Montgomery County, Missouri - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1885 (part 8 of 8)

time was principally spent at school. He was then apprenticed to the tailor's trade and served for three years. Subsequently he worked as a journeyman tailor until he was 20 years of age, when, having saved - up a little means, he decided to come to America. He landed at Quebec in 1855, and worked at his trade in Port Elgin, Bruce county, Can., for 10 years. He then engaged in farming in that county, which he followed there until 1868, when he removed to Missouri, and bought a part of the land where he now resides, on which he located and went - to work improving a farm. He has made a fine farm here, one of the best improved in the township. He has an excellent orchard, containing over 200 bearing apple trees and a choice variety of other - large and small fruits. December 9, 1862, Mr. Schwendker was - married to Miss Katharine Schilholtz, a daughter of Heinrich Schilholtz, ef Perth county, Can. Mr. and Mrs. Schwendker have nine - children: Louis, Mary, Arthur, Clara, Elizabeth, Anne, Jacob, Emma and Henry. They have lost one in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Swedenborgian Church, and he is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Wellsville.

Romeo J. Shaner

In 1877 Mr. Shaner, who was then a young man in his twentythird year, came to Missouri and located at Wellsville. He began ~ breaking on the Wabash Railway, and continued in the service of the - Wabash.for about four years. He was soon promoted to the conductorship ofa freight train running between Glenwood and Ottumwa, which - he held until he quit the road. He then engaged in contracting and - building, which he had previously learned, and worked at it success-_ fully until 1884, when he established his present furniture store and - cabinet shop at this place. He had also previously learned the cabinet-maker's trade. Mr. Shaner carries a good stock of goods and - has an excellent trade. His business is on a prosperous basis, and he has every prospect of a successful business career. Mr. Shaner was born at Shaner Station, near Monongahela City, Alleghany county, Pa., good education. He was sent to Watertown College, Ohio, where he took a thoreugh course and graduated in 1875. Before coming to. Missouri, as has been stated, he learned the carpenter's and cabinet- as he is known among the young folks, met Miss Fannie A. Perry, and on the 17th of December, 1878, they were happily united in _ marriage, and their union has proved one of singular felicity. They

William H. Shackelford

Mr. Shackelford is quite popular as a business man, and as a citizen is -public-spirited in all enterprises calculated to promote the general interests of Wellsville and the community. In the fall of 1870 he was married to Miss Adelia, a daughter of William and Sarah M'Cay, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. S. have four children - a son and three daughters. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and he is

- Skannons, Biggses and McCunes are among the oldest and best families of that county. Mr. Shannon, the subject of this sketch, is by descent and kindred a representative of those families, and of several other well known and prominent families in Pike county. His grandfather, Wm. Shannon, settled in that county with his family from Kentucky in the pioneer days of the county, and when Mr. Shannon's father, married to Miss Margaret B. Biggs, of another old and highly respected - family, and of this union McCune Shannon was born January 10, 1856. His father is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Pike county, and young Shannon was brought up to these occupations. He received a good common and high- school education, and on the 8th of February, 1877, was married to Miss Maggie B., a daughter of William Reading, of Curry ville, an early settler of Pike county. In a few weeks after his marriage Mr. Shannon located on the land where he now resides in Montgomery county, about two and a half miles north of Wellsville. He has a place of 860 acres and has it well improved. He is engaged in stock-raising, and is making a specialty of breeding the Norman stock of horses, and has a fine representative of that breed on his place. He also feeds cattle for the wholesale markets and is engaged in raising sheep as a special industry, which he has found quite profitable. "Mr. S. is a member of the Baptist Church. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Asa Be. Shipherd

Dr. Shipherd, a man of excellent academic education before he be-4 gan the study of medicine, graduated with distinction at the Cleveland, O., Medical College in the class of 1845, and for the last 29 years nie been more or less actively engaged in the practice of his profession. - He is now principally interested in farming, and has a handsome place of 640 acres about a mile from Wellsville where he resides and superintends his farm. By nativity Dr. Shipherd is a Ohioan, born in Cuyahoga county, May 21, 1821, and he was reared in that county. His father, Henry Shipherd, a soldier iu the War of 1812, was from Vermont, but his mother, who was a Miss Cynthia Jones before her - marriage, was from Connecticut. She died when the Doctor was in ~ infaney, ut he was reared by his uncle, Dr. David S. Shipherd, a - prominent physician of Cuy ahoga county. He attended the common - schools until he was 18 years of age, and then took a course of three - years in the Kirtland Ac: ademy. At the age of 20 he began teaching ~ and continued it for some four- years, also re eading medicine at the same time under his uncle. In 1842-43 he took a course in the - Willoughby Medical College, of Ohio, and completed his medical education at the Cleveland Medical College. Dr. Shipherd then removed to Lake county, IIl., and aftery ards located at Oswego, Kendall county, where he pr ncticed for about six years, his health completely" breaking down at the end of this time. Subsequently locating at Freeport, Ill., he continued until 1864. In June of that year "Dr. Shipherd was appointed regimental surgeon of the One Hundred and Forty-second Illinois volunteers, which position he held until after the war. Returning to Freeport, he remained there until 1867, when he came to Wellsville and engaged in the practice at that place. He bought valuable tracts of land some years ago with a view of retiring, but still does some neighborhood practice. His farm is well improved. In May, 1845, Dr. Shipherd was married to Miss Eliza Brown, then 2 popular and accomplished: school teacher in the public schools of

Paynesville, O. She is a lady of fine intelligence and culture, and although now advancing in years is highly entertaining and instructive in conversation. Dr. and Mrs. Shipherd have reared three children and two others died in childhood. In 1861 Dr. Shipherd took a supplementary course in the Rush Medical College of Chicago, and also another partial course in 1865. The Doctor's father died in Christian county, lll., in 1883, having removed to that State in a and after an eight years' residence in Stephenson county located i Christian County, where he died. He married twice and raanede second family of children.

