Lamine Township

Lamine Township

It will be observed, that the first vote cast within the present limits of Cooper county, was cast by John H. Moore, who died many years ago ; and the fourth vote by William Gibson, who is the only one who voted at that election who is still alive, that is, so far as is known to the authors. Yet this may be a mistake, as many of them, years ago, moved from this county, and have not been heard from since then, although they may still be alive. That election took place fifty-seven years ago, therefore, a man would have to be, at the present day* sevent3'-eight years of age to have cast a legal vote then. The wives of but two of them are still living, viz : Mrs. L. C. Stephens and Mrs. Frederick Houx.

The next election, for Delegates to the State Convention to frame a Constitution for the State of Missouri, was held on the 1st, 2nd, and 3d days of May, 1820. The following was the result in this county, viz :

Robert P. Clark, William Lillard, and Robert Wallace, as shown by the vote, were elected. The townships in which this election was held, were as follows :

At the time of this election. Cooper county Avas bounded on the east and south by the Osage river, on the west b}^ the Indian Territory, and on the north b}^ the Missouri river. Lamine Township then, included about all within the present limits of Cooper count}', and some territory not now included in it* limits.

The next election was held on the 28th day of August, 1820, to elect a member of Congress, and State and County officers. The following townships voted at this election : Arrow Eock Township, which cast 57 Votes.

Of the above list of candidates all have gone to their long homes, not one being left alive. And of the 503 voters, then voting in Lamine Township, which included all of the present territory of Cooper county, there are only four known to be alive, viz :

Ii will be observed that the vote was much smaller in 1822 than it had been in 1820. This was caused by the territor}^ of the county being much diminished, by the formation of Cole and Saline counties from it.

Cooper county voted for Henry Clay for president, in 1824. Onl}' four poll books of this election could be found, which show that Henry Clay had 136 votes, and Andrew Jackson 53 votes. It w^as done as a debt of gratitude to

*'That the 4th clause of the 26th section of the 3d article of the Constitution of the State, shall never be construed to authorize the passage of any law, and no law shall be passed in conformity thereto, by which any citizen of the United States shall be excluded from the enjoyment of any of the privileges and immunities of citizens, to which such citizens are entitled under the Constitution of the United States."

The Legislature of Missouri assented to the conditions on the twenty-sixth day of June, 1821, and by proclamation of the President, James Monroe, the State was admitted on the tenth day of August, 1821.

The Constitution of the State of Missouri was adopted on the nineteenth day of July, 1820, without subimitting it to the people. David Barton was president of the Convention. He died at the house of William Gibson, about

The question of the admission ot Missouri into the Union, created great excitement in Congress, and all over the United States. The main point of difference, between the opposing factions, being the slavery question, which gave rise to what was called "The Missouri Compromise."

On the eighth day of December, 1825, there was held a special election for Governor, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Frederick Bates. David Todd, John Miller, Wm. C. Carr and Rufus Easton were the candidates. David Todd received a large majority in Cooper county.

At the election on the first Monday in August, 1826, John Scott and Edward Bates were candidates for Congress. Scott had a majority of one hundred and twenty-four in the county.

Michael Dunn, Jordan O'Br^^an, James L. Collins and John H. Hutchison were candidates for Representatives. Michael Dunn and Jordan O'Bryan were elected. W. H. Anderson and David P. Mahan were candidates for Sheriff. Anderson was elected by fifty-three majority ; and Hugh Allison was elected Coroner.

This was the first election in which party lines were closely drawn, for before that, men had voted for the man whom they considered best qualified ; and not because he belonged to any party. The poll books of the presidential election could not be found, but the August election for Representative in Congress and county officers, having the same principles at issue, will show pretty clearly how the Presidential election went. There were two tickets, viz : Adams and Jackson, and the tickets on which the men w^ere, who were elected is marked opposite their names.

At the election in November, 1828, the county voted for Jackson ever Adams, by a majority of about two hundred and thirty votes ; and also in 1832, Jackson was re-elected, and received a large majority in this county.

