Jefferson Township (part 3 of 4)

The first cloth woven in the settlement was by Mrs. Emily Wyett, The settlers did their first trading and milling at Keytesville. It being so far from mill, and such an undertaking to make a trip thereto, Mr. Wyett determined to make a mill of his own. Accordingly, he burned a hole in a stump, rigged a sweep and attached to it a pestle, and beat his corn into meal in this mortar, using the coarser particles for hominy.

In early days the settlers' hogs ran in the woods and fattened on the mast, which was very abundant. The wolves were very troublesome in carrying ofi' the yonng pigs and shoats. Game was plentiful - deer, turkeys, prairie-chickens, etc., besides wolves, foxes, and other " varmints," as the settlers called them. Scarcely a family in the settlement was without venison at any time.

The Indians, of course, had abandoned tlie country as a permanent abiding phice many years before ^Ir. Wyett and his neighbors settled here; but thereafter they frequently caine down from Iowa on hunting expeditions, and passed tlirough the settlement. They were unilormly friendly and sociable toward the whites. For the most ])art, these Indians belonged to the Sac and Pottawattamie tribes.

On the northwest quarter of section twenty-nine, township fifty-eight, range nineteen, is a cemetery laid out by James Ainsworth and Sampson Wyett in 1S44. The first burial therein was that of a daughter of James Ainsworth. Mr. Ainsworth deeded two acres of land to Sampson Wyett and Harrison Yeal, as trustees, to be used as a public burying-ground, and for a church to be used for religious worship by all denominations.

Watso?i^it Settlement - James H. Watson states that his father, Josiah Watson, came from Chariton county (originally from Kentucky) to this county and township in 1836, and settled on the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section sixteen, township fift^'-eight, range eighteen. In the same year camfe John Guyer, from Cooper county, (also a Kentuckian,) and settled on section nineteen, and Willis Skelton to section eighteen. Wyett was considered a neighbor, though he lived away from them, in another part of the township. Indeed everybody was a neighbor that lived within ten miles.

The first death was Mrs. Beller; and the first physician, Dr. Powers, as stated by Mr. Wyett; but Mr. Watson thinks the first religious services were by Rev. Martin Morgan, an Old School Baptist, at Wyett's. The first male child born in Watson's settlement was John L. Watson, son of Josiah and Rhoda Watson, who was born July 18, 1838.

Lane's Settlement - According to Judge J. M. Cash, Mordecai Lane settled on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section twentyone, township fifty-seven, range eighteen, in the year 1837. Mrs. Ruth Slaughter, a daughter of Lane, says her father settled on the yorthwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section six; but probably this settlement was a re-location. Lane was originally from Kentucky, but came directly from Chariton county here. Sometime after Lane had settled Amos Ladd came in from Illinois, in 184:6; Alfred McD.miel from Virginia, in 1846 or 1847; Loyd Cash, J. M. Cash, and Thomas Wiley came to section fifteen in 1849.

The first death in the neighborhood was that of Jacob Ladd, who was buried on section twenty-two. Dr. J. F. Powers was the first regular physician. He came from Ohio in 1841, and settled on section fifteen. Dr. Powers died at Jefierson City in 1865.

The first public school was taught in a school-house that stood on section ten, in 1855, by Lloyd Cash. He received twenty dollars per month. The school began July 30, 1855, and continued thirty-four days, when it closed by reason of the illness of the teacher. Mr. Cash had on his roll the names of nineteen scholars. The first piihlic school-house in the neighborhood was built on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section fifteen, townsliip tiftj'-seven, range eighteen. It was a frame, eighteen by twentj'-two feet in size, and cost about four hundred and fifty dollars.

In the fall of 1853 Thomas Wiley, William Witt, and Mr. Cash met at the house of Mr. Wiley and organized the first school district. The whole of township fift3^-seven, range eighteen, was organized into one school district. Some time afterwards the township was re-districted, and two school districts were formed by a line running north and south through the center of the township.

Upon the first settlement the ])ioneers in the Cash settlement got their supplies mostly from Brunswick. Milling was done at Williams' mill, near Keytesville, at Bowyer's, near Linneus, and at other points. Judge Cash says that when he came to the township, in 1849, there were in cultivation between Yellow (Jreek and Mussel Fork east and west, and to the Chariton line on the south, but sixty acres of land.

Mrs. Euth Slaughter, the daughter of Mordecai Lane referred to, is still living, and from her it is learned that her father was the first settler on Yellow Creek in this county. The exact location of Mr. Lane was then, and is yet, in Yellow Creek township, but so near the Bucklin line that it may, with propriety, be referred to in this chapter, as the majority of his neighbors lived in what is now this township.

Mrs. Slaughter never saw any matches until a long time after her family settled on Yellow Creek, and there were none in the settlement. If a family allowed the fire to go out, and there were no flint and "punk" handy, some member, usually a boy, was sent to the nearest neighbor, often two miles away, to " borrow some tire." Sometimes breakfast could not be prepared until a journey of four miles had been completed after the fervid element. Many a pioneer boy, now an old man, remembers that his first steps in the acquisition of the profane language were taken when he was returning from a long trip "after fire." Usually he would obtain a "chunk," or burning brand, and as he ran with this toward home, it would be fanned into a flame, which, together with the sparks, would blow back upon liis hand and cause him much pain of body and a great deal of irritation of mind.

Indians were plenty when Mordecai Lane first came to the county, and some funny things were wont to happen. On one occasion Mr. Lane sent a slave boy, a mulatto named John, to a store, some five miles away, to get some tobacco. When John was returning, and was about half way home, he was overtaken by some half a dozen Indians. Poor John was badly frightened, and started for home as fast as his legs could carry him. The Indians, for pure mischief, pursued him all the way horae,3'elling savag*ely, while John, frightened almost out of his M'its, screamed loudly at every jump, for "Mars' Mort.! Mars' Mort.!"

The first: ])liysician called into the settlement was Dr. Pettigrew (or " Petticrevv") from Kejtesville, and his first patient was Sampson AVyett.

Seilleinent of the southeast i^ortion of the townshij) - Mr. AV. G. Hardin, living on section thirty-five, township fifty-seven, range nineteen, in the sontheastern portion of the township and count}', says that the first settlers in his neighborhood were Lemuel Henry, who came from Tennessee at an early date - the exact time is not known, but it was probably as earl)' as 1850; he settled on section twenty-five. Elijah Nelson came from Arkansas in 1856, and located on section thirty-five. An Irishman, named Murtor came in 1856, and settled on section twenty-five. Mr. Hardin himself came in 1857, from Chariton county, and settled where he now lives on section thirty five.

The first marriage remembered in this community was that of Joseph Vanentine and Maria Lambert, which occurred in the fall of 1864. The first child born, according to Mr. Hardin's memory, was one of his own, Ephraiin Hardin; and the first death was that of his daughter Kebecca. The first practicing physician in the neighborhood was Dr. West of Chariton. Rev. Joseph Roberts of the Christian Church held the first religious services, using the dwelling-houses of the people. The first school-house was built by "the neighbors " at a small cost. It was of logs, and stood on section thirt3'-five. Charles Clifton taught the first school therein. He had fifteen or twenty pupils and received thirtj'-five dollars per month. Mr. CJlifton now resides in Chariton county.

The settlers did their trading at first at Keytesville, and their milling at the Brush mill on Mussel Fork, and also at Hammock's mill on the Chariton river.

Settlement in the Dr. Power's neighborhood - Dr. John F. Powers came to section ten, township fifty-eight, range eighteen on the first of April, 1841. He was from Youngstown, Ohio. When the doctor came there was then living in the community: PuUiam, on section fourteen; John Leweller), on twenty-one; the Watsons, on twenty-one. Prior to this in 1840, Bruce Brownlee had come to the county from Ohio, and bought five hun- acres of land in section twenty-two, township fifty-eight, range eighteen. He built a cabin on his land, where he lived for about a year, when he returned to Ohio.

While Brownlee was here John Lewellen was acting justice of the peace. Lewellen was a man of but medium scholastic attainments, but had few superiors as a woodman. He was famed for his skill in making i-ails, splitting clapboards, and work of that sort. Brownlee, on the contrary, knew little of rail-making, or any sort of carpentry, but was something of a scholar and a skillful penman. On one occasion Lewellen had an important case before him. A man was up for trial, charged with hog-stealing. The case necessitated a great deal of writing, which the "backwoods' magistrate was

"Brnce, 1 want to swap work with you. I've got that ornery cuss of a hog-thief to try, and there's a big lot o' papers to git out, an' lots o' writin' all mixed up with it, an' Vm no hand to write, an' never wuz. Now, you've been foolin' round tryin' to build that cabin, but you don't know how to make a clapboard. Now jist suppose you take my place as 'squire, an' I'll take yowr place and n}ake all the clapboards an' puncheons you need."

Brownlee had a little trouble to convince Lewellen that a magistrate could not delegate his judicial powers to a conmion citizen, but at last agreed to act as clerk, and "do all the writin'," provided old John would agree to split enough clapboards and puncheons for his cabin, to which the " squire " readily assented. And thus the records of the hog-thief's case were properly kept, and Biownlee's cabin properly roofed and floored, and the beauties of a system of reciprocity of labor fully demonstrated.

The first school-house in Dr. Power's neighborhood stood in the center of section fifteen, township iifty-eight, range eighteen, and was built in the year 1847. It was of logs, and nearly all of one end was taken by a huge tire place. Josiah Watson, Jr., taught the first school in this building, soon after its erection. It was afterward moved a short distance and used as a shop. It was still standing at the latest advices.

