Bourbon Township (part 1 of 2)

Position And Description

Bourbon township is the northwest corner township of" Boone county. It comprises all of township 51, range 12, and township 51, range 13, and fractional township 51, range 14, - running to the Howard County line on the west, and to Centralia township on the east. It is bounded on the north by Randolph and Audrain counties, and on the south by Perche and Rocky Fork townships.

Its surface is mingled prairie and timber. Some of the timber land is covered with thin soil, as is a portion of the prairie, but in general the land is very fertile. The few tracts of bottom land are remarkable for grass. In 1872 Mr. W. G. Ridgway, of Sturgeon, cut three tons of hay from one acre of meadovv, which he sold for $26. The grass was fully five feet high, and was so rank and heavy that it fell and " lodged " and could not be cut with a mowing machine, but was mown with a scythe. From sixteen acres Mr. R. secured a crop of about forty tons. The land was rich bottom.

Some Geological And Archaeological Features

Coal and Iron Ore. - Along Perche Creek and in the vicinity there is a considerable quantity of a good article of coal. Banks have been opened and worked successfully. A great deal of the coal has been shipped to Sturgeon and Rocheport. Iron ore is also to be found, but not in sufficient quantities as yet to justify the erection of furnaces.

Red Granite. - Some substantial and valuable deposits of fine red granite are to be found six or seven miles southeast of Sturgeon, in this township and in Rocky Fork and Perche. The stone is to be found in great abundance. It was discovered by Dr. A. Titus and W. H. Welch - or first developed by them. Red Rock Church, in Perche township, is named from the abundance of this peculiar kind of stone in its neio-hborhood.

Plaster Sand. - On the premises of Mr. Wm. Dinwiddle, that gentleman dug a well twenty-six feet deep. At the depth of thirteen feet below the surface, a vein of fine white sand was struck which ran down about thirteen feet further, when a stratum of gravel was reached and the water. The sand proved to be excellent for plasterer's use.

Memarkahle Gave. - In the northwest quarter of section 34, tp. 51, range 13, is located a cave with some very remarkable characteristics. It has been explored to an extent of 200 yards, where is reached a house, naturally formed of solid rock. In its greatest breadth it makes a very good sized room. This cave was stopped up by some railroad men, who built a culvert and filled up the mouth, or entrance at which used to flow a large spring of very cold water. On one occasion, in early days, some dogs chased a panther into this cave, and their owners were forced to enter after them in order to save them. There are many incidents narrated in connection with the history of this cave, which must be omitted for want of room.

Panther Gave. - About half a mile north of the cave above described is Panther Cave, so called from the fact that in pioneer days it was infested by panthers in dangerous numbers, and their fierce bowlings and snarlings many a time chilled the blood of many a traveler who came upon the den unawares. It is not so large as the first cave, but is well worth a visit to see. Not far from it, and within a short distance of the larger cave are two cylindrical openings, in the earth called " sink holes, " having the appearance of walled wells, and being of considerable depth.

Fine Spring. - On the northeast quarter of section 34, tp. 51, range 13, on the premises now owned by Willis Brundege, Esq., there is a very large and fine spring of good water.

The Mound- Builders. - Evidences of the presence at one time in this township of that mysterious race known as the Mound-Builders, are plenty. Numerous mounds exist and have existed, specimens of pottery have been found, and flint arrow-heads can be picked up in great abundance. John Alexander has quite a collection of arrow and lance heads, which were gathered in this township.

Alonsr Eoche Perche Creek, startino- from Perche Church and following the creek down about two miles, are numerous mounds, the work, undoubtedly, of the famed mound-builders. These mounds are from three to six feet in height, and, on an average, are from 100 to 200 yards apart. They number about twenty well-defined specimens. Dr. Davis, of Sturgeon, and Wm. Prowell opened one of these mounds on the farm of the latter. In the center they found a perfect vault, the roof of which was covered with stones. In this vault lay a large skeleton. It measured seven inches across the forehead and the size of the other bones was in proportion. The general form and character of the mounds indicate that they are of the sepulchral kind ; that is, they are merely resting places for the dead. Several other skeletons and parts of skeletons were taken out of other mounds in Mr. Prowell' s field. Many of the mounds are covered with heavy timber, some of which is hundreds of years old, perhaps. There is a peculiar yellow or mulatto soil along where the mounds occur, but the elevations themselves seem to be of common earth.

Mr. McCauley says that in 1876, on opening one of the mounds, a pipe was found. It was made of clay and had been burned or baked like apiece of pottery. It was of ordinary size, and seemed to have been placed in the hand of the Indian with whom it was buried. The bowl was thought to contain ashes and soot, as though it had been used and not well cleaned just before burial. The mouth-piece of the stem was considerably worn as if by the teeth ot the owner. The pipe was sent to the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, in 1876.

Early Settlements

It is stated that the first settler in this township was a man named Riggs, who located three miles south of where Sturgeon now stands^ and built a cabin, as early as the year 1818. This property now belongs to Mr. Daniel Mayer, of Sturgeon. Again it is asserted that

Robert Schooling came to the southeast quarter of the section where Eowland settled in 1831,^ and Woodson Evans settled near Schooling about the same time, as did also Wm. Kincaid. Rowland and Schooling were from Kentucky. North of Schooling's settlement, in the northeast quarter of section 26, township 51, range 13, Nicholas S. Woods settled in 1832. Ira Taylor located two and a half miles southwest of Sturgeon some time between the years 1845 and 1848. Near here the first house in the Grand Prairie was built by Wm. Green ; date not learned, neither has the date of Green's settlement been ascertained.

In the Schooling settlement the first marriage reported is that of Sam. Rowland and Emeline Schooling, in 1832. The marriage occurred at Schooling's, and the ceremony was performed by the distinguished Baptist minister, Rev. Fielding Wilhite. The first death was that of a child of Woodson Evans, about the year 1831. The body was buried on section 2, township 50, range 13, now Perche township.

The first physician was Dr. Alex. Robinson, who practiced in 1835, coming directly from Columbia, and to Missouri from Kentucky. He finally went to St. Joseph. During his residence in Boone, Dr. Robinson represented the county in the Legislature, and after his removal to St. Joseph, he was sent from Buchanan county to the same body. He was an excellent physician and very popular. Dr. Hiram B. Johnson located in 1849 or 1850, about two and a half miles southeast of Sturgeon .

^ Very soon after the settlements were effected, religious services were held. The pioneer preachers trod hard upon the heels of the first cabin builders, and often were among the latter class themselves. Dr. Provines, an Old School Presbyterian, held the first services in the neighborhood, in 1832. Another pioneer preacher was Wm. Crockett. Dr. Provines preached the first sermon at Ed. Graves's, just across in the corner of Rocky Fork township, section 1, township 50, range 13.

Items Of Early History

It is claimed that the first physician in this township was Dr. Wells. In the year 1843, a Dr. Taylor practiced in Pittsburg. The first house in the prairie below Sturgeon was built by W. D. Kelly on the northeast quarter of section 20, township 51, range 12, in the year 1837. Mrs, Elizabeth Kelly, wife of W. D. Kelly, is probably the oldest living female born in Boone county. She is the daughter of Zadok Riggs, and was born in the southern part of the county, not far from Providence, February 1, 1819.

Organization

For many years after the organization of the county, Bourbon township was included in Perche and Rocky Fork townships. At last, however, its population had increased to such an extent, and its interest demanded that the territory now comprised therein should be erected into a separate township. At the June term of the county court, 1854, (to be exact, on the 19th of the month), the court made the following order : -

Ordered by the Courts That a new municipal township be erected in this county out of parts of Perche and Rocliy Fork ; to be taken out of said townships by a line running with the township line between townships 50 and 51 across the county, and all that territory lying north of said line in this county to compose the said new township, to be denominated Bourbon Township ; and it is ordered that the place of holding elections in said township be the town of Bourbonton.

"The town of Bourbonton " was also called Buena Vista, and is referred to in the sketch of the town of Sturgeon, on another page. The boundaries of Bourbon township remained the same until the creation of Centralia township. It is said that the township took its name from Bourbonton, then its chief town ; and that the town was named by some of the citizens who were from Bourbon county, Kentucky, their neighborhood being called Bourbon. It is also reported that the town was named from the leading brand of whisky on draft in the place.

The Sturgeon Bridge

The first act of war, or act connected with the war history, in this township was in June, 1861. As related to the compiler, on Saturday, the 15th of the month, the railroad bridge over Sailingtown branch near Sturgeon, was burned about 12 o'clock of that day by Sergeant

E.. Bruce Ball, who claimed to be acting under special orders from Gov. C. F. Jackson. The bridge was soon rebuilt, and trains were runnino; as usual.

On the night of December 20, 1861, detachments of the companies of Captains James Watson, J. J. Searcy, M. Gr. Corlew, Francis Petty, W. F. Kobards (and perhaps of F.Carson), all of the Confederate service, amounting to about 250 men, under command of Capt. Watson, raided the North Missouri Kailroad and destroyed a considerable portion of the track of that thoroughfare in order to prevent the passage of Federal troops, the transportation of supplies, etc. The track was injured considerably, but not very seriously, as it was soon rebuilt. Some bridges and trestles were burned. The men engaged in this work looked upon the affair as a sort of frolic to be participated in without serious consequences to themselves, but to work great injury to their enemies and consequent benefits to the Confederate cause.

