Prairie Township (part 4 of 4)

The names and a carefully prepai-ed list C)f the animals of a country, state, or county, are always of interest to the iuhtibitants, especially so to the scientist and student of natnr;U history. After inquiring into the political and civil history of a country, we then turn with pleasure to the investigation of its natural iiistory, and of the animals which inhabited it prior to the advent of man ; their habits and the means of their suljsistence beconie a studv. Some were animals of prey, others harmless, and subsisted upon vegettdile matter. The early animals of tliis portion of the State ranged over a wide field, and those which inhabited the prairie and timbered i-egious of the Missouri river, and its rribuvaries, differ but little iiuiterially as to species. Of the ruminating animals that were indigenous in this territory, we had the American elk and deer of two kinds ; the more common, the well known Amei-ican deer, and tlie white tailed deer. And at a period not very remote, the Amei'icau builalo found pastures near the allurial and shaded banks of the Missouri and Chariton rivers, and the plains and prairies of this portion of the State. The heads, horns and bones of the slain animals were still numerous in 1820. The black bear were quite numerous even in the memory of the older settlers. Bears have been seen in Howard and Chariton within the last thirty years. The gray wolf and prairie wolf are not unfrequently found, as is also the gray fox, which still exists by its superifir (uinning. The panther was occasionally met with in the earlier times, and still later and more common, the wild cat, the weasel, one or more species ; the mink, American otter, the skunk, the l)atlger, the raccoon and the opossum. The two latter species of animals are met with in every portion of the United States and the greater part of North America. The coon skin among the early settlers was regarded as a legal tender. The bear and otter are extinct in the counties, and were valuable for their furs. Of the squirrel family, we have the fox, gray, flying, ground and prairie squirrel. The woodchuck aud the Cf)mmon musk- rut were iiiiiiicrons berc. The luUs, slirews, and moles ;ire ooninion. (_)fllie imiriiLio, we have tlie introductory spucios of rats and mice, as also tlio native iiicariciw niou~.c, and the i(me:-tailed jum[Mn^' mouse, frequently met within the clearinirs. riares, eommonlv ealled rahhits. are very plentiful. Several sjieeics of the native animals iiave -perisheil, heini;" unahle t(' endure the presence of civilization, or finding the food congenial to tlieir tastes appropriated by stronger races. Many of tlie pleasures, dangers, aud excitements of the chase are only known and enjoyed hy most of us of the present day through tlie ta.lk and traditions of the past. The buli'alo and the elk have passed the Rocky Mountains to the v.estward, never more tt) return. Of birds, may be mentioned the following: Among the game birds most sought after, are the wild turkey and prairie hen, v,-hieh alford e.\'ce!lent sport for tlie hunter, and have been quite plentiful ; priiriated grouse, rntilcd grouse, (piail, woodcock, Eluglish sni|)e. red breasted .snii)e, telltale snipe, vellow legs, marliled godwin, long-bitted curlew, short-bitted curlew, Vircrinia rail, * American swan, trumpeter swan, snow goose, Canada iioo^c, lirant, mallaid, black duck, pintail duck, grcen-wingetl tcel, blue-wing.^d ted, shoveler, American iiigeon, summer or \vood duck, red-headed duck, canvass back duck, butter ball, hooded mugansor, rough billed pelican, the lorn, kildeer. plo^-er, ball head, yellow legged and upland tilover, white heron, great blue heron, bittern. sandhill crane, wild [ligeon, common dove, American ra\ en, common crow, blue jay, liobolink, red-wingetl blackbird, nieadnw lark, '_::olden oriole, vellow l)ird. snow bird, chi[i|iinL;' -parrow, field s[)arro\v. swamp sparrow, indigo bird, cardinal red birtl, cheewiid>;, white-billed nuthatch, mocking bird, oM bii'd, brown thrush, house wren, barn s'.vallow, bmds swallow, i)lue martin, c(Mlar bird, scarlet tanager, summer red bird (I'obin came less than fortv vears ago), l)Iue bird, king bird, perver, belted kingfisher, whippoorwill, nii:ht hawk, chimnev swallow, ruby throated humming bird, hairv woodpecKer, downv woodpecker, redheaded woodiiecker, golden winged woodpecker, Carolina parrot, great hoi-ned owl, barred owl, snowy owl,turkev buzzard, pigeon hawk, swallow-t;iiled hawk, Mississippi kite, redtailed hawk, bald eagle, and ring-tailed eagle.

