Ray County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 7 of 23)

The first bridge erected in Ray county, was that across the Discharge - now known as Willow creek - on the road leading from Jack's ferry, on the Missouri river, to Bluftton. For the erection of this bridge, a poll

Atfer holding its sessions in Bluftton for seven years, the county court adjourned its special term of April 5th, 1828, to meet in Richmond, the newly made county seat. George Woodward, the clerk, was ordered to move the books, papers, etc., of the county court, to his residence, near Richmond, to keep them there, and Jhere to transact the duties of his office, until the necessary public buildings could be erected and ready for use.

The basis of what we have written in this chapter is the proceedings of the early courts ; and we have, besides, told the reader something of the first county seat. With that, however, as such - save as necessity requires in the succeeding chapter - we are done - but

The commissioners appointed by the general assembly to point out and determine upon a site for the permanent location of the county seat, were required, by law, to render to the circuit court, at each term thereof, until they accomplished the end of the work assigned them, a full and correct account of their proceedings. Accordingly, at the first term of the circuit court, February, 1821, they, with the exception of John Turner, appeared, took the oath of office and executed bonds in the sum of ten thousand dollars, conditioned for the faithful performance of their duty.

The task of the commissioners was far from an easy one. Although they labored assiduously, they failed to accomplish the object of their appointment, and the same is true of several succeeding commissions. Thus careful was Judge Todd that the title to' the property, on which was to be located the permanent seat of justice, should be genuine, complete and "unclouded."

At the June term, 1821, of the circuit court, John Turner joined his co-commissioners, by taking the usual oath, and they then reported to the court that they had, in pursuance of their official duty, selected a site whereon to permanently locate the seat of justice, and that it was in the the tract of land, situated on the Missouri river, owned by Duff Green and Charles Simmons, and upon a part of which tract the town of Bluffton was laid out; that the proprietors of said tract of land offered a donation of fifty acres for the use of the county, and that the commissioners were ready and willing to accept the same, as soon as the court approved the title thereto. The evidences of title were, accordingly, submitted to the court for his examination. This report was signed: James Wells, Jonathan Liggett, John Harris, John (his mark) Turner, committee.

Green and Simmons entered into bond in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars to make their donation worth that amount; but we find no record of the court's opinion as to the title of the property donated, but since it was never accepted as the site for the permanent location of the county seat, it is certain that the evidences of title were not approved, although they were duly signed, delivered and recorded.

The commissioners, with two notable exceptions, soon began to tire of their work. At the February term, 1822, John Harris and James Wells resigned. Liggett soon followed their example, and subsequent appointees served but a short time, till they either resigned or refused further to act, thus keeping up a continuous rotation.

A second report was not rendered till the July term, 1823, when the commissioners presented their report locating the county seat in the town of Blunton, and praying the opinion of the court, as to the validity of the title to the property selected. The court suspended his opinion till " court in course" - March term, 1824 - when he decided, after having carefully viewed and examined the title papers, that the title was incomplete.

At the November term - same year - the commissioners submitted a third report, selecting, this time, a tract of land containing fifty acres, in a New Madrid survey, near Blunton. Again their labors were in vain - the court interposing the fatal objection, that the proprietor of the New Madrid location could not convey a fee simple title to any portion thereof.

Thrice frustrated in their efforts; doubtless, without hope of future success, and weary of prolonged, unrequited endeavor, the commissioners, with the exception of the untiring Martin and Turner, abandoned a work made memorable for repeated failures.

The court supplied the places of those who resigned, by the appointment of Samuel Prewitt, Samuel Cleavenger and Abraham Linville, but the question of the removal of the county seat was not again seriously agitated till the spring of 182*;. On Wednesday, the loth of March, the commissioners again appeared in open court, and reported that they had determined upon a site for the permanent establishment of the seat of justice, in the southeast one-fourth of section ten, township fifty-one, range twenty-eight, west of the fifth principal meridian, on land of Jeremiah Crowley.

The court took time to examine the title to the ground reported, and while we have been unable to find his opinion entered of record, it was certainly rendered, approving the title to Crowley's place; for, only sixdays afterward, Crowley and wife conveyed the same by deed to the com- missioneers, to the use of the county of Ray, and subsequently, the county court " ordered that the title papers of Jeremiah Crowley, donating to the county of Ray, fifty acres of land, for the purposes of a county seat for said county, be committed for record." Accordingly on the 8th of October, 1827, the deed, having been property signed and acknowledged, was duly recorded in the recorder's office. The land donated was surveyed on the day of the execution of the deed, by one Weekly Dale> and contained fifty-one acres - one acre being reserved for " meeting house." But, the county seat was never moved to Crowley's place. At its May term, 1829, the county court appointed Hardy Holman commissioner on behalf of the county " to convey back to Jeremiah Crowley, a tract of fifty acres, donated by said Crowley to the county of Ray, for the purposes of locating thereon a county seat." The law provided that when the seat of justice was removed, it should be to some central situation. Crowley's place was certainly far from the center of the county.

Friday, August 18th, 1826, the county court - convened in special session - took up the consideration of the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county, praying for a removal of the seat of justice to some more central point. From a careful examination of the assessor's books, the court found the number of taxable inhabitants to be two hundred and thirtynine, and on counting the legal subscribers to said petition, there were found to be one hundred and thirty-eight names of persons legally qualified to sign the same. This number not being three-fifths of the taxable inhabitants of the county - as the amended law then required, - the petition was dismissed from further consideration. A change in the law, repealing the act of 1821, touching the removal of county seats, required the county court, on petitition of three-fifths of the taxable population of a county, praying for a removal of the seat of justice, to appoint five persons, non-residents of the county, desiring a change in the location of its county seat, as commissioners to " view, select and report to said court a proper situation, near the centre of the county, whereon to locate the seat of justice."

At its November term, Monday, November 6, 1826, the county court considered a second petition, numerously signed, praying, as before, a removal of the seat of justice to a more central situation. The court was satisfied, after examination, that more than three-fifths of the signers were legally qualified; they therefore granted the prayer of the petition, and appointed the following persons commissioners to " view, select and report" a proper site for the permanent location of the county seat: John Stepp, James Warren and Markham Triston, of Lafayette county, and Elisha Camron and Charles English, of Clay county.

Whether this commission ever selected a site for the county seat, or whether it ever met, is not known, as the official records contain no further mention of it. It is quite certain, however, that it did nothing, as at a special term, held in April, 1827, the court again considered a similar petition, and, for like reasons, appointed the following new commission: John Stepp, Markham Triston and William Owens, of Lafayette county; Andrew Robertson and Eppe Tillory, of Clay county. They were directed to meet at the residence of John Woolard, of Ray county, and the sheriff was ordered to advertise said meeting by posting placards in ten of the most public places in the county.

The commissioners met promptly at the appointed time, May 5, 1827, and selected as a site on which to locate the permanent seat of justice of Ray county, the " Woolard place," in the southwest quarter of fractional section thirty, township fifty-two, range twenty-seven; and on the same day, in behalf of the county, received a deed thereto from John Woolard, Isaac Thornton, William B. Martin, and William Thornton, the proprietors thereof. The deed was duly acknowledged May 30, approved by the judge of the circuit court July 20, and so certified to the county court; filed for record October 2, and recorded October 8, 1827.

Friday, July 20, 1827, the count}7 court convened in special session, for the purpose of ordering an election for voting on a proposition to remove the county seat to the place selected by the commissioners. Judges of election were appointed for the four townships - Bluffton, Missouriton, Fishing River, and Crooked River - which then composed the county, and the 20th and 21st of the following August were appointed the days for holding said election.

Monday, September 24, 1827, the county court again met in special session to canvass the result of the election. An examination of the pollbooks of the several townships showed the whole number of " good " votes cast to be one hundred and sixty-three, of which one hundred and eight are a majority. The court, therefore, declared that " the place petitioned for, called ' Woolard's place,' should be the permanent seat of justice " of Ray county.

Thus, after a prolonged, varied, and arduous effort of more than sixyears, a location for the permanent county seat was legally determined upon. But Blufiton, as a county seat, was not immediately abandoned. A new town was to be laid out, and the necessary public buildings erected - a work requiring twelve months to accomplish; hence, Bluffton remained, practically, the seat of justice during that period.

The land was to be surveyed and laid off into town lots, streets, and alleys, by October 15, 1827; and an order was issued, naming Thursday, the 25th of that month, as the time - to be continued from day to day - for their sale at public auction. It was ordered that the sale be advertised in some newspaper, published in the state; and, after bestowing on the embryo city the name of Richmond, in honor of the capital metropolis of the " Old Dominion," the court adjourned.

At a special term, held Monday, October 22, 1827, a plat of Richmond, accompanied by his report, was submitted to the county court by Commissioner Miller. The survey of the town had been completed, under the commissioners' direction, by Thomas N. Aubry, Esq., county surveyor.

The court appointed William Thornton superintendent of county buildings; and, at its special term, April 5, 1828, he submitted a plan for a jail, which the court accepted, provided the cost thereof would not exceed four hundred dollars. The contract for building was let to Sebourn J. Miller.

The first county court held in the county, outside of that town, convened Monday, May 5, 1828, at the residence of George Woodward, near Richmond. William P. Thompson, Sebourn J. Miller, and Isaac Allen were the justices; Larkin Stanley, sheriff, and George Woodward, clerk.