The first religious services held in township fifty-eight, range eighteen were conducted by the Rev. William Elston, an Old School Baptist, at the residence of Dr. John F. Powers, in the year 1843. The whole community turned out - Jew and Gent'ile, Baptists and Anabaptists - and listened with great interest to a very powerful sermon, and then many of them shouldered their rifles, and meandered ofl' into the forest to meditate on what they had heard, and kill a squirrel or two or a turkey for a Sunday pot-pie.

Other early settlers. - In November, 1837, Isaac Lights removed to section five, township fifty-seven, range eighteen. J. J. Lights came the spring before to section four. Before this Willis Skelton had settled on section eleven or twelve, townshipfifty-eight, range eighteen. A German named Simon Epperly lived farther north, in the neighborhood of where is now New Boston, Baker township. John Lambert was an early settler, and like Lewellen was a justice of tiie peace without much experience in legal matters, or knowledge of his duties. The first case he had before him greatly confused him. The parties to the suit, the attorneys, the witnesses, the spectators had all been present for some time, and wondering why court did not open and the legal mill begin to grind. At last some one asked Lambert why he did not open court. The magistrate replied, " Why, darn it, nobody hain't ordered me to." It required considerable explanation to convince him that he required no orders to open court and begin the trial of the cause.

Miscellaneous Earia' Historical Items

Among the incidents of early days to be remembered, is thedeatli of Mrs. Rebecca Lane, who died very suddenly April 8, 1853. A Mrs. Thomas, a -sister of Mordecai Lane, was burned to death in the house of Alfred Mc- Daniel in the year 1851.

The first Methodist preacher in the township, it is said, was Rev. Joseph Develin, who came in from Michigan in 1840. He remained in the township but a short time, when he moved down into the edge of Chariton, and came up into the settlement and preached once a month for some time. His first sermon was preached in the house of Isaac Lights. When Mr. Develin first made his appearance in the township, he drove an ox team attached to a wagon in which were all his earthly possessions. The weather had been rainy and the roads were muddy. The wagon stuck in the mud and the oxen were unable to draw it out. Two of Isaac Liffhts's boys went to the luckless emigrant's assistance, and, after much difiiculty, involving a splicing of teams, extricated him. When the wagon reached firm earth the boys addressed Mr. Develin:

" Well, any man that can go through what you did with them cattle, and that wagon, and all that mud, without ever swearhi' once, has jist got to be a preacher, and a bully good one at that ! "

Mr. Lights's family were very friendly disposed toward ministers, and took in and cared for Mr. Develin, sending out word that a minister was their guest and would preach for them at a certain time.

A Specimen Deer-Hunt

David Ramsey vouches for the truth of the following deer story: On one occasion, in early days, Stephen McCollum came by and invited Ramsey to go deer-hunting with him. Ramsey replied that he could not go that day, but banteringly added that he would go down to the camp next morning with his team and wagon and haul McCollum's deer home for him. The next morning he did gro down with his wagon, and when he got to the camp McCollum really had killed as many deer as they could get on the wagon, and they were actually compelled to throw off part of their load in -order to ascend a hill near Yellow Creek. On their way home McCollum killed four more fine fat deer!

" deer-sla^'ers " and "path-tinders." Ramsey says he took the first load of prodnce^to Brunswicic that was ever sold at that point - so the merchants informed him at the time.

An Early Suicide

In the year 1843 or 1844 a Mr. Cornett committed suicide by hanginghimself on a tree that stood in the woods near the forks of Yellow Creek. Mr. Cornett's home was on Locust Creek, but he wandered away and had been missing for two weeks. When found bis body had been very much mutilated by wolves.

The First Steam Whistle

When the steam mill was just put up near St. Catharine, it was the first steam mill in Linn county. It is stated that when it first blew the whistle^ one evening, about dusk, the settlers on upper Yellow Creek concluded that the noise was the scream of a panther. They gathered together and many of them hunted for the monster all the next day. One of the settlers declared that it must be a panther, as it had killed several of his hogs the previous night. There was great alarm in the community, especially when the " animal " could not be found. The people concluded that if it was not a panther, it was at least a " varmint " with poiverful " lungs! When the truth came out, it was a standing joke for many years. The mill was first built about three miles north of St. Catharine, and in a few years it was removed.

The last elk seen in the eastern part of Linn county was killed by Stephen McCollum, on the Elk Horn prairie, at the head of Locust Branch. As late as the winter of 1881-82, Thomas Hardin and James Purse assert that they saw two large gray wolves in this township, as large as any they ever saw.

Building Of The Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad

For many years after the first settlement of the township the country developed slowly and without any very important events until in 1858, when the bnilding of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad was begun. In July of this year three large gangs of graders were at work in what is now Bucklin township.

At the August election, 1858, there was a riot at the polls at the Wyandotte precinct in this portion of what was then Yellow Creek township. The trouble was between two rival and hostile gangs of railroaders. The men were Irishmen, divided into two factions, the "Corkonians" and the "Far Downs." Murphy's force was composed of the former, and Tooey'sand MulhoUand's were "Far Downs." At Wyandotte, on election day^ whisky was plenty - tiglitinir whisky, at that. Murphy's ineu were present and so were some of Tooey's. A battle resulted, and Mr. Pat Tooey had his skull fractured by the belligerent '' Corkonians," Victory, for a time, ])erched on the banners of Mnr])hy's men, as it were. The next day, however, the tide of battle turned. Mulholland's and some of Tooey's men, near two hundred strong, marched up the track to Murphy's camp, bent on vengeance. The Corkonian pickets gave the alarm, ai^d the men from "swate ould Cork" took to the woods. On came the "Far Downers" and took undisputed possession of the camps, which they immediately proceeded to destroy. The shanties, the carts, and everything inflammable were given to the flames. In one of the houses were some kegs of blasting powder, and ill the conflagration these were ignited and terrific explosions followed, heard miles away. The roar of the flames, the thunder of the bursting powderkegs, and the wild shouts and cheers of the victorious men of Mulholland, made a fearful din. After the destruction of the Murphy Camp, the Mulholland men marched on up to Tooey's main camp, where there was general fraternization, much congratulation, and a wild time altogether. Some of the Corkonians made their way to Linneus and the authorities were informed. The sheriff, together with Hon. Jacob Smith and other prominent citizens, came down and after much negotiation, stratagem, and planning, and some adroit diplomacy, peace was restored, and order again reigned in Warsaw. Several of the rioters were arrested, tried, and fined for ''breach of the peace!" Occasionally after this there were affrays among the railroad men. In one of these a man was pushed into "Jack's Cut," east of Bucklin, several feet deep, and his leg was broken by the fall. Nobody was ever killed, however, or at least no particular information concerning such an event has been obtained.

During The Civil War

At the breaking out of the civil war a large number, if not a majority, of the citizens of this township were sympathizers with the Confederate cause, and not a few took service under the flag of the stars and bars. Probably the latter numbered in all twenty-five, and of these five or six went with Captain ]\[art Hamilton, about Sej)tember 1,1861. Others started out, and enlisted in various Confederate Missouri organizations from time to time. Yery many of the people, however, were for the Union - believed in it, and were willing to fight for it. Some enlisted in the first company of Union men raised in north Missouri - Crandall's. Others went into McFerran's First Missouri State Militia; a few into the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers; a few enlisted in the Twenty-thrid Missouri Infantry, and even two or three in Peabody's Twenty-fifth Missouri Infantry. Captain Lacy Sipple commanded a Company "G" in the Sixty-second Regiment -of Enrolled Militia.

The first Federal troops were those of a company of the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, stationed at Bncklin in June, 1861. On the fourth of July a large United States flag was raised at Bucklin,and a large crowd of citizens and soldiers turned out and indulged in a grand celebration.

The bushwhackers made two or three raids into the township during the war. Captain Clifton Holtzclaw liad a company of bushwhackers whose rendezvous was on Mussel Fork, near Westville, in Chariton county. This company raided Bucklin and plundered the stores and robbed many of the citizens. One of these incursions was made in November, 1864:. Holtzclaw never killed anyone in Bucklin township. The people were indisposed to provoke him, and he robbed their stables and pocketbooks and generously spared their lives.

Official History

For many years the territory now included within the limits of Bucklin township comprised a part of Yellow Creek, At the June session of the County Court, 1866, Yellow Creek township was divided into two precincts, St. Catharine and Bucklin. Prior to this, September 7, 1863, Bucklin was first made an election precinct in Yellow Creek township, the voting place being removed from Wyandotte.

Bucklin township w^as first organized as a municipal township at the term of the Linn County Court held in October, 1870. It was named for the town of Bucklin. ' It was duly organized under the township organization law in 1872, and continued under that form for about five years, as the other townships of the county. Its last organization was in April, 1881, pursuant to the expressed wish of the people at the fall election of 1880.

The first board under the present system was composed of S. F. Perry, B. F. Lights and J. M. Cash. The first clerk was John A. Penny. The first assessor was B. F. Lights.

The original congregation of this church organization was formed at Golden Chapel; from there it was transferred to Hackler's school-house; in 1868 Switzer Chapel was built, and then the organization, numbering about forty members, was removed thither. Switzer Chapel is situated on the northwest quarter of section five, township fifty-eight, range eighteen. The work of its erection was begun in 1868 and finished in 1869. The house is a frame, twenty-eight by thirty-six feet in size, and cost about $1,800. It was dedicated in the summer of 1869 by Kev. D. C. Blackwell. The pastors who have preached regularly for the Methodist Episcopal Church South congregation are: Joseph Metcalf, D. C. Blackwell, Manoah Rich-

This clinrch is located just across the line in Yellow Creek township, but many of its members live in this township. This was the first church organized in what was known as '' the Yellow Creek country."