The next morning after the night's operations, the greater portion of the Confederates encamped on Z. T. Riggs's farm, near the center of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 24, township 51, range 12, or about four miles southwest of Centralia. The stoppage was made to get breakfast. While they were eating they were suddenly attacked by a force of Federals commanded by Major David McKee, and believed to belong to the 7th Missouri Cavalry Volunteers. By count the Federals numbered 110 men. The attack was a complete surprise, and being made with great impetuosity, and the Federals being well armed and mounted, the Confederates were soon routed and driven in great confusion from the field.

The Confederate loss was John Onan, Jr., andThos. Tolson, killed ; James Tolson mortally wounded ; Allen Pipes and Beverly Shackleford wounded, and a young man named McQuitty had both thighs broken by being thrown from his horse, while trying to escape. Capt. Watson was slightly wounded, and others were scratched. The Federals had some men wounded, but none killed. A few of the Confederates went to Joel Palmer's for breakfast, and afterwards rode by mistake so close upon the Federals that they were made prisoners.

Their names were Thos. M. Smith, Joliu Patton, Stephen Stott, and John Tompkins, of Boone county ; R. B. Crowder, of Macon county ; George H. Cunningham and George M. PuUiam from Holt county.

All of the wounded were at first taken into Mr. Riggs's house, " and they made it pretty bloody," says Mr. R. Soon after the Federals were removed to Sturgeon, where their wounds were dressed and attended to by Dr. J. S. Lockridge. The doctor states that Maj. Mc- Kee urged him to hurry up and go out to the battlefield, as there were wounded Confederates there who needed his assistance worse than his own (the Major's) men. The Major seemed actuated ty generous impulses on this occasion and made a favorable impression on all with whom he came in contact. After attending to the Federal wounded at Sturgeon, Dr. Lockridge hastened to the scene of the skirmish and dressed the wounds of the Confederates, in which work he was assisted by Dr. Elliott, of Watson's forces, who had been captured and paroled.

The Confederate prisoners were first taken to Macon City, and from thence to Palmyra. Here they were tried by a military commission of which Col. Groesbeck, 39th Ohio Infantry, was president, on a charge of railroad and bridge burning convicted and sentenced "to be shot to death at such time and place as the major general commandmg this department shall direct." Gen. Halleck at that time was in command, and he approved the sentence and deputed Gen. Prentiss to warn them of their approaching fate. The time and place were never designated. February 20, 1862, Gen. Halleck issued an order, m which he declared that " in consideration of the recent victories won by the Federal forces,^ and of the rapidly increasing loyalty of the citizens of Missouri « * * the sentences of John C. Tompkins, Wm. J. Forshey, John Patton, Thos. M. Smith, Stephen Stott, Geo. H. Cunningham, R. B. Crowder and Geo. M. Pulliam, heretofore condemned to death, are provisionally mitigated to close confinement in the military prison at Alton. If rebel spies again destroy railroad lines, and render it necessary for us to make severe examples, the original sentences against these men will be carried into execution."

the roof. During cold weather they were forced to go to bed to keep warm. One by one they fell sick and were removed to the hospital. From here Mr. Smith made his escape. What finally became of the others is not known.

In the late fall or early winter of 1864, " Captain " Jim Jackson, a guerrilla leader or bushwhacker, was operating in this section w^ith a small band. With seven of his men he was sitting down to supper m a house about two miles west of Sturgeon, and within three hundred yards of the county line, when he was attacked by Lieut. Keebaugh, of Glasgow, with a force of Federals fortyfive in number. Though surprised, the guerrillas were not disconcerted. Accustomed to every sort of fighting, they at once sprang up and made for the door, drawing their revolvers as they rose and firing them as they ran. The house, a little log cabin with one room, was completely surrounded by the Federals, but Jackson and his men cut their way out, and escaped with but the loss of one man badly wounded, and he afterward recovered, and two horses, which were brought into Sturgeon. The Federal loss was two men raortaMy wounded and five slightly injured. The mortally wounded men died shortly afterward. The wounded men were all left in charge of Dr. J. S. Lockridge. He dressed their wounds, cared for them and stayed with them that night, and sent them to Macon City with the two dead men the next morning.

It was late in the evening when the fight occurred. Jackson and his men escaped into the " Blackfoot countr}^" and Lieut. Keebaugh went on to Sturgeon. On their way into town the Federals captured Bill Woods and brought him in. He was confined in the court-house, but made an almost miraculous escape. He left behind him his boots and hat, together with almost unmistakable signs that he had fallen into the big well, and this was the general opinion among friends as well as foes. Cold as the weather was. Woods preferred to walk over the prairies bareheaded and barefooted to staying and taking his chances with the Federals.

Jim Jackson was originally from Texas. As stated by himself, he joined the Texas Rangers at the outbreak of the war, went to Tennessee, killed a comrade, and then deserted and joined a Tennessee cavalry regiment. He served under John Morgan and was on the Ohio raid, in which he was captured. He escaped from Camp Doug- las, Chicago, in the early spring of 1864, and made his way into Missouri, joining Holtzclaw's guerriUas in Chariton county. He was soon made Holtzclaw's lieutenant, but afterward had a band of his own. He surrendered to Capt, Cook, at Columbia, in the spring of 1865, but was killed by the Audrain militia soon after, while on hi& way to Illinois.

In 1863 Amos Judy, who lived a few miles southeast of Sturgeon, was taken from his home one night by a band of bushwhackers, carried away and never again heard of. Judy was a Union man who had rendered himself especially obnoxious to the Confederates, by acting as a guide and a spy for the Federals when they visited the township . He had also been a member of Company B, 9th M. S. M. - Capt. Adams' company of Guitar's regiment. Whatever became of Judy is not certainly known. It is believed, however, that he was taken over on Silver's Fork and hung and his body secreted. His family made dili_ gent search and inquiry for his remains, but with no success.

In 1879, while a party of hunters were on Silver's Fork their attention was attracted by an old and somewhat peculiar " blaze " upon the body of a tree, very high up, as though made by a person on horse-back. A further investigation disclosed a slight depression in the soil at the foot of the tree, bearing the outline of an old grave. Strict inquiries of the oldest resident in the locality failed to discover a clue as to who had been buried in such a strange, out-of-the-way spot. Prompted by curiosity, the party procured a spade, and after digging down about two feet they came upon portions of the charred remains of a human skeleton, lying amidst a bed of ashes and charred wood. At the head of the grave was found a small rusty hand axe. The grave was situated due east and west, and its location is in a direct line from where Judy lived, being but a very short distance from his residence. But what is more significant, it is in the identical direction pursued by the party on that memorable night. When we take into consideration the circumstance that it was rumored at the time of his disappearance that Judy was first shot and then his body burned, it seems reasonable to suppose that the secret of his grave has been discovered. At least such appears to be the general impression .

Why They Went A-Soldiering

erals and brought before the provost marshal. That official put on a severe look and sternly demanded of Parson Butts why he had left * home and kindred and started for the miserable rebel army, wherein were all manner of men that were vile and wicked and contemptible.

" Well, captain," replied Mr. Butts, " I am a minister of the gospel, and having often heard of the terrible depravity of the rebel soldiers, I was moved with pity at their condition, and thought I would go down and ^reac/i /"or theyn, seeing that they needed it so bad."

This excuse seemed satisfactory to the shoulder-strapped worthy, and his features relaxed as he bade the would-be missionary sit down. They contracted, however, as he ordered up Creson for examination. " What is your excuse for starting to the rebel army? " he thundered out.

The venerable old pioneer preacher, "Uncle Jimmy" Barnes, was a strong Union man. " Jot " Creson was a " rebel " sympathizer, but a noted wag as well. On one occasion Creson came suddenly upon " Uncle Jimmy " in a secluded place in the public road. Reining up his horse "Jot" fiercely said: "'Uncle Jimmy,' you are a Union man, and you know I don't like you. I am a rebel, and I am going to shoot you. ' ' Although really believing his life to be in great danger, " Uncle Jimmy " was not badly frightened. In as cool and deliberate a voice as he could command, he replied to the threat of his " rebel " neighbor: "Well, 'Jot,' I am getting old, and if you do shoot me 3^ou won't shoot me out of very many years. I am ready ; blaze away." Creson drew himself up, thrust his hand into his pocket and drew out - not a pistol, but a pint bottle filled with good whisky, and this he thrust into the old man's face. " Uncle Jimmy " liked his toddy very well, and he soon took Creson's weapon from him and extracted therefrom a comfortable dram and passed it back. The joke was fully apparent and the two fell to chatting at once very friendly. In a few minutes, as they were about to separate, the old .minister said : " ' Jot,' I am on my way to preaching and as I'm getting old, and its pretty hard work to preach, won't you please shoot

Miscellaneous

Mrs. Frances Ann Maher, born in South Carolina, December 28,. 1796, and who has lived in Missouri for 56 years, was probably the oldest woman living in the township July 4,~1882. Joshua Gibson was reported as the oldest man.

In June, 1860, M. M. Jessee picked up from the surface of the ground a small globe of iron resembling a grapeshot, which, it was supposed, had been used long ago in a campaign against the Indians. The piece was about one and a half inches in diameter, and much resembled a grapeshot, but could hardly have been, since no artillery was used against the Indians in this country in early days.

In 1881, while the surveyors were running a route for the Hannibal and Southwestern Kailroad, near John H. Seymour's, Mr. S., with an old rifle, shot and killed two turkeys at one shot. The fowls were dressed and served for dinner, to which the surveyors were invited ; and as they accepted the invitation in force, a big time and a jolly one was had.

Mr. W. H. Welch has a pair of silver cuff buttons, brought from Ireland to America before the revolutionary war, by his great-greatgrandfather.