Thomas Riggs' tavern wras a substitute for a court house six years; after that the dwelling of George Woodward was improvised, till a court house could be erected. The latter was completed and ready for occupancy March 5, 1829. At the November term, of the preceding year, S. J. Miller informed the court that he had completed the jail agreeable to his contract. The court found, however, "that the corners to said building had not been sawed down." This, Miller guaranteed to have done, and the court agreed to receive the jail, and pay the contractor his last installment, of $47.25.

As may be readily inferred, the jail was a log fabric of a very rude and primitive kind. The only entrance was by a stairway, on the outside leading to a solitary door that opened into a kind of garret, in the floor of which was a trap-door, or hatchway: through this the prisoners, by means of a ladder, descended to the "dungeon."

The court house - for those days - was really " a structure of majestic frame." It, too, was built of logs, nicely hewn, and skillfully fitted together at the corners; the apertures between them being "chinked" with seasoned mulberry blocks, and lined on the inside with "good, shaved oak boards." The floor was made of puncheons, and the chimney was a delicate wooden one, whose symmetrical framing rose gracefully

Such is the description of Ray county's first public buildings: the one for the culprits' comfort, and the other wherein justice between man and man was dispensed at stated periods in ever}- year. But they no longer encumber the public square, having given place, years ago, to more commodious buildings of improved architecture ; their very logs have crumbled to dust under the withering touch of time's destructive fingers.

In November, 1828, the county court notified the circuit court, in writng, that a "good and sufficient jail" was erected in the town of Richmond, and also, that a court house would be ready for use by its next March term. The sheriff, therefore, made public proclamation, on the adjournment of the circuit court that it would hold its next term in the town of Richmond.

Pursuant to this proclamation, the circuit court convened in Richmond, for the first time, Thursday, March 19, A. D., 1829. David Todd was still judge; George Woodward, clerk; Larkin Stanley, sheriff.

First Instruments Recorded Marriage Certificates

State of Missouri, County of Ray. Know all men by these presents, That I, a preacher of the gospel, did join in the holy state of matrimony, Owen Thorp and Elizabeth Hiett, as man and wife, this 10th day of June, 1821.

Be it known, That, on this 15th day of February, 1821, I joined in the bonds of holy matrimony, Jacob Rifle and Ruth Martin; satisfactory proof having been first made of parental consent. Given from under my hand the day and date above.

I do certify I joined in the bonds of matrimony, Vincent Carlisle and Narcissa Black, conformably to the laws of this state. Given under my hand the 2d of December, 1821.

This is to certify, That on the 20th day of December, 1821, I did join in the holy state of matrimony, Mr. Robert Morris and Miss Heffsabe Pune, both of Gallatin township and county of Ray.

First Sheriff'S Commission

Alexander McNair, to all who shall sec these presents, greeting: Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, vigilance, and ability of John Harris, I do hereby appoint him sheriff of the county of Ray, and authorize and empower him to discharge the duties of said office according to law.

To have and to hold the said office, with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the same of right appertaining, unto him, the said John Harris, until the next general election, and until a successor be duly qualified.

First Official Bond

Know all men by these presents, That we, John Harris, Martin Parmer and Thomas Officer are held and firmly bound unto Alexander McNair, governor of the state of Missouri, and his successors in office, in the sum of five thousand dollars, current money of the United States, to which payment, well and truly to be made, we bind our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.

The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas* the above bound John Harris has been legally appointed and commissioned sheriff of the county of Ray in the said state of Missouri, and during the term, until the next general election, and until a successor shall be duly qualified. Now should he, the said John Harris, faithfully, as sheriff of the said county of Ray, execute, fulfill and discharge all the duties of said office of sheriff for and during the time of his continuance therein, then the above obligation to be void, else to remain in full force and virtue.

Justice

Know all men by these presents, That we, James Wills, Jonathan Liggett, John Harris, Isaac Martin, as principals, and John Shields, Martin Parmer, Thomas Officer, John Hutchings, of the county of Ray and state of Missouri, are held and firmly bound unto Alexander McNair, Esquire, governor of the said state of Missouri, and his successors in office, for the use of the county of Ray, in the just and full sum of ten thousand dollars of lawful money of the United States, to the payment whereof we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals, and dated this nineteenth day of February, eighteen hundred and twenty-one.

The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas the above bound James Wills, Jonathan Liggett, John Harris and Isaac Martin, have been by law appointed commissioners with full power and authority to point out and fix on the most suitable plan in said county of Ray, whereon to erect a court house and jail. Now should they, the said Wills, Liggett, Harris and Martin, commissioners as aforesaid, faithfully and impartially discharge their duties as commissioners of said county of Ray, and appropriate and dispose of all moneys or property that may come into their hands as commissioners aforesaid, to the sole use and benefit of said county of Ray; and that if there should be a surplus of said money or property remaining in their hands after having complied with the objects of their appointment, that they and each of them will, under the direction of the circuit court, pay the same into the county treasury, or to any person or persons the said court shall direct, and render at each term of the said circuit court a just and true account of how far they have performed the duties incident to the said appointment, as commissioners of the said county of Ray, then the above obligation to be void, else to remain in full force and virtue. James Wills, [seal.]

To all whom these -present shall come, greeting ; Know ye, that I, Duff Green, of the town of Chariton and state of Missouri, for and in consideration of one hundred and sixty acres of a New Madrid certificate* of three hundred and thirty arpens, in the name of James Brady, numbered two hundred and thirty-two (232), this day conveyed to me by Thomas A. Smith, of the town of Franklin and state aforesaid, according to a certain agreement entered into between the said Smith and myself to liquidate the dispute then existing between us, as regards the town of Bluffton, which said agreement bears date the 6th of December, 1819, 1, the said Duff Green, do, for the consideration aforesaid, grant, bargain and sell, transfer and assign to the said Thomas A. Smith and to his heirs and assigns forever, one undivided fourth part of a location of six hundred and forty acres of land, made by virtue of a New Madrid certificate, numbered four hundred and fifty-eight (458) in the name of Robert Lane ; said location made in township fifty-one, north, and range twenty-eight, west, north of Missouri river, reference being had to the office of the United States surveyor of this state, will more fully show the metes and bounds thereof; which said cited certificate, in the name of Robert Lane, located as aforesaid, I, the said Green, claim and own by virtue of a regular chain of conveyance from the said Lane to myself for either the land at New Madrid, or the certificate in him thereof.

To have and to hold the said undivided fourth part of said location, together with all and singular the rights, privileges and advantages thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining to him, the said Thomas A. Smith, and to his heirs and assigns forever.

Arid it is further and expressly understood that one-fourth part of the said town of Bluffton is hereby conveyed, and the advantages and perquisites from lots sold, or hereafter to be sold, are held in common, is hereby conveyed to the said Thomas A. Smith, his heirs or assigns.

*On the night ot December 16, 1811, at about two o'clock a. m., was felt the 'first great shock of the New Madrid earthquake in New Madrid county, Missouri. Shocks, comparatively light, followed at intervals of from half an hour to an hour, till seven a. m., when a second earthquake occurred, scarcely less violent than the first. After this slight shocks were felt from time to time until January 7, 1812, when the country was again visited by an earthquake equally as violent as the first two, and which, also, was followed by slighter ones, at intervals, till February 17th, at which time a third very severe one occurred. A considerable extent of valuable farming land was utterly destroyed by this calamity ; and congress, carrying out the known wishes of the people, passed an act February 17, 1815, for the relief of those who had sustained losses of real estate caused by the earthquake in New Madrid county. This act was the origin of the " New Madrid Claims," and provided that any person owning lands within the boundaries forming the county on the 10th day of November, 1812, whose lands were materially injured by the earthquake, might locate a like qnantity on any of the public lands of Missouri territory; but no location was ot exceed 640 acres. A few of these locations were made on public lands within what is now Ray county.

This day came the within and above named Duff Green personally before the undersigned, a justice of the peace, within and for the county aforesaid, and acknowledged the foregoing deed as and for his voluntary act and deed for the purposes therein named.

To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting : Know ye that I, Thomas A. Smith, of the town of Franklin and stateof Missouri, for and in consideration of one hundred and sixty acres of land, this day conveyed to me by Duff Green, of the town of Chariton and state aforesaid, in pursuance of a certain agreement bearing date the 6th December, 1819, between the said Green and myself relative to the town of Bluffton - reference being had to said Green's deed to me'will fully shew - do, for and in consideration aforesaid, grant, bargain, sell, transfer and assign to the said Duff Green, and to his heirs and assigns forever, one hundred and sixty acres, being an undivided part of a New Madrid, or Earthquake certificate, in the name of James Brady, numbered two hundred and thirty-two (232).

To have and to hold the said undivided part of said certificate, and the land that is, or may be acquired by virtue thereof, to him, the said Duff Green, and to his heirs and assigns forever.

Be it remembered, that this day came the within named, Thomas A. Smith personally before the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, and acknowledged the within deed as and for his his voluntary act and deed.

yames Monroe, President of the United States of America : To all to xvlwmtlicse presents shall come, greeting ; Know ye, that in pursuance of the acts of congress appropriating and granting land to the late army of the United States, passed on and since the 6th day of May, 1812, William Blake having deposited in the general land office, a warrant in his favor, numbered 21,142, there is granted unto the said William Blake, late private in Donoho's corps of artillery, a certain tract of land, containing one hundred and sixty acres, being the southwest quarter of section two, of township fifty-three, north, in range twenty-three, west, in the tract appropriated (by the acts aforesaid) for military bounties, in the territory of Missouri, north.