A class of the Methodist Episcopal Church South was organized at the Cash school-house in the spring of 1874. The members were: J. H. Wyett and Vienna Wyett, his wife; J. M. Cash and Elizabeth Cash, his wife; Jacob and Susan Cook, William and Elizabeth Stith, E. J. Cloud and wife, W. K., R. T., Fannie P., and Elizabeth Stith, and Abner Cloud. The present membership is twenty-three. The class has received since its organization more than iifty accessions. It has had for pastors Revs. A. J.

Locust Ridge Methodist Kpiscopai, Church

This church was organized in 1869. Among the first members were A. P. Swan and wife, T. B. L. Hardin and wife, and Cephas Kathan. The church has received since its organization about thirty members, and its present membership is now fifteen. There have preached for the congregation Revs. Hamilton, Van Evrie, Pate, Butler, McCann, and the present pastor, Kelsoe. E. Taylor is the class-leader, and D. B. Burch and A. P. Swan are stewards. The church uses as a house of worship the Locust Ridge school-house.

This church was organized December 19, 1844. Some of the original members were Sampson Wyett, William Elston, L. B. Witt, George Tooley, Rhoda Watson, Rhoda Elston, Evelina Elston, and Eliza Tooley. The first organization was effected in Macon county, a portion of the members residing in Linn county. In 1860 many of its members removed to other locations, and the distracting circumstances attending the civil war, which soon followed, made it impossible to keep up regular church meetings, and for a considerable period they were abandoned. In 1868, the members who lived in the vicinity of Bucklin began again to hold regular meetings, having the services of a former pastor. Rev. C. M. Colyer. Elder Martin Morgan was the first pastor. He was succeeded by Elder William Elston, who was ordained in August, 1845, and continued in charge until 1852. Elders C. M.

Colyer and William R Mitchell were the pastors from 1852 to 1872. Elder Wilson Thompson was pastor from 1872 to 1S80. Elder Walter Cash is the present pastor. The present membership is thirty-four.

The Warren School-house Congregation of the Christain Church was organized in 1869, by Elder Joseph Lineberry, with eighteen members. The congregation now numbers one hundred and forty. The pastors have been Joseph Lineberry, William K. Jones and Thomas Wood, the latter the present pastor. The congregation has no church building proper, but worship in the Warren school-house.

Lutheran Church

The Evangelical Lutherans have a neat house of worship, in which they hold services, which is situated on the northwest quarter of section one, township fifty-eight, range eighteen. The house was built in 1879, and cost about $600. It is intended and is free for the use of all other religious denominations.

There are parts of two congressional townships - fiftj'-seven and fiftyeight - in Bucklin. In township fifty-seven, range eighteen, there are six school-houses, as follows: No. 1 is the Bucklin school-building, a twostory brick with four rooms, costing near $7,000. Three teachers are em ployed. There is also a colored school in Bucklin, but no school-house, a rented building being used.

District No. 2, Carpenter's school-house, is situated on the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section eight.

No. 4, Hardin's school-house, is on the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section thirty-five. This house was burned down in the fall of 1881.

No. 6, Howser's school-house, is on the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section thirteen. All of these houses are frame except the one in Bucklin.

In township fifty-eight, range eighteen, there are five school-houses; viz., No. 1, Nagle's, is a log school-house and stands on the northeast of the southeast of section twenty-six.

No. 4, "Tick Ridge,'' is on tlie southeast corner of the northeast quarter of the northwest (quarter of section twenty. Since destroyed by fire.

The following cemeteries are in the township: The Brownlee cemetery, on the northwest quarter of section twenty-two, township fifty-eight, range eighteen. The Coulson cemetery, on the south half of the northwest quarter of section fifteen, township fifty-eight, range eighteen. There are two cemeteries in section thirty-five, one of which is known as the Masonic graveyard. The cemetery on section five, township fifty-eight, range eighteen, belongs to Switzer Chapel. The Wj'andotte burying-ground is situated on the former town site, on section twenty-nine, township fifty-eight, range eighteen. The Catholic cemetery is in section five, township fiftyseven, range eighteen.

On the old McCollum homestead, (southwest quarter of the northeast quarter, section seven, township fifty-eight, range eighteen,) is a family burying-ground laid out by Stephen McCollum about 1840. The first interment therein was that of the body of Sarah Jane McCollum, November 17, 1840. It is still used by the family as a burying-ground.

Murder Of Harrison Keady

In the month of July, 18G6, Harrison Keady was shot and killed by Charles Adkins on the road to St. Catharine, about one mile and a half from Bucklin. Keady was a farmer, who had not lived long in the township, and Charles Adkins had been in his employ. Adkins was a mere boy, only sixteen years of age. At the time of the murder Keady was driving an ox wagon, from which he was shot and instantly killed. No one witnessed the aftair, but the following account was given by Adkins:

I had been working for Mr. Keady, and he discharged me for a very small fault. That day I got a bottle of whisky and went hunting. I was coming home drunk, when I met Mr. Keady, and I saw he was drunk, too. He said, " hello, Charley I what are you doing now?" I told him I was doing better than when I worked for him. He said, "Well, you had better come back and take your place again." I told him I would not work for him again to save his life, and at that we got to quarreling, and he threatened to whip me, and I up and shot him.

body, there were those who did not believe Adkin's story, but that murder was committed for a twofold purpose, revenge and robbery. Young Adkins was tried at the October term of the Circuit Court, 18(56, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary for life. July 4, 1877, he was pardoned out by Lieutenant-Governor Brockmeyer, acting governor at the time, " for extreme good conduct while in prison, and that, under all the circumstances, he has already been sufficiently punished." The people of the township, as a rule, did not approve Governor Brockmeyer's action.

J'He Oaiioon Mukbek

On the morning of the second of June, 1879, Mr. Stephen Gaboon, an old man of probably sixty-five years, and his son William, aged about thirty-five, were on their way to Linneus to attend court, having left their homes in the northern part of the township, on section two, township fiftyeight, range eighteen, early for that purpose. They were riding in a common farm wagon. When about a mile from home the}^ were both fired by some parties in ambuscade and both instantly killed. They fell backwards ofi^ the seat-board into the bottom of the wagon, and were so lying when found. The weapons used seem to have been double-barreled shot guns loaded with buckshot and slugs. The place where, apparently, the shooting was done, was on the public road which runs east and west along the township line, dividing this and Baker township, and east of the residence of J. G. Brown, Esq. The team containing the bodies went on to Mr. Brown's and stopped, and the crime was soon discovered. The time of the murder was about eight o'clock.

There had been trouble between the Cahoons and certain other parties, and it was believed by the authorities that the perpetrators could be discovered. The murdered men, when alive, were not regarded as very peacable citizens. Indeed they were considered dangerous by many, when their passions were aroused. There were others who had been heard to declare that they wished the Cahoons dead, and. there were a few circumstances deemed suspicious, which, under ordinary circumstances would not have been so regarded.

On very unsubstantial evidence Joe Golden. William McCandless, Cass White, and Orlando Mormon (the latter a step-son of Stephen Gaboon, he having married Mormon's mother) were arrested, charged with the murder. A coroner's inquest had been held, but the verdict implicated nobody. All the parties arrested were neighbors, but not friends of tlie Cahoons. At the first session of the grand jury, Golden and Mormon were indicted and McCandless and White were released. The case against Golden and Mormon was continued past one term of court, and at a second a nolle prosequi was entered and they were discharged.

ardly and atrocious deed - for it possessed all the elements of cowardice and atrocity - will doubtless never be known. All efforts on the part of the authorities to discover the perpetrators liave been abandoned, and will doubtless never be renewed. Mr. Gaboon left a widow and three children to bewail his fate, and nearly everybody regretted "the deep damnation of this taking oft"'" in the horrible manner by which it was effected.

In the months (»f August and September, 1873, attempts were made to posion the family of Harrison Bell, an old citizen of the township, living six miles north of liucklin. The first attempt was made by putting belladonna in some milk which hung in the well to keep cool. One of the children drank the milk and was made very sick, but recovered. Soon thereafter poison was put into the well. Mr. and Mrs. Bell and their daughter drank of tlie water, and were made very sick. Medical aid was summoned, and it was with difficulty that the lives of the parties were saved.

There lived near Mr. Bell's a man and wife named George and Elizabeth Griffin, who were suspected to be the poisoners. They had been observed near the well when the Bell family were absent from home; had bought belladonna at Bucklin, after which Griffin shaved off his whiskers, as it seemed, to avoid identification ; and they were known to be very violent in their dislike of Mr. and Mrs. Bell. The Griffins were arrested on inforinatioo, and afterwards indicted. After their preliminary examination, and before their indictment, they were waited upon one night by a mob composed of the citizens of the community, who ordered them to leave the country forthwith, and made sundry hostile demonstrations toward them. After a time the indictment against Mrs. Griffin was noUed, and Mr. Griffin was released on bail, which he forfeited bj' leaving the country. Afterwards Mrs. Griffin sued certain members of the mob for their action toward her. The case was tried at Macon City, and Mrs. Griffin was defeated.

Killed In A Saw-Mill

About the first of January, 1875, Mr. J. Peterson, who was employed in a saw-mill owned by a Mr. Tlees, and in operation on Mussel Fork, one and a half miles east of Bucklin, was caught in a fly-.wheel and instantly killed.

In April, 1877, an old colored man named Dave Farmer was shot and killed one night, while in his cabin, near the Macon county line. Farmer had removed to this township from Brunswick, and was held in great terror by many of the other negroes because of their belief that he was a voudoo or fetiche priest, and by his infernal incantations and diabolical powers had wrought great evil among them, and was capable of inflicting a great deal more. He was accused of having caused the death of Frank Hayes and of Benjamin Hughs and son. Somebody went to the reputed sorcerer's cabin one night after dark, removed a piece of the chinking, put a rifle through, and shot him dead. The negroes buried the body in a grave fully ten feet in depth, to preclude the probability of hife coming to life, and to the surface of the earth to work more mischief!

July 19, 1877, a twelve-year-old daughter of G. W. Dorrill, living in the southeastern part of the township, was the victim of a fatal accident. The little girl had ridden a harnessed horse to water. Returning to the house, she attempted to get ofl^ when her feet became entangled in the harness. The horse became frightened and ran for some distance throuo;h bars and brush, dragging and beating the child to death.

In the winter of 1879 wolves were very numerous and troublesome in various parts of the township. The farmers procured dogs and chased them. ]S^ot many were caught, but the entire pack were thoroughly frightened, and left for other and more peaceful haunts.

Accidentally Shot

Near the residence of Father Gardner, about the first of January, 1878, a son of IMatthew Gardner, in attempting to shoot some quails, allowed liis gun to be prematurely fired, and the discharge struck and killed a son of Rev. A. 0. Fields.

The Tornado Of 1876

On the fifth of September, 1876, a most terrible and destructive tornado swept over the southern part of Linn county, and was especially violent in Bucklin townslii}*. The storm came from the west and ])assed toward the east and southeast. At Bucklin it was very severe. Bowers's cabinet-shop and furniture store was blown down and demolished, and a great many other buildings were seriouslj' injured. The principal losers b}^ the storm were R. J. Wheeler, V. B. Bowers, D. C. Sheldon, Merritt Sheldon, O. M, Towner, J. II. Wyett, and Gilbert Kemp. The aggregate loss in the town was variously computed and estimated at from S5,000 to $7,000.

Gilbert Kemp, one tenant-house blown down and a young lady, Miss Josie Dingle, severely injured. Mr. Kemp's own residence, a substantial brick structure, was considerably injured.

Many other farmers lost tobacco houses, barns, hay, crops, etc. There were very many narrow escapes from violent deaths and serious injuries, and many persons were severely hurt.

In attempting to cross Union Branch, a day or two after the storm. Mr. C. M. Rhodes, of Chariton county, was drowned. The stream was high, caused mainly by the backwater from Yellow Creek. The body was recovered the next day.

April 26, 1876, Mr. George Brownlee, a farmer of the^ township, committed suicide in a new, novel, but effectual manner. He tied a heavy blacksmith's anvil about his neck and jumped into his well. The suicide was caused by despondency occasioned by a long condition of ill-health.

About the middle of September, Mrs. Susan Austin found life a burden too grievous to be borne. Accordingly, she took her life by hanging herself in the smoke-house.

The town of Bucklin was laid out on the east half of lot two, in the northwest quarter of section two, township fifty-seven, range eighteen, in October, 1854. The town was surveyed on the eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth days of the month, by William S. McClanahan, the then county surveyor. The land was owned by James II. Watson, and he and Dr. John F. Powers were the chief projectors and founders of the town.

The name originated in this way: The town was known to be on the line of the ]>rojected Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and its founders, of course, wished it to become a place of some importance. To effect this, Dr. Powers wished to secure the co(">peration of the railroad authorities, and made a bi(i for the favor of the chief engineer of the road at that time, a Major Bucklin, by naming it for him I He failed, however, in making it a division point, as P)rookfield will testify.

The original town Mas laid out half a mile or more north of the railroad track. The railroad people seemed to consider the name of the place to be Bucklin?*///t', for, August 1, 1859, Josiali Hunt, land commissioner, etc., of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company, laid out the first addition to the place, which he caused to be platted and recorded as the " first addition to the town of BwckUnvilley This addition is on the northeast quar- ter of the northwest quarter of section two, and is called " Biicklinville,'^ while the old town, or the original plat, is called Bncklin. When Towner & Stuenkel's addition was made, in February, 1877, it was designated as an addition to "Bucklinville."

The new town, or " .Bncklinville," contains a large majority of the business houses, while the old town, or Bncklin, is made up mostly of residences. The location is on the ridge or watershed between the Chariton and Grand rivers, and the site is an excellent one. There are some good brick business houses, and large amounts of merchandise are sold each year. According to the census report, the population of Bncklin in 1880 was four hundred and thirty.

The first houses in the place were some railroad shanties. The first store was owned by Noah Caton. F. A. Davenport, son of Martin and Minerva Davenport, was born in December, 1855, and was the first child born in the place. The first female child was Sarah Austin, daughter of Russell and Oscia Austin - date of birth not ascertained; and hers (Sarah's) is believed to have been the first death in the place; she was buried in the old cemetery, north of town.

The first marriage was that of William Poole and Rachel Minick, at the residence of Samuel Minick, in February, 1858. Charles C. Clifton, Esq., performed the marriage ceremony.

The first school-house was built in 1858; it was a frame, and cost about three hundred and fifty dollars. Esquire Shannon taught the first school. Reverend Mitchell, an Old School Baptist minster, held the first religious services in the place, at the house of John L. Watson. Dr. Rider is believed to have been the first practicing physician.

In 1858 the first cemetery was laid out, about half a mile north of town. Recently a new one has been located nearer town. The post-ofiice was established in 1S59, and John Walker was the first postmaster.

During the civil war the prosperity of the place, like that of every other Missouri town, was retarded very materially. In 1865, however, the town r.ook a new growth, and improved for a time very considerably. In 1867 the Bucklin mills were built by Messrs. Pounds & Stevenson, at a cost of $5,000 or $6,000, and attracted much attention and business to the town. The machinery of these mills is driven by a thirty horse-power engine; the flouring-mill has three sets of stone or " run of burs," and its flour has an excellent reputation far and near. A saw-mill and a wool-carding machine are run in connection with the flouring-mill.

Incorporation

In the spring of 1866, the town was of sufficient population and character to justify its incorporation. Therefore, a petition was prepared and pre- fiented to the County Court at the May term of that year, asking the incorporation of the place. The court, after taking the matter under consideration, made the following order:

'* It is ordered by the court that, the petition of James H. Wyett and others praying the court to incorporate the town of Jjucklin, tlie prayers of the petitioners be granted and ordered tiled. The metes and bounds to be as follows: Commencing at the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of the northeast ([uarter of section two, township fifty-seven, of range eighteen, west, and running south to the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of the same section; thence west to the southwest corner of the same section; thence north to the northwest corner of the same section; thence east to the place of beginning, is hereby incorporated into a body politic, by the name and style of the inhabitants of the town of Bucklin. And it is further asked that police be established for the local government thereof, and for the preservation and regulations of the commons in said metes and bounds above dei?cribed, and all appertaining, into said town. And it is further ordered that Eobert "Wheeler, J. H. Wyett, E. L. Carlton, Thomas Burke and George Sweeny, be and are hereby appointed a board of trustees for said incorporation to take effect from and after this date."

James H. Wyett was the first chairman of the board of trustees, or Lord Mayor of the city. The present officers are: trustees, V. B. Bowers, J. M. Eoberts, B. J. Wheeler, J. B. Shook, and S, F. Perry, the last named being the chairman. Marshal, David Blodgett.

Methodist Episcopal Cuikcii South, Ijuckitn

This church was organized in 1860, by Kev. IS". P. Halsey. Some of the original members were Mrs. Yienna Wyett, Kancy Bryan, Lucy J. Williams, jS. B. Bunion and wife, J. H. Wyett, and C. G. Fields and wife. The church building, a frame, was built in 1872, at a cost of about $1,550. It was dedicated June 30, 1872, by Eev. W. W. Jones, presiding elder. The pastors have been Bevs. N. P. Ilalsey, Samuel Alexander, W. F. Bell, B. F. Zumwalt, John A. Mumpower, Joseph Metealf, D. C. Blackwell, M. Kichardson, Pyle, M. G. Gregory, J. G. Gibbons, A. J. Worley, H. C. Bolen, William Warren, S. H. Milam, C. W. Herley, S. B. Tabor, and A. S. Doak, the present pastor. The number of members is forty-four. There is a well-conducted sabbath school in connection with the church, J. H. Bowers, superintendent. This school was organized in 1869. The financial condition of the church is excellent, and the general influeuceof the church is for great good.

There are but two churches in Bucklin, the Methodist Episcopal Church South and the Catholic. No report has been received from the latter church.

Masonic Lodoe

Bnckliii Lodge No. 233, A. F. & A. M., was chartered May 26, 1864. The charter members and first officers were J. K. Stevenson, W. M.; Y, B. Bowers, S. W.; W. II. Callison, J. W.; John Dougher, treasurer; B. R. Lowrj, secretary; A. Ilansman, S. D.; William Smith, J. D.; A. Adams, tyler. The present officers are B. B. Putnam, W. M.; L. S. Arbuckle, S. W.; John P. Slaughter, J. W.; Y. B. Bowers, secretary. The present membership of Bucklin Lodge is forty-three. I'he hall is a frame, built in 1871, at a cost of $1,400. The lodge is in a prosperous condition; it has an efticient corps of officers and its members are zealous and capable workers. Meetings are held on Saturday evening before each full moon.

Good Templars

Enterprise Lodge No. 959, L O. G. T., was chartered November 29, 1880, with 130 members. The present officers are J. B. Shook, worthy chief templar; Mrs. S. A. Patterson, worthy vice templar; Eugene Kemp, secretar}^ The lodge has a large membership, which is constantly increasing. Its meetings are held evei-y Friday night in the Masonic Hall.