Burning Bumble Bees. - In September, 1880, Thomas Stewart, a lad about fourteen years of age, found a bumble bee's nest about a mile south of Sturgeon, and sought to visit the occupants thereof with fire, if not with sword, to " have some fun." Accordingly the match was applied, and the fire burned nicely. It burned so nicel}^, in fact, that it consumed a fine meadow, a quarter of a mile of fence, six stacks of hay, and played the mischief generally. "But," the boy remarked consolingly, and almost with exultation, " it everlastingly fetched them bees ! ' '

Stories By Uncle Durrett Bruce

Durrett Bruce was born near Lexington, Kentucky, in March, 1789. He came to Boone county in the year 1834, and was one of the first citizens of this township. He blazed out the road from the Christian Church in section 19, township 51, range 13, north to the county line, on the 7th of April, 1837, as he was on his Avay to a new claim in Eandolph county.

Although in his 94tli year, "Uncle" Durrett is hale, hearty and jolly, and can tell a good story or Gnjoy one with the best of them. The compilers are indebted to him for much valuable information in the shape of reminiscences, incidents, etc. Some of Mr. Bruce's tales may savor of the improbable to a few hypercritical people, but the large majority of readers will accept his statements with ready credence, and only regret that there are not more of them.

'Coon Branch got its name, Uncle Durrett says, from this circumstance : A settler was going along its banks one day when he chanced to closely observe a large elm tree, the trunk of which was slowly but regularly contracting and expanding with alternate movements. Curious to learn what occasioned the spectacle, the settler cut down the tree and split it open. Lo, snugly imbedded or imprisoned within the trunk like the imprisoned fiends in Rinaldo's grove, were lots of 'coo7is/ There were big 'coons, little 'coons, old 'coons, young 'coons, ;to a vast number, and an unlimited extent. Their breathing, it seemed, was regular and simultaneous, and the contraction and expansion of their diaphragms, regular as pulse beats, caused the tree to open and shut, open and shut, open and shut. With great propriety the stream was thereafter called 'Coon Branch.

Sugar Creek, says Mr. Bruce, took its name from the number of sugar trees along its margin, and also from the following incident: The sugar trees were very full of the richest sort of sap. The woods caught fire one spring, and many of the trees were badly heated and scorched. A German settler, after the fire had passed, cut down a hollow sugar tree and found, nicely granulated and stowed away in the center, about 150 pounds of an excellent quality of maple sugar, which had been, by the action of the heat, extracted from the sap and as scientifically boiled down and "sugared ofi"' as if the process had been accomplished by the aid of a patent pan !

Johnson Branch was named for Alfred Johnson, said to have been the largest man in the world. Lick Fork was so named from the number of deer licks alono-its maro:in.

Uncle Durrett says he once caught seven wolves out of a groundhog hole, just over the line, in Howard county. At that day a bounty was paid for wolf scalps, and Mr. Bruce says he first thought he would save these wolves and breed for the market, as it were ; but they gave him more trouble than their scalps would be worth, as they effectually cleaned out his chicken coops and pig pens in a short time. Uncle Durrett saj'-s he and his neighbors soon learned to turn many an honest penny by making two wolf scalps out of one, by a process, adroitly rendered, of splitting the ears and dividing them. Dogs were trained to fight wolves, as follows : The wolves were caught in large traps made of poles, and set with bait and triggers. When one was caught one of his ham-strings was cut, or a chain fastened to his leg and held by a man, and then one dog, or two, if the case demanded it, turned upon him.

The people were accustomed to put "blobs" into their calves' mouths, to prevent their sucking. The implements gave the animals a singular, not to say a ridiculous, appearance. The first time a man named Isham saw a calf with a " blob," he thought it had tried to swallow a pocket book and got choked, and he chased it up and down a creek for hours, trying to secure possession of the supposed treasure. This creek is in Audrain county, and was named for the man who chased the calf with a "blob."

While divine service was beins; held down at John Rowland's, some twenty-five years ago, two bulls got to fighting, near the house. A well was being dug near the church, and it had been left uncovered. In their mad plunging and struggling the animals approached the open pit, and one of them backed fairly into it, falling down about six feet, or until he struck the rock wall, which had been partially built, where he stuck and looked wildly around. The men of the congregation, who, notwithstanding the gravity of the occasion, had been regarding the fight with more interest than they had listened to the sermon, rushed out of the meeting-house, and thinking the case similar to that of an ox in the ditch, procured ropes and chains, and, Sunday as it was, at last succeeded in extricating the bovine from his uncomfortable quarters.

On another occasion there was preaching at Mr. Rowland's, and there were also a butting ram on the premises and a wicked boy. The ram had been receiving his education from the boy, and had learned one thing right well. Whenever any one stopped and crooked a finger at him he would butt like a batterino- ram or an iron-clad. The minister was kneeling down in front of an open door, but with his back to it, and was " battering the gates of heaven with storms of prayer." The ram was outside, watching the minister, and the boy was inside, watching the ram. Presently the boy leaned over toward the sheep, and, having succeeded in attracting its attention, crooked his fingers, just in front of the rear elevation of the preacher. This was too much. The ram had been considerably worked up over the minister's clapping Ms hands and shouting, and now that a taunt had been thrown out he could endure it no lono;er. He rushed throuo;h the door like he had been shot out of a gun, and, striking the suppliant divine in the small of the back, upset not only him but the gravity of the congregation as well. It was with some difficulty that the rq,m was suppressed, and the wicked boy laughed like a fiend.

" Uncle Durrett " now lives in Moberly. He is a locksmith, and still works at his trade although ninety-three years of age. He is undoubtedly the oldest person in this section of Missouri. As before stated, he is hale, hearty, and full of fun. He is able to do a fair day's work, and reads well without spectacles.

One of the pioneers of the county and township, relates another incident concerning preaching and preachers down at John Rowland's in an early day. About the year 1825 there was preaching at Rowland's when he lived near old Bethlehem church, Perche township. After services Rev. Wm. H. Hutchinson killed a garter snake and took it up stairs with him, and pretended to be asleep, as he knew Robert Sloan, a brother minister, would soon follow him. Mr. Sloan soon came up lay down, and began to snore. Hutchinson had previously tied a string to the snake and as soon as Sloan was asleep he began to draw the reptile up his leg. Sloan awaked and catching sight of the "varmint," sprang suddenly from the bed, and yelled as if the evil one were upon him. Hutchinson laughed and then Sloan, seeing the joke that had been played upon him, and not taking it in good part, turned on Hutchinson in an angry mood, and the two men, preachers though they were, were soon engaged in a real rough and tumble fight. They were separated with some difficulty, but soon made friends, and laughed it all over.

A Bear Chase

Uncle John Alexander states that in the fall of 1819, as Joshua Alexander, John Rowland, and others were helping put on the roof of a cabin down in Perche township, near the Howard line, they heard a small dog coming toward them barking violently. Looking up they saw a large bear advancing rapidly. Bruin passed them by in peace, but the men gave chase with guns, dogs, etc., as soon as they could. They treed the animal pretty soon and several shots were fired at it without effect. Finally Joshua Alexander, with a Avell directed shot.

brought down the bear. No sooner had the huge animal been dispatched when ah)ng came Col. Ben Rives, Joe Davis, and others who claimed that they had started it. Consequently the animal was skinned and equally divided among both parties.

Railroad Fires

Some years ago, before spark-arresters on locomotives were invented, the people living along the line of the North Missouri railroad in this township suffered greatly at certain seasons of the year from prairie fires and grass fires . The land along the road is prairie and open and when the grass was dry it was easily ignited by the large sparks that fell from the engines. In dry seasons the people were afraid to leave home, and stood as minute men ready to sally out to fight fire as soon as smoke was discovered.

The Shroyer Murder Case

A most horrible and at the same time a most interesting case of murder occurred in this township in the fall of 1876. The particulars, here given are taken from the Sturgeon Leader of August 5, 1882. The editor of the Leader, Mr. T. S. Carter, is better informed concerning the facts in the case than any other person, and was promi nent in cansino; the arrest of the alleo-ed murderer : -

Late Saturday evening, October 14th, 1876, a wagon drove up to Mrs. Martha A. Seymour's, about three miles southwest of Sturgeon. In the wagon was a man and a woman, and three children - two bo3^s and a girl. The man wanted to buy some feed for his horses. While he was at the barn getting some corn from Mr. Gulick, Mrs, Seymour's son-in-law, the woman in the wagon told Mrs. Seymour that her husband was going to kill her that night, that he had threatened to do so, and if she would go down in the morning to where they would camp that night she would find her dead body. Nothing further was thought of this till the 7th day of February, 1877, when some choppers in the woods suddenly came upon the mutilated remains of a human being. The bones and clothing were gathered up and an inquest held. An examination showed that the skull had been broken as if by a heavy blow ; one arm was also broken. Everybody was satisfied that a murder had been committed but how to find out the perpetrator of the dark deed was the question. Mrs. Seymour recollected the circumstances of the movers who passed her house the previous October. Marion White, residing three miles west of where the b ody was found, recollected that a man and three children came to his house early on the morning of October 15th, 1876, but no woman was with them. The man, children, wagon and team were exactly as described by Mrs. Seymour and others who had seen them the day before. This was all telegraphed to the St. Louis papers and in a short time found its way to Marshall, Kansas. In a few days a 'letter came from Marshall stating that Mike Shroyer left there that fall for Miami County, Indiana, with his wife and three children to collect some money coming to her from her first husband's estate, she having previously been married, but he returned without his wife and could tell no reasonable or even plausible story about what became of her and that people suspicioned him as having killed her.