James R. Shocklee

Mr. Shocklee is well known to be one of the substantial and suecessful farmers and stock-raisers, as well as one of the worthy and highly respected citizens of this township. His homestead contains timber, about two and a half miles east of Wellsville. He is extensively and successfully engaged in raising grain and stock. Mr. Shocklee is 2 native of. Kentucky, born in Marion county, January 95, 1839. His father was James M. Shocklee, also a native of the Blue

Samuel Lee, formerly of Virginia, and distantly related to Gen. R. E. Lee. Mr. Shocklee's parents came to Missouri in 1850, and after three years' residence in St. Charles county made their permanent home in Lincoln county. James R., who was 14 years of age when the family settled in Lineoln county, g crew uv there, but in 1861, at fight at Fulton, in which he participated, he was taken prisoner and required to take the oath of loyalty, after which he returned home and took no further part in the war. He then soon bought a tract of raw land in Montgomery county and began the improvement of a farm - the place where he now resides. He first bought only 80 aeres, but by industry and good management has added to his possessions until he now has nearly a section of fine land. January 27, 1861, Mr. Shocklee was married to Miss Mary A., a daughter of S.

however, April 5, 1879. Six of the family of children born of this union are living: James W., Francis Lee, Charles B., Edward S., Joseph D. and Nancy E. February 9, 1880, Mr. Shocklee was mar ried to Miss Margaret A., a daughter of William Jarbo, formerly o Kentucky. .Mr. and Mrs. 8S. have two children: Mary A. and William A. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

Charles Spitzhirn

In 1867, when Mr. Spitzhirn was yet in early boyhood, only about eight years of age, his father, John Spitzhirn, emigrated from Baden, in Germany, his native country, to the United States and located at_ Chillicothe, O. While there his (John's) wife and family, consisting of a daughter and son (Charles), also came over, and upon leaving Chillicothe they settled at Waverly, O., where the father was engauged in mercantile business until his death in 1879. Charles was_ born on the Rhine, April 7, 1858, but was reared at Waverly, O. He received a good common school education, and after attaining his majority came to St. Louis, where he remained for a short time. He then came to Wellsville in 1880, and clerked in a drug store for a few months. After this he entered a drug store to learn pharmacy and the drug business generally, and spent four years in the store. At the expiration of this time, having economized his means, he bought an established drug house at this place and began business on his own account, which he has ever since continued. He has a neat store and - a first-class stock of good, pure drugs, and is doing an excellent business. He hasa hich reputation among physicians in this branch of the drug business, and his store is justly very popular with the public generally. August 1, 1883, Mr. Spitzhirn was married to Miss" Mollie, a daughter of James Paxton (deceased ), late of this con Mrs. S. is a member of the Baptist Church.

Enoch M. Steere

Like not a few of the worthy and substantial citizens of Montgom-_ ery county, the subject of the present sketch is a New Englander by nativity and bringing up. He was born at Providence, R. I., ee 28, 1825, and was a son of Anthony and Deborah (Wade) Steere, a good common-school education. When about nineteen years of age he received an injury in the left leg which resulted in making him a cripple for life. In 1845 he began to learn the machinist's trade at Burrillville, R. I., at which he worked for two years. He then learned the sash, door and blind business in a factory at Burrillville, at which he worked some five years. In 1854 he went to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he carried on a factory in the above line until 1861

Selling out in 1861, however, he was occupied with miscellaneous: business for nearly two years, when, in 1863, he enlisted in the Thirty-fifth Pennsylvania infantry, as a member of Co. G. This enlistment, however, was only for a short time, to resist the rebel raid in the State at that time. After this he was honorably discharged, and he then bought a farm in Steuben county, N. Y., where he was engaged in farming for about three years. In 1868 he sold out in New York and came to ee buying the land where he now resides, the following year. . Steere has been engaged in farming ever since coming to sr cope county, sixteen years ago, and has been satisfactorily successful. He has nearly 500 acres of fine land, 200 acres of which are in his homestead, and the balance in other farms.

On the 16th of May, 1849, Mr. Steere was married to Miss Abigail Clark, a daughter of Eleazer Clark, formerly of Pennsylvania, and an old soldier in the War of 1812. Also her grandfather Clark was a Revolutionary soldier. This wife survived, however, only four years after her marriage, leaving two children at her death - Charles, a prominent lawyer. of Boston, Mass., and Allen, a successful farmer of Humboldt county, Ia. To his present wife Mr. Steere was married March 14, 1858. She was a Miss Emily J. Burlingame, a daughter of William Burlingame (deceased), of Rhode Island. Three children are the fruits of this union: William A., educated at the State University of Missouri, where he took a three years' course, and he is now assisting to carry on the farm; Abbie T., a young lady graduate of Stephen College, Columbia; and Emma D., who has taken a course of two and a half years at Stephen College, but has not yet graduated. Mrs. 8S. and her three children are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. S. is a prominent member of the 1.0.0. F. He is now serving his tenth year as school director of his district, and has at different times served on the grand and petit juries in Rhode Island, _ Pennsylvania, New York and Missouri.

Capt. Henry R. Stetson

Among the very many patriotic young men of the North who bravely offered themselves as volunteers for the defense of the old flag when the war broke out, was the subject of the present sketch, who was then a young man early in his twenties. He came of a sturdy old New England family on his father's side - the Stetsons, of Vermont; and on his mother's side he was from the Ketchums, of 'New York. He was born in Franklin county, New York, January 21, 1838, a son of Clement Stetson and wife, nee Susan Ketchum; and when fifteen years of age his parents removed to Winnebago county, Wis. He had already taken a good course in the excellent schools of Franklin county, N. Y., and after the removal of the family to Wisconsin, he entered Milton College of Rock county, in the latter State, where he continued a student for three years. After graduating, he engaged in teaching, which hecontinued with increasing success and reputation until after the outbreak of the war. Then _ be promptly enlisted in Co. E, Twenty-second Wisconsin infantry, and _ served until peace was restored. He entered the army as a private,and by meritorious conduct asa soldier, rose by successive promotions to the command of his company, which he held at the time his command was honorably mustered out of the service at the close of the war. He participated in the grand review at Washington City after the declaration of peace in 1865. Capt. Stetson was 'with Sherman on the famous march to the sea and in all the battles fought during that long and perilous campaign. At Resaca he was severely wounded, and at Brentwood the whole regiment of which he was a member, including himself, was captured. An exchange was effected, however, about thirty days afterwards, and he resumed his place in the army. After the war he returned to Wisconsin and engaged in merchandising at Milton. In 1869 Capt. Stetson removed to Missouri and engaged in farming and teaching school in St. Charles county. Two years later he removed to Warren county. In 1874 he came to Montgomery county and bought a tract of sixty acres of land, a part of the place where he now resides, and where he engaged in farming. Now he | has a good homestead containing 220 acres and the balance of almost a quarter section is in a separate tract. On the Loth of July, 1862, Capt. Stetson was married 'in Wisconsin to Miss Emma C. Robbins, a daughter of Anthony Robbins formerly of New York. Mrs. Stetson was a popular school teacher both before and after her marriage. They have lost three children - two in infancy, and one, a daughter, Miss Beulah, aged seventeen years, who died December 13, 1883. -

William Stewart

Wm. Stewart was born in Ireland, February 8, 1830, but is of English decent, and was a son of John Stewart and wife, nee Mary A. McCalbey. When he was 17 years of age the family immigrated to - the United States and located at Warrensburg, N. Y., where the father ~ died soon afterwards. William completed his adolescence at Warrensburg, and in 1857 went to the vicinity of Grand Rapids, Mich., where he followed farming for about two years. While there, Novia ember 7, 1857, he was married to Miss Francis A. , a daughter of - Alex. Harper, also formerly of Ireland, but of English descent. In the | fall of 1859, Mr. S. removed to St. Louis county and engaged in farm- 1 ing. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted under Admiral Porter in the gunboat service, in which he continued until the close of the war. j He was in nearly ail the important engagements on the lower Missis- - sippi and its navigable tributaries, including the siege of Vicksburg, © 4 the battles of Corinth, Arkansas Post, Ft. Donelson, Ft.. Henry, Island No. 10, Alexander and others. He was taken sick at Arkansas Post and disabled three weeks, and, indeed, has never fully recovered q from this disability.. His wife was employed in the quartermaster's department, at St. Louis while he was absent in the naval service. - After the war he was on the police force of St. Louis for about two years and then for two years was a street car conductor. In 1869 he removed to Aurora, IIl., and bought property and worked in the Gy B. & Q. railway shops, where he continued for about six years. He where he has improved his farm. Mr. S. has a good place and is an energetic farmer. He and wife have one child: Florence, aged nine years. They are members of the Congregational Church, and he is a member of the Masonic order at Wellsville.