In the winter of 1874, in the month of December, Peter Fuller, of Chariton county, came to town and indulged in a " big drunk." While on his spi-ee he was robbed of about three hundred and seventy-five dollars. When Fuller became sober he went home, collected about a dozen oi' his neigiibors, and the party, all well armed, returned to Bucklin. Ilei-e they proceeded to take the execution of the law into their own hands. They seized a number of young men who they believed had taken Fuller's money and threatened them with the severest punishment if the cash was not restored. Two of the young men, James Lawson and Joseph Harlow, were frightened very badly and gave up one hundred and ten dollars of the money.

About the fourth of July, ISTl, an attempt was luade to burn down the two-story building of August Hansman & Brotlier. The building was first burglarized and then sqt on fire to conceal the evidences of the crime. A small boy gave the alarm and the building was saved. Three days afterward a negro was arrested at Scottsville, Sullivan county, who was wearing some of the goods taken from the stoi'e. Pie was taken to Bucklin and examined. He confessed his guilt and implicated two other men, John Brown and William O'Neil. The negro afterward escaped from Chillicothe jail and left the country.

April 1, 1880, the hardware store and tin shop of W. E. Story, and the drug store of Dr. G. M. Roberts were burned. Story's building also contained the post-office.

At about three v. yi., Novoniber 14, 1880, a disastrous tire broke out in the main business part of town, and before it could be subdued it had destroyed nearly all of the buildings on the front row facing the depot. The loss was estimated at !?1 9,000.

The Town Of Wyandotte

Prior to the establishment of Bucklin, the only town or semblance of a town in this township was Wyandotte, a hamlet that stood on the northeast quarter of section twenty-nine, township fifty-eight, range eighteen. The location was at a cross roads. About 1850 Allen & Wyett opened a store. Then came another merchant named Sharp; then some mechanics and other people until there were half a dozen or more houses. The first postoffice in the township was at Coulson's Mill, on Yellow Creek, but in 1853 the office and its name was changed from Coulson's Mill to Wyandotte. C. Ct. Fields was the first ]^ostmaster. Wyandotte was named by Dr. Hooker. Elections were held here for some years, when this portion of the county was in Yellow Creek township. The first place of holding elections was at " Wyett's Well," so called from a famous w^ell of living water on the premises of Mr. Sampson Wyett. Wyandotte was vacated September 1, 1862. The site is now a good farm.

Tue Town Of Thayer

Upon the laying out of the Hannibal & St. Jose])h Railway there was projected a magnificent town in this township, which, it was declared by its projectors, would become the metro])olis of northern Missouri. This place was called Thayer, in honor of some railway magnate of the East, probably Eli Thayer, of Boston. The town was laid out in September, 1857, by Everett Peabody, on land owned by him and Patrick and Bridget Tooey. It comprised all of the southwest quarter of the northeast <]uarter, part of the soutlieast quarter of the northwest quarter, part of the north- east quarter of the northwest quarter, and part of the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter, all of section five, township iifty-seven, range eighteen. When the railroad was completed to the place Thayer was made a temporary division, which was expected and promised should become permanent. The ronnd-house was established and some temporary shops, and for a time Thayer promised to realize the fondest anticipations of its projectors. A good many stores were built and a great deal of business was done for some time. But alas for Thayer! The railroad authorities decided to locate the division at Brookfield, and thither all the offices were removed. So the town which was begun with such great expectations ended with but few realizations. It dwindled away, and in March, 1861, it was vacated by a special act of the legislature. Like Wyandotte, the site is now occupied as a farm.

John F. Atkinson

This gentleman is the son of John and Catharine Atkinson, natives of Ireland. John was born in Lake county, Illinois, where he grew up and was educated in the common schools. While residing there he was chiefly engaged in farming, and working at the carpenter's trade. He came to this State and county in February, 187-1, where he has since resided, being engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married in April, 1870, to Miss Jane M. O'Mahoney, of Lake county, Illinois, and daughter of Thomas and Ellen O'Mahoney, both natives of Ireland. Mr. Atkinson and wife are both members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Atkinson is one of the best farmers and most practical wool-growers in his section of the county.

David Preston Beebe

a farmer and stock-raiser, four miles southwest of Bucklin, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. At the age offifteen or sixteen he left Massachusetts with his parents, and went to Connecticnt where he resided until 1867, where he was engaged'in farming. In 1867 he came to Linn county where he has since resided. Mr. Beebe was married in 1859, to Miss Martha J. Corsor, of Connecticut, by whom he has six children: Clara G., Mary B., Cora, William P., Edwin F., and one not named. Mr. Beebe is a member of the Grange. Mr. Beebe is a son of William and Mary Beebe. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of Connecticut. His maternal grandfather (Pease) was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. Beebe has a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and is an industrious and energetic farmer.

History Of I, Inn County

is a native Missouriaii, having been born in Linn county. When quite small his parents moved to Chariton county where the subject of this sketch was raised and educated in the common schools of the country. He was in business in Keytesville in 1872-73. In 1874, came to Bucklin and clerked fur R. J. Wlieeler about six and one-half years. In April, 1880, he went into business under the firm name of Binford t!v: Brainard. January 1. 1881, he bought out his partner and continued in the business. He enjoys a liberal share of the public patronage.

Mr. Binford was married May 11, 1881, to Miss Mollie Blaydes, of Cooper county, Missouri. His father, Thomas H., was a native of Ken tuck}', and his mother, Mary, a native of Missouri. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F.

Judge Joshua M. Cash

was born in Hardin count}', Kentucky, February 1, 1829. He is the son of Abraham and Deborah Cash, and was reared and educated in his native county, receiving such an education as the schools then afforded. He came with his parents to Chariton county, this State, in 1843 and resided there till 1849, when lie came to Linn county and settled on the farm where he still resides, two and a half miles from Bucklin. In August, 1846, he was mustered for service in the Mexican War, in the Second Missouri Mounted Volunteers, commanded by Clolonel Sterling Price. He was out abont fourteen months and was engaged in the battles of La Canyaga and Taos. During the great civil war he served in the Forty-second Missouri Yolunteer Infantry from August, 1864, to March, 1865. Judge Cash's paternal grandfather and two or three uncles (his father's brothers) served in the War of 1812. In 1878 he was elected on the Democratic ticket County Court Judge from the first district, and was reelected in 1880, He has served eight or ten years as justice of the peace in Bucklin township.

Judge Cash was first married on December 30th, 1847, to Miss Martha J. Mills, of Chariton county. She died on the third of January, 1854, and he was again married on the fourteenth of September, 1854, to Miss Martha A, King, of Linn county, by whom he has two children, named Louis and Ermina F. His second wife died September 3, 1869, and he was a third time married January 27, 1870, to Mrs, Elizabeth Hainds, of Linn county. Judge Cash and wife both belong to the M. E. Church South. He is a gentleman of unsullied reputation,

This gentleman is the son of Abraham and Deborah Cash, and was born in Hardin county. Kentucky, on the 27th of February, 1827. He was reared and educated in the county of his birth and came to Missouri in 1844, the year followint^ tliat in which his parents came to this State. They all settled in Chariton county, where Loyd became engaojed in farming. In 1846 he and a brother were enrolled into service for the Mexican War at Fort Leavenworth, under command of Colonel Sterling Price. They were out fourteen months in the Mexican campaign. Mr. Cash returned to Chariton after quitting the military and engaged in farming till 1849, when he came to Linn county where he has since resided. His paternal grandfather served in the Revolutionary War, and he (Loyd) had two uncles in the War of 1812. Mr. Cash served several years as justice of the peace in Bucklin township.

He was first married in 1849 to Miss Letha P. Corvell, of Chariton county. She died in 1853 and he was again married in 1854 to Miss Mary J. Brown of Macon county. Ten children were born of this marriage, eight of whom still survive. Mr. Cash is a large farmer, having a place of 760 acres. The quarter section on which he now resides, one and a half mile south of Bucklin, is the claim he located with a land warrant, given in consideration of his services in the Mexican War. He is a good farmer and a practical man, and is recognized by all as a worthy citizen.

Luthee T. Caton

a farmer and stock-raiser, five miles northwest of Bucklin, is a native Missourian, having been born in Warren county, Missouri, where he was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools of the country. After he became of age he went to Texas, where he remained four years. He spent two years in California, engaged in the stock business. He also took a trip to New Mexico.

Mr, Caton settled in Linn county in 1854, where he has since resided, and has made a success of farming and stock-raising as his premises now indicate. Mr. Caton was married in November, 1852, to Miss Margaret H. Hubbard, by whom he has three children living: Sarah T., Missouri B., and Henry L. His wife died April 8, 1858. He was again married, August 31, 1859, to Miss Sarah F. Switzer, of this county, by whom he has four children: Ida B., Ada L., Carrie M., and Leo T.

Mr. Caton is a member of Bucklin Lodge No. 233, A. F. & A. M. Served six months in the Forty-second Missouri Infantry. He is the son of Jonas and Ora Caton. His father was a native of Kentucky and his mother of Illinois.

Mr. Caton is one of the largest and most successful farmers and stockraisers in Bucklin township, and is one of the staunch men of his community.

son of John B. and Malmla Carter. His father was a native of Soutii Carolina, and his mother of Kentucky. In 18.5.5 he came with his parents to this county, where lie has since resided, and has been engaged in farming and tobacco-raising. Mr. Carter was married in 1853 to Miss Lucy Lampkin of this county, by whom he has two children: John K, and Sarah F. W. His wife died 1864. He again married, in 1865, Miss Elvira S. Warren, of this county, by whom he has live children : Orlando, Jessie, Walter, William, and Xannie. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of the Grange. His father was in the War of 1812. Mr. Carter is a man that stands high in his community.

Alexander B. Carter

a farmer and stock-raiser, four miles northwest from Bucklin, was born in Tazewell county, Virginia. When about six years of age he came with his parents to Linn county, where he was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools of the country. At the age of twenty he began teaching school, and continued at that avocation for six years. He then engaged in farming, which occupation he has since followed. Mr. Carter was married in 1873 to Miss Elizabeth Kiley, of Chariton county, Missouri, by whom he has had four children, tjiree of whom are living: Ora Ella (deceased), Delia May, Ira Inis, and Elizabeth. His wife died November 25, 1881. She was a member of the Christian Church.

James Carter

a farmer, four miles northwest of Bucklin, was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, in 1823, where he was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools of the country. Came to Missour in 1854, and settled in Linn county, where he has since resided and has been engaged in farming. Mr, Carter was married February 12, 1846, to Mrs. Sallie Hendricksoii, of Tazewell county, Virginia, by whom he has five children: George, Alexander, Preston, Napoleon, and Sallie. His wife died June 13, 1880. He again married, October 27, 1880, Mrs. Jemima Warren, of Linn county, though a native of Kentucky. He and wife are both members of the church. Mr. Carter was elected justice of the peace of Bucklin township, in the year 1871, on the people's ticket; served two years. His uncle, William Carter, was in the War of 1812. Mr, Carter's boys are married and settled around him, and are an honor to the community in which they live.

is the son of Melvin and Pamelia Davis, and was born in Monroe county, Kew York, in 1837. Both of his parents are nati.ves of the same State. The father was of Welsh, and the mother of French extraction. His grand- father and i>'reat-^randfather on the paternal side, were botli soldiers in the war of the Revolution, the former liolding the rank of captain, an(.l lived to serve his country again in the War of 1812. One peculiarity of this family is longevity, Dr. Davis's great-grandmother having reached the remarkable age of one hundred and three years at the time of her death. Andrew J. continued to reside in his native county till he was twentj'-two years old, when he left and went to California, where he was engaged in mining for nearly two years. He then returned to Missouri and settled in Clarke county, where he began the study of medicine. He subsequentlj' attended lectures at Chicago, and soon afterwards began the practice of his profession in Clarke county. He afterwards removed to Grundy county, and remained two years, settling then in Livingston county, where he continued his practice four years more. From there he moved to this county and located in Bucklin, remaining in the practice till 1874, when he moved on a farm five miles southwest of Bucklin and engaged in farming. Dr. Davis was married in December, 1863, to Miss Ellen B. Butler, of Macon county, this state, daughter* of Hardin Butler, formerlj' of Iowa. By this union they have had seven children, of whom Victor L., Edna L., Alma Florence, and Alice L., are still living; while Charles, Armella, and Jay H., are deceased. Dr. Davis is a gentleman of good standing in the community where he resides, and has the respect and confidence of many warm personal friends -and neighbors.

Ekvin Forrest

a farmer in Bucklin township, three and one-half miles north of west from Bucklin, was born in Howard county, Missouri. When near the age of three years his father moved to this county in the spring of 1840. The subject of this sketch was raised and educated in Linn county, and has resided here all his life, and has been engaged in farming. Mr. Forrest is the son of Preston and Lucinda {7iee Lee) Forrest. His father and mother are natives of Kentucky. Mr. Forrest's paternal grandfather came to Missouri in 1814, and settled in the forks of Chariton River. Mr. Forrest was married in 1860 to Miss Susan J. Robinson, of Linn county, by whom he has had five children, three of wdiom are living: Minnie A., George C, and John Thomas. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Forrest is a daughter of John and Jane Robinson, who came from Kentucky to Missouri in 1840, and settled in Boone county, where they remained for eighteen years, then moved to Linn county. Mr. Forrest is a man who stands high in his community, and is noted for his honesty and integrity.

was born in Franklin county, Virginia, where he was raised; was educated at the University of Virginia. Graduated at the medical department of the

Hampden-Sidney College, at Richmond, Virginia, in 1854. Practiced several years in Virginia. In 1858 he came to Missouri and settled in Monroe county where he continued his practice for some time. He practiced several years in Shelby and Macon counties. In May, 1881, he moved to Bucklin where he continues his practice, and is engaged in the drug business. Dr. Greer was married in August, 1842, to Miss Mary F. Meason, of Monroe county, and formerly of Kentucky, by whom he has five children living. His paternal grandfather was a captain in the Revolutionary War, and was severely wounded, but died at the advanced age of one hundred and six jears. His father was a colonel in the War of 1812, and died in 1842.

Fredrick Hainds

"was born in Chariton county, Missouri. When quite small came with his ^parents to this county in 1857, where the subject of this sketch was raised and educated. In the fall of 1880 he went into business in Bucklin. The firm enjoy a liberal share of the public patronage. He is the son of Henry S. and Elizabeth Hainds. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother of Missouri. Mr. Hainds was married March 29, 1881, to Miss Jennie A. Jones, of Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois. Is a member of I. O. O. F. His father died in 1863, in the town of Bucklin. Mr. Hainds is a good salesman, having had three years experience with A. Hansaman, and one and a half years with H. Emmanuel, before going into business for himself.

Jonathan J. Hendricks

This gentleman is a son of Mark and Sarah Hendricks, and was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, of which State his parents also were natives. In 1854 he came with his mother to Linn county, this State, and here grew up and received his education. He was married on the twenty-fifth day of January, 1874, to Miss Cynthia Ramsey, of this count3^ During the civil war Mr. Hnndricks was Union in sentiment, and served the government in the Missouri Enrolled Militia. He has taught school in this county for several years, though at this writing he is engaged in farming and stockraising. He owns a good farm five miles northeast of St. Catharine, on which he and his family reside. He belongs to the Masonic order and fraternizes with Bucklin Lodge No. 233, A. F. & A. M. He is a highly respected neighbor and a good citizen.

J. A. Howe

Mr. Howe was born in Monroe county, Missouri, July 5, 1837. At the age of seven he went with his parents to Chariton, where the subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools of the country. He was married, February 23, 1859, to Miss Rachel S. Cupp, of Chariton county, by whom he has five children living: Louisa E,, Laura E.,

Isaac S., Sarilda I., William H. Mr. Howe is a member of the A. F. & A. M., I. O. O, F., and I. O. G. T. PTe was township assessor two years in Macon county, and was elected assessor of Bucklin in April, 1881, which office he continues to fill. His parents were William and JMancy Howe, natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1832. His maternal grandfather, James Dorrell, was in the War of 1812.

Mr. Howe came to this county, April 22, 1852, and has been engaged in farming. In July, 1881, he moved to Bucklin and since then has devoted himself to the live-stock trade. He has the entire control of the trade in that line. He is of English and Irish descent, and is one of the staunch business men of his town, and has done much toward increasing the business of the place.

Hiram Long

was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, in 1827, where he was reared and educated. His father was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1760, and his mother was a Yermonter by birth. They both died at an advanced age. The father had served in the Revolutionary War, and was several times captured by the British. After he grew up, Hiram spent three years in New York, and several years in the West engaged in mining. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Emily M. Judkins, of New Hampshire, by whom he had four children, three of whom - Ellen E., Alice G., and Edward Irving - still survive. His first wife died in 1866, and Mr. Long was a second time married, in 1868, to Miss Anna Charlton, of New Hampshire. By the last union he has one child, named Mary C. B. Mr. Long is a member of the Episcopal Church and of the Masonic order. He also belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry. He is extensively engaged in sheep-raising, and is a worthy citizen.

Gilbert Kemp

Mr. Kemp was born in the rocky region of Grafton county. New Hampshire, and when he was quite small his parents moved to Vermont, where they lived for five years. In 1841 Gilbert went to Ohio, where he engaged in farming till 1861. He then came to Linn county, this State, and engaged in farming. In addition to his farming and wool-growing, Mr. Kemp is also proprietor of hay-baling houses in Bucklin and in Laclede, where he controls a good business in that line. He was married, in 1849, to Miss M. A. Harvey, a native of Lower Canada (Ontario). Mr. and Mrs. Kemp are the parents of five children: Eva M., George W., Eugene C, Hattje A., and Bertie.

Mr. Kemp's parents were Zachariah and Elizabeth Kemp, both natives of New Hampshire. The paternal ancestor of the Kemp family, greatgrandfather of Gilbert, was shipwrecked at twelve years old, on his voyage to America, and himself and one other man, onlj', escaped. He settled in New Hampshire, and times were so hard with him that he had to dig up the potatoes he had planted and eat them ere they had time to grow.

^[r. Kemp resides one mile south of Buckliu, where he has a splendid farm. He is a successful farmer, and an enterprising business man. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Bucklin.

George Manewal, Junior

was born in Germany. At the age of five came with his parents to the United States, and settled in St. Louis, where he remained eleven years. In 1870 came to Linn county and engaged with L. Stuenkle in business.

Samuel J. Maddox

is a son of Joseph and Amanda Maddox, and was born, reared, and educated in Linn county. His parents were natives of Howard county, and came to this county about thirty years ago. Mr. Maddox was married in December, 18-79, to Miss Alice Caton, by whom he has one child. At this writing Mr. Maddox resides seven miles northwest of Bucklin, and is running a large farm of two hundred and forty acres, the estate yet belonging to the heirs. His parents died in this county, leaving Samuel J. the^care of the family, and he deserves much credit for the manner in which he has held the family together, and carried on the old home place. The children are an honor to the community in which they reside.

Allen Nickerson

a farmer and stock-raiser, six miles north of Bucklin, was born in Madison county, Kentucky, 1824:. He is the son of John and Ruth Nickerson, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1835, and settled in Howard county, where the subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and, was educated in the common schools of the country. His mother died in Howard - county in 1S32. In 1842 Mr. Nickerson came to this county and settled in Bucklin township, where he has since resided. His father moved to this county in the spring of 1847, and died in the fall of the same year.

Mr. Nickerson was married in 1844, to Miss Emma Long, of this county, but a native of Howard. By this union they have six children living. His wife died in 1866. He was again married in 1868 to Mrs. Frances R. Speece, a native of Virginia, by whom he has one child. He and wife and most of his foinily are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. His paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

Mr. Nickerson is an industrious, energetic farmer, as his premises 'indicate. He is a man highly respected in his community, and one which the community may well be proud of. He has raised a family of children who are an honor to their parents.

S. F. Perry

was born in Chatham county, North Carolina. In 1844 he came with his parents to Missouri and settled in Macon county, where the subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and educated at McGee College, in Macon county. In 1867 moved to Biicklin, and engaged in business, where he has since resided. Mr. Perry is the son of James and Martha Perry. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother of North Carolina. Mr. Perry was married in 1862 to Miss Nancy E. Green, of Macon county, by whom he has one child, George Edward. His wife died in 1869. He again married in 18Y1 to Miss T. Elizabeth Jones, of Callaway county, Missouri, by whom he has one child, David Lee. She died in 1874. He was again married in 1876 to Miss Mary F. Runyon, of Linn county, by whom he has three children, John F., Maud, and Guy. He served a term of years as justice of the peace and is now filling that office.

He is a member of A. F. & A. M., and of the Good Templars. Mr. Perry is a man of good business qualifications, makes a good justice, and is an honor to his town.

was born in Monroe county, Michigan, and spent his early life on a farm. He was educated at Ypsilanti, in the same State. He came to Linn county, Missouri, in 1867. Mr. Rose is a carpenter by trade, though he has advanced in the world till his circumstances are such that it is no longer necessary for him to work at that calling. In 1873 he engaged in the hardware business at Bucklin and continued till 1879. He engaged in the general merchandise business in December, 1880, the firm being styled Rose & Hainds. Mr. Rose was married in 1868 to Miss Ophelia L. Davenport, of Monroe county, Michigan. His first wife died in April, 1879, and he was again married in February, 1880, to Miss Mary M. Damerell, of Bucklin. By his first union Mr. Rose became the father of six children, three of whom still survive; named, respectively, Charles Elbert, Lillie W., and Don Alphonso. When the civil war came on Mr. Rose enlisted and served two years in the Seventh Michigan Cavalry. He was in the battles of Gettysburg and Falling Waters, and was severely wounded in the latter, which necessitated his remaining in the hospital for one year. In September, 1876, he Avas appointed postmaster at Bucklin and has held the position ever since.

was born in Sullivan county, Indiana. When quite small his parents moved to this county, where the subject of tliis sketch was raised. He is a graduate of the State University of Indiana. In 1870 he graduated at the Ann Arbor Medical College. Began the practice of medicine in Macon county, where he continued three years, when he went to Jasper county and remained until 1875, when became to Bucklin and continued the practice.

Dr. Roberts was married in the fall of 1880 to Miss Carrie Kathan, of this citunt}'. lie is the son of Morris and Jane Roberts, who came to this county in 1856. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

Henry Shook

Dr. Shook was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1820, where he was raised and educated, residing there until sixteen years of age, when he went with his parents to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Received his medical education at Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

He came to IMissouri in the spring of 1843 and settled in Kirksville, Adair county, where he began the practice of medicine. He continued there about twelve years. In the fall of 1858 he came to Bucklin, where he has since resided, and has been engaged in the practice of medicine.

Dr. Shook was married in 184-1 to Miss Sarah Calison, of Adair county, by whom he has four children living: MoUie A., James B., Henry Clay, and John D. His iirst wife died in 1857 and he was again married in 1858 to Miss Lucy Caps, of Hardin county, Kentucky, by whom he has one child, AVilliam E. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is also a member of the A. F. & A. M.

He was regimental surgeon of the Seventh Missouri Regiment during 1861 and 1862. Was captain in the Twenty-seventh and Forty-second Missouri Regiments durinij 1863 and 1864. He is the son of Daniel and Christina Shook, his father being a native of Virginia and his mother of Pennsylvania. The Doctor has been identified with the interests of Bucklin and surrounding country for many years and has taken an active part in the welfare of the place.

Jordan Sights

a farmer or" Bucklin township, four miles northwest of Bucklin, was born in Chariton county, Missouri, in 1832, where he resided with his parents until March, 1838, when he came to this county, where he has since resided, with the exception of eighteen months spent in the West engaged in mining. Mr. Sights is the son of Isaac and Eh'zabeth Sights, natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in an early.day.

Mr. Sights was married in July, 1862, to Miss E. J. Lawson, a native of Breckenridge county, Kentucky, by whom he has had seven children, six of whom are living: Mary C, Milton J., Albert P., Olin Ewin, Filena E., Flossie Lee. Allen B. is deceased.

William E. Stoey

Mr. Story learned the trade of tinner in Bucklin. In 1857 he engaged in business for himself. He enjoys the leading trade of the place and carries a large stock of hardware, stoves, tinware, and agricultural implements. He is a young man of good business habits, and is bound to succeed, having already earned a reputation to be proud of.

Louis Steunkle

senior member of the firm of Stuenkle & Co., dealers in general merchandise and live stock, was born in Prussia, where he was raised and educated. When about nineteen years of age he came to the United States. He spent two years in New York, two and a half years in St, Louis, and one year in Macon county. In 1860 he came to Bucklin, and engaged in business. In 1873 he took in as his partner his brother-in-law, George Manewal, and they now carry the largest stock in town, and have the leading trade of the place. Mr. Stuenkle was in the United States service for three years, in the Second Missouri Cavalry. Was in the battle of Little Rock and others engaged in by his command.

Z, M. Titus

was born in Onondaga county, New York. When quite small he went with his parents to Ohio, and there grew up and received a fair common-school education. At the age of fifteen he vvent into a mill to learn that business, and has continued in the same calling all his life. From Oliio he went to Kane, in Greene county, Illinois, and there had charge of the "Peoples' Mills " for twenty years. In 1879 he moved to Bucklin, in this county, and took control of the "Bucklin Mills," which he still continues to manage successful!}'. Mr, Titus was married in 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Shurts of Ohio, by whom he has four children, named: William L., Kate D., Leonard L., and Smith M. His first wife died in 1879, and he was again married in April, 1880, to Miss Jane Harper, of this county. The mills, of which Mr. Titus is now proprietor, were erected in 18G7, at a cost of six thousand dollars. They have a thirty horse-power engine and three run of burs, with a saw-mill and carding-machine attachment, Mr. T's long experience has made him every way a first-class miller. His ])ublic spirit and enterprising disposition make him a valuable acquisition to any community. He is a Freemason, and is a worthy and upright citizen.

James M. Walter

was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, where he continued to reside till he was seven years old. His parents then moved to Indiana where the subject of this sketch was raised on a farm. In 1867 he moved to Linn county, Missouri, which has since been his place of residence, residing on his farm four miles from St. Catharine. Mr. Walter was first married in 1847, to Miss Ada Richardson, of Indiana. Only one child, a son named Thomas A., was born of this union. His first wife died in 1850, and Mr. Walter was again married, in 1852, to Miss Mary Lowry, by whom he has seven children living: James W., Robert N., Marion T., George C, Lucy J,, Andrew J., and Marinda C. Mr. Walter's father served in the War of 1812. One of his sons, though young, served in tlie great Civil War in the United States.

William L. White

is the son of Reynolds and Catharine White, and was born in the State of Massachusetts, though his parents were both natives of New York. He was educated in the public schools, and at the age of thirteen, learned the trade of paper-making, at which he worked for seven years. '' Ten years of his life Mr. White spent in Wisconsin, engaged in farming. Four years of that time he served as treasurer of Fierce county in that State. He was engaged for three years in mining pursuits, two of which were spent in California, and one in Colorado. AVhen the great war came on in 1861, Mr. White enlisted for the Union in the Second Massachusetts Infantry, and served three years. He was in the battle of Winchester, both battles of Bull Run, Shiughter Mountain, xVntietam, and Chancellorville, and was severely wounded in the latter engagement. Mr. White was married in 1852 to Miss Frances C. Bartholomew, of Massachusetts. JSiine children have been born of this union, seven of whom still survive. He moved to

Linn county in 1874, where he has ever since resided and has been successfnlly engaged in farniing, as his well improved farm amply verifies.