Letters were written to Indiana and answers received stating that Shroyer and his wife and three children left there about the last of September with exactly the same outfit - wagon and team - as seen at Mrs. Seymour's the evening before the murder and by Mr. White the morning after it. Samples of clothing were sent from Indiana which corresponded exactly with that found upon the dead woman.

The little g-irl was sick when at Mr. White's and it was noticed that she had a crippled hand. The child was sick when Shroyer arrived home in Kansas, and the editor of the Leader, who made a trip to Kansas on the hunt of Shroyer, saw the child of Michael Shroyer, a girl, with a crippled hand exactly as described by Mrs. White and others. Many other interesting circumstances went to show that Michael Shroyer had murdered his wife.

Being fully satisfied of his guilt, he was indicted at the April term, 1877, of the Boone circuit court, and here the matter rested until in July, 1882, when he was captured in Jasper county. Mo., and brought back to this county and lodged in our county jail. The Leader says that a man named John Pittman once resided in Marshall county, Kansas, and was a near neighbor to the Shroyers and became well acquainted with Mike. Subsequently he moved to Jasper county. Mo., and settled near Joplin. He was living there when he read in the papers accounts of the murder of Mrs. Shroyer by her husband, nearly six years ago, but the matter had almost entirely left his mind until about July 20, 1882, when he suddenl}^ came upon Mike Shroyer, who was at work as a grader on the Webb City Extension of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Gulf Kailroad'. Pittman then wrote to an old friend of his in Marshall county, Kansas, inquiring about Shroyer. But in the meantime he told some parties -^bout the report that

Mike Shroyer had murdered his wife somewhere in Missouri but he did not remember wliere. It so happened that John Esry, Jr., and John Jester, former residents of Sturgeon, were present and heard Pittraan's story. They remembered well all the circumstances connected with the finding of the body of the murdered woman, and at once the sheriff of the county (Roberts) was notified and Shroyer was arrested and lodged in jail. He afterwards brought the prisoner to Columbia and committed him to the safe keeping of Mr. Stone, the sheriff of Boone County, who will retain him for trial.

Shooting Of Rowland

A difficulty occurred in Bourbon township, at Union church, in 1879, between two prominent members named Wade and Rowland. They were brothers-in-law, and it seems had quarrelled over the settlement of an estate in which they were both interested. The affair got into the church, necessitating a church trial for adjustment. It was while the members were meeting for that purpose that Wade shot Rowland. The courts have not yet finally passed upon the case, and it is not for the historian to anticipate the action of the councils of justice.

Old Petersburg

On the east half of the southwest quarter of section 31, township 51, range 12, where is now a corn field, once stood a little village, called Petersburg. It was laid out in the year 1836, or perhaps in 1837, and was a noted little village, on Silver's Fork of Perche, at one time with a population of say fifty souls. There were two stores in the place, a mill, a tanyard, blacksmith shop, etc. Gen. Geo. Dorris, now of St. Louis, put up the first store in Petersburg. Gen. D.'s wife, who was murdered in the fall of 1881, by her grandson, Russell Brown, is well remembered by the old citizens. The wife of Gen. John A. Logan, now U. S. senator from Illinois, was born in Petersburg. Her maiden name was Mary Cunningham. Many of her relatives now reside in the vicinity.

Old Petersburg, like other frontier towns in an early day, was a great place for frolicking, dancing, fun and fighting. Many an old stager with gray beard and bald head will feel young again as he recalls the delightful scenes through which he passed when in his youth he was wont to visit and recreate in Petersburg. But the

Among the many incidents related of Old Petersburg is this one : Long ago there was an individual in the vicinity who was known as "Tasty" Jones. He was probably ironically so called, from his taste in the selection of his wearing apparel. On one occasion "Tasty" had come to town and bought a pound of gunpowder, which he had put in the pockets of his pantaloons, a bran-new towlinen pair. He went into a blacksmith shop to swap news with the village smithy. While standing carelessly about, a livid spa,rk from the anvil flew ao-ainst his linen unmentionables, and set them on fire. The fire communicated with the powder, and then there came a burst of thunder sound - poor Jones ! Oh, where was he? It is solemnly averred that the explosion blew "Tasty" fairly through the roof,, which was a low one, and badly demoralized the roof itself; that it knocked the blacksmith galley- west and crooked, and frightened the townspeople into thinking an earthquake was upon them. Jones was laid up for some days, but finally recovered. His pants were a total wreck, and perished in the great catastrophe.

This mill stands on Perche creek, on the northeast quarter of section 7, township 51, range 13. It was built in the year 1807, by John Peacher, Curtis Gentry, and J. R. and H. W. Jackson. Its first cost was about $1,200, but its present value is about $1,500, as estimated by Mr. McCauley. The mill is a saw and grist mill combined, and grinds both wheat and corn. It uses the patent process for purifying middlings. During the fall and winter seasons it runa regularly. In the spring, and subsequently, it is usually operated but one or two days in the week.

School Houses In Boukbon

Barrett School House. - Stands on the southeast quarter of section 29, township 51, range 13. The site, one acre, was donated by J. H. Alexander, including the timber, although he was childless. He was a trustee for one j^ear after the house was built. The house was built in the summer of 1877, at a cost of $300. The average term of school in this district for the past year or two has been low on account of indebtedness. Average attendance, twenty-five. Present trustees, Geo. W. Gulick, Wra. B. Prowell, and John H. Graves.

Dimvicldie School House. - Northeast quarter of section 11, township 51, range 12. The site comprises two acres. The house was bnilt about 1872, at a cost of $300. Average term of school, six months ; average attendance, twenty ; average wages per month paid teachers, $32.50. Present teacher. Miss Ella Patterson. Present trustees, L, W. White, president; Zadok Kelly, secretary and clerk; Wm. Dinwiddle, treasurer.

Turner School House. - Northwest quarter of section 12, township 51, range 13. The site, one acre, was donated by J. Turner. The house was built in 1876, and cost $340. Average term of school, six months ; attendance, fifteen ; teacher's wages, $35 and $40. Last teacher. Miss Eose Ann Seymour.

Woods School House. - Near the centre of section 26, township 51, range 13. The house was built about 1857, and cost $400. Average school term, seven months; teacher's wages, $35.00.

White School House. - Southeast quarter of section 7, township 51, range 13. The site, an acre, was donated equally by J. T. and Thomas White. The house was built in the summer of 1876, and cost $410. Four or five months of public school are held during the year besides a private school term of two or three months. The average wages paid teachers is $37.50. Miss Addie White was the last teacher. Present directors, J. T. White, James M. Chaney, J. R. Jackson.

Robinson School House - Is on the southeast quarter of section 25, township 51, range 14. The house was built near the year 1872 ; cost, $325. The average attendance is about thirty-five. The salary is from $30 to $40. Directors, Geo. Hombs, John Robinson, Hansen Smith. Robinson school house is noted for its spelling matches and debating schools.

The Tucher School House. - This school house is located on the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 20, township 51, range 12. It was built about the year 1869. The site contains about an acre of ground. The building cost from $400 to $450. B. F. Tucker, Thos. Palmer, and Y. E. Riggs are the present directors. Mr. Tucker superintended the building of the house. The district has about eight months school in the year, with an average daily attendance of twenty-eight.

1853. The original members were Saml, M. and Margaret Eiggs, Jno. and Kebecca Hawkins, Jesse and Mary Ann Gopher, Parnielia Winn, Gerald, Serena, and Elizabeth Angell, Thos. L. and John D., Ezekiel v., and Margaret Hawkins, Peter G. and Margaret Booth, John S. Parmer, Francis M. Brink, James, Paulina, and Elizabeth Hawkins, Elizabeth Gibson, Joseph H. and Mary E. Keithley, Priscilla Ann Taylor, Mary Ann Bentley, William and Sally Summers, Jame A. and Lou Ann Quisenberry, and Jonathan Bogarth. Rev. Wms Thompson was really the founder of the church.

The building, a frame, was erected in the summer of 1855. Its cost exceeded $1,200. Of this sum $1,100 was subscribed at the start, and the remainder added afterwards. When the frame of this church was up it was blown down by a severe storm. It was again put up and all completed but the plastering, when it was struck by lightning and shivered so badly that it was torn down and built over the third time. During the war soldiers encamped in it and injured it very considerably. At present it is not used, being an old wreck and fast crumbling into complete decay.

During its existence the pastors of this church were : Rev. Dr. Wm. Thompson, W. R. Wigginton, P. T. Gentry, W. K. Woods, B. S. Woods, W. R. Wigginton (again). Green Gary, Wigginton (again, 1866), Green Gary (again, from 1868 to 1871, the last regular preacher ) .

The founder of Mt. Horeb, Dr. Wm. Thompson, was one of the ablest divines ever in Missouri. He was a native of Scotland, and a graduate of Edinburg University. He was a thorough scholar and especially an accomplished linguist. He afterward became president of Wm. Jewell Gollege, Liberty, and died there not many years ago. A monument has been erected to his memory.

When Dr. Thompson first came into Bourbon township, many years ago, he was regarded as a " tramp." He called at the residence of Mr. Hawkins, a prominent church member, and, as he was not at home, started away. Mr. H's son, Andrew J. Hawkins, then a boy, followed Dr. Thompson and inquired his business with his father. Being; informed that it was reo-ardino; church matters, the doctor was invited back to the house to remain over night. Meeting was being held in the neighborhood. Dr. Thompson stated that he sometimes preached and he was invited to attend. While in church he was called on to pray. The worshippers had viewed him with some suspicion and distrust, but when he began to pray he " astonished the natives." After the meeting he was invited to preach and became the founder and first pastor of Mt. Horeb. Under his ministrations the church prospered greatly. It is said that the learned divine was "cranky" at times. On these occasions he would never speak a word - nothing could induce him to. Furthermore it is stated that he could repeat from memory and by rote every word of the New Testament.