To have and to hold, the said quarter section of land, with the appurtenances thereof, unto the said William Blake, and to his heirs and assigns forever.

Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, this twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, and of the independence of the United States of America the forty-third. James Monroe.

First Power Of Attorney

Know all men by these presents, That we, Bridget Lane, and John Lane, and Phenix Lane, and Jany Taylor, and Hannah Lane, and Daniel Lane, and Robert Lane, jr., all of us being the only heirs and legal representatives of Robert Lane, deceased, and all of us being of the county of New Madrid, and territory of Missouri, for divers good causes, and other valuable considerations to us hereunto moving, have made, ordained, constituted, and appointed, and by these presents do make, ordain, constitute and appoint Andrew M. Ramsey, of the county of New Madrid, and territory of Missouri, our true* and lawful attorney in fact, irrevocable, for the purposes following, to-wit:

Whereas, It is provided by an act of congress, approved the 17th day of February, in the year 1815, entitled, an act for the relief of the inhabitants of the county of New Madrid, in the Missouri territory, who suffered by earthquakes, provides that those whose lands have been materially injured by earthquakes, shall be authorized to locate the like, or a greater quantitv of Ethe public lands in Missouri territory, the sale of which is authorized by law; and we, the aforesaid heirs and legal representatives, as aforesaid, being persons who are entitled to the provisions of the aforesaid act of congress ;

Now, know ye, That we, the aforesaid heirs and legal representatives of the aforesaid Robert Lane, deceased, have given, and do hereby give full, complete and ample authority to our said attorney, irrevocably to locate on any of the aforesaid public lands in the said territory, any quantity of lands which we may be entitled to by virtue of the aforesaid act of congress, for his own proper use, benefit and behoof, and that of his heirs and assigns forever, and to sell, transfer and convey the same at his, our said attorney's own will and pleasure, at all times, to any person or persons whatsoever, for such price and consideration as he, our said attornev, shall think tit ; also, with power and authority to our said attorney, to transfer and convey unto the United States, our injured tract of land, situated, lvintj and beino- in the county of New Madrid and territory of Missouri, and on the Mississippi river, containing six hundred and forty acres; it being the same tract of land which was confirmed to Robert Lane by the board of commissioners of land titles for the territory. And generally in the premises to do, execute and perform all and singular whatever shall be requisite and necessary in as fulhand ample a manner, as we might or could do, were we personally present; also, with power of substitution, hereby agreeing to ratify and confirm and hold valid all and whatever our said attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

In testimony whereof, we, the several heirs and legal representatives, as aforesaid, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this 17th day of July, in the year of our Lord, 1818."

First Mortgage

Know all men by these -presents : That I, Samuel Crowley, of Ray county, and state of Missouri, for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars, current money of the United States, to me in hand paid by Jesse Mann, of the county and state aforesaid, hath given, granted, bargained and sold, and by these presents doth give, grant, bargain and sell unto the said Samuel Crowley, his heirs, executors, and administrators, one negro boy, called Chance, about seven years old.

To have and to hold the said negro boy, Chance, unto the said Samuel Crowley, his heirs, executors, and administrators, or against any person or persons, claiming under, by or through me, them, or any of them : provided, and it is the true intent and meaning of these presents, that if the said Jesse Mann, or his heirs, shall well and truly, on or before the twenty-third day of April, next, pay unto the said Samuel Crowley, his heirs, executors" and administrators, the said sum of one hundred dollars, current money of the United States, with the legal interest thereon due, clear of all charges, then the above instrument of writing to be void, and of no effect, else to be and remain in full force and virtue in law.

Jon. T. Burch. State of Missouri, ) Ray County, j On this twenty-third day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, personally appeared before me, clerk of the circuit court of the county aforesaid, Jesse Mann, to me well known, party grantor within named, and acknowledged the foregoing instrument of writing to be his act and deed, hand and seal, for the purposes therein mentioned and particularly expressed; and the mortgaged property therein mentioned to be the right, property, and estate of the said Samuel Crowley, party grantor, therein named, his heirs, and assigns, for the purposes therein mentioned.

On this 24th day of July, 1822, received the foregoing instrument of writing, to be recorded, and same day was recorded in liber " A," (pages 106 and 107), a land record of said county.

At the time of the meeting of the first county court, in April, 1821, Ray county extended eastward to Grand river, northward to the Iowa line, westward to the Indian reservation, and southward to the Missouri river; hence, it will be understood, of course, that an account of the first townships is given not with exclusive reference to the present limits of the county.

The act of the general assembly organizing the county, did not divide it into townships, but left that work to the county court; and on the second day of the hrst meeting of that tribunal in Ray county, (the second day being Tuesday, April 3d, 1821,) it was ordered, by the county court, that this county be divided into two townships, to be known as Bluftton and Fishing River townships.

Bluffton township embraced all that part of what was then Ray county, lying between Grand river and the range line, separating ranges twentynine and thirty; Fishing River township, that part of the county situated between the last mentioned range line and the western boundary of the state.

The same day, strange as it may seem, on motion of John Hutehings, the court subdivided Fishing River township, forming " all that part of said township laying west of the first sectional line running north and south, on the east side of Squire Gilmore's farm," into a new township, to be called Gallatin township. We have been unable to locate " Squire Gilmore's farm," but are satisfied that Gallatin was formed from the western portion of Fishing River township.

Those who are familliar with the original limits of the county, will readily perceive that Bluffton township was little more than twice as large as Fishing River township, and that no part of the latter, as then laid off, is embraced in what is now Ray county.

At its May term, 1822, the county court reduced the number of townships to two - Missouriton and Bluffton; the former including all that tract of country in Ray county on the east side of the main east fork of Crooked river, extending to the mouth thereof, thence east to the Chariton county line (Chariton county being then bounded south by the Missouri river); the latter lying on the east side of said main east fork of Crooked river, extending to the mouth thereof, thence west to dividing line between Ray and Clay counties.

Bluffton township - Beginning at the line between Ray and Clay counties, and running thence east to the range line, between ranges twentyseven and twenty-eight. Crooked River township - beginning at the line between twenty-seven and twenty-eight, thence east to the line between twenty-five and twenty six. Missouriton township - beginning at the line separating ranges twenty-five and twenty-six, and running east to Chariton county line.

Bluffton township then included all that part of our present county west of range twenty-seven; Crooked River township, all that part east of range twenty-eight, and Missouriton township, lying east of twenty-six, embraced an area, none of which is within the present limits of the county. The three townships were of equal size, and, that the reader may have some idea of their extent, it is stated that the county was twelve times as large as now.

In the year 1826, at its November term, the county court established Fishing River township out of that portion of Bluffton township lying west of range twenty-eight. It embraced what is now Polk, and the western part of Camden township, besides that area which still retains the name Fishing River. In other words, Fishing River township was then simply that portion of range twenty-nine north of the Missouri river.

In February, 1829, by order of the the county court, the name Bluffton township was changed to Richmond township, in honor of the new county seat, and the following boundaries established: Beginning at the range line between ranges twenty-eight and twenty-nine; thence, with north bank of Missouri river, east to section line between sections thirty-four and thirtyfive (now in the river) in range twenty-seven, so as to embrace the space of four miles east from ran ge twenty-eight; thence, continuing due north to the northern boundary line of the county - which was then the line now separating Harrison countv from the state of Iowa; thence west, to range twenty-nine; thence south, to the beginning - containing one hundred and seventy-five taxable inhabitants.

Crooked River township was changed in its boundary so as to include all the land, beginning at the last mentioned section line, on the Missouri river; thence east to section line between sections thirty-four and thirty-five, in range twenty-five, and extending thence due north to the northern boundary line of the county - now the boundary line between Mercer county and the state of Iowa - extending four sections east of the present county line, and including a strip of land four miles in width, now belonging to the counties of Carroll, Livingston, Grundy and Mercer. Missouriton was not changed, except that its western line was removed four miles farther eastward. It also extended to the Iowa line, including territory, all of which was in what at present - April, 1881 - are Carroll, Livingston, Grundy and Mercer counties. Fishing River township remained unchanged. Crooked River and Missouriton townships contained forty-eight and forty-four taxable inhabitants respectively. More than that number now reside in any single congressional township. Anderson Martin was appointed constable of Richmond township; William Millsap, of Fishing River; James Neil, of Crooked River; and Joseph Johnson, of Missouriton township; each to hold his office one year.

The county court, May 7, 1832, ordered that a new township be erected out of Richmond township, and named Marion township, with the following boundaries, viz:

Beginning at the corner of sections twenty-three and twenty-six and of twenty-seven and twenty-eight, in congressional township fifty-three, range twenty-seven; thence due north to line between townships fifty-six and fifty-seven; thence west with said line to range line between ranges twenty-eight and twenty-nine; thence south with said range line to corner of sections nineteen and thirty, and of twenty-four and twenty-five, in congressional township fifty-three; thence east to beginning.

It will be observed that Marion township included four congressional townships in what is now Caldwell count)-. It contained one hundred and five taxable inhabitants.

northeast of Marion township, just described, extending to the state line, and embraced an area no part of which is within the present Ray county.

Shoal Creek township was established in June, 1S25, by the Ray county court. It lay due north of Marion township, and no part of it is in the Ray county of to-day.

As has been stated, the territory embraced by the original limits was reduced from time to time till, in the year 1836, by the formation of Caldwell county, it was left with its present area.