Jacob L. Swope

Mr. Swope is of an old Pennsylvania German family, the founder of the family in this country having settled in the Keystone State from the old Fatherland prior to the American Revolution. As early as 1801 Mr. Swope's grandfather removed from Pennsylvania with his family and settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where Thomas Swope, the father of the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood. About the time of attaining his majority Thomas Swope was married to Miss Rebecca L. Le Fevre, also formerly of Pennsylvania, and of the same family of which Hon. Benjamin Le Fevre, member of Congress from Ohio, is a representative. Thomas Swope commenced life for himself a poor man, indeed, but succeeded in becoming a wealthy farmer. He was a large landholder in Ohio, and owned valuable real estate in other States. He entered land in Montgomery county in an early day, which included the tract on which Jacob L. now resides. He died at his homestead in Ohio, August 13, 1884, at the advanced age of 85. He and his good wife left a family of 10 children, five sons and the same number of daughters. Jacob L. Swope was born on the family homestead in Ohio, July 1, 1831, and grew to manhood in his native county. In 1852, at the age of 22, he came further West to Illinois on a prospecting tour, but shortly returned home to Ohio. In 1854 he came to Missouri and bought the land of hig father which the latter had previously entered at an early day. He has nearly 700 acres of fine land, all in one body and improved, which is his homestead, and besides this he has another place a few miles distant. During the war Mr. Swope served in the Union army the first year until the close of that long and unhappy struggle. He was first under Gen. Henderson and then under Gen. Guitar, and participated in all the engagements in which his commands took part. After, the war he returned home and resumed farming, which he has since followed with good success. April 4, 1858, he was married to Miss Lucinda Sturgeon, a daughter of William A. and Margaret (Wolfley) Sturgeon, formerly of Marion coutty, Ohio. Mrs. S.is a member of . the Missionary Baptist Church.

William R. Wakely

'Mr. Wakely has had an active career in industrial and business affairs, extending together over a period of nearly fifty years, and one that has been rewarded with satisfactory and ample success. He was born in Washington county, N. Y., August 9,1817. The Wakely family came originally from Massachusetts, and Mr. Wakely's grandparents removed to New York while his father, Robert Wakely, was yet in his childhood. His father was reared in the latter State, and served as a volunteer from New York in the War of 1812. Mr. Wakely's mother was of an old family in the Empire State. His parents owned a farm in Washington county and were in comfortable circumstances. William R. was given a good common-school education, and at the age of 22 engaged in mercantile business at Kirksville, N.Y. About 10 years later he sold out and entered largely into the canal transportation business, bought nearly 20 canal boats, and for four years was heavily engaged in this line of business. In 1853 Mr. Wakely resumed merchandising, and continued it with success at Kirksville until his removal to Missouri in 1858. Here he bought land about three miles north of Wellsville and improved a farm, where he engaged in farming, and later along in dealing in and_ shipping stock. He continued on his farm for some 10 years, when he sold it and removed to Wellsville. Here he formed a partnership with Benj. Sharp in the grain business and built an elevator, doing for several years a large grain business. He and O. H. Wise, now deceased, also established a drug store, which they carried on for about three years.- Mr. W. retired from the grain business in 1874. In 1876 he removed to California, locating at San Jose, where he remained for about six years operating in real estate and loaning money. But in 1882 he returned to Wellsville with the view of making it his permanent home. Here he has a handsome residence property, and is living in retire- - ment from business pursuits. Mr. Wakely was married at Syracuse, N. Y., to Miss Halvania M. Peck some 30 odd years ago. She is a daughter of Myron B. Peck, of Syracuse, and was reared and educated in that city. Mr. and Mrs. W. have reared two children, but one of whom is now living - Mary, a young lady still at home with her parents. The other, Ione, died at the age of 17, in 1871. Mr. W. is a prominent member of the Masonic order.

Marshall Washington

For years Mr. Washington has been known and recognized as one of the leading stock traders throughout the north-western part of Montgomery county, and the neighboring parts of Callaway and he in the country. He does a large business, and his standing as;a_ buyer is most excellent as his principle is to succeed in business by legitimate trade only. Mr. Washington comes of a family that stands - second to none in this country, or in history. He represents a branch brothers. The Washington family, even before the Revolution, as every one knows, was one of the best families of Virginia - people of high character, superior culture and large wealth. So Mr. Washington's orandfather was a man of large intelligence and abundant "means; and from him Mr. W.' s father, Edward S. Washington, inherited considerable property. "The latter, after his marriage in Virginia, Miss Annie E. Elsea having become his wife, removed to Kentucky, where he bought a farm and resided, extensively engaged in farming, until 1849. "He owned about 50 slaves and other "large 'property interests. From Kentucky he removed to Missouri and set- 'tled in Callaway county. There he bought large tracts of land and 'improved an extensive farm. His place contained about 1,000 acres, which was devoted mainly to the stock business. His wife died in 1864, and some years after that he discontinued housekeeping, and for some time past has made his home with his son, A. O. Washington, of Callaway county. Marshall Washington was born while his parents were residents of Kentucky, in Fayette county, May 10, 1839. He was principally reared, however, in Callaway county, Mo., and was educated at Central College, i in Fayette, Mo. In 1859 he went to Pike's Peak, but returned in about eight months on account of ill-health. In 1861 he enlisted in the Southern service under Col. Riggins, in Harris's brigade, and afterwards took part in the battle of 'Lexington, going thence South with his command. Later along he returned home on furlough, but was soon taken prisoner. His health failing again, he was released on a $10,000 bond. Some time after Mr. Washington engaged in the stock business, and has ever 'since followed it. He removed to Wellsville in 1879, but had previously bought stock in this vicinity and shipped from here for a number of years. In the fall of 1873 Mr. W. was married to Miss Jennie Offutt, a daughter of 'Squire Eli Offutt, an early settler of Callaway county, from Virginia. She, however, was an invalid at the time of her marriage and survived only a year afterwards. Sep- 'tember 10, 1879, Mr. Washington was married to his present wife, formerly Miss Lizzie Arnold, a daughter of William Arnold, of Wellsville. Mrs. W. is an accomplished lady, and quite pleasant and engaging in conversation. She was educated at the Danville High School, at Kansas City, and at the Convent in St. Charles. Mr. and Mrs. W. have one child, Marshall, Jr. An infant daughter, Jennie, is deceased. Mrs. W. isa member of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. Washington belongs to the A. O. U. W.