Far West Christian

This church stands on the northeast corner of section 22, township 51, range 12, The congregation was organized sometime in the year 1858. Three of the original members were Jesse Roberts, Alfred Wainscott, and Wm. Denham.

The first church building, a log structure, was built either in th& fall of 1852 or the spring of 1853. It was proposed by James Hendricks to raise a subscription for the building of a church before any organization of any denomination was formed. The people believed that if they would build a house in which to hold meetings that they could obtain the help of a minister and have regular services, and thus improve the moral tone of the community. Mr. Hendricks headed the subscription list and the money was raised and the building completed several years before the organization of the Christian church.

The present church building, a frame, was completed in the fall of 1880. Its cost was about $700 ; a great deal of the work of construction was done gratis by the community. The land on which the building stands was deeded to the use of" the Methodist, Christian, and Baptist churches," although the Christian church was the only denomination holding regular meetings. Rev. Stephen J. Bush was the first preacher in the new church. The present membership is about 45.

Perche Church

This church is owned and controlled by the Baptists and Christians jointly. It is situated in the center of section 19, township 51, range 13. The Christian organization was formed June 14, 1835. The original members were Wm. White and wife, Silas Riggs and wife, James Williams and wife, Alfred Johnson and wife, Thomas McBride and wife, John White and wife, Joel Bradley and wife, Gabriel Bradley and wife, Durrett Bruce and wife, Nancy D. San ford, Margaret Clayton, Elizabeth Roberts, Mahala Ann Roberts, Caleb Woods, Nancy Swezer, AVillis Clayton, Nicholas Roberts, Sarah White,

Joel White and Emily Bradley. The first house of worship was a log with a big fire place aud chimney in each end. The first elders were Durrett Bruce, Wm. White and Jolm White. Among the pastors were William and John White, John McCune, Silas Naylor, and Minter Bailey. The present church building is a fine frame structure, 34x50 feet in size, and was built in the year 1880 at a cost of $1,200. It has not been dedicated. The old church was built about the year 1835 or 1836.

The Baptist organization was constituted in 1881, and has but recently gone into partnership with the Christians. The first organization was composed of 22 members, as follows : Sam'l Jackson, J. B.

James W. Robinson, wife and daughter; Hewson Smith, wife and daughter; Wesley Holmes, Mary E. Holmes, John Robinson, Woodson Tisdel, Elizabeth Tisdel, and J. A. Carr. There have been four additions since the organization. Rev. Green Carey is the pastor.

Union Church

This is the only Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the county, and is located in the northern part of section 35, township 51, range 13. As nearly as can be ascertained, it was organized in about 1832. The orio-inal members were Robert Rowland and wife ; Robert Schooling and wife ; Edward Graves and wife ; James, Nancy and Susannah Schooling ; and Barnabas S. Woods and wife. The first building erected was a log structure, which answered for a meeting-house for several years. They next built a frame, which, however, was burned in the summer of 1879. The fire was a mysterious afl^air, and is supposed by some to have been the work of incendiaries. A tragedy connected with this church is elsewhere given in this chapter.

Palmer Graveyard. - This is probably the oldest burying ground in the township. It was laid out by James Palmer about the year 1837, and contains about an acre of land. The first interment was ^bat of John Palmer. Others of the Palmer family are here buried.

The Robinson Graveyard. - This cemetery, a private one, is in section 8, township 51, range 13, on the farm now owned by J. B. Robinson. It was laid out about the year 1849, by Tandy Robinson, father of the present owner of the land. It contains about twenty ofraves.

The City Of Sturgeon Early History

Many years ago a town called Buena Vista stood on the range line between ranges 12 and 13 and between section 6, township 51, of the former, and section 1 of the latter, the site being about half way of -the section line from north to south. The place was also called Bourbonton. At one time it contained about 150 inhabitants, two stores, two blacksmith shops, a saloon, etc. The place was renowned chiefly for horse-racing, whisky-drinking, and fighting. It is not important that a full history of Buena Vista be given here, since the place that knew it once knows it now no more forever. It is remembered, however, that on one occasion in a row over a horse-race, a Mr. Hudson shot four men and cut the throat of another. None of the men were killed, but all were placed hors du combat. This was known as the Hudson-Perkins- Angell fight.

Lemuel Dill was a noted house-mover, and when old Buena Vista was removed to where Sturgeon now is, he moved the houses, using a huge wagon with axles and coupling-pole long enough to hold a goodsized house.

Location And Survey Of The Town

The town of Sturgeon was laid out in July and August, 1856, by the Sturgeon Town Company whose trustees were J. D. Patton, James E. Hicks, and Archie Wayne. The site was purchased from John Rochford, N. B. Burks, and J. B. Smith. Only a short distance away, on the northwest quarter of section 5, township 51, range 12, the town of Prairie City was laid out but swallowed up by the town of Sturgeon, because the railroad company refused to locate a depot therein. John Rochford owned the principal portion of the land on which Sturgeon was laid out. He was an engineer and a contractor on the North Missouri Railroad, and built about twenty miles of that important thoroughfare.

The town was iiiimed for Hon. Isaac H. Sturs^eou, then the superintendent of the North Missouri Raih'oad, and was contemplated to be a station on the road from the start. The little bit of " taify " tendered the railroad magnate was probably not without its effect in causing the location of a depot at the town bearing his name, but it took something more substantial to effect the location finally and absolutel}^ Six worthy citizens of the vicinity, including Messrs. Rochford, Burks, and Smith, obligated themselves to pay to the railroad company $6,000, contingent upon the location of the railroad station as aforesaid. The following is a copy cf the obligation : -

We hereby obligate ourselves to pay to the North Missouri Railroad Company three thousand dollars on the 1st day of December next, and the further sum of three thousand dollars on the 1st day of August, 1857, provided said railroad company locate a depot on said railroad between station No. 5772 and station No. 5790, being on the east end of section i 129 and the west end of section ^ 128, west of Salington creek; and further provided that no depot be located within five miles of this point. Given under our hands and seals this^ the 8d of July, 1856.

As will be seen the railroad company agreed not to locate another depot '' within five miles of this point," i. e. the town of Sturgeon^ and this agreement gave Prairie City its quietus.

When first laid out the founders of Sturo-eon had in view a o-reat future for their town. Not only was it intended to be a great railroad town and shipping point, but it was intended, and so advertised, to be the county seat of the new county of " Rollins," then in contemplation of formation. As "Rollins county" was never formed, Sturgeon never became a county capital. The projectors were very profuse of promises at the first to give tracts of land for churches, academies, etc., but it is said that not all of these promises were fulfilled.

It is difficult to decide whose was the first house in the town. Claib. Thompson says that he put the first building in the place, an old loo- cabin, which he removed from Buena Vista. This structure is now weatherboarded and is still standing in the southeast part of town, south of the railroad. John F. Fisher framed one house in the old town and brought the parts to Sturgeon and put them together, and it is claimed for this buildino; that it was the first in the place.

Again it is alleged that the first building erected entirely in the town was built by E. S. Hawkins for Smith & Burks and used by them as a store. This building, it is said, was completed before the one framed by John F. Fisher, but this point is one hard to decide. Mr. Hawkins lived near Sturgeon before the town was laid out. This building went up in the fall of 1856, the y^ear the town was laid out. The first brick house in town was commenced by J. S. Loekridge. He was afterward joined by Maj. John F. Rucker, and they completed it. It is claimed that this was also the first brick house in the township. The first male child born in the town was David A. Mayer, son of Daniel and Ann Eliza Mayer, who was born November 11, 1857. The first female child was Mary A. Murphy, born June 16, 1857. She was a daughter of Michael and Mary Murphy, and is now Mrs. J. A. Dyer, of Centralia.

The first death was that of Miss Mary Hukle, who departed this life in April, 1857, aged 18. Her disease was erysipelas. Her burial place has not been ascertained, but it is believed to have been in some one of the country grave yards. J. B. Smith died in June, 1857. The first family in the town was either that of M. B. Tompkins or of Michael Murphy. It is claimed that Tompkins was the first inside of the corporate limits. He came in February, 1857, and located on lot 10, block 29. Mr. Tompkins kept the first hotel, on lot 16, block 26.

The first store was a small supply store for the railroad men while the road was being built. In it were kept a few necessaries of life, such as whisky, tobacco, etc. The first store worthy of the name was that of Smith & Burks before mentioned. It stood on lot 34, block 28. The first lot sales are said to have come off in November, 1856, and the store was built prior to that time. Smith & Burks kept a good stock of general merchandise. Daniel Mayer moved to Sturgeon from Buena Vista in the spring of 1857, and is now in business in the former place, the oldest merchant in town.

the first lawyer ; Rev. James Barnes (Baptist), the first minister who held religious services ; Thos. L. Hawkins, the first shoemaker ; T. H. Patterson, the first tailor, and the first barber ; John M. Burks, Richard Harwood, Wm. Marshall, and Mr. Smith the first blacksmiths ; and either James Bishop or Purdy the first photographer. Bishop went off into the Union army during the civil war and was an army photographer. While at Ft. Pickering, Memphis, Tenn., he was shot and killed by a negro soldier, whom he had offended. The first section boss was a Mr. McCormick.