The description of townships thus far given, is of those established prior to the year 1836, and most of them were, at different times, either wholly or partially without the boundaries now forming the county.

Crooked River township, in the southeastern part of the county, embaces all of congressional township fifty-two north, range twenty-six west; seventeen integral, and six fractional sections in township fifty-one, same range; twelve sections in township fifty-two, range twenty-seven, and four sections in township fifty-one, same range. It borders on the Missouri river, on Carroll county, and on Grape Grove and Richmond townships; the former being on its north, the latter on its west side.

The first settlement in this township was also the first in the county. It was made in the year 1815; but as a full account of this settlement will be found in the chapter devoted to early settlements and settlers, it were superfluous to recite it here.

The southern portion of the township is bottom land; the north, central, and eastern portions gently undulating prairie, of deep Jand productive soil. Timber abounds on Crooked river, and the larger portion of what is now Crooked River township was, when first settled, covered with dense forest. Hardin and Morton are the villages in this township, and will be mentioned in connection with the history of the towns in Raycounty, to be found in this volume.

Fishing River township was one of the three townships into which the county was originally divided. When established in 1821, it included the territory now occupied by the counties of Clay, Clinton, De Kalb, Gentry, and Worth. This territory, by act of the general assembly, became

Clay county, January 2, 1822, and, of course, Fishing River township was no longer a part of Ray county. A new township was established in Ray county in November, 1826, and named Fishing River township. It is the present Fishing River township, reduced to its present limits by the establishment of Polk and Camden townships.

Fishing River township is in the western part of the county. It includes all of congressional township 52 north, 29 west; half of township 53 north, 29 west, and sections one, two, three, ten, eleven and twelve, of township 51, 29 west. It contains thirty-eight thousand four hundred acres.

Fishing River township was settled in 1818, by the Cleavengers, Blythes, McCoskries, Hutchings, Aliens and others, from Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana. A full account of this settlement having been given in another place, the writer omits it here. Vibbard, New Garden P. O., and El'khorn are in this township. Its population, June 1, 1880, was 1,961.

Richmond township was originally much larger than now. It has been reduced to its present area by the formation of new counties and of Knoxville, Grape Grove and Camden townships; it having embraced at one time the greater portion of several counties, since organized, all of Knoxville, two tiers of sections on the west side of Grape Grove, and nearly all of Camden township, east of range twenty-nine.

This township comprises congressional township 52,28; twelve sections of 53, 28; eight sections of 53, 27; twenty-four sections of 52, 27; eight sections of 51, same range, and twelve sections of 51,28, making one hundred sections, or 64,000 acres.

Richmond, the county seat, Rayville and Swanwick, are in Richmond township. Its population June 1, 1880, according to the tenth U. S. census, was 6,070.

The first marriage in this township was that of Captain Jacob Rifle to Miss Rutha Martin, daughter of Isaac Martin, who will long be remembered, not only as a Ray county pioneer, but as a genial, generous, warmhearted gentleman, devoted alike to his family, his neighbors and his county. The marriage ceremony was pronounced by a Baptist preacher, named Kimsev.

A son, William C, born of the union just mentioned, March 10th, 1S20, was the first white male child bom in Richmond township; and a daughter, Mary A., born of the same union, April 17, 1821, was the first white female child born in said township.

The first death was that of Charles Woods, who died April 17, 1823. His remains, without the pomp of a funeral cortege, were borne to a last resting place on the farm of Capt. Jacob Rifle. No monument marks the spot; and thither no mourner goes to shed a tear, or "breathe a benison o'er his sleeping dust."

The reader will understand that at the time of the happening of the above events, Richmond township was known as Bluftton township. The name was changed in 1829.

Beginning at the section corner of sections twenty-two and twenty-threes and twenty-six and twenty-seven, township fifty-three, range twentyseven ; thence south to township line between townships fifty-two and fiftythree; thence east with township line to range line between ranges twenty-five and twenty-six; thence north to Caldwell county line; thence west to section corner of sections four and five, and thirty-two and thirty-three (the two latter in Caldwell county ), in range twenty-seven ; thence south to the section corner of sections twenty and twenty-one and twenty-eight and twenty-nine; thence east the space of two sections to the beginning corner.

The boundaries of this township have not been changed since its organization, forty-three years ago. It is in the northeastern part of the county, and contains, per census of 1880, a population of 3,091.

In that year, probably, William Tinney, John Hendricks, and others, settled in the northern part of the township. Nathan Tinney, who settled on the site of the present town of Tinney's Grove in 1840, was among the early settlers of Grape Grove township; and so, also, were the following persons: Samuel Grove and James Miller, from Virginia; John Alexander and John Brown, from Ohio; Mathew Hafterty, John Endsley, John Elliot, Roland Ralph and Arthur B. Ralph, from North Carolina; James Homan, Edward Saunderson, Perry Maupin, B. McCuistion and James McCuistion, from Tennessee; Levi McBee, from Ohio; Willis Boyce, James Linnev, Julius and Dr. Mattock, Pleasant and Layton Ewell, from Kentucky; and John Sidden and John Hendricks from, East Tennessee.

Among the early marriages, were John Sidden to Martha Maupin, in 1832; Austin Harlow to Susan Harlow, March 26, 1840, by James Tuggle, justice of the peace; and John McBee to Sarah Matheney, in 1846.

Among the early deaths: Mrs. William Tinney, who died in 1S32; Ellen Boyd, who died in 1839, and was buried at Tinney's Grove, and John Motherhead, who died in 1840.

The physicians who practiced in Grape Grove township at an early day, were Dr. George Kelly, who, after some years practice in Grape Grove, went to California; Dr. Roland Ralph, now - 1881 - a citizen of Albany, in this county; Dr. McFadden, from Kentucky, now in Kentucky; Dr. Nathaniel Davis, from Knox county, Tennessee, a graduate of Jefferson medical college, Philadelphia, and who is now - 1881 - an honored citizen of Richmond, Ray county, Missouri ; and Dr. Roberts, from Kentucky, who was killed at Millville in 1879 by one James Keyes.

Among the early ministers, who conducted religious worship in Grape Grove township, were Rev. Daniel Patton, of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Services were held in a meeting house, constructed of logs, situated in township fifty-three of range twenty-seven. The house was torn down years, .ago; Andrew Jordan, also a Cumberland Presbyterian, preached in the same house; Rev. - Hatton, and Rev. Samuel Grove, of the M. E. Church, held services at Tinney's Grove, alternating between the residences of John Brown and Levi McBee, as places of divine worship.

A man named Barton, taught, perhaps, the first school at Tinney's Grove. He had but five or six pupils, and as he proved inefficient as a teacher, received nothing for his services, they being rendered, doubtless, to the detriment, rather than to the advancement of the children entrusted to his training.

Captain W. D. Fortune, now living in the vicinity of Tinney's Grove, was among the early teachers of Grape Grove township. He was a competent teacher, and is a worthy citizen.

The following is a description of a building in which school was taught at Tinney's Grove, at an early day: The house was quite small, built of logs, and had been used by its owner as a place in which to garner his corn. The corn was, of course, removed previous to the commencement of school; but why the flooring was also taken out, the writer was not informed, and can not imagine. The stick chimney had been torn down, and the aperture left open, to answer the purpose of a door. A multitude of cracks obviated the necessity of windows. Seats were prepared by placing narrow planks across the sleepers - and

Mrs. Winnegham and Mrs. Tinney were among the weavers of cloth and carpets; the settlers did their own domestic and industrial labor, and drew supplies, in the matter of groceries, principally from Lexington and Richmond.

Such is the early history of Grape Grove township. It has ever been the abode of a refined and moral community, and is now, 1881, in point of population, the third township in the county.

Camden township was established July 5, 1841. Its boundaries are as follows: Beginning at a point in the middle of the main channel of the Missouri river, on range line, between ranges twenty-six and twenty-seven ; thence north with said line to northeast corner of section thirteen, township fifty-one, range twenty seven; thence with a tier of sections west to Clay county line; thence south, with said line to middle of main channel of Missouri river; thence with said river in middle of the main channel thereof, to the beginning.

The first election was held in Camden township, August 2, 1841. At its May term, May 2, 1842, the county court, on petition of a large number of the inhabitants of Fishing River township, praying for a change in said township, made the following order:

Ordered, That a part of Fishing River township be stricken off and attached to Camden township, and that the line between said townships, hereafter be as follows: Beginning on the range line between sections twenty-nine and thirty, at the township line between townships fifty-one and fifty-two; thence east to the northeast corner of section four, on said township line; thence south to southeast corner of section nine; thence west to range line aforesaid.

That part of Camden township, east of range twenty-nine, was originally in BlufTton township, and subsequently in Richmond township; that west of range twenty-eight was formerly a part of Fishing River township, hence, as already stated, the territory embraced in this township was settled at a very early date - as early as 1818.

Among the first settlers we mention the following, nearly all of whom were from Tennessee: Jeremiah, Samuel and John Crowley, Thomas English, Richard and Aaron Linville, Branick Wilkinson, William and Henry Morgan, John C. Cates, Sen., Joseph E. Brockman, John Elliott,

Frank Jackson, Ballard Hudgins and others. In the days of the first settlers a physician's practice was co-extensive with the county. The same is true of a minister's preaching; hence, many of the physicians, mentioned at different places in this work, practiced medicine in Camden township, and the same is true of the ministers with respect to their preaching.

Knoxville township was established in 1841. It comprises all of congressional township fifty-four, range twenty-eight; twelve sections in township fifty-four, range twenty-seven ; eight sections in township fiftythree, same range, and twenty-four sections in township fifty-three, range twenty-eight.

The number of inhabitants of the township, as shown by tenth census, including Knoxville and Taitsville, with a population of eighty-eight and one hundred and eight respectively, is 2,301 .

Knoxville township was settled about 1833. In that year a man named Barnes (who became a useful and respected citizen), from Tennessee, settled on section seven, congressional township fifty-four, range twentyeight; and Vincent Silk wood, the same year, settled in the township, as also did a family of Thompsons, from Kentucky.

A settlement was made on the present sight of Knoxville, originally called "Buncombe," in the spring of 1834; the Hatfields, Stolins and others from Tennessee and Kentucky forming the settlement.

Drs. Kelly and Davis, mentioned in connection with the history of Grape Grove township, and Dr. John C. Tiffin, from Ohio. Dr. Tiffin, a graduate of the Ohio medical college, of Cincinnati, is now retired from active practice, and is living at Knoxville. He has had a large and successful practice, and is an honored member of the community in which he lives.

In addition to those already mentioned, John A. Stone, a Baptist, and Moses Rainwater, Methodist, preached in this township at an early day.

This township was settled as early as 1825 - probably somewhat earlier. The statements as to who were the first settlers and when, and exactly where the settlement was made, are conflicting.

It is certain, however, that in 1825 John Fields, from Kentucky, settled on section eleven, township fifty-four, of range twenty-nine. He was followed in 1830 by Samuel K. McGee, from Tennessee, and in 1834 by John Taylor, from Virginia. Taylor settled on section three of the last mentioned township.

J. Allen, Archibald Moss, W. H. Moss and Randolph McDonald, from Kentucky; Milton Piercey, Robert G. Murray, John Halstead, Josiah Patton, Henry S. Patton, Solomon Wilson, (a wine-maker and great hunter), James Rippey, Joshua Albright, (gun-smith), John A. Cooper, Henry Wilson and Whidby Wilson, from North Carolina; William Cox, John Cox, Jesse Mann, John Connard and A. B. Arnote, from Tennessee ; J. Whitsett, Benjamin McClain, (Guilford county, North Carolina); D. G. Stockwell, Stephen Goddard, William Stockard^William Sharpe and A. W. Boon.

Drs. John C. Tiffin, Randolph McDonald and John Watson, the latter from Kentucky, practiced their profession in Polk township many years ago.

The first school was taught in section two, township fifty-four, range twenty-nine, by one Henry Davis. The school was composed of fifteen pupils, and the teacher's salary was fifteen dollars per month. Mr. Davis is not now among the living; he died at Kingston, Missouri.

The first school house was the one in which Davis taught the first school, and was built by Randolph McDonald, John Taylor and Archibald Moss, at no greater cost than their labor.

Another school was taught about the same time on section eighteen, township fifty-four, range twenty-nine, by a widow, named Beckworth, now living in Clinton county.

The first settlers in Polk township entered their land with money obtained from the sale of beeswax, made of wild honey. Salt was obtained at Goose creek salt works, about one hundred miles south; and

County Officers

A list of the county officers of Ray county, from the meeting of the first circuit court, February 19, 1821, to the present - April 1, 1881:

By act of the general assembly, passed January 7, 1825, the office of the county court in the various counties was vacated, and the powers of said office vested in the several justices of the peace. The justices were required to meet at the count v seat and organize the court on the first Monday in March after the passage of the act. In the event they failed to do so, however, the clerk of the county court was authorized to name the justices who should act as a county court for a term of one year.

as the law directed, on the first Monday in March, 1825, Jonathan T. Burch, the clerk, in April of that year, appointed, as a county court, the persons whose names are represented in the list from William P. Thompson to James Stanley, inclusive. William B. Martin, John McGaugh and Sebourn J. Miller, were appointed in September to fill vacancies caused by resignation of the first three as given in the list, commencing with Thompson.

At the February term, 1862, C. W. Naramore and L. H. Magill, who, with Wm. A. Carroll, were elected in August 1860, presented new commissions, from Gov. Gamble, with the oath of loyalty endorsed thereon, duly sworn to and certified by Robert Crenshaw, a justice of the peace for Ray county.

The oath of loyalty was taken in obedience to an ordinance of a state convention held at St. Louis October JO to 18, 1861. Carroll failed or refused to take the oath; hence he was not recommissioned, and his connection with the county court ceased.

By act of the general assembly, approved March 14, 1874, entitled an act to reorganize the county court of Ray county, Missouri, and to reduce the number of justices of said court to one, to make the justice thereof judge of the probate court, and declare his jurisdiction, - it was provided that from and after the first day of January, A. D. 1875, the county court of Ray county should be composed of one justice, to hold his office for the terms of four years, and to have the same powers and discharge the same duties required of the justices of the county court.

At the general election in November, 1874, Charles J. Hughes was elected sole judge of the county court, and entered upon the duties of his office the following January.

"The county court shall be composed of three members, to be styled the judges of the county court, and each county shall be districted by the county court thereof into two districts, on or before the first day of April, 1878, of contiguous territory, as nearly equal in population as practicable, without dividing municipal townships.

"At the general election in the year 1878, and every two years thereafter, the qualified electors of each of said districts shall elect and be entitled to one of the judges of the county court, who shall hold their offices for the term of two years, and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; and at said election, and every four years thereafter, the other judge of said court shall be elected by the qualified electors of the county at large, who shall be president of the court, and shall hold his office for the term of four years, and until his successor is duly elected and qualified: Provided, That the judges of the county court, elected under the provisions of this chapter, shall enter upon the discharge of their duties on the first day of January next after they shall have been elected and qualified, according to law."

County Clerks

The first four persons whose names are given in the above list discharged the duties of both circuit and county clerk at the same time, and were appointed by the county and circuit courts. The rest were elected by the people.

In obedience to the provisions of an ordinance adopted by the Missouri state convention, at St. Louis, October 16,1861, James B. Turner, Sr., at the February term, 1862, of the county court, subscribed an oath of loyalty, and was re-appointed clerk by the county court, for the residue of his term, after giving bond in the sum of five thousand dollars, with W. R. Holman and J. F. Hudgins as sureties.

Circuit Clerks

The death of Oliver necessitated the appointment of another clerk, and Major Robert Sevier was duly commissioned by the governor to fill the vacancy. Thus were three clerks required to serve out a term of one year.

At the expiration of the term alluded to, Major Sevier became his own successor, having been elected to the position by the people. He continued in office until April, 1865. By the constitution of that year, known as the " Drake constitution," it was declared that within sixty days after said constitution took effect, every person in the state of Missouri, holding any office of honor, trust, or profit under the constitution, or laws thereof, or under any municipal corporation, or any of the other offices, positions, or trusts mentioned in the third section of article second, of the constitution then framing, should take and subscribe an oath of loyaly; and that if any such officer or person should fail to take said oath, his office, position, or trust should, ipso facto, become vacant - the vacancy to be rilled according to the law governing the case. The constitutional convention, pending its work of framing a new constitution, passed an ordinance, March 17, 1865, entitled " an ordinance for vacating certain civic offices, filling them anew, and protecting the citizens from injury and harassment," under the provisions of which Major Sevier - having refused to take the oath of loyalty - was removed, and Col. Adam J. Barr, who had been a member of the convention, appointed in his stead.

The additional positions referred to as contained in section three of article second, were those of professor or teacher in any educational institu-

March 29, 1870, the circuit court of the fifth judicial circuit, Philander Lucas, judge, at chambers, in Liberty, Clay count}' Missouri, issued an order temporarily removing A. J. Barr, clerk of the circuit court, from office, and appointing John H. Harmony temporary clerk.

Col. Barr was not reinstated, but in justice to that gentleman, it is proper to state that it is believed that his removal is due to no default of his.

At this writing, April, 1881, the offices in the court house at Richmond are draped in morning for John W. Spurlock, who died of consumption on the 1 7th inst.

Pursuant to a law passed by the general assembly of Missouri, in 1865, the county court of Ray county, at its February term, 1870, made an order separating the offices of circuit clerk and recorder; and the same month James T. Harris was commissioned by Governor McClurg to serve as recorder till the next general election, at which time he was elected for a term of four years.

The first four persons whose names appear in the above list were appointed the rest elected by popular vote. Geo. I. Wasson was twice elected; each time for a term of two years, embraced within the dates given in the list. The same is true of George Allen, Clayton Jacobs, J. W. Francis, John C. Brown, and Thomas McGinnis. Benjamin J. Brown was elected four times. Clayton Jacobs was ousted for refusing to take the oath prescribed in the " Drake constitution."

At the first term of the county court, April, 1821, William Shields made application for appointment as county surveyor. The court appointed David Manchester and William D. Wilson to examine him as to his qualifications for that office. The committee reported favorably, and Shields was duly appointed the first county surveyor. Similar proceedings were had on the application of Timothy Riggs, at the March term of court,

Zadoc Martin, from April, 1821, to January, 1822. Benjamin Gragg, from January, 1822, to May, 1822. Lovell Snowden, from May, 1822, to February, 1823. William Downey, from May, 1823, to Februarv, 1825. Robert Pritchard, from Februar\r, 1825, to February, 1827. Adam Black, from February, 1827, to Februan-, 1828. Thomas Edwards, from February, 1828, to February, 1829. James Jordan, from February, 1829, to Februarv, 1830. Jesse Newlin, from February, 1830, to February, 1831. James Jordan, from Februan1, 1831, to February, 1832. Jesse Newlin, from February, 1832, to February, 1833.

From 1823, to 1825 the county was assessed by townships, each township having an assessor. William Downey was assessor for Crooked River township; Henry Brown, for Bluff ton township, and Nehemiah Woolsey, for Missouriton township.

In 1859 a law was passed providing for the assessment of the county by ranges; and the county court appointed the following persons assessors to serve two years: William Berry, for range 26; John S. Flournoy, for range 27; William H. McGaugh, for range 28; Mathano Brown, for range 29. William P. Parker was removed for incompetency, and Humphrey J. Comer appointed by the county court in his stead.

COLLECTORS. Shubael Allen, from April, 1821, to December, 1821. Jesse Gilliam, from December, 1821, to May, 1822. John Scott, from May, 1822, to February, 1823. William S. Miller, from February, 1823, to February, 1825. William B. Martin, from February, 1825, to May, 1825. William S. Miller, from May, 1825, to February, 1826. William Morgan, from February, 1826, to February, 1827. Meaddors Vanderpool, from February, 1827, to October, 1827. John Elliott, from October, 1827, to February, 1828. James Snowden, Sr., from February, 1828, to February, 1829.

In 1836 the office of collector was abolished. The sheriff was made collector of state and count)- revenue, and so continued until 1873. In 1872 the general assembly passed an act separating the offices of sheriff and collector, and in November of that year, Thomas B. Fowler was elected to the latter office, to enter upon its duties the following January. He died September 16, 1875, and his son, Allen M. Fowler, was appointed to serve till the next general election, at which time the people chose him as his own successor.

County Commissioners

In 1874, L. B. Wright was county superintendent of public schools. March 26th of that year, the governor approved an act of the general assembly, as follows:

Section 37. There is hereby created the office of county commissioners of public schools. There shall be one county commissioner for each county in the state, who shall be elected by the qualified voters at the annual district school meetings held in said counties on the first Tuesday in April, 1875, and every two years thereafter, and shall hold the office for two years and until a successor is duly elected and qualified. The said commissioner shall possess the qualifications of a competent teacher of ,the public schools, and be of good moral character.

Mr. Wright continued in office till April, 1875, at which time he was succeeded by W. S. Tompkins, who served two years. On the first Tuesday in April, 1877, Thomas M. Deacy was elected county commissioner. Mr. Deacy was again elected in 1870, and also in 1881, and is now in office, serving out his third term, which will expire on the first Tuesday in April, 1883.

Probate Courts

In the year 1853, the first probate court for Ray county, was held at the county seat. It was established the same vear by act of the general assembly.

By an act of the general assembly, approved March 14, 1874, to take effect from and after its passage, the county court of Ray county was reorganized, the number of justices thereof reduced to one, and that justice made e.x-officio judge of probate court.

At the general election in November, 1874, Hon. Chas. J. Hughes was elected count}- and probate judge, agreeably to the provisions of the act referred to, for a term of four years from the first day of January, 1875.

An act establishing probate courts in the city of St. Louis, and in every count}- in the state, was approved April 9, 1877. This act contains a -provision, that in all counties where the county court, or any member thereof, has probate jurisdiction, there shall be elected at the general election in 1878, and every, four years thereafter a judge of probate. The Hon. Charles J. Hugh ; is at present, 1881, presiding justice of the county court and judge < probate court.

Courts Of Common Pleas

March 5, 1855, an act establishing a court of common pleas for Ray county was approved, and Hon. Aaron H. Conrow was appointed judge thereof, by the governor, to hold the office until the first Monday in August, 1855, and until his successor should be elected and qualified.

Judge Conrow held but one term of the common pleas court. The court did not meet with public approbation, and was abolished at the ensuing session of the general assembly.

David P. Whitmer, Esq., was appointed by Governor Thomas C. Fletcher, judge of said court, and at the general election in 1868, he was elected to the office by the people. Judge Whitmer continued to serve as judge of the court of common pleas, till January, 1872, when Charles J. Hughes, having been elected at the previous November election, succeeded him. Judge Hughes held the office till January 1, 1875. At that time an act of the general assembly abolishing the court of common pleas in Ray county, approved March 24th, of the preceding year, went into effect.

All records, books, papers and proceedings belonging to said court were, in obedience to the act, turned over to the circuit court; and all suits, actions, process and proceedings pending in the court of common pleas, at the time of its abolition, were transferred to said circuit court for final judgment or determination.

We have been unable to ascertain who represented Ray county in the general assembly from 1822 to 1824, and from the latter year to 1826, from the fact that the early rolls of both houses have been destroyed by lire.

It is believed by many who have lived in the county for years, that Isaac Martin was the first representative, while others place that honor to the credit of the memory of Martin Parmer. Both Martin and Parmer are long since dead, and both in their day, were leading local politicians. Roth were among the first settlers of the county, but Parmer moved from county to county, now living in Ray, now in Chariton, now in Carroll, while Martin became a permanent resident of Ray. Certain it is that Parmer was the first to represent Chariton county in the legislature; and as that county and Ray were organized at the same time, it is fair to conclude that Isaac Martin was Ray county's first representative in the general assembly, it being settled that that position was held by one or the other of the two men in question. But Martin Parmer did represent this county in the general assembly, and it was doubtless from 1824 to 1826.

The term of office of members of the lower house of the Missouri legislature has never been more nor less than two years. Therefore, in the following list, onlv the vears in which the person was elected is given:

Ephraim B. Ewing, a citizen of Ray county, was appointed secretary of state in April, 1849, and served in that position four years. He was elected attorney general in August, 1856, and after holding the office till September 1st, 1859, resigned to take his seat on the supreme bench, to which he had been called by a majority of his fellow citizens to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Richardson. He was re-elected supreme judge November 5, 1S72, to serve eight years.

Mordecai Oliver, also of Ray county, was a member of the lower house of congress from 1S52 to 1857; and Austin A. King from from 1862 to 1864.

Judicial Districts And Judicial Circuits

The general assembly of Missouri, by act approved November 25, 1820, entitled, " an act establishing judicial districts and circuits, and prescribing the times and places of holding courts therein," the state was divided into four judicial districts - the counties of Cole, Cooper, Chariton, Saline, Lillard, Ray, Howard and Boone, to form the first district. The supreme courts and the superior courts of chancery were held in the districts.

The supreme court for the first judicial district was to be held at the town of Franklin, in the county of Howard, on the first Mondays of March and September. The superior courts of chancery were to be held at the same place, in the same county, on the first Mondays of January and July.

For the purpose of holding circuit courts, the counties composing the first judicial district were declared to form the first judicial circuit.

The act was to take effect and be in force from and after its passage; that no part thereof, which related to new counties established at that session of the general assembly, should have any effect till January 1, 1821.

By act of the general assembly, approved January 11, 1822, the state of Missouri wras divided into four judicial districts, and subsequently the districts were subdivided into judicial circuit.

By act of the general assembly, passed at its session of 1830-1, Saline, Lafayette, Ray and Chariton counties wrere stricken oft' of the first judicial circuit, and, together with Randolph and Jackson, wrere made to form the fifth judicial circuit.

The circuit courts were to be held in Ray county as follows: Commencing on the first Thursdays after the first Mondays in February, June and October.

The counties comprising the first judicial circuit, with the exception of the county of Franklin, and the counties composing the fifth judical circuit, constituted the first judicial district.

The general assembly of Missouri, March 17th, 1835, passed an act dividing the state into four judicial districts and seven judicial circuits, making the first judicial district to consist of the counties of Clay, Clinton, Cole, Callaway, Carroll, Cooper, Chariton, Saline, Lafayette, Ray, Johnson, Jackson, Morgan, Howard, Randolph, Monroe, Boone, Rives, Pettis, Benton, Polk, Greene, Barry and Van Buren; and the fifth judicial circuit, ot the counties of Clay, Clinton, Carroll, Chariton, Lafayette, Ray, Johnson, Jackson and Van Buren.

The supreme court met in the first judicial district, at the town of Fayette, Howrard county, on the first Mondays after the fourth Mondays of April and August in each year.

In the latter year, by act of the general assembly, Saline, Lafayette and Jackson, being south of the Missouri river, were stricken from the fifth and attached to the sixth judicial circuit, of which Hon. John F. Ryland was the judge. The fifth judicial circuit was then formed of counties lying north of the Missouri river.

The Hon. Austin A. King, of Ray county, was appointed judge of the fifth circuit in 1837, and served with distinguished ability till his resignation in 1848, to assume the duties of governor of Missouri, an office to which he had been elected by his fellow citizens.

By act of the general assembly, approved January 31st, 1839, the fifth judicial circuit was declared to embrace Clinton, Caldwell, Clay, Ray, Platte and Buchanan counties.

Again, by act of March 27, 1845, Platte and Buchanan counties were stricken from the circuit, and Carroll, Harrison, De Kalb and Daviess, added thereto.

Judge King was succeeded by the Hon. George W. Dunn, who received his appointment from Gov. John C. Edwards, and was circuit judge from the year 1S48 to 1861.

Bv appointment of Gov. Gamble, Austin A. King was again judge of the hfth judicial circuit from 1861 to 1863, when he was again succeeded by Judge Dunn, who served till 1865.

Judge Walter King filled the office from 1865 to 1867, in which year he was succeeded by the Hon. Philander Lucas, who continued to serve till 1871.

In the year last mentioned the Hon. George W. Dunn was elected by the people, for a term of six years, judge of the fifth judicial circuit, the boundaries of which were so reduced in 1866 as to include the counties of Ray, Clay, Clinton and Platte, which now (April, 1881,) form the circuit. Judge Dunn was again elected in November, 1880, and hence is the present judge of the fifth judicial circuit of Missouri.

He has held the office up to this date, about twenty-two years in the aggregate; and in the discharge of all his official duties has been guided by a love of justice, deliberate judgment, impartial ruling, and a sincere desire to uphold the law in its every tendency to promote the well-being of society. Truly has it been written of him: " He has worn the ermine unspotted." Judge Dunn is a resident of Richmond, Ray county, Missouri.

Till the year 1831, Ray was one of the counties of the first judicial circuit; since that time it has remained a part of the fifth judicial circuit. The judges of these circuits having been given in this article, we now append a complete list of the

Circuit Attorneys

The latter, after serving about a year and a half, was removed from office - for what cause, or whether for any cause, the writer has been unable to ascertain - and Charles French appointed in his stead.

It is presumed that the charges against Judge Leonard - if there were any - were either trifling, or not well founded, as he was universally recognized as an able and faithful officer - a gentleman in every department and duty of life - an upright and honorable man. He was afterward, for many years, judge of the supreme court of Missouri.

In 1822 Abiel Leonard was appointed, by Hamilton R. Gamble, deputy circuit attorney, to prosecute in Ray, Clay, Lafayette, Saline, and Cole counties.

An act of the general assembly, relating to the attorney-general and circuit attorneys, approved December 9, 1824, provided that the attorneygeneral shculd reside and keep his office at the seat of government; that it should be his duty to commence and prosecute all actions, suits, processes, and prosecutions, civil and criminal, in which the state or any county might be concerned; to defend all actions brought against the state; to prosecute forfeited recognizances, and all suits and actions for the recovery of debts, fines, penalties, and forfeitures accruing to the state, or to any county within the circuit in which the seat of government was located; when called upon by the governor, to aid any circuit attorney in the discharge of his duties; when required, to give his opinion and advice, without fee or reward, to any county court, or justice thereof, or to any tribunal established for the transaction of county business, or to any member thereof, or to any justice of the peace within his circuit, upon any question of law relating to any criminal or other matter in which the state or any county was concerned ; and to perform such other and further duties as might be enjoined on him by law.

In 1S26 the seat of government was removed to Jefferson City, in Cole county, and as that county was in the first judicial circuit, of which Recount)- was also a part, the then attorney-general, Robert W. Wells, became j ex-officio circuit attorney for the first judicial circuit, and continued to act as such so long as he remained in office, but in the year 1831, as previously stated, Saline, Lafayette, Ray, and Chariton were stricken from the first, and became part of the fifth judicial circuit, of which Amos Rees ' was then appointed circuit attorney.

William T. Wood acted as circuit attorney for the October term of court, 1834; Charles French, for the November term, 1826; John Wilson, for the July term, 1826; and again, for the March term, 1828.

George W. Dunn having been appointed judge of the fifth judicial circuit, vice Austin A. King, elected governor, Chas. J. Hughes was appointed to discharge the duties of prosecuting attorney -pro tctnpore.

DeWitt C. Allen was elected circuit attorney in November, 1860, but we have been unable to find an entry of record showing that his commission was produced in the Ray circuit court.

In the year 1861, during the intense public excitement, incident to the outbreaking of civil war, no regular, uninterrupted sessions of the circuit court, were held; and it is believed that Mr. Allen never attended. At all events, February, 1862, David P. Whitmer was commissioned by acting-governor Willard P. Hall, circuit attorney of the fifth judicial circuit, to serve out the term for which Allen had been elected.

Elijah F. Esteb was appointed, vice W. A. Donaldson, in conformity to the before-mentioned ordinance of the Missouri state convention of 1865. The office of county attorney was established in 1868, and James W. Black, Esq., was appointed county attorney for Ray county, taking charge of the office in January, 1869, and serving till January, 1873. He attended to county business only - the prosecution of criminal cases being still left to the circuit attorney.

The office of circuit attorney was abolished in 1872. In November, of that year, James L. Farris was elected county attorney of Ray county, and served four years from the following January. He was succeeded by Frank G. Gibson as prosecuting attorney.

At the time of the passage of the act of congress, approved February 14, 187 1, granting pensions to the surviving soldiers of the war of 1812, and the widows of the deceased soldiers of the war of 1812, that were married before peace was declared between the United States and Great Britain, February 17, 1815, there were living in Ray county, Missouri, twenty soldiers and four widows, nearly all of whom were entitled to pensions under the provisions of said act of congress of February 14, 1871. They were as follows:

Thomas Blain, at the age of twenty, enlisted for service in the war of 1812, as a private in Capt. Samuel Lapsly's company, second regiment of Kentucky volunteers, on or about the 1st of April, 1813, in Lancaster, Garrard county, Kentucky. This regiment was comprised }in the army commanded by General William Henry Harrison. A short time after Thomas Blain enlisted, his regiment was ordered to take up their line of march to Fort Meigs, in the northwest part of Ohio. He remained in service in General Harrison's army for a number of months, and having served over his term of enlistment, he was honorably discharged from the said military service at Habanna, Ohio, the spring of 1814, and returned to his home in Kentucky. Some years afterward he removed to Missouri, and followed the business of farming many years, successfully. He was living near Camden, Missouri, at the time he commenced drawing his pension as a soldier of the war of 1812, in the year 1871. He died the same year, December 12, 1871, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, at his home, greatly respected as an honest, upright man, by his large circle of neighbors and friends.

John Brewer enlisted at the age of twenty, in Capt. Weslar's Chester county company, Valley Light infantry, at Chester county, Pennsylvania, on or about the 20th day of June, 1814. After enlisting in said Capt. Weslar's company, he was ordered to Philadelphia, and remained in camp there for two weeks, and then proceeded to a point on the Delaware river about twenty miles below Philadelphia, near Marcus Hook. He remained at this place doing duty as a soldier of said company, until some time in October, 1814, when he was honorably mustered out of the service. He was a worthy, old gentleman, greatly endeared to his family and friends. He was a citizen of Ray county a number of years, and made application for pension in Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, in 1871. He died after a very short illness, in Caldwell count}', Missouri, December 3, 1871, at the advanced age of eighty years.

Thomas B.Brown was drafted as a soldier of the war of 1812, and mustered in as private in Capt. James C. Wade's company, Bedford county, Tennessee, on or about the 15th day of May, 1812, at the age of twenty-four years. After this company was duly organized, it took up its line of march from Fayetteville, Tennessee, to Fort Jackson, then in the territory of Indiana ; thence to Fort Decatur, in same territory; and after doing military service until late in the fall of 1812, his company returned home to Bedford county, Tennessee, and were honorably discharged from the service, after having been on duty six months and twenty days. Some years afterward, he removed to Missouri, and in the course of time settled in Ray county, and became one of its most valued, useful and energetic citizens. He was for many years an able and faithful minister of the gospel of the Baptist denomination, and performed the work of his great Master in an earnest and zealous manner. He became a pensioner in 1872, to date from February 14, 1871. He died at his home in Ray count}', at the great age of eighty-five. He was greatly beloved by a large circle of relatives and friends. The present representative of Ray county, in the legislature of Missouri, is his grandson.

Alexander Bogart, was drafted as a private in Captain Solomon Hendron's company of infantry, Colonel Bagley's regiment, General Coulter's brigade, constituting a part of the army of General Andrew Jackson, war of 1812. He was drafted and mustered into said company on or about the 20th day of October, 1814, in Chaster county, Tennessee. He then marched with his company to Lookout mountain, thence to Fort Jackson, thence to Fort Claiborne, remaining in the service until after the news was received that peace had been declared between the United States and Great Britain, and was then honorably discharged with his company at Fort Claiborne, Alabama. Some years after his discharge from military service, when his country was making the onward march of prosperity, under the benign influences of peace, and the great developments of an active and energetic people, he shaped his course westward for Missouri, and for many years lived in Ray county, Missouri, near Albany, in Fishing River township. He died at the advanced age of eighty-four years, at his home near Albany, having been a worthy and exemplary citizen of this county for many years, greatly respected by all who knew him.

Captain Haslep's artillery company volunteers, at Youngstown* Ohio, on or about the 27th day of August, IS 12. This company of artillery constituted a part of General William Henry Harrison's gallant little army, that won distinction under the brave " Old Tippecanoe" on some hard fought battle-fields. After he enlisted in this company, he soon saw some severe active service. He was with his company in the siege of Fort Meigs, and was with it when sent to succor General Winchester's forces at the River Raisin, but failed to reach them before the massacre. At the expiration of his term of enlistment, he was honorably discharged at Lower Sandusky, Ohio, on the 27th of February, 1813. He married in Trumbull count)-, Ohio, (now Mahoning) to Miss Margaret Waters, November 16, 1815. He removed from Ohio to Ray countv, Missouri, in the year 1866, and was a successful farmer near Albany, Ray county, Missouri, for many years, and was highly respected by his neighbors as an honest, upright man. He died at his home, near Albany, in the spring of 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-five years.