The county also gave a small majority to Martin Van- Buren, in 1836. The county remained Democratic until 1840, when the Whigs made a clean sweep, electing their full ticket. Reuben A. Ewing, a Whig, was elected State

Senator, over David Jones, Democrat ; and John G. Miller, Jordan O'Bryan and Lawrence C. Stephens, Whigs, over John Miller, B. F. Hickox and Henry Crowther, Democrats, by an average majority of about seventy-five votes. There was great excitement during this election, and politics ran very high. The Whigs held public meetings in regular order on each succeeding Saturday in each township, until the full rounds were made. Thev had a band of music engaged for the occasion, flags and banners, w^ith mottoes inscribed thereon ; also with songs appropriate for the occasion, and eloquent speakers, the prominent among which were John G. Miller, Jordan O'Bryan, John C Richardson, Robert C. Harrison, and others.

The Democrats did not make much display, but condemned the same as humbuggery, and trying to win votes by exciting the people. They held their meetings and had frequent public speakings without any display or show. Their catididates for the legislature were John Miller, Benjamin F. Hickox, and Henry Crowther.

A State convention for Harrison and Tvler, was held at Rocheport in June, 1840. It lasted three days, and seven steamboats were chartered b}^ the delegates for the occasion, each of which had its band of music, two cannons, a log cabin and hard cider, and made a fine display of flags and banners with mottoes inscribed "thereon. The most distinguished Whigs of the State were there, and many noted speakers from other States, among whom was the son of Daniel Webster.

Their line of march was the grandest display ever witnessed in Missouri. They had in the procession long canoes on wheels, and in them some of those who were engaged in the battle of Tippecanoe, in the act of paddling the canoes as they marched along. Every delegation had a large flag or banner, and many smaller ones with mottoes appropriate to the occasion.

The cause of this extraordinary campaign was, that times were and had been very hard for several years past, and as people are prone to lay their ills and misfortunes to the charge of somebody or party other than themselves, they then charged that Martin Van Buren and the Democratic party were the authors of their misfortunes.

The cry was reform, a national bank with a branch in every State, and a protective tariff. The result was that Harrison and Tyler were elected by a large majority. Harrison died within one month after his inauo^uration, and John Tyler became president. Several national bank charters were passed by Congress, but the president vetoed them all. Times continued hard until the Mexican war ; from that time till 1857 they gradually improved, and from 1861 to 1873, times were good and money plenty. But since 1873, history has repeated itself, times have been very hard, and money of any kind hard to get and hard to keep. 'Tis a repitition of the old saj'ing, "money close, but not close enough to get hold of."

The county remained Whig as long as the part}^ lasted. The last candidate on the Whig ticket was General Scott, who was defeated by Franklin Pierce.

The campaign of 1844 was very lively, with not so much display and show on the part of the Whigs as in 1840. For President, Henry Clay was the nominee of the Whig party, and James K. Polk of the Democratic party. Clay in 1844, Taylor in 1848, and Scott in 1852 received a majority of the votes cast in this county. Taylor was elected in 1848, but he died m about one 3'ear after his inauguration, and Millard Fillmore, Vice-president, became the President, and history will certainly give him the credit of making an excellent chief magistrate.

defeated at a State election in Virginia, and many nfiembers deserted it, as rats would ,a sinking ship. Many old line Whigs joined the Democratic party, and the Democrats, who were quite numerous in the Know-Nothing party, returned to their first love, and some aspiring ones denied that they had '^ever been thej'e,^'

It is said that one prominent office holder who resided in Howard county, who was noted for having joined every party that ever sprang into existence, while on a visit to a * 'Know-Nothing" lodge, at Boonville, made a speech, shed tears, and said, "that he had found the right party at last," but w^as the first man in this part of the State to desert that party when it commenced to go to pieces.

A large majority of the "old line Whigs" formed an opposition parL\^ and voted for Millard Fillmore for President, in 1856. At that time there were three candidates for President in the field, viz : James Buchanan, Democrat, Millard Fillmore, American, and John C. Fremont, Republican. There was no ticket in Cooper county for Fremont. Millard Fillmore carried Cooper county over James Buchanan by about eight votes, so nearly even were the two parties.

At the next Presidential election in i860, the candidates were Stephen A. Douglass, Union Democrat, James C. Breckenridge, Southern Democrat, Abraham Lincoln, Republican, John Bell, Union. Douglass carried Cooper county by a small majority. Bell running him close. Breckenridge had but a small vote, and Lincoln but twenty votes. The names of those who voted for Lincoln were afterwards published in the newspapers as an item of curiosity.

Abraham Lincoln, Republican, and Geo. B. McClellan, Democrat, were the candidates for President in 18(34. Lincoln carried Cooper county by a large majority. No great interest was taken in this election in this county. There was no restriction as to voters at that time, but many Democrats did not vote, and the Republicans, generally, turned out in full force. The Republicans carried the county at every election till 1872 ; the restrictions and the '^test oath'' having been almost unanimously abolished in 1870 by a vote of the people. The Democrats have been ever s.ince in the majority in the county, their majority being about eight hundred.

There was a State Convention called in 1845 for the purpose of framing a new constitution, and Dr. F. W. G. Thomas was elected a delegate from this county. In 1846, the convention submitted the constitution wiiich they had framed to the people of the State, and it was voted down by a large majorit}^

In 1861, a convention was called to Consider the relations of this State to the United States, and to take such action in regard to the existing troubles, the late war of the Union having then commenced, as they should deem best for the interests of the State. The candidates for delegates to the State Convention were, William Douglass and Benjamin Tompkins, of Cooper county; Charles Drake, of Moniteau county, and J. P. Ross and William Tutt, of Morgan county ; these three counties then comprising the 28th Senatorial district. William Douglass, Charles Drake, and J. P. Ross were elected. The history of the action of this convention is so well known, and having been incorporated in other general histories, has been so widely circulated that it is unnecessar}' to repeat it here.

Another convention was called in 1864. Two delegates were allowed to each Senatorial district. Harvey Bunce, of Cooper county, and Joel F. Humes, of Moniteau count}-, were elected delegates for the 28th Senatorial district. The delegates met at St. Louis, and on the nth day of January,

1865, declared "that slavery or involuntary servitude shall no longer exist in Missouri." They framed a new constitution which has always been known as the "Drake constitution," submitted the same to the voters of the State, and it was adopted by a small majority.

It is a well-known fact that, from 1853 to i860, party spirit did not prevail in elections, except as to State, Congressional, and Legislative candidates. In the elections in 1853 and in 1859, for the election of Judges and Clerks, and other officers, part}^ was scarcely mentioned. Every candidate had to stand upon his own merits ; and that was generally the case as to county officers from the organization of this county to the election in i860. It is true, local questions w'ould sometimes interfere and govern the votes of some, yet they seldom nominated party candidates for county officers, partizanship being confined almost exclusively to the nomination of National and State tickets.

At a Whig convention, in 1840, at "Old Palestine," after nominating candidates for the Legislature, it was proposed to make a nomination for Sheriff. After considerable debate, this proposition was voted down, for the reason that the office was not considered a political one. This statement may sound strange to some, considering the way nominations and elections are governed at the present day, but it is nevertheless true. And, in proof of this, the records show, that while the Democrats were in power, John H. Hutchison was twice elected Sheriff, James Hill, Sheriff, once, John Crawford, Assessor for several years, and Rob^ ert P. Clark, Circuit Clerk ; all of these men were uncom-^ promising Whigs. And while the Whigs were in power, Isaac Lionberger and B. E. Ferry were each elected Sheriff two terms, making eight years ; B. E. Ferry was, also, twice elected County Clerk, Robert Turner, Assessor, and William Shields, a member of the State Legislature j »nd all of these men were strong Democrats. It is true, the citizens would vote for the candidate of their own party, if they deemed his qualifications for filling the office equal to those of his opponent; and some, though the number was small, always *' stuck to" the nominee of their own party when opposite partisans were running.

Great interest was generally taken in elections. There was much more interest in and excitement over elections before than after the war. But, previous to the war, elections did not partake of that bitter personal feeling, which has characterized them since the war. Those in opposition could be political enemies and personal friends. Men were not, then, as now, proscribed for their political opinions. But, the people of this section of the country are proud to say, that, animosities, which were naturally engendered during the war, are gradually dying away, and, if left undisturbed for a few years, will only be things of the past, and have no real existence, except upon the pages of history.

was settled first in 181 2, by a few pioneers. The very first settlers were David Jones, a revolutionary soldier, Thomas and James McMahan, Stephen, Samuel and Jesse Turley, Saunders Townsend and some others, who came soon afterwards.

Those who arrived later were John Cramer, Bradford Lawless, John M. David and William Reid, Hezekiah Harris, Elijah Taylor, John, Peter, Samuel and Joseph Fisher, William, Jesse and Moon, Rudolph Haupe, Isaac Hedrick, John Smelser, William McDaniel, Wyant Parm, Harmon Smelser, Samuel Larnd, Pethnel Foster, Julius Burton, Ezekiel Williams, and some others at present unknown.

In the year 1812 or 1813 there was a fort, called "Fort McMahan," built somewhere in this township, but the exact location could not be ascertained.

The soil of this township is excellent, and the inhabitants are in a prosperous condition. It is noted as one of the most wealthy townships in the county. It is bounded on the north by the Missouri river, on the east by the Lamine river, on the south by the Black Water river, and on the west by the Saline county line. It is noted for voting always almost unanimously in one way; it was anti-Democratic, until 1864, since which time it has been almost as strongly Democratic as it was Whig in days gone by.

Lead has been found and worked in paying quantities in this township. It has an abundance of timber of the very best quality, and a large quantity of lumber and cordwood is shipped every year by means of the Black Water

This township takes its name frome Moniteau Creek, which runs through the entire length of the township. Moniteau township has always, since its organization, voted the Democratic ticket.

It was first settled in 1818. It is uncertain who was the very first settler. But among the early settlers, were Thomas B. Smiley, Seth, Joseph, Waid and Stephen Howard, William Coal, James Stinson, Hawking Burress, David Burress, Charles Hickox, Samuel McFarland, Carrol George, James Snodgrass, Martin George, Mathew Burress, Jesse Martin, Alexander Woods, William Landers, Jesse Bowles, James Donelson, William A. Stillson, Samuel Snodgrass, James W. Maxey, Job Martin, James Jones, David Jones, Augustus K. Longan, Patrick Mahan, Valentine Martin, John Jones and John B. Longan.

Thomas B. Smiley was elected to the Legislature from Cooper county in 1820, with Thomas Rogers and William Lillard. He w^as a man of considerable information, a good historian, and possessed with more than ordinary education. He raised a large family of children, and died about the year 1836. He was honest and industrious, a strong friend to education, and an uncompromising Democrat.

David Jones settled at Pisgah at an early date, but the precise time is not known. Yet it was previous, to the year 1820, as his vote was recorded in that year. He, with Archibald Kavanaugh, was elected to the State Legislature in 1828. He was re-elected Representative in 1830, 1832 and 1834 5 ^" ^^3^ ^^^ ^^'^s elected State Senator for four years. He was defeated for this office by Reuben A.

Ewing in 1840; but in 1848 he was again elected to the State Senate, this making him a member of the General Assembly during a period of sixteen years. He was a Democrat, a prominent member of the Baptist church, a good citizen, and noted for his hospitality. He died about the year 1859, loved and respected by all who knew him. Pisgah and Mount Pleasant churches were built by the Baptists at an early day, and were presided over by John year 1818, and was elected to the State Legislature in 1822. He was re-elected in 1844 and 1852, and served in that capacity for six years- He w^as the father of George Longan, the talented and distinguished minister of the Christian church.

The first school in this township as far as can be ascertained, was taughtbyjam.es Donelson. He only professed to teach arithmetic as far as the *' Double rule of Three.*'

At a later day Patrick Mahan built a tread mill, which was a great improvement on the old style "Horse Mill." Mr. Richard D. Bonsfield kept a store at Pisgah at an early time. He first merchandised at Old Franklin, then at Boonville, and finally at Pisgah. He is still living at an advanced age.