The first mayor was Housen Canada ; the first postmaster Adam Gosline;^ the first newspaper was established in 1858 by Col. Wm. A. Strawn and called the News.

The first church building was the M. E. South, with the Masonic Hall above, built in 1859. Previous to the building of this church reliofious meetino;s had been held in the summer time in arbors erected by the people. Political meetings were wont to be held in Daniel Mayer's store, on lot 1, block 36.

Daniel Mayer is the oldest merchant now in town, having been here 25 years. E. S. Hawkins and J. F. Fisher, both carpenters, are the only men now in the place who were here when the town was originally laid out, in 1856.

When the town of Sturgeon was first started its moral tone was not the most elevated. Rows were very frequent, and melees, during which knives and pistols were flourished, and sometimes used, were quite frequent. In time this state of affairs was removed, and the community became more tractable and peaceable.

In the spring of 1857 a cyclone or tornado passed over the young town, and blew down several houses. Among them was a new building, 50 by 60 feet in size, and three stories high, which was totally demolished. This building was intended for a hotel, and was being erected for Claiborne Thompson, by E. S. Hawkins, Esq. It stood on lot 7, block 28.

The town grew with reasonable rapidity after the railroad was completed, and in a year after it was started had a population of from 200 to 300 inhabitants. Considerable business was transacted. Sturgeon was the leading shipping point for a large area of country tributary to St. Louis. The railroad was a new thing in these parts, and Sturgeon and Ceutralia were the only stations thereon in this county. The former was the recognized leading point, and received and discharged considerable quantities of freight, not only from Boone, but from Randolph, Monroe and Audrain counties, as it does to this day.

Early Days In Sturgeon

A year or two since, one of the oldest citizens of Sturgeon, a gentleman who was one of the first inhabitants of the place, with a recollection of early scenes and events and capacity to write of them, published, in the Sturgeon Leader, some reminiscences of early days, which are herewith appended : -

Perhaps the common experience of our day would forbid the recurrence of the like in such common-place things. But then the country was new, towns few and far between ; the railway was coming right through the middle of the town ! No mistake ! Splendid depots, machine-shops, round-houses, etc., would be erected, and the place taken under the especial patronage of this new institution. Who wouldn't bite?

But as so much was to be done for Sturgeon, of course she must do something in return, "besides that little subscription" for the railway. Well, ten acres of the most sightly and valuable ground in the town would be sufficient to erect these promised improvements on, "could she just donate that little" the thing would be "fixed" - Certainly, take the land; five thousand dollars is nothing in return for such promised blessings.

And now everybody stands with arms akimbo, with fiery eyelids, dilate^ nostrils and heaving bosoms, in breathless expectation of the coming events. Everj'body talked Sturgeon, talked depot, talked machine shops and round-house ; the news spread like thin batter, and it stuck; the place was overrun with people, and still others came in haste, fearing to be late. Tomkin's house couldn't accommodate the half. Harrison Hulett set up the City Hotel - "no go," more room. The Planters', on the south side, two-story, staked and ridered, was run up by a joint stock company. The railway had now come, sure enough ; had planted a turn-table on the west side. What next? All are on tip-toe. .The "Railroad Exchange" - what of that? Oh, that was an institution that lent a pious hand in the administration of spirituous consolation. But what about the machine shops, etc. ? Well, thereby hangs a tale - I am a little tender on that subject.

The depot - yes, that came one night, when all slept. There it stands, a thing of beauty, a joy for ever so long a time. See its stately columns, arches, towers and minarets, its roof slanting both ways at once. Step inside, ye gods ! This elegant retreat on the left is the ladies' private parlor; on the right, the grand saloon; in the west wing under the main tower, on the avenue lane with hewn ties, is the company's office: comfortable, of course it is. Why, one is rather pleased than otherwise. If night trains are a little late you can make yourself at home ; and then, to think, all this luxury in exchange for that little strip bare and bleak over the way. Bad luck to it! "Why, I thought that was for machine shops! " So it was - but - well, they are not built yet. But isn't there a beautiful monument over there to the memory of blasted hopes? No. That you will find in the new cemetery grounds, west, but the road thither is difficult. But why do they vacate the burial grounds in the west corner? Oh, that was to compensate for the strip on the south side, and then nobody thought of dying of a sudden ; the doctors were mostly young men ; Lockridge and Dow were on their first legs, and if they couldn't cure were considerate enough to prolong life at least to the extent of the purse !

How about the business centers of the town in those days? Some changes have been made. Yes, formerly the bulk of the trade was done on the street fronting the railroad ; the iJearfe?" block was the center of exchange - contained the post-office, had stores, drug houses, and other institutions where spirituous consolation and medical purposes were administered with happy results. In it also flourished the political schools, from which were graduated our present town politicians ; but its greatness has departed, leaving this once busy mart to be inhabited by bats, an unhappy editor, a few indignant lawyers and a broom factory.

Sturgeon In War Times

When the civil war broke out the people of Sturgeon, for the most part, sympathized with the Soutliern or Confederate side. The town was early occupied by the Federals, and held by them as a military post during the greater part of the war. It was regarded by them as a place of considerable importance, as indeed it was. By reason of its military occupation the citizens were greatly inconvenienced, to use a mild term.

The first company of Federal soldiers in town was a battalion of the Third Iowa Infantry, Col. Williams commanding. These soldiers came in July, 1861, but did not stay long, remaining only a few hours. The second body of troops that came was the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, Col. John M. Palmer,^ This regiment was stationed here for a short time, and was succeeded by a company of Merrill's Horse, Second Missouri Cavalry. Then came a company of militia from Boonville, followed by another company of Krekel's militia from St. Charles. In December, 1861, came Col. Birge's Western Sharpshooters, who, in connection with Col. Glover's Third Missouri Cavalry, fought Col. Dorsey's Confederates at Mt. Zion church, December 28. Then followed a battalion of Iowa volunteers, the number of the regiment not being remembered.

From Sturgeon, Gen. Prentiss, at the head of a battalion of Birge's Sharpshooters, and of Col. J. M. Glover's Third Missouri Cavalry, set out to attack Dorsey's troops at Mt. Zion, as before narrated. While Birge's men occupied the place some of them, who were printers, took charge of the JSfews office and issued a number of the paper gotten up by and to please themselves. This paper gave an alleged truthful account of the Mt. Zion fight, of a skirmish over on Young's creek, in Monroe county, etc., and indulged in much boasting of the prowess of the boys in blue and a corresponding depreciation of the valor of the Confederates.

From Sturgeon also set out, in September, 1864, the ill-fated expedition to Rocheport, in charge of Capt. J. W. McFadden, Company F, Third Missouri State Militia, which was set upon by George Todd and John Thrailkill with their guerillas, in Gosline's Lane, in Perche township. An account of this affair is to be found elsewhere in these pages.

son's command, who escaped from the battle, or massacre, of Centralia. Draper's and Schaeffer's commands were here and in the vicinity at the time, Draper coming down from Macon the next day. It would be a hard task, and not a profitable one, to detail all of the military movements in and about Sturgeon during the war. No great glory was won by either side, however, and the least said, perhaps, the better.

Sturgeon sent her quota of men into the Confederate army, and some of them were as gallant soldiers as the most knightly in either army, and as brave as the best.

Fires In Sturgeon

Since the founding of the place it has been remarkably free from fires. Several small buildings have been burned, but no conflagration of serious character occurred until the summer of 1882. The following is said to be a list of all the fires in the place : -

In the spring of 1862 the residence of John F. Moore, located between the present residence of W. T. Old and T. D. Moss, was burned by the soldiers.

Some time in 1864 a house on the corner where Robinson's store now stands, was burned. It belonged to Dr. Dinwiddle's estate and was occupied by A. H. Nise.

July 19, 1882, the most serious conflagration occurred in Sturgeon. At 9 o'clock p. M. of that day, the fire broke out in Wood's saloon building and was bursting through the roof when discovered. The following were the principal losers and their losses : C. B. Branham's butcher shop ; loss, $300. B. C. Barnes, saloon ; loss, $150 ; building belonging to James Palmer, $500. Daniel & Canada's billiard hall and saloon, loss on fixtures, $200; on building, $1,250. John Butler, two unoccupied buildings, $1,200. Woods's saloon, loss

Montrief & Prather lost three large livery stable buildings, sheds, Fairbanks scales, etc., amounting in all to a loss of $2,500. The two-story frame building occupied by the Sturgeon Savings Bank was saved by covering the roof with carpet and sprinkling heavily with salt.

Several incipient fires have occurred, but no great damage was done. It is also a remarkable fact that there has never been a dollar of insurance on any of the property burned in this place.

In November, 1880, a party of Sturgeonites, Major John F. Rucker, J. M. Proctor, T. S. Carter, W. T. Old, F. W. Middleton, and J. A. Turner, went down into that portion of the territory of the State of Arkansas known by the euphonious title of the Nigger Wool Swamp. ^ Some of the party had visited the localit}^ during the civil war, and knew that it abounded in game and fish. The swamp is almost inaccessible and impenetrable. After going into camp Rucker, Middleton and Old started out for a hunt. They found some deer tracks a few miles from camp. Mr. Old took one direction, and Major Rucker and Middleton another. Mr. Old soon discovered that he was lost, but, happening to hear in the distance the rumble of a train of cars a mile or so away, he succeeded in making his way to the railroad track, and then to the camp in safety.