Chastain W. White

~ Mr. White, who is one of the prominent young business men of 'the north-western part of the county, a member of one of the leading grain and stock firms on the line of theWabash in this section of the State, isa Virginian, or was until he came to Missouri in 1871. He was born in King George county, June 24, 1854, and was a son of John W.

body, at Gettysburg. He is still a resident of King George county. | Chastain W. was reared to the age of 17 in that county, and received - a good common and high-school education. In 1871 he came to Missonri, and resided in St. Charles county, on a farm, principally, for - three years, or until he was 20 years of age. He then crossed over - in Warren county, where he lived for six years, during three years of - which he was farming and the rest of the time merchandising. By this time he had made a good start, and in 1880 he sold out a Warren county and came to Wellsville, forming his present partnership | with Mr. Blattner. They built a business house and engaged in mer- - chandising, and followed it with success for four years. "Meanwhile ' they had also engaged in the grain and stock business, and last spring - they disposed of "their store in order to give their whole time and at-_ - tention to grain and stock. In 1880 they bought an elevator at this place, and have since been shipping grain in lar ge quantities. This - is Mr. Blattner's special 'branch of business. Messrs. Blattner & - White handle about' $300,000 worth of grain and stock annually, $160,000 of the former and $140,000 of the latter. November 22," 1883, Mr. White was married to Miss Addie Cottle, a daughter of Ora q Cottle, Esq., a retired farmer residing in Wellsville.

Andrew Wicklein

Mr. Wicklein is a native of Germany, born Angust 6, 1828. When he was 10 years of age, in 1838, his parents, Henry and Margaret" (Longhein) Wicklein, immigrated to America and settled in Randolph | county, Ill., where Andrew grew to manhood. October 15, 1861, was married to Miss Caroline Stein, also formerly of Germany. After" his marriage Mr. Wicklein settled on a farm in Randolph county, IIl., where he was engaged in farming until 1882, when he sold his place in that county and removed to Montgomery county, Mo., buying his" present place, situated about a mile from Wellsville. Here he has continued to reside. His farm contains 200 acres, and he has 407 acres of good timber tributary to his place. He also has a neat farm of 80 acres two miles north of Wellsville. Mr. and Mrs. W. have five children, namely: Emily, who is now the wife of Charles Lohring; Caroline, new the wife of Charle Huth; Louise, now the wife of Charles Stock; and Henry and Hermann. Mr. and Mrs. W. are' members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Wicklein is a man of untiring industry, frugal habits and sterling character, and has made all he possesses by his own exertions and "personal worth. } comes his proenomen, as given above. He was absent in California about a year and returned by way of ,New Orleans and Panama. November 12, 1857, he was married to Miss Taresa Sanford, a daughter of Calisthenes E. Sanford, of Lincoln county, but formerly of Kentucky. The same year of his marriage he came to Montgomery county and bought the land where he now resides, on which he improved his present farm. He has a good place of over 160 acres, and is comfortably situated. Capt. Woods takes an aetive interest in local politics and is almost invariably a delegate to different conventions held in his township and county. For himself he has never sought for any office of prominence, but has held various

Captain and Mrs. Woods have nine children: Alexander, Mary H., wife of Charles Bassard; Bettie, Sanford C., Sallie, John, George, Samuel and Mattie. The Captain and his wife and two daughters are members of the Christian Church and he has been a member of the Masonic order for nearly 35 years. He was born in Augusta county, Va., November 25, 1825, and was a son of Alexander and

Introduction - The Organization of Warren County - Original French Settlers - Arrival of Daniel Boone - Kennedy's Fort - The Massaere of the Ramsey Family - Death of Capt. Callaway - The Boone's Lick Road - - Geological and Physical Features.

The duties of the writer who compiles historical facts and whose work, in its completeness, must be subjected to the varying criticisms of people living in his own age, and who are conversant with and interested in the facts which he presents, are indeed of a difficult nature. _ Three great attributes are imperatively demanded of him who undertakes sucha task. He must be truthful in his statements, accurate as -to data and as terse as intelligent and lucid description or explanation will permit. A vivid imagination can not be relied upon, or even permitted to assist in literary work of this character, neither can a propensity for fine descriptive writing be indulged. In this review of the events that make up the history of Warren county, no efforts will be "made to clothe the narrative in the beautiful and enchanting language of an Irving, or the ponderous and elegant paragraphs of a McCaulley. The publishers assume, that, when they have given to their 'readers the result of their researches, and placed before them the chief events that constitute the past history of the county, they have performed the fuli measure of their duty. _ The lapse of time, the advance of civilization, the wonderful scientific discoveries, that within the past 40 years have added so much to the comfort and pleasure of the world, have had the effect to make life so roseate with the hue of an easy-going and tranquil existence,

Kighty-three years have elapsed since the first intrepid and adventurous settlers discovered the boundless advantages in soil and climate, and the geographical beauties of the country, now so richly blessed with all that creates peace, plenty and prosperity. At that time this region was the home of the predatory savage, and life to the settler was a constant struggle to protect his property, maintain a home, and rear the children, who became the bone and sinew of a happy and contented community, and whose descendants to-day enjoy the rewards which have followed these sacrifices.

The whole of North Missouri was, prior to the year 1818, two years before the organization of the State Government, embraced within the counties of St. Charles and Howard, but new counties were rapidly organized. In 1818 Montgomery county was set off from the county of St.'Charles, and it embraced previous to the year 1833, all the territory now constituting Warren county. In January, 1833, the Legislature, with due formality, declared a portion of Montgomery county fully designated by metes and bounds, '*'to be a separate and distinct county, to be known and called Warren county, in honor of Gen. Joseph Warren, who fell at the battle of Bunker Hill.''

The first white settlement on what is now the soil of Warren county was made by French trappers and traders at the old Charrette village, which settlement is said'to have been made about the time M. Liguest settled St. Louis, in 1768.