R. J. Wheeler

The successful and experienced business man whose name heads thi& sketeh is a native of Prince Edward county, Virginia, and was born on the thirtieth day of March, 1829, His parents were Drury N. and Susan E. Wheeler, both natives of Yirginia, who moved to this State as early as 1831.. They settled in Chariton county when the country was a wilderness, infested with the wild animals common to the unsettled sections of this latitude. There Mr. Wheeler grew up, acquiring such an education as the primitive schools of that early day aftbrded. In the spring of 1850 he left his parents and engaged in the worthy vocation of farming, and by close attention to business accumulated in course of time a handsome property, which became the nucleus of his subsequent possessions. In the spring of 1864 he sold his two farms and came to Bucklin, in Linn county, and early in the succeeding year engaged in the leaf-tobacco business, which, however, he sold out in the summer following, realizing a profit of $2,200 on his stock of tobacco. He then bnilta commodious store-house and engaged extensively in the general merchandise business, which he continued till September, 1380, when he sold out. During his business course as general merchant h'e also owned and operated a lumber yard, a flouring, saw, and carding-mill. For three years after coming to Bucklin Mr. Wheeler was enga2,ed as express agent for the American Express Company. Mr. Wheelei* took no active part in the great civil war of 1861 to 1865, though he was considered southern in sentiment. His neutrality of action made him the object of abuse of both parties, and he was frequently annoyed by having his property converted to the use of both Federals and Confederates. He was once forced, in 1864, to open his store, which was robbed of large quantities of goods. His safe was also robbed of five hnndred dollars in cash. Mr. Wheeler has frequently served his town and township in ofiicial capacities, and served two years as one of the judges of the County Conrt. At this writing he is engaged in handling farm machinery and shaved hoop-poles, and also in running a livery stable and dealing in horses,, mules, and cattle; and occasionally discounting commercial paper and handling real estate. Though he has lost heavily in bad debts (his debtors having gone to almost every State in the Union and some to Canada), he is still financially solid, his property aggregating nearly $100,000. He owns lands in Linn, Chariton, Macon and Sullivan counties, this State, and alsoin Kansas, among which are some fine stock farms. Like all men who engage in extensive business enterprises, Judge Wheeler has had his ups and downs. In addition to robberies and losses by men he had credited, he was twice burned out without insurance, aggregating losses to the amount of over

$4,000. Jiid^e "Wheeler has been three times married. His first wife was Miss Louisa F. Brooks, and he was married to her October 17, 1850. She died March 4, 1852, and he was again married November 21, 1863, t Miss Martha Ann Brooks. This lady also died February 3, 1880, leavin him seven children, most of whom were grown. lie was a third time married, on the fourth of January, 1881, to Mrs. Lizzie Nagel, widow o' James M. Xagel, a lady of intelligence and culture, who had two childre by her former marriage. Judge W. has done much toward building up the town of Bucklin, and has erected quite a number of buildings, lie has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the Masonic order for upwards of twenty years, and has always been noted as a liberal giver, donating freely to churches of all denominations, and charities of all kinds; aiding the individual needy, when he thought them worthy objects of charity. All his life long he has been a man of strict morals, firmness and sobriety, and Linn county may well be proud of such a citizen as Judge R J. Wheeler.

John L. Watson

The subject of this sketch is a native Missourian, having been born, raised and educated in Linn county. He is the son of Josiah and Rhoda Watson. His fatlier was from Virginia and his mother from Kentucky. They came to JVlissouri when young people, were married in Chariton county, and came to this county in 1836. Mr. Watson now resides near Bucklin, and is engaged in farming. He is strictly a free man, never having been joined in matrimony, nor connected himself with any organization. He is a man of sterling integrity, and noted for honesty and truthfulness.

Chapter Xxv

When Settled - Its Metes and Bounds - Topographi) - Land and Money - Early Settlers and Their 2'rials - Happeninys - Agriculture - J]'ar Items - Dead Towns - St. Kate, Its Past and Present - Education and Beiiyion - Death of W. H. Elliott, Founder of St. Catharine - Lodges and Societies - Its Present and Business Future - Accident - Bioyraphies.

This township, in name, was one of the three original townships which formed the municipal division of the county of Linn at the first session of the County Court, February 3, 1837. The boundary lines of the township are given in the general history. From time to time Yellow Creek, like Locust Creek and Parson Creek townships, was divided into others, of which Baker township was one, lying on its northern border When Sulli- van territory became, in fact, a county, in 1845, Linn county was divided into seven municipal divisions, of which Yellow Creek was one, and occupied the southeast part of Linn county. Her dimensions were twelve miles north and south; on her southern border, eight miles east and west; and on the northern line, which was the township line dividing townships fiftyeight and lifty-nine, was ten miles east and west, the extra two miles extending south from her northern border, three miles, this diagram being its shape :

But Yellow Creek township, which could once boast of covering one-third of the territory composing both Linn and Sullivan counties, has been sadly ravished of her fair proportions, and is to-day but a skeleton of her former self, being long and lank. Yellow Creek is not a pretty township to look at, but what there is left of her is pretty solid, even if she cannot boast of a metropolitan city within her borders.

Metes And Bounds Valuation

The present boundary of Yellow Creek township is as follows: Commencing at the southeast corner of section thirty-one, township fifty-seven, range eighteen; thence west along the Chariton county line, four miles to the southwest corner of section thirty-four, township fifty-seven, of range nineteen; thence north on the section line dividing thirty-four and thirtythree, township and range as above, nine miles to the northwest corner of section twenty-two, township fifty-eight, of range nineteen; thence west one mile; thence north three miles to the northwest corner of section four, township fifty-eight, range nineteen, and on township line dividing townships fiftyeight and fifty-nine; thence five miles on said township line to the northeast corner of section six, to the section line dividing sections six and five; thence south on said section line to the place of beginning. This gives a north and south line of twelve miles on the east side, and four miles wide to the

It iiiis tit't3'-one square miles or an area of 32,6-iO acres of arable land. Its valuation of real and personal property for the j'ear 1881 was $280,620. Yellow Creek township is fully three-fourths a beautiful undulating prairie with fringes of timber lying along the banks of East Yellow Creek, and its branches in the southern part, and along the larger stream known as West Yellow Creek which runs through the northwest corner of the township. The part of the township laying between these two streams is a magnificent body of land, forming a ridge in the center and sloping both ways, showing not only a splendid view of the country but what is of more practical value giving it most perfect drainage, there being no resting place for miasmatic pools of stagnant water, or malarial fever-breeding ponds. It is a good grain-growing and stock-raising township and it is in every way one of the best townships in the county for its fruits, and the grape. In fact, Yellow Creek township, like all other parts of Linn county, is rich in soil, well watered, and has all the elements of a successful agricultural country. When it is well known that in soil, climate, health and production Linn county has no superior in the State, it is only necessary to metion that Yellow Creek township is a part of the county, to establish its reputation as a home for those who wish to make farming their avocation, unsurpassed in the State. It has its beds of coal underlying its surface; it has building stone and brick clay. It has water in abundance and timber for all domestic purposes, and with these advantages Yellow Creek township, or what is left of her, is destined, in an agricultural point of view, to hold her own with her sisters.

Earlt Settlers

Yellow Creek township when it represented one-third of the territory of Linn county was, next to Locust Creek township, the earliest settled, but part of that is mixed up with Bucklin on the east and Brookfield on the west, for, originally. West Yellow Creek was the western boundary of the township. So Mordecai Lane and others who settled as early as 1836 in 1 ellow Creek township are now located elsewhere. Josei)h Coulson settled on section nineteen, townshij) Hfty-eight, range nineteen, and came from Virginia, Charles Lewis came in March 1840, from Claiborne county, Tennessee, and located in section twenty-three, township fifty-eight, range nineteen, and Thomas Furson who came the same year, built his cabin on section thirty-four, same township and range. Daniel Raritan came from Ohio in 1840; Montgomery Kinnaird in 1842, from middle Tennessee, and settled on the south half of the southwest quarter, section fourteen, township fifty-seven, range nineteen; Basley Steward, from Tennessee in 1843, and Peter Myers from Indiana in 1850. The Lewis-Coulson settlement was in township fifty-eight, range nineteen, on the streams of East and West Yellow Creek, or rather between those streams. There were many more settlers who located within the township whose names will be recognized in the old settler's list, bnt not given here.

They had the usual troubles and trials incident to pioneer life and weathered the storms of adversity by a fortitude as strong as it was noble. Milling facilities were few and until the Bott's mills started Keytesville was the leading milling point. Glasgow, however, got most of the trade from this section. Roasted pumpkins and squashes made good eating and were largelyused as articles of food, while venison, turkeys and honey were had ia abundance. Brunswick was not slighted and once in a while a trip to that point was made. Bott's mill, near Linneus, got most of the grinding from the north part of the township after it commenced work. There was a mill over on Chariton River which was also patronized to a considerable extent by those living in the south part of the township, and what is known as Bucklin township in the same part. Fishing parties used to go to the Chariton River, also, but on these trips the rifle played an important part. Hunting was the pastime of the settlers, and not only that but it gave them their annual supply of meat. Cattle and hogs being scarce it devolved upon the true eye and steady nerve of the hunter to supply the meat department of the household.

What Happened

Among the first who wove cloth and carpets in this township were Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis and Mrs. Margaret Kinnaird. These ladies were noted for their skill in that line. There were many otiiers who made up their own suppl}^ of clothing, and the spinning wheel especially was a household necessity.

The first death was that of Mr. Thomas Peirson, who died in 1842, and was buried at the New Garden cemetery, on section tlu-ee, township fiftyseven, range eighteen.

Rev. William H. Lewis, Methodist, and Rev. Thomas Allen, Missionary- Baptist, were the first ministers who resided in the township. The former held his first service at the house of Mr, Thomas Peirson, and the latter at an old log school-house. They were both earnest men, and were held in high regard by their friends.

Watson, who taught at a private house. He got ten dollars for teaching three children three months. Another was kept later by Miss Julia A. Lee. -She had fifteen pupils and got one dollar per month each. She is yet living and is now Mrs. Hampton (ireen.

The first school-bouse is supposed to have been the one built on section thirty-four, of township fifty-eight, of range nineteen - the neighbors getting togetiier and doing the work, the cash paid out being for nails, hinges, and latches, and they were not of a very expensive order. Another schoolhouse was erected on section fourteen, township fifty-seven, of range nineteen, but this was not put up until 1853. There were several others erected in the township about that time and soon after.