Rucker and Middleton were not so fortunate. After rambling about for a time they too became bewildered and lost. They were not much alarmed or disconcerted, however, as they had good guns, plenty of ammunition, and a first-rate compass. The latter article proved of but little use, as they were unable to travel but a short distance in any one direction, owing to the numerous sloughs and lakes. The weather was quite cold and there was snow on the ground. The situation of the hunters was not at all comfortable. Night was fast approaching, and they had but feeble hopes of extricating themselves before the next day. They had but three matches and two of these were burned in order to locate their direction of travel. The other match was saved to kindle a fire in case they were compelled to camp out.

At length, worn out and weary, without food and drenched to the waist by wading through mud and water, they decided to camp for the night, and hope for the best in the morning. Extraordinary prepara- tions were made to insure the safe ignition of the solitary match on which they were dependent for warmth and comfort, and their efforts were successful. The greatest precautions were taken to have the wood take fire, and these were also crowned with success. A bright, hot fire was soon burning, by which the belated hunters were trying to make themselves somewhat comfortable. Mr. Middleton succeeded in removing his boots, but Maj. Rucker's feet were so badly swollen that his boots could not be taken off. Tlie night was passed in a manner that may be imagined, but that is difficult to be described. All the time their comrades in camp were shouting, firing guns, building bright fires, and trying many other devices to attract their attention and guide them to safety, but their signals were unheard and unobserved.

Sometime in the forenoon of the next day Rucker and Middleton, tired out, hungry, and in a most wretched plight every way, made their appearance in camp. Their companions, though almost overjoyed at their safety, were inclined to rally and " chaff" them over their mishap and ill luck, but Maj. Rucker levelled his gun and warned the party that the matter was too serious to be joked about, and that he was in no mood to be trifled with. It is said that neither of the parties has since shown any very fervent desire to chase the wild deer or track him to his lair within the delectable precincts of Nigger Wool Swamp.

About the 1st of February, 1866, Beverly F. Daniel killed Benjamin Croswhite, Clerk of the Sturgeon Court of Common Pleas and clerk in the dry goods store of Daniel Mayer, and a very estimable young man. Mr. Croswhite was shot in the left temple with a pistol, the ball passing through the head, inflicting a wound of which he died in a few minutes. Daniel was at once arrested by S. F. Cross, deputy sheriff, and was tried before J. B. Jarman, justice of the peace, and committed to jail on a charge of murder in the first degree. He died in the Columbia jail while awaiting trial. There was a rumor at one time that he did not die, but was spirited away, and the report of his death circulated to cover his escape. There was no truth in the latter report.

and feed. They cover an area of 60x30 feet. They have recently been fitted up with all of the latest improvements in mill machinery ; make the " new process " jfiour and have a liberal patronage. Their capacity is about twenty-five barrels of flour a day.

The Middleton & Taylor Mills

These mills are among the best in the country. Recently there has been added to the machinery a new lot, costing about $3,000. A new engine of 30-horse power has been put in. There has also been a considerable addition to the area and capacity of the mill made recently. The mill power has four run of burrs. It makes the best grades of flour, including the variety known as the " new process." Mr. F. W. Middleton had sole charge of the mill until in the spring of 1882, when Mr. C. H. Taylor was taken in as partner. Messrs. Middleton & Taylor have in connection with this mill a valuable hay press, costing $6,000, which has a baling capacity of five tons a day.

Stuegeon Savings Bank

The Sturgeon Savings Bank (now a private bank) was organized' September 25, 1879, with a capital of $10,000. The president is B. P. Eitchie ; cashier, D. Mayer ; directors, C. F. Sanies, W. H. and J. S. Ritchie. B. F. Tucker is also a stockholder.

The Sturgeon Bank

This bank was first organized in the spring of 1877, by Wooldridge & Carr. It was converted into a stock bank in the fall of 1878, with B. P. Ritchie, president, and F. E. Carr, cashier. The present officers are M. H. Harris, president ; Dr. J. F. Keith, vice-president ; S. W. Turner, cashier ; directors, J. M. Seymour, A. D. Spratt, Dr. J. F. Keith, John F. Rucker, John Hazelrigg, M. H. Harris, S. W. Turner. A general banking business is done, to the satisfaction of a liberal number of patrons. The paid uj) capital stock of the bank is $20,000.

Sturgeon Gun Club

In the spring of 1879, Messrs. F. W. Middleton, J. A. Turner, W. R. Harris, R. H. Edmonds and J. F. Keith organized the Sturgeon Gun Club. Edmonds was chosen president, and Keith secretary and treasurer. The club has shot at Sturgeon, Moberly, and other points, and made a fair record. One member has died since the organization.

Broom Factory

The broom factory of S. A. Fretwell is quite an institution of its kind. It was established in 1878. It has a capacity for turning out thirty dozen of well-made brooms in a day. . Brooms and brushes both are manufactured, the latter made of jute, which is imported for the purpose. Mr. Fretwell sells his wares in Columbia, Fulton, Mexico, and along the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Kailway as far north as Ottumwa, Iowa. He also supplies the railway with brooms aiid brushes. The broom-corn nsed is mostly grown in Boone, Callaway, and Audrain counties. This section of Missouri is well adapted for the cultivation of broom-corn. Mr. Fretwell employs five workmen.

The shipping of railroad ties is a considerable industry in Sturgeon. The county, south and west, produces great numbers of them, and the average shipment is about 1,000 a day, or 300,000 in a year. This has been an active business for fifteen or twenty years last past.

Mr. J. M. Proctor has one of the largest and best orchards in Central Missouri on his premises in the north part of Sturgeon, just outside of town. The orchard comprises an area of six or seven acres, and contains 600 apple trees, 400 peach trees, 150 pears, 50 apricots and nectarines, 5,000 straAvberries, besides raspberries, plums, cherries, and other fruits in great abundance. Kawle's Janet is considered the best apple for all purposes, being especially the most reliable bearer ; Ben Davis and the Northern Spy come next. The Ben Davis is the most valuable for shipping. St. Louis is the best apple market for this section of Missouri. Mr. Proctor has also a fine fish pond, an acre and a half in extent, stocked with the best varieties of fish, such as perch, land-locked and California salmon, buffalo and cat. The pond furnishes Mr. Proctor with all of the best quality of fish food that he desires. It was made in 1876, and cost about $1,000. It also furnishes about 100 tons of ice per year, besides abundant water for stock.

Maj. John F. Rucker is about to undertake the erection of a town hall, 50x60 feet in size, which will be a much appreciated institution when completed, according to the specifications made.

Court Of Common Pleas

convened July 16, 1860. Hon. Wm. A. Hall was the judge ; J. T. Burnam, clerk ; Jno. R. Jacks, marshal. The first proceeding of any sort was the naturalization of Louis Burkeye as a citizen of the United States, with all of the high honors and privileges thereunto belonging. The first civil action was on a promissory note - "Polly A. Fountain, plaintiff, v. Housen Canada, James D. Patton and Archibald H. Wayne, '^defendants."

The jurisdiction of this court extends over portions of Boone, Audrain, Howard and Randolph, and is of great advantage to the people within its precincts. Its sessions are from two days to a week in length. The present officers are: Judge, Geo. H. Burckhartt ; clerk, T. S. Carter; marshal, F. M. Chaney.

Official History

The town"'of Sturgeon was first incorporated in the year 1859, with Housen Canada as the first mayor. The charter was amended in 1875, and under this the town is now running.

The Churches Of Sturgeon

The first religious services in Sturgeon were conducted by Rev. James Barnes, a Baptist, who preached under an elm tree, down nearthe branch, in the eastern part of town. "Uncle Jimmy" was a very popular minister in his pioneer ministrations. His biography is to be found elsewhere. There are those who deny that Rev. Barnes was the first minister in Sturgeon that held services. They assert that a Catholic priest from St. Louis was here while the railroad was buildinsf, and held mass in one of the railroad houses.

Not long after the town was started, a lady preacher came along and held forth on two or three occasions. Some people did not enjoy the-spectacle of a lady in the pulpit, holding that a woman was forbidden to speak in public, etc. One night the lady challenged any one to deny her right to preach and teach, and expressed an anxiety to discuss the matter publicly. Rev. Butts was in the con- gregation, but did not seem disposed to pick up the glove so defiantly thrown down. He was urged to reply, but refused. Then the boys threw buckshot at him, peppering him on all sides, and at last forced him to his feet. He made a speech in opposition to the claims of the lady, and denied her right to preach. He was especially severe on the doctrine of " woman's rights " in general. The lady, in a short but cutting reply, rather discomfited the reverend gentleman. Her opening sentence was : "Mr. Butts is hutting against the wrong individual this time ! "

During the war, services were practically suspended in the place. The Christian church was occupied by the Federals for a time as a fortification. The house was occupied as barracks by the soldiers and a heavy earthwork was thrown up around in case it should be attacked. Traces of the old ditches and embankment are still to be seen.

M. E. Church South

The congregation of this church was first organized in old Buena Vista, or Bourbonton, as far back as in 1851. Upon the laying out of Sturgeon the organization was removed to the latter place in 1857. Some of the original members of the church were Nicholas S. Woods and his wife, Leantha Woods ; John Baker and his wife, Nancy Baker ; Franklin Green and his wife, Elizabeth Green; John Dusky and wife, and Joseph Keene. The church building was erected in 1859 ; it is a frame and cost about $2,000. It is still standing, its location being on lots 6 and 7, block 37. It was dedicated in April, 1860, by Rev. W. G. Miller. The pastors have been Revs. David Fisher, Wesley Hatton, Wm. Saxton, P. M. Pinkard, S. P. Cope, Faubion,

Church Of Christ

This church stands on lots 13 and 14 of block 51, and is a neat and commodious frame building. It was begun in 1859 and completed in 1860. The congregation was first organized in 1858, by Elders P. Dibble, and F. M. Allen, and re-organized by Clayton Keith September 24, 1866. The original members were John Foreman, wife and son, William ; John R. Jacks and wife ; William Hargis and wife, and others. The pastors that have served this church are the following ; J. M. Berry, S. P. HoUis, Gill, G. A. Perkins, M. M.