The exact location of this early settlement is now a matter of con-. jecture, although the mouth of Charrette creek is generally admitted - to have been the place selected by the adventurous Frenchmen for their home. Their rude log cabins were erected immediately on the banks of the Missouri river, whose ever-changing and treacherous current long since washed. away all trace of the locality. At this time the hills and valleys of Warren county were an unbroken waste. of wild wooded timber, and the Frenchmen established sugar camps along the Charrette and Teuque creeks, and in after years relicts of their annual visits were often found by settlers.

they were has been lost. It is claimed, however, by several old vesidents of the county, that a famous trapper called Indian Phillips, who was well known as late as 1810, was one of the settlers at Charrette. Phillips lived until after the War of 1812, and up to the time of his death used to make occasional visits tothe homes of the early American settlers" A. man named Choteroau, (Chouteau?), and another called Lozio, were also known as members of this colony of trappers. These three men each secured Spanish grants for large tracts of land, now located partly in St. Charles and Warren counties, and disposing of their interests about the year 1812, left the country. Flanders Callaway, the son-in-law of Col. Daniel Boone, was the purchaser, and on one of these tracts, located about a mile and a half westof Marthasville, Mr. Callaway died. Generations have passed since the village was engulfed in the waters of the Missouri, the records of its organization, the names of its inhabitants and the stories of their trials and privations have become mere legends, yet there can be no question that to these located what has since become a populous and thrifty portion of the State. In no section of Missouri can be found a greater number of beautiful and romantic localities than are to be seen in the valleys of the Femme Osage and Charrette creeks. Nature has certainly been aspect of romance. In the days of the early French settlers these creeks and their tributaries were the favorite hunting ground of the colony, and their appropriate names were given to the localities by these early residents who ranged through the forests in quest of and Clark, who made a flat-boat journey down the river in 1804, were looked upon as the glowing creations of a vivid imagination, but the early French settlers, in their trips to the then frontier post of St. Louis, not only corroborated these reports, but were so enthusiastic that adventurous backwoodsmen from Kentucky and Virginia began the immigration that a few years after resulted in bringing into what is now Warren county a colony of men, who, despite the dangers and hardships which are a natural consequence of frontier. existence, have

958 HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. a left the indelible impress of their rugged and independent characters upon the present generation. , q In 1795 the renowned Kentucky hunter and back wocemten Col; 4 Daniel Boone, accompanied by his son-in-law, Flanders Callaway, | came into the country and established a settlement called Callaway Post, at a point near the present town of Marthasville. This was the | first American colony to reach the wilds of what is now Warren county. The fame of Col. Boone, his knowledge of Indian charac- ~ ter and his fearless and daring manner of repulsing the warlike ene- : mies of the white settlers, at once attracted further immigration, and additional families began to seek homes among the hills that skirted the Missouri, where Boone and his companions had already entrenched ~ themselves. | In 1803 Anthony Wyatt made. his first horseback trip from Ken- ' tucky. He located the present Wyatt homestead, near Marthasville, - and in order to secure it was compelled to return from Kentucky - every season for five successive years, until in 1808, he moved to his ~

On the first day of January, 1808, Thomas Kennedy, who hadi q served throughout the Revolutionary War as a soldier in the Seventh - Virginia regiment, crossed the Mississippi river where Alton, IIL, is Jocated, and pushed forward to the wilds of Warren county, to which 4 locality he had been attracted by the wonderful tales of settlers who - had gone as far west as St. Louis, and returned to the eastern part of - the country. Maj. Kennedy escaped from his regiment soon after the - battle of Briar Hill, the regiment, through the base treachery of its commander, having been surrendered to the British. He was a rigid, - resolute man, possessing all the traits of character that constitute the - genuine frontiersman, and in addition to these qualifications, he was - also generously endowed with practical good sense. His varied expe-_ riences at once made him a valuable acquisition to the small group of adventurous settlers, and in consequence he immediately took a lead- - ing and active part in all their plans for the safety and welfare of the people. -

In the spring of 1811 the Indians had become quite hostile. Rumors - of contemplated raids by the dusky sons of the forest impelled the ~ settlers to provide adequate defense in case of attack, and in that year a fort and stockade was erected on the Kennedy clearing. This fort remained standing for four years, or until after the War of 1812, when it was torn down. It stood exactly where Judge Royal J. Kennedy's present residence is located, on the State road, about one and a half miles south-east of Wright City. At this time there were living in the immediate vicinity of Kennedy's stockade, the following persons, all of whom had come into that section previous to 1810, and who also assisted in erecting the fort: Samuel Gibson, a South Carolinian ; Daniel McCoy and David Boyd, Kentuckians, and Anthony Keller, a Pennsylvania Dutchman.

During the year 1810, quite a number of additional settlers came 'into the country. On Indian Camp creek, Nathan Cleaver erected his pioneer cabin on the farm since owned by William T. Carter; and James Dickson settled on the same stream, on the Robert Pendleton place.

In 1811 Lawrence Sitton settled on the place afterwards known as the Nimrod Darrell farm. Hugh Liles and Joshua James settled on Peruque creek, above Kennedy's Post, and John Shrum made his house on Indian creek, at the place since known as the home of Samuel Williams.

At the beginning of the year 1812 the number of white settlers had grown quite extensively. There were many new families scattered about the several posts, among whom may be mentioned Benjamin Cooper and family, who, however, had previously settled in 1807, on Hancock's Bottom, and who subsequently removed to the vicinity of South Island.

Henry and David Bryan located on Teuque creek, near Marthasville. The Bryans were men of character, and reared large families, several 'descendants of whom are now living in the county. William T. Lamme, whose wife was a daughter of Col. Flanders Callaway and a grand-daughter of Daniel Boone, settled on the same creek, lower down the stream, and had descendants who lived for many years in that vicinity. William and Benjamin Hancock settled in the neighborhood of Marthasville, in what is now known as Hancock's Bottom. William Logan settled on Teuque creek, just above the Bryan settlement, where he continued to reside for many years, and reared a large family. He afterwards removed to Teuque Prairie, where his widow yet resides. His brothers, Hugh, Alexander and Henry Logan, settled a year or two later west of the present site of Marthasville. Jonathan Bryan settled near Femme Osage, in St. Charles county. Absalom Hayes, John Wyatt, William Johnson, Jonathan Davis, William Thurman, and several others settled in the south-eastern portion of the county, about the close of the War of 1812..

posts were gradually filling up with enterprising people, who soon foresaw the necessity of such action. This matter was discussed for three or four years, the result being that in 1818 the town of Pinckney, on the Missouri river, became the county seat of Montgomery county. Primitive and unpretentious public buildings were erected, and the ambitious little village started fairly upon what indicated a career of great promise. At the end of six years, however, the of Howard county, resided at this point. He moved away in 1820. The family of Irvine Pittman and two families by the name of Talbot remained at Loutre Island and formed the nucleus of what afterward. became a flourishing colony. Quitea number of the descendants of the society being known as Friendship Church. During the stormy and eventful period of the War of 1812, although far removed from the active scene of operations, the sparsely settled thoroughly understood the methods of Indian warfare. Being brave, watchful and always ready to meet and repulse the enemy when attacked, the Indians learned to respect and fear the gallant band led by

Robert Ramsey built his cabin on the outskirts of the settlement, and, as he supposed, within easy call should he require the assistance of his neighbors in time of danger. On a bright morning in May, while the family were attending to. their customary home duties, they were surprised by a party of Indians, who at once opened a "murderous fire upon the defenseless family. In attempting to gain the friendly shelter of the cabin home, three of the children were killed and scalped, Mrs. Ramsey was mortally wounded, and Ramsey himself received one or more serious wounds at the hands of the attacking party. There remained the boys of the family who made their way to the house of their uncle, William Ramsey, who lived on the premises, afterwards the home of ex-Sheriff Howard, where they made known the horrible details of the attack. The heavy firing had heen heard by the settlers, who became alarmed, and at once joined in an organized pursuit of the Indians. Volunteers came from the neighboring forts at Callaway's, Kennedy's and Loutre Lick, and several desperate engagements were had between the settlers und the destroyers of the Ramsey family. In one of the skirmishes Capt. James Callaway ,of Callaway's Fort, in honor of whom Callaway county 'was named, was, with several of his companions, captured by the redskins, and the entire party were afterwards horribly tortured and put to death near the fort on Loutre Lick. [See former account. ] - This disastrous and distressing incident occurred two years previous to the adoption of a State government, which event took place in 1820. Immigration had been very rapid. The curling smoke arising from the primitive chimneys of the settlers' cabins could be seen upon all sides, and many of these pioneer residences are yet to be readily found in the vicinity of all the posts on the Missouri river and the various clear and beautiful creeks that empty into that turbid stream.

The history of any country is incomplete without reference to the established or main highways, over which the transportation of the country is carried on. The famed Southern turnpikes, the popular road from which travelers never turn without regret, had its counterpart in what became known as the Boone's Lick road, a portion of which is the main street of Warrenton. Over this highway, which was the main artery of travel, came the lumbering and veritable

''slow coach,'' with its old-fashioned mail pouch, to allay the expectancy of the waiting pioneers. Those were the days when to be proprietor of a roadside inn was to be honored indeed. The oldfashioned fire-place, heaped up with crackling and cheery logs - the bar, behind which was dispensed a quality of beverages long since out of date - the genial face of the landlord, and the unpretentious yet wholesome surroundings of the tavern, made up a grand ensemble, the like of which is rapidly disappearing before the onward and resistless. march of steam transportation.

In these early days within the borders of Warren county, Capt. Roger Taylor kept tavern on the Boone's Lick and was renowned as a genial, social landlord. His house was in 1816 the home of Thomas Oden. A trip over the Boone's Lick road in those days meant long drives, slow time, many discomforts, but a hearty welcome when the autocrat of the country imn stood in his door, and with beaming countenance invited the belated traveler to enter and partake of the venison steak and wild turkey roasts, that could then be secured in great plenty.

Physical And Geological Features

Included in the area of Warren county are 396 square miles. In the early times, before the settlers began to clear away the timber, seven-tenths of the county consisted of heavily wooded land, but the space now clear and under cultivation comprises about one-half the total area.

In the southern section of the county, bordering on-the Missouri river, are thousands of acres of rich bottom land, and here are located the best paying and most valuable farms, although in the valleys of the various creeks that flow through the county 'there are also many small but productive farms. The northern part of the county contains more open land than any other section, which fact is the result of the settler's ax.

'The principal streams are the Charrette which flows in a southerly direction, emptying into the Missouri river near Marthasville. The «« Dry fork'' of Charrette creek has its source in Elkhorn township. There are also Camp Branch and Indian Camp creek, both in the northern part of the county ; Peruque creek, Smith's, Teuque and Lost creeks are streams that generally supply abundance of water. .

From a lecture delivered by Prof. John H. Frick, of the Central Wesleyan College at Warrenton, we extract the following regarding the physical and geological character of the territory comprising the county. Referring to the Trenton lime stone found on Lost creek in Pinckney ei. the Professor said :

Its total thickness. in the county is estimated to be about 130 feet ; on Teuque creek it is 127 feet thick. Wherever it is well developed it affords charming scenery, rising in perpendicular cliffs, with here and there a green cedar, and covered with mosses, lichens and ferns which hang down from above in rich green festoons. Some places on Charrette the cedars are so numerous and the scenery so picturesque as to remind one of mountain scenery. Many of the landscapes on these creeks, with their scalloped hills and bluffs, covered with the tints of a rich autumn foliage, deserve to be put upon canvas by the skillful hands of some of our landscape painters. But to return to the sandstone. At the top it is usually white, with thin streaks of green, fine grained and quite soft. Lower down we find it brown, 'sometimes interstratified with white and brown, sometimes tinted with pink. When examined with a lens, we find that it consists of fine grains of quartz, loosely cemented together, resembling a mass of 'roundish, smooth, shining little pearls. That containing iron is variously colored, and more firmly cemented together.

In some places it has a seam of black which probably contains black oxide of manganese. Springs are often found at its base, and on Lost creek, under an overhanging ledge saltpetre is found. "Caves are also found in the lower part. Not far from Hopewell, on Dry fork of Charrette, there is quite a large one.

Two miles north of Marthasville there is a somewhat peculiar cave, called the '* Devil's Boot.'' Its entrance from the top of the ground is about twenty-five feet across, nearly circular, and about thirty feet deep. 'This is the leg of the boot. Considerable debris has accumulated in the '' heel,'' where myself and class two weeks ago found flowers and ferns growing inrich luxuriance. A large chamber extends towards the northeast for about 150 feet about eight feet high in the middle

-at the entrance, or at what we might call the instep, "and increasing in width and height to the further end where it is about twenty-five feet high and sixty feet wide.

-and are from four inches to more than a foot in thickness. To what cause these columns owe their origin we are as yet unable to say, but shall try. to ascertain by future investigations.

water reached was so strongly impregnated with sulphur that it was unfit for use. There are several other small areas containing coal in" this county. One in the neighborhood of Lipstadt, another five or six miles north-east of Warrenton, on Big creek, called the '' Hines. Bank,'' and in the northern part of the county Mr. F. H. Drunert has a coal mine. At the Hines Bank the coal is said to be about 23 feet thick, six feet. being left in the bottom on account of trouble indraining, ten feet being worked out, and seven feet left overhead to support the clay and gravel above, some of which has caved in. The' coal is very much disturbed, pitching at all angles and in all directions. It is contained in a depression in the encrinital limestone, one hundred feet wide along the Hickory branch, which runs into Big creek. According to an analysis made by Mr. Chauvenet, this coal contains 7.44 per cent of sulphur and iron, and 45.75 per cent of - fixed carbon, the remainder being ash, volatile matter and water. | This bank has been worked, I have been told, for a good many years, and considerable quantities have been taken out for the supply of the neighborhood. The last time I was there one man was mining and © the coal was drawn up an inclined track by a single mule. | Mr. Drunert's coal bank is a short distance west of his house on ~ Rocky branch. The coal is found under a bed of steatite or soapstone, and has slate or jet-coal at the bottom. It, like the other deposit, is in a depression of the encrinital limestone, and is, therefore, of limited extent. Other small deposits occur near the heads of small branches running into Big creek. In the Pendleton area:on the head ~ of Lost creek, some valuable beds of clay are found. The clays are - drab, blue and purple, and one of the beds has been leased by Dix- - on & Young, a St. Louis firm, for ten years. They are mining it and - shipping it to St.Louis to be used in the arts. It issaid to make excellent fire bricks and glass pots. The blue is said to be good pottery clay. There is a similar bed on a ravine of Camp creek. It occupies a val- - ley in the encrinital limestone about 100 feet wide. 'There is also - another bed of clay of purple and buff color, on the head of Smith's ~ creek, which may yet prove to be valuabe in the economical arts. -

There are several stone quarries along the Charrette valley, : and in "other portions of the county adjacent to the Missouri river. With the completion of a railway along the north bank of that stream, these stone beds could be readily utilized and become very : valuable.