Wilitam Bales was a soldier of the war of 1812. He was mustered into Capt. Sharp's company, Tennessee militia, in December, 1814, at Knoxville, Tennessee, and serving for a short time, in said company, was honorably discharged a short time before peace was declared. He became a citizen of Ray county, Missouri, many years ago, having left Tennessee and become a resident of this county shortly after it was organized. He came to it when it was sparsely inhabited, when only a small portion of its fertile territory was under cultivation, and rewarded the hand of the industrious farmer with abundant crops. He has lived to see this county become one of the first of the northwestern counties of Missouri, in everything that pertains to a high degree of improvement and civilization. He has attained the great age of eighty-nine years. He has been one of the most energetic and worth)' farmers of the county, and is greatly respected by all his neighbors. He is greatly endeared to his family, who have grown up around him, and are regarded as being prominent and useful citizens of the county.

John Cornelison enlisted as a private in Capt. Jacob Israel's company rifle volunteer infantry, at the age of twenty-four years, war of 1812, in Harrison county, Virginia, on or about the 20th day of November, 1814. After their company was duly organized, it rendezvoused at Clarksburg, Hardin county, Virginia, and was afterwards ordered to Norfolk, Virginia. Before reaching Norfolk, however, the order was countermanded, and it was ordered back to Harrison county, Virginia, and discharged from the service on or about the 28th day of March, 1815, after peace had been declared between the United States and Great Britain. A number of years after the war of 1812, he removed from Virginia with his family to the west, and after living in various places finally settled in Ray county,

John Davis volunteered as a soldier of the war of 1812, in Capt. John Crawford's company, Kentucky infantry volunteers, which formed a part of General Shelby's brigade, at Newport, Kentucky, on or about the 20th day of July, 1813. Soon after the organization of his brigade, they marched rapidly to reinforce General Harrison. After being reinforced by so strong a body of Kentucky troops under Gen. Shelby, Gen. Harrison embarked on lake Erie with his army, and soon after arrived at Maiden. On finding his post had been abandoned by the British, and that they had retreated up the river Thames, General Harrison rapidly pursued them, and succeeded in bringing them to action at the Moravian village on the Thames, and gained a decisive victory, October 5, 1813. The celebrated chief Tecumseh was slain in this battle by Colonel R. M. Johnson. Capt. John Crawford's company, in which John Davis was first sergeant, bore a conspicuous part in this battle on account of their gallantry, and contributed no little to the glorious result. On the expiration of his term of service he was honorably discharged at Chillicothe, Ohio, on or about October 30, 1813. John Davis and Selene McDougal were married in Morgan county, Kentucky, June 1, 1817. John Davis some years after his marriage, removed with his family to Ray county, Missouri, and after living in different portions of the county, finally made a permanent settlement about three miles west of Knoxville, Ray county, and followed the business of farming for many years successfully. He was a valuable citizen in his community, and greatly respected by his neighbors. He died on the 10th day of September, 1875, at his home near Knoxville, at the advanced age of 84 years. He left a very worthy family, who live in the same neighborhood. His widow, Selene Davis, lives with her son, Jasper N. Davis, on the old homestead. She is a pensioner, as the widow of John Davis deceased, a soldier of the war of 1812.

James Humphreys enlisted in Capt. George Matthews' company, infantry, Major Hurt's battalion, Col. George Pogue's regiment, in the army of General William Henry Harrison, at Flemingsburg, Fleming county, Kentucky, on or about the 12th day of August, 1812. After enlisting, he, with his company, marched to Newport, Kentucky, and drew their arms, and took up their line of march toward the northwestern part of Ohio. They failed to reach their point of destination before winter set in, and were ordered back to Shawneetown to build a fort which was called " Fort Amanda." They remained in this fort until spring, when they were ordered to the relief of General Winchester, but were too late in reaching him by one day's travel. Their term of enlistment having expired, they returned home and were honorably discharged on or about April 15,

James Kinzon was a private in Capt. James H. Campbell's company, 24th regiment U. S. infantry volunteers. He enlisted at Cumberland Gap, east Tennessee, on or about the 4th day of September, 1812. After serving two years he was transferred with his company to the second rifle regiment corps, and served in it until the expiration of his term of enlistment, having enlisted for five years. He was honorably discharged at Rock Island, Mississippi, September 4, 1817. After enlisting he marched with his company to Knoxville, Tennessee, thence to Canada West, taking part in the battle of Mackinac, in the defense of Fort Meigs at the time of the siege, and in other engagements. Some years after the war of 1812 he came to Missouri. He married Miss Sarah Harlow, of Clinton county, Missouri, and lived many years near Turner's Grove, Ray county, Missouri. He died in Clinton county Missouri, on the 26th day of February, 1875, at the advanced age of 80 years.

James Mason was a private in Captain Elijah Harding's company, Forty -fifth regiment Virginia militia, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Peyton, General Hungerford's brigade, war of 1812. He was mustered into the service in Stafford county, Virginia, Potomac court house, on or about the 1st day of July, 1814. He performed service with his company in Westmoreland county, Virginia, along the Potomac, until he was stricken down with a severe attack of typhoid fever, and was sent home from Drummond's Field, Virginia, his company being on the march at that time up the Potomac river. On recovering, he found his company had returned to Stafford county, Virginia, and was discharged for the campaign. The war coming to a close shortly after, the services of his company were no longer required. He married in Virginia, and lived there the greater portion of his life. He came to Richmond, Missouri, when a very old man, and lived up to the time of his death with his daughter, Mrs. O. S. W. Taylor.

William McIntosh was mustered in as a private in Captain Black's company, Third regiment of Tennessee volunteers, war of 1S12, on or about the 10th day of July, 1814, and was honorably discharged on or about the 10th day of February, 1815, after peace was declared, at Nashville, Tennessee. After enlisting in said service, his regiment took up their line of departure on flat-boats to New Orleans, Louisiana, and remained in that city until after the battle of New Orleans, having the honor of taking part in this glorious engagement, on the 8th of January, 1815. After news of the peace was received, his company was ordered back to Tennessee, and were mustered out of the service honorably, at Nashville, Tennessee, as above stated. He lived a number of years

Thomas McCuistion was a lieutenant in Captain John B. Dempsey's company of mounted volunteers, commanded by Colonel Newton Cannon, in General Coffee's brigade, ihe division commanded by General Andrew Jackson. He volunteered and was mustered in at Shelbyville, Bedford county, Tennessee, on or about the 15th day of September, 1813, and was honorably discharged on or about the 25th day of December, 1813. He was in the battle of Tallahatchie, on the 2d of November, 1813, and in the battle of Talladega, «n the 8th olf November, 1813; in the Indian war, of the United States against the Creeks, and contributed greatly by his gallantry and intrepidity in these actions in achieving complete victories over the brave warriors of the hostile Creeks. He married Nancy Jordan, in Bedford county, Tennessee, on or about the 15th day of February, 1816, and moved with his wife to Ray county, Missouri, a few years after the organization of the county. He was a man of sterling integrity. All his dealings with his neighbors were characterized by the highest principles of honor and rectitude. He was greatly loved by a large circle of relatives and friends. After a long life of usefulness, he died in Richmond, Missouri, in 1880, at the advanced age of eightv-eight years. His widow, Mrs. Nancy McCuistion, is still living.

Edward Sanderson enlisted as a private in Captain Scurry's company of mounted riflemen, second battalion, Colonel Thomas Williamson's regiment of Tennessee volunteers, at Gallatin, Tennessee, on or about the 9th day of February, 1814. His company, when he enlisted, was commanded by Captain George Elliott, who was afterwards promoted to be colonel of another regiment, and Captain Scurry succeeded him in the position of captain. Some time after enlisting, his company and regiment, with other forces, took up their line of march for New Orleans, Louisiana, and reached the point of their destination about the 1st of January, 1815. He, along with the rest of his company, took part in the memorable engagement of the 8th of January, 1815, in which General Andrew Jackson gained a complete, decisive, and glorious victory over the veteran troops of Great Britain, who were thoroughly equipped and trained under the eye of Wellington, and who had met the conqueror of Europe, and driven back his legions. The war of the United States with the Creek Indians, that was the result of the interference of Great Britain, was the school in which Generals Jackson, Coffee, and Carroll became adepts in the tactics that made a Tennessee rifleman superior to a Wellington invincible, and qualified an army of citizen soldiers to defeat an army of veterans of superior numbers. Mr. Sanderson, shortly after this brilliant victory, returned, with his company, to Gallatin, Tennessee, and was honorably discharged there. Some years afterward he removed from Tennessee to Ray county, Misssouri, and was engaged in the business of farming for many years. He reared a large family of children, who are valuable citizens of the county. He was an upright man in every respect, and was greatly respected in his community. He died in 1874, at the advanced age of eighty-one years.

Jabez Shotwell enlisted as a soldier of the war of 1812, in Captain Stockton's company, first regiment of Kentucky dragoons, in the army commanded by Gen. William Henry Harrison, Dayton, Ohio, on or about the 1st of September, 1812, and was honorably discharged at Ft. Defiance, Ohio, on or about November 10, 1812. That he served with his companv under Gen. Harrison, in his campaign in northwest Ohio. He saw considerable active service during the term for which he was enlisted. Some years after the war of 1812, he removed to Ray county, Missouri, and became in a short time a prominent citizen of the county. He held a number of important offices. Among them may be mentioned the offices of county judge, count}' surveyor, county school commissioner, all of which he filled with ability, discharging the duties incumbent upon him in a faithful manner. He reared an interesting family of children, to whom he was greatly endeared. He died in Lexington, Missouri, in the year 1875, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.