Catholic Church

This church is situated in Rochford's addition to Sturgeon. The church organization was first founded in the year 1866. The original members were Michael Moynihan, Michael Spellman, Philip Spellmau,. Dennis Benson, Bryan Nolan, James Connors, Chas. Lanham, John Moynihan, Wm. Moynihan, and Duncan McDonald. The church building was erected in 1868. It is a frame and cost about $3,000. It has not yet been dedicated. The pastors in charge of the church have been Fathers O'Neal, McCabe, McKinney, Stack, and Dempsey. Father Twohey, the curate, from Moberly, now celebrates mass. The present number of members is about 35.

Civic Societies Masonic Lodge

Sturgeon Lodge, No. 174, A. F. and A. M., was instituted by Henderson Davis, the first master. The dispensation was issued in 1855. The charter bears date May, 1857. The charter members were Henderson Davis, W. W. Stone, Wharton Schooler, Dr. W. H. Callaway, Daniel Mayer, James D. Patton, Housen Canada, and others. The first officers were Henderson Davis, W. M. ; James D. Patton, treasurer; Wharton Schooler, secretar}^ (Other officers' names not furnished.) The present officers are : Master, S. W. Turner ; senior warden, John Loux ; junior warden, Anthony Wayne ; treasurer, John P. Rucker ; secretary, S. F. Cross ; senior deacon, F. E. Bruton ; junior deacon, J. W. Pickett. The present membership is 62. The lodge meets in a frame hall that was built in the year 1859, at a cost of about $1,600, The Hallsville and Centralia lodges were formed mostly of members from Sturgeon lodge ; and some members were furnished- to constitute Harrisburg and Morality lodges.

United Workmen Knights Of Honor

Sturgeon lodge No. 2134, was instituted by Grand Reporter Peter Kefler. The dispensation was issued April 3d, 1880. The first members were: S. W. Turner, J. T Jackson, T. M. Smith, Dr. J. F. Keith, John Hazelrigg, P. M. Hutton, S. M. Smith, M. M. Clark, J. H. Winscott, D. Miller, John J. Canada, John W. Owens, J. H. Barnett, Y. E. Riggs. The first officers were: John Hazelrigg, dictator; M. M. Clark, vice dictator; P. M. Hutton, assistant dictator; S. W. Turner, past dictator; J. W. Owens reporter; J. H. Winscott, financial reporter; J. T. Jackson, treasurer; J. F. Keith, medical examiner ; D, Miller, guide. The present officers are : J. T. Jackson, dictator : J. H. Barnett, vice dictator : Ed. Jarman, assistant dictator; John Owens, reporter; W. H. Winscott, financial reporter; John Stolts treasurer ; Frank Bruton, guide ; P. M. Hutton, chaplain ; C. H. Prather, guardian; F. M. Truby, sentinel ; J. F. Keith, medical examiner. The present membership is forty-two. The hall in which the lodge meets is rented. This lodge has l^ad no deaths since its organization. The Order of Knights of Honor was instituted in the United States, June 30, 1874. Total number of members June 30, 1881, 112,155; assessments during the same period, 91. Losses paid, $5,395,093.65. Total number of members in the State of Missouri, December 31, 1881, 5,441. Total cash on hand and invested for the State, $23,617.31. Total deaths in Missouri to December 31, 1881, 122, one-half of these were half rate . Altogether the beneficiaries received $243,000. The report of the Grand Lodge is highly satisfactory, considering that the order passed through the yellow fever period, during which its losses were excessive.

The Sturgeon' Schools

As previously stated, the first school house in Sturgeon was built in 1857. The pine lumber of which the house was built was brought from Hannibal ; the oak was procured at home. At first the house had but two rooms, one above the other. Considerable additions have been made to it since, however. The house was built expressly for school purposes, but it was afterward sold to the Catholic church, and still later repurchased for $1,000. The town trustees had promised a school house free gratis to the people, but failed to fulfill that promise, as it is said they did certain others.

Prof. S. T. Davis is the present principal of the Sturgeon school. In the last term, ending in March, S. O. Titus was first assistant till Christmas and after him was J. A. Hatchett. The other teachers were Miss D. Annie Allison and Miss Rena M. Redmond. The town has about six months' public school and three months' private school, two teachers being eno-ag-ed in the latter. The following; is an abstract of the report for the term ending March 17, 1882 : -

Total enrollment in both schools, 3011 Average daily attendance in both 187. Increase in enrollment oyer last year, 32 : increase in attendance 30.

Sturgeon Cemetery

The original town cemetery was deeded to the public by the town company, in 1857. It contained about five acres. Its location was inside of the corporate limits. No one was ever buried in this cemetery. It was soon sold and another purchased a half-mile west of the town. This, the present cemetery, contains about six acres.

The first burial therein was that of John B. Smith, Esq., one of the original proprietors of the town. It is asserted that Mr. Smith was the first citizen of the place that died ; but those who perhaps know best deny this, and say that Miss Hukle, before mentioned, died before Mr. Smith. Besides their own cemetery the citizens of Sturgeon use Pisgah graveyard, across the line, in Audrain, and Mt. Horeb, a mile or so south of town, as burying grounds.

There had been several papers started at Sturgeon previous to the advent of the Leader in 1869. John W. Jacks, a practical printer, was the founder. It was not a success, financially, under his management, and at last suspended in 1872. In 1873, its present proprietor, T. S. Carter, purchased the office, and in May, 1873, issued the first number of the paper under the new management. The paper is a sixcolumn folio. It has a good circulation in Boone, Audrain, Randolph, Monroe and Howard counties. It is Democratic in politics, but liberal in sentiment. It is a live, earnest, reliable local paper, giving all the news within the range of its circulation, at the exclusion if necessary of foreign matter. This feature of the Leader has given it a wide circulation, and made the paper an indispensable visitor in almost every household for miles around. The Leader, in Mr. Carter's hands, has not only given satisfaction to its patrons, but has proved a paying enterprise to its publisher.

J. H. Alexander

J. H. Alexander, farmer, was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, December 2d, 1815. His father, Joshua Alexander, was a native of Georgia, removing first to Kentucky, and thence to Missouri, in 1818, settling in Perche township, about eight miles south of where J. H. Alexander now resides. He died Jan. 27th, 1867. Mrs. Alexander, nee Rowland, was a native of Kentucky. She died January" 13th, 1842. The subject of this sketch came to Missouri with his parents in 1818, and has lived in Boone county ever since. He was raised on a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his lite. He moyed to his present home February Ist, 1839, Was married April 8th, 1838, to Miss Emeline, daughter of Armstead and Sarah (Wade) Carter, They have seven children living and three dead. The living are: Joslina C, James T., George W,, Elizabeth J., wife of C, G, King; Martha E., married to Mr. Gopher; Mary Alice and Emeline, Mrs. Alexander died January 14th, 1870. Mr, Alexander has been a member of the old school Baptist Church for fortv-five years. He is of Irish origin. He is a good citizen, a kind neighbor and a worthy man in every sense of the term.

J. B. Allison, farmer, near Sturgeon, is the son of Alexander and' Jemima {^nee Crawford) Allison. His mother was the daughter of James Crawford, one of the first settlers of Boone county. His father came to Boone count}'^ in 181/), and settled about six miles north of Columbia. He helped to make the first wagon road ever opened in Boone county. It was called the Boone's Lick road. The elder Allison died October 13th, 1861. The subject of this sketch was born six miles north of Columbia, September 7, 1828. When about five years old his father moved over on Salt River, He lost his mother when eight years old. The children were then scattered, no two of them growing up in the same place. The first money ever earned by J. B. Allison was spent in educating a sister. The family were brought up under very unfortunate circumstances. The subject of this sketch was apprenticed out at the tauner's trade, which he followed until he was twenty-one years old. From twenty-one to twentytwo, he taught school. He was principally raised in the vicinity of Florida, Monroe county, Missouri. Was married, November 14th, 1850, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Martha Woodson, and a niece of Warren Woodson, who was clerk of the Boone county court for forty years. They have eight children living : George W. and Benjamin A., attorneys, at McPherson, Kansas; Annie and Belle, teachers in the public schools; John S., Emma J., William Mosley and Mary H. Mr. and Mrs, Allison are both members of the Methodist church, Mr, Allison is a self-educated man. After marrying he engaged for several years in selling lightning rods and chain pumps. He afterwards followed farming. He was marshal of the common pleas court at Sturgeon for eight years. He was the Republican nominee for the legislature in 1866 against Major James S. Rollins. Mr.. Allison was an unconditional Union man during the late war.

George W. Batterton

Gi-eorge W. Batterton, Democratic nominee for the legislature, wa& born in Boone County, about seven miles north of Columbia, December 9, 1837, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. His grandfather, Moses Batterton, emigrated from Kentucky to Missouri about the year 1820, and settled on Callaham's creek, about seven miles west of Columbia. His father, Lemuel B. Batterton, was born in 1801, and learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Kentucky. He came with his father to Boone County in 1820. About four years after his miarriage he bought the place where George W. was born, upon which he lived and died, his death occurring in 1869. He married Mary Lynch, a native of Kentucky. Her ancestors came from near Lynchburg, Virginia, which city was named after a member of her family.