Pioneer Life And Early Courts

First Session of the County and Circuit Courts - The Proceedings - Temporary Seat of Justice - Tilman Cullom - The First Sheriff - A Cowhide Fight.

As in every new and untried country, the early settlers of Warren county took no pains to preserve or record facts that might be of historical value. In locating their homes, clearing off the timber, providing shelter for their families and stock, they had no time to consider that perhaps in the future their trials and privations and the was put upon his honor, and his relations with his scattering neighbors were simply a test of genuine manhood. It is difficult to realize a more perfect illustration of real genuine settlement. Without law, save the law of fair and upright conduct, shut out from the world's distractions and inconsistencies, these people were practically an isolated colony, where no man's hand was raised against his neighbor, but where, on the other hand, every effort was loyally given. "THE OLD LOG CABIN. 7 In these days the abode of the settler was indeed of a primitive character. The first to arrive were obliged to erect flimsy and unreliable structures, out of poles and bark, very similar in looks to the (965)

Indian bark huts that preceded them. As assistance came, however, 7 in the natural order of things, the '' men folks '' assembled and erected the log cabins that before many years could be found scattered through the country. The days of the kitchen range were then far beyond the dreams of even the most sanguine housewife, who -was content to do her boiling and roasting over the open fire of an oldfashioned broad chimney, which also warmed and lighted the dark recesses of the cabin. The furniture of the cabin was crude and unweildy, generally the work of the people themselves.

Formality in visiting was looked up as a positive sign of unfriendliness, and neighbors and strangers always found the latch string hanging out to welcome them to the hospitable cordiality of a race of men and women who have, unhappily, been forced to abdicate before the latter-day infringements of fashionable life and the rules of established etiquette. In after years the saw mills made it possible to erect more shapely and comfortable residences, but the old log house - yet possesses a singular charm for the people who passed their youth beneath the friendly shelter of its protecting roof.

It may be said with truth that the pioneers '< lived on the fat Baia: the land.'? A meal in one of these aboriginal homes carried with it an assurance of plenty to eat, and a guarantee that the torments of dyspepsia would not follow the indulgence of a hearty appetite. The bone and muscle ofa generation of rugged and sinewy men and women - have had its foundation, and their descendants of to-day may congratulate themselves upon the primitive yet sensible ideas of their forefathers.

In those days stated preaching was a rare thing, although the settlers were as a class religious and firm believers in the toachynees of | the Bible. It was the custom to hold fast by the old traditional Bible reading and family prayer, and the rustic surroundings had a natural tendency to create feelings of love and veneration for the Creator of all things. 3

To the mind of people raised in the atmosphere of elegant houses, convenient surroundings, rapid transportation and all modern appliances" for the comfort, education and pleasure of mankind, there is nothing particularly charming in the details of pioneer life, yet there now live ing many people, ae have been obliged to keep pace with the march of civilization, who do not hesitate to assert that the old days were the best days, and that notwithstanding the modern notions of what constitute comfort, they look with pickers upon the time when the log cabin satisfied them with its pleasant yet primitive homeliness |

Tender memories of youthful days spent amidst the attractions that nature affords, of courtships freed from the exactions of modern society, of houses where love alone developed the beauties of pure character, and where the Golden Rule was the foundation of all equity as between man and man; these and freedom from dissension and jealously, are considerations not to be forgotten. | The primitive homes and customs of the people were in keeping with the tools with which they labored to clear off the timber and locate the many rich farms that now dot the surface of the county. Steam threshing machines, combined reapers and mowers and cast steel plows were beyond anticipation at this time. The present generation of farmers have no conception of the methods pursued by their forefathers, and if put to the test of using the machinery of these early times, the attractions of farming would be extremely few, and rarely courted. Fashion knew no votaries among the unassuming people of that day ; the simple tastes of scattered settlers requiring nothing but plain, cheap and serviceable materials. These were the halycon,days of the old-fashioned jeans cloth, and to this day, in many localities, home-made suits of this material are the rule. Then the spinning- _ wheel was as necessary as bread; every mother taught her daughter to use it, and out of the product of the wheel whole families were _ dressed in suits upon which no duties had been paid, and under which happy hearts beat with the satisfaction that follow honest personal exertion ; and the knoweldge that to their own resources was due their happiness, was as satisfactory as it was pleasant to these thrifty and - independent pioneers. e In January, 1833, by act of the State Legislature, as has been previously stated, Warren county was formally set off from Montgomery county, and the boundaries of the new county regularly surveyed and established. This brought with it the necessity of permanent county organization, which was immediately agitated. In the following May the first session of the county court of Warren county was held, and from the well-preserved records of the county is given the following verbatim report of its proceedings : -

_ Srarr or Missourt, County or Warren: At the May term of the | county court, in and for said county, A. D. 1833. Be it remembered that on this 20th day of May, it being the third Monday of said 'month, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three, personally appears at the house of Mordecai Morgan -

It is ordered by the court that the appointment of Walter Dillion, as deputy clerk, by Carty Wells, clerk of this court, be sanctioned and confirmed ; whereupon the said Walter Dillon appeared in open court and took the oath required by law.

the collector of this county. Frederick Griswold applied for a license to keep a tavern at Pinckthat the tax imposed on said license be $15.

It is ordered by the court that the county of Warren be divided into townships with the following boundaries, to wit: All that territory within the following boundaries shall compose the township of Charrette: Beginning at the Missouri river where the fifth principal ' meridian -crosses said river, thence running north with said meridian - to the corners of sections 12 and 13, in township 46, range 1 west, thence due west to the township line dividing ranges 2 and 3, thence south with said line to the Missouri river, thence down the

All that territory within the following boundaries shall compose the township of Elkhorn: Beginning at the corner of Charrette township at the meridian and running north to the Lincoln county line, thence with said line to the line dividing ranges 2 and 3, thence south to the corner of Charrette township and the line of said conn ship to the beginning. |

All that territory "within the following boundaries shall compose the township of Pinckney: Beginning at the Missouri river on the line dividing ranges 2 and 3, thence 1 running north to the south-east corner of township 47, range 3 west, thence west with the township and range line, dividing sections 4 and 5, thence south to the channel of the Missouri river, thence with oad channel to the beginning.

And all that territory bounded as follows shall compose the township of Camp Branch: Embracing all the territory west of the range line dividing sections 2 and 38, and north of the range line dividing townships 46 and 47, in ranges 3 and 4.