Many of the above named animals and birds, ;ire uo longer to be found within the limits of these counties. I may say within the limits of the State. Some of them are now extinct, and some disap-

* We state, upon the authority of Judge Jdo. M. 2)avis, that the little lakes on Charlton river, above old Chariton, were full of swans from 1820 to IS.JO.

pcared witli the Indian, upon tlie advaiire of civii'.zatioii. The bald eagle was often seen by the early settlers on the Chariton I'ivei", along the banks of wiiicli, in the tallest timber, it built its nest, and brooded its }0ung for many years after the llrst settlements were made.

In speaking of tiic flora it is not onr pnrpose to treat exhaustively ou the plants of the respective counties, but rather to give a list of the native trees and grasses found within their limits. "Mere catalogues of plants growing in any localitA'," says a learned writer, "might, without a little reflection, l)e supposed to possess but little value," a supposition which would be far from the truth. The intelligent farmer looks at once to the native vegetation as a sure indication of the value of new lands. The kind of timber growing in a given locality will decide the qualities of the soil for agricultural purposes. The cabinet-maker and the wheel-wright, and all other workmen in wood, will find what materials are at hand to answer their purpose. Upon the flora of these counties, civilization has produced its inevitable efTect. As the Indian and buffalo have disappeared before the white man, so have some of the native grasses been vanquished by the white clover and the blue grass. Below we add a list of

Nativk Woody Plants Histoiiy Of Iiowakd And Ckakiton Counties

Woodbine, Mulberry, Moonseed, Hopiiorn beam. Iron wood, Butlonwood, Sycamore, Quaking ash. Aspen, Poplar, Cottonwood, Cotton tree, Wild plum. Crab apple, Buffalo berry, Grecnbriar, Vinebark spinea. Hardback willow

We have treated particularly of the more valuable woods used in the mechanic arts, and the grasses, plants and vegetables and flowers most beneficial to man, and particularly those wliich are natives of these counties. The plants are many and rare, some for beauty and soine t'oi- inediciiic. The pink root, the coluniho, the ginseng, honeset, pennyroyal, and others are used as herbs for medicine. Phints of beauty are jdiiox, the lily, the aseelpias, tlic mints, golden rod, the evebright, gerardia, and hundreds more that adorn the meadows and brook sides; besides, are climl)iiig vines, the truni[)et creeper, the bitter sweet, the woodbine, the clematis and the grape, which till the woods with gay festoons, and add grace to many a decaying monarch of the forest. Ileie are found the oak with at least its twenty vai-ieties, the hickory with as numy more species, the thirty kinds of elm, from the sort that bears leaves as large as a man's hand to the kind which bear a leaf scarcely larger than a man's liiumb nail ; the black oak, so tall and straight and beautiful, is here, the hackberry, gum tree, l)lack and sweet, the tulip, the giant cottonwoods, and a hundreti more attest the fertility of the soil and niiidness of the climate. The white oak is much used in making furniture and agricultural implemcnt.s, as are also the panel oak, burr oak, and pin oak. The blue ash is excellent for flooring. The honey locust is a very durable wood, and shrinks less than any other in seasoning. In the above list siune plants may be omi'tei', but we think the list (piite complete.

In speaking of these we purposely exclude the graiii plants, tho>e grasses that furnish food for man, and conline ourselves to tho-^e valuable grasses which are adapted to the substance of the inferior animals. Timothy grass, or cat's-tail, naturalized ; red top, or heriis grass, nimble will, blue joint, tliis is a native, and grew upon [)raii-ies to the height of a man's head on horseback, orchard grass, Kentucky blue grass, true iilue grass, meadow fescue, cheat chess, the reed, the cane, perennial ray grass, sweet-scented vernal grass, bud can:u-v grass, canary grass, crab grass, smooth panicum,. witch grass, barnyard grass, fox-tail, bi ttle grass, millet, and liroom-beard grass.

Chariton county is one of the most favored localities in the State for the successful growing of forest trees, evergreen trees, apple trees of all varieties, together w-th peaches, plums, pears, apricots, grapes and small fruits. All kinds of ornamental and shade trees, flowers and hedges grow and flourish with only reasonable care and with a certainty that is not known east or west, north or south. If we oo further south the apple will not Hourisli, if further north the peach is liable to blight ; but here, all are almost sure to do well.

Histoiiy Of Howaud And Ghakiton Counties

The lobelia, mint, sassafras and birLhwort families furnish many species of plants having valuable medicinal qualities. The lilies, wild roses, cacti, wild honcysuclclc, violets, etc., meet tlie eye in every wood in early spring and summer with a profusion of rare and beautiful flowers. There is a great variety of valuable forage grasses, such as blue grass, foxtail gi'ass, timothy, millet, etc. Many species of trees and plants are cultivated with great success which are not mentioned in this list. All kinds of trees, shrubs, grains, and fruits adapted to this latitudt; and climate can be produced in the greatest profusion and luxuriance.

Chaptek Iii

It is a trite, but true proverb, that, "Times change, and we change with time;"' and this is well illustrated by the changes in dress, condition and life, that have taken nbice in this country, in less than half a century. We doubt not that these changes, as a whole, are for the better. To the old man, indeed, whose life work is accomplished, and v,ho?e thoughts dwell mainly on the past, where his treasurers are, there are no days like the old days, and no song awakens so responsive an echo in the heart as " Auld Lang Sync." The veiy skies that arch above his gray head, seem less blue to his dimmed eye than they did, wlien in the adoration of his young heart, he directed to them his gaze ; the woods appear less green and inviting, than when in the gayety of boyhood he courted their cool depths, and the songs of their feathered inhabitants fall less melodioush'upou his ear. lie marks the changes that are very visible, and feels like crying out in the language of the poet -

It is natural for the aged to sigh for a return of the past, nor would we attempt the hopeless task of convincing them, that with the changes of the }'ears, there have come an increase in happiness, an improvement in social life, a progress in education, an advancement in morality and a tendency upward in all that relates to the welfare of mankind.

We may learn lessons, however, from a study of that land over which the pardonable and fond imagination of the old settler has thrown the "light that never was on sea or land," if, withdrawing ourselves from the activities of the present, we let the old settler take us by the hand and lead us back into the regions of his youth, that we may observe the life of those ^vho founded a great empire in a great wilderness. (304)

Let US leave the prow of the wishing ship, from which may lie discerned a mighty f'ulure, i-icli in promise, siiid "oright witli liop^e, iim! take our place upon tlic stern, and gaze l)ackwurd into (he beautiful land of the past.

No doubt, we shall bo led to regret the absence among us of some of the virtues of those who lived in the early days. Gone is that free-hearted hospitality, which made of every settler's cabin .'in inn, where . the belated and v.eary traveller found entertainment without money and without price. Gone is that community of sentiment which made neighbors indeed neighbors ; that era of kindly feeling which was marked by the almost entire absence of litigation. Gone, too, sou>e say, is that simple, strong, upright, honest integiity. which was so marked a characteristic of the pioneer. So rapid has been the improvement in machinery, and the progress in the arts ami their application to the needs of man, that a study of the manner in which people lived and worked onh" tifty years ago, seeins like the study of a remote age.

It is important to remember, tli:\t while a majorit}' of the settlers were poor, povertA- carried with it no crushing sense of degradation, like that felt by the very poor of our age. They lived in a cabin 'tis true, but it was their own. and had been reared by their own hands. Their home, too, while inconvenient and far from waterproof, was built in the prevailing style of architecture, and compared favorably with the homes of their neighbors. Thev were destitute of many of the conveniences of life, and of some things that are now considered necessaries ; but they patiently endured their lot and hopefully looked forward to brighter days. They had plenty to wear as a protection against the weather, and ;ui abundance of M'holesome food. Thev sat down to a rude table to eat from tin or pewter dishes : but tlie meat tliereon - the flesh of the deer or bear, of the wild duck or turkey, of the quail or squirrel - -A\as supcriorto that we eat, and iiad been won by the skill of the settler or that of his vigorous sons. The bread they ate, was made from corn or wheat of their own raising. They walked the greeii carpet of grand prairie or forest that surