspaper fraternity of Missouri. Under his management the Intelligencer has won the reputation of being the best local weekly newspaper in the state. The office is supplied with one Cincinnati cylinder newspaper press and two Gordon jobbers, all run by steam. The origial cost of their printing establishment as it now stands was $15,000.

The Aullville Times made its appearance in 1870, edited by W. H. Winfrey, but soon ran its brief career of a year. No other particulars obtained.

The Missouri Thalbote, a German newspaper, was established in Lexington in April, 1871, by Wm. P. Beck. It was at first edited and then owned by R. Willibald, Willibald and John G. Fisher, and afterward by Egid Kist. Mr. Kist was succeed in the proprietorship by Daniel Schlegal, who in turn sold out to Albert AlthofF, who subsequently removed the paper to Concordia, where he is still publishing it. The paper was originally independent in politics, but afterwards became republican, and so continues.

The Dispatch. - Messrs. Jack Williams, Ed. Bowman and Cam. B. Wilson conducted with success, in 1873, a sprightly little daily, named as above, which, however, succumbed to the great financial panic of that year.

The Lafayette County Advance was established at Higginsville July 9, 1879, by George E. King, of St. Joseph, Mo., and for the first year was conducted by Wm. P. King and H. H. Luce. It was then purchased by H. H. Luce and Frank L. Houx, who conducted the business about four months. Houx's interest was then bought by Mrs. Frances M. Venable, of Savannah, Mo., the mother of H. H. Luce, and is now owned by them jointly and conducted by Mr. Luce under the name of the "Advance Printing Company." The paper is democratic in politics, but more especially devoted to the local interests of Higginsville and Lafayette county.

Odessa Herald. - Nov. 13, 1880, the first number of this paper was issued by D. Reddington, formerly of the Mexico Herald. It is a weekly local paper devoted to the interests of Odessa and vicinity.

Items From The First Newspaper

The first newspaper ever printed in Lafayette county was issued in 1840 by C. Patterson; but we were unable to find any copies of this paper of earlier date than August 1, 1843. By the kindness of Ethan Allen, Esq., of the Lexington Intelligencer, we had access to a file of Mr. Patterson's paper ( The Lexington Express), in part for the years 1843 and 1844. These are the oldest news sheets of this county known to be in existence. They are well filled with politics, general news, miscellany and advertisements, but are very meager in the matter of local items. The paper was devoted to the interests of the old Whig party, then under the national leadership of Henry Clay, of Kenmcky. The Democrats had no paper of their own in the county then, and so were at the mercy of their opponents so far as any publication of their views was concerned ; but there is an occasional notice of their meetings, which serves to show at least that they had an organization in the county, although very greatly in the minority. This Whig paper almost unvaryingly calls them by their burlesque nickname of the time, "Locofoco."

We have gleaned from these old papers such items as have a local historic interest for citizens of this city and county; arranging them in the order of their date of publication :

August /, 184.3. - "The steamboat Edna arrived here* yesterday, in 2 days, 15 hours and 30 minutes from St. Louis, including all stoppages for wood, to discharge freight, etc. This is the quickest trip ever made by a steamboat from St. Louis to Lexington, if we remember correctly."

"On the Fourth of July, at Harrison ville, Van Buren county, Judge Ryland addressed the temperance society. At the close of the address, 65 persons subscribed the pledge, and during that evening, 5 others; making in all, 70 persons, which added to the society of that county, makes the number about 200. A good 4th of July movement, this. A temperance society was organized at Clinton, Henry county, during the last circuit court. Rev. Wm. Horn addressed the meeting. Judge Ryland also added a few remarks, after which 84 persons signed the pledge. Let the good cause advance."

11th - The Town of Lexington - Nature has done her part - let the citizens do theirs, and be satisfied with the Dutchman's one per cent instead of two.

August 8, 184.3. - The population of Lexington, at the present time, is computed to be fully 2,000. Some think it is more. Every boat landing at our wharf adds its quota to this population. The accession by immigration, and otherwise, is also considerable. We have no doubt but that one hundred dwelling houses could be rented to new comers between this time and Christmas if they were erected. Nearly every house in the town, suitable for a residence, is now occupied and more demanded. Improvements in the way of building, we are pleased to say, are progressing finely, if we take into consideration the tightness of the times. Thirty or forty buildings (ware-houses, stores, shops and residences), it is calculated will be erected here during the present year. Some of them are already completed, others under way and others under contract.

" A gentleman traveling in the interior of our state, fell in with a riproarer from one of the wolf-scalping counties, and commenced discussing politics with him. He inquired who he was in favor of for president? * Why,' says wolf-scalp, ' I go dead for democracy.' ' Well,' inquired the stranger, ' which one of the democracy?' ' O,' said he, 'thar ain't but one democracy, and that thar's Benton - he's old democracy; the other you want to talk about is spurious. I tell you, stranger, thar ain't but one genuine democracy, and that's the old gold-bug of Missouri; he hums the right tune for these diggins.' "

August 22, 184.3. - The Blue River Association of the Baptist church, commences its session for the present year in this place on Saturday, the 9th day of September.

The Presbytery for the western portion of this state will meet in this place on Thursday the 14th day of September, and remain in session four or five days.

The conference of the Methodist E. Church for the state of Missouri, will convene in this place on Wednesday, the 27th day of September next.

There is but little doubt that the western counties of this state are now more or less infested with horse thieves. The horses, as soon as stolen, are run off towards Texas and Santa Fe.

September 3, 184^. - The patent hemp brake, owned by Mr. Poyntz, is now fitted up in this place, and is to be put in operation every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, if the days are fair, for the inspection of the hemp-growers of upper Missouri. The farmers are invited to come in and examine said machine.

September 12, 184.3. - We have before us an odd specimen of a beet and potatoe combined. It is in the form of a Mercer potatoe, and has the color and smell of a blood beet. It had no top, and grew in a hill with beets and potatoes. It grew in the garden of our townsman, Mr. Thomas Asberry.

The St. Charles Advertiser says: "The U. S. snag boat, "Sampson," has passed up the Missouri river, drawing out many formidable snags on its route. It is a magnificent sight to see this river monster take hold of a large walnut tree six feet in diameter at the root and more than one hundred feet long, and fifty or sixty feet of which have been deeply imbedded in the mud for five hundred years, and draw it out with more ease than a dentist extracts a tooth ; yet, such is its daily business. The largest sycamores, walnuts and cottonwood are pulled out, sawed and set afloat in the stream. Many large trees that appear to have been imbedded for many hundred years, are as sound as when they first fell. These boats should be kept in constant operation."

September 26, 1843. - The clerks of the steamers Lexington, John Aull, and lone, are each entitled to our thanks for late papers and other favors.

October 3, 184.3. - The new steamer, Lexington, arrived at our landing on the 24th ult. She was detained several weeks on her way from Pittsburg, by the extreme low stage of water in the Ohio, for the last two months. At last, however, the boat effected her escape, and made her way westward in good plight. In the name of the citizens of this place, we tender to Capt. Littleton their thanks for the compliment he has conferred on us, by giving his boat the name of our town. May success attend the "Lexington, Mo."

November ?, 1843,^- The boats arriving at our wharf from the Ohio river are crowded with emigrants from the older States, all seeking a better home in Missouri. So also an immense immigration overland passes through our streets everj' day, destined for western Missouri. Let them come. There is room and abundance of everything; and we know that they will add greatly to the whig vote in November.

Pursuant to a previous notice, a large number of the whigs of Lafayette county assembled in the Christian church in Lexington, on the 6th day of November, 1843, for the purpose of appointing delegates to the district convention for the 4th electoral district in Missouri. The meeting was organized by calling Judge Young Ewing to the chair, and appointing C. Patterson secretary. By request, Jno. P. Campbell, Esq., arose and explained in a brief but eloquent manner, the object of the meeting,, urging diligence and energy among its members and the friends of the whig cause throught the Slate and Union.

On motion of Mr. James Aull, the chair appointed a committe of seven, one from each municipal township of the county, to draft a preamble and resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the meeting and its purposes. Whereupon the following gentlemen were selected by the chair to constitute said committee, viz: James Aull, Wm. Simpson, Col. T. M. Ewing, Strother Renick, A. W. Ridings, W. H. Anderson, and B. F. Tantis. On motion, J. P. Campbell, Esq., was added to the committee. During a brief absence of the committee, the meeting was addressed by E. S. Burden and P. D. Hockaday, Esqs., and Major S. T. NeilL [Resolutions omitted.]

The chair appointed the following gentlemen, in pursuance of the resolution above reported as delegates to the district convention to be held in Warrensburg on the 20th day of the present month, viz:

Lexington township - John P. Campbell, P. D. Hockaday, Geo. H. Gordon, H. Lightner, C. Patterson, H. C. Boteler, Jas. Aull, Wm. Musgrove, Dr. Letton, B. Sanders, C. Osborn, H. Smock, and on motion the chair was added to the list.

On motion of Col. T. M. Ewing, Messrs. Jas. Aull, John P. Campbell, John T. Richardson, Henry C. Boteler, V. Burgess, and Arnold T. Winsor, were appointed delegates from this county to the Young Men's Convention to be held in Baltimore in May next.

November 7, 184.3. - Distances from St. Louis to places on the Missouri River: From St. Louis to Fine's Landing, (a few miles above the present town of Waverly) 329; Dover Landing, (about two miles below present

December ip, 184.3. - The annual meeting of the Lexington Temperance Society, will be held on the 25th inst., (Christmas Day,) at the Baptist church in this place. The Rev. Mr. Ligon is expected to address the meeting.

Never, since we have noticed the seasons and their changes, has a milder and more agreeable December passed over our heads - the weather for three weeks has been delightful. The sun, to-day, is shining bright and clear, and under foot the earth is dry and dusty. How long this fine weather will last is another matter. The river is now low, but we think there is water enough for the smaller boats.

February 10, 1844. - Notice is hereby given to the citizens of the north side of the Missouri River, that an arrangement has been entered into with the Messrs. Pomeroys, of the Lexington Ferry, by which all traders from the north side, together with their produce and teams, will be crossed and recrossed free of charge for twelve months. The only items excluded under this contract, are fire wood, rails and loose cattle.

The subject of debate for the Lexington Lyceum next Tuesday evening, will be: " Should the fine imposed on Gen. Jackson by Judge Hall at New Orleans, be refunded." The ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to attend.

April 6, 1844. - The logs for the " Cabin " have been cut, and arrangements made for their delivery on the bank on the upper end of Water street. Due notice will be given of the " raising." Subscriptions to meet the expenses in building the " Cabin," making the " Flag," and procuring a " cannon," are still wanted. [A log cabin was the peculiar emblem of the Whig party]. - Historian.

Houses are now in demand, and we know of no point on the Missouri where capitalists could make more profitable investments in the line of building. Every store, house and dwelling in the place is now occupied.

A stage passenger yesterday morning, direct from Jefferson City, brings the intelligence that the Locofoco Convention, which assembled there on the 1st, have nominated John C. Edwards, Esq., for Governor, and Col. James Young, of this county, for Lieutenant-Governor.

Last week upwards of $11,000 in cash was paid out for hemp by the merchants of this place; and for this week we are within bounds in stating that $10,000 have been paid. The highest notch to which the article

April ij, 184.4.. - We are authorized to announce Lillburn W. Bogg, Esq., as a candidate for the office of Governor of the State or Missouri, at the approaching August election.

April 20, 1844. - We stated a short time since, that a deputation from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, I. O. O. F., was expected to visit this place, to establish a lodge of the Order, &c. This duty, we understand, was performed on last Thursday evening by William S. Stewart, of St. Louis, Deputy Grand Sire of the United States for this district.

May 7, 184.4. - The steamer Western Belle lay at this landing all day yesterday, receiving freight. We are informed that between 120 and 130 tons of hemp were shipped on board of her to St. Louis by one house.