It is ordered by the court that the following places be designated as the place for holding elections in the several townships of said county, to-wit: In the township of Charrette, elections to be held at Marthasville. In the township of Elkhorn, elections shall be held at the house of Grief Stewart. In the township of Camp Branch, elections shall be held at the house of Nicholas C. Kablers. In the township of Pinckney, elections shall be held at the house of Tilman Cullom.

It is ordered that the following named persons be appointed judges of elections in the township of Charrette, to wit: John McGaw, Jared Erwin and John S. Wyatt; and it is further ordered that they be notified of their appointment.

It is ordered by the court that Newton Howell, John Preston and William Langford be appointed judges of elections in the township of Elkhorn; and it is further ordered that they be served with a copy of this order. ;

It is ordered by the court that Capt. John Wyatt, John B. Carter and Hugh A. Skinner be appointed judges of elections in the township of Pinckney ; and it,is further ordered that they be served with a copy of this order.

It is ordered by the court that Cornelius Howard, John Ferguson and Philip Glover be appointed judges of elections in the township of Camp Branch ; and it is further ordered that they be served witha copy of this order.

On the second day, Tuesday, May 21, 1833, it was ordered that the temporary seat of justice for the county be at the house of John Wyatt, Sr., and that the regular sessions of the courts be held there until otherwise provided by law.

_ The following were recommended to the Governor as suitable persons to fil] the office of justice of the peace for the newly organized townships : -

It is ordered by the court that a patrol be appointed in Charrette - township, consisting of James Bland, captain; and N. Tomlinson, - Daniel B. Callaway and Delaney Burnet, privates, under the direction and control of said captain, the said patrol to continue in office © one year, and to patrol not less than 24 hours in each month.

In Elkhorn township, a similar patrol was appointed, consisting - of Elisha Elliott, captain; and Lewis Daniel and Henry B. Graves, privates.

At this time the owners of slaves were somewhat harassed by the actions of neighbors who were opposed to the traffic, and fearing" that assistance would be rendered runaway slaves in their efforts to_ secure their freedom, these patrols were selected to keep a constant lookout for escaping negroes, and.to disperse all gatherings of the colored people. It is said that the patrolmen were ordered to arrest | and prosecute any and all strangers found conversing with slaves. The regularly selected officers were court officials, clothed with legal power, and they did not hesitate to exercise their authority. ;

Among the early transactions of the court, to wit: At the special term, held in August, 1833, at the house of John Wyatt, is found the following order : -

William James filed a paper setting forth an improper assess- - ment of a negro slave belonging to him, the said James, valued at $300, and upon full examination of the premises, and mature deliberation therein being had, it is considered that the said James be released from the payment of tax on said slave, and that he be credited with the amount charged by the said assessment. - oll

From the records of the county were taken the following verbatim : account of the proceedings of the first session of the circuit court of Warren county :

Be it remembered that on this ninth day of May, it being the. first Thursday after the first Monday of said month, in the year of our Lord one Ue eight hundred aud thirty-three, personally.

appears at the house of Mordecai Morgan, the place appointed for holding the circuit court in and for said county of Warren, the Hon. Priestly B. McBride, judge of the second judicial district in and for said State, and the judge of the circuit court aforesaid, and by his order Absalom Hays, sheriff of said county of Warren, opens court by making proclamation thereof at the door of said house, and also returns here into court the following panel to serve as grand j jurors at the present term of this court, to wit: Thomas Talbot, who is appointed foreman, Grief Stewart, Samuel Dokerty, Benoni McClure, Andrew J. Lang, Isaac Kent, Jr., William Cameron, James Miller, Edward Plaisant, Turner Roundtree, Jonathan D. Gordon; Benjamin Hutchinson, Woodson A. Burton, Thomas Chambers, Geor ge Clay, James B. Graves, John B. Shaw and Jared Edwin, eighteen g eood and lawful men of said county of Warren, who being so duly empaneled, _and here in court charged to inquire for said State of Missouri in and for the body of the county of Warren, retire for that purpose.

The clerk presented to the court, for approval, the bond of Absalom - Hays, sheriff of said county, taken in vacation by the clerk, which _ said bond the court refused to approve, because the said bond had not been executed by the said Hays within thirty days after receiving his commission as sheriff as aforesaid. And thereupon it appearing to _ the satisfaction of the court, that there is no sheriff or coroner qualified to act, it is ordered by the court that Absalom Hays be appointed ''elizor'' for said county, with full power to execute all processes issued by this court, and to do and perform all other acts pertaining to the office of 'sheriff required of him by said court.

On motion of the circuit attorney it is ordered by the court that is case be stricken from the docket, and the papers remanded to the stice of the peace for further proceedings.

The State

On motion of the circuit attorney, it is ordered by the court that this can be stricken from the docket, and the papers remanded to the justice of the peace for further proceedings.

Absalom Hays presented to the court an account against the county of Warren, for six dollars and eighty-seven cents and a half, which is allowed bythe court. Ordered that the clerk certify the same to the county court for payment.

John Jones

John Jones, by his attorney, filed in open court an affidavit containing allegations of fraud in the defendant, who has taken the benefit of the act for the relief of the insolvent debtors, and prays for a summons against said defendant. Ordered by the court that a summons issue in conformity to the statute.

It is ordered by the court that the clerk procure the following books for his office: One record deed book, one order book, both to be bound; two docket books, one fee book, one execution book, one book for witnesses' claims, and one minute book. :

The Tilman Cullom who was selected as president of the first - county court, was a brother of the Hon. Shelby M. Cullom, ex- J Governor of Illinois, and present United States Senator from that - State. He was a Kentuckian, in which State he married a Miss Mc- Durmid, and shortly after moved to Missouri. Here he raised a large family of children, and was recognized as one of the leading and public-spirited men of the early days.

Absalom Hays, the first sheriff of the county, was, previous to its - organization, the second sheriff elected in Montgomery county. He - served as sheriff of Warren county for 12 years, his last term expir- ~ ing in 1845. His wife was a Miss Annie Skinner, of Montgomery county, by whom he had Jeremiah, Susan, John A., Jane and Mary - C. Mrs. Hays is yet living in Montgomery county, in the family of - her daughter, Jane. During the election which took place in the E spring of 1842, Mr. Hays was again a candidate for sheriff, and was - opposed by McKinney, who was some years his junior, and a man of. : considerable wealth. During the somewhat heated campaign the - rival candidates met at a political meeting or barbecue at Lehmberg's store, on the present site of Holstein village, and becoming angered, © finally resorted to a personal encounter. Mr. Hays was a cripple and. _ hardly a match for his younger opponent. McKinney, to humiliate - the sheriff, used an old-fashioned cowhide whip, and it is said un-_ mercifully cut up the officer. A warrant was immediately issued for | McKinney's arrest and he was formally tried, convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred dollars. This he did, and feeling humiliated in turn, sold out his property, moved away and never re- : turned to the county. aNkt, 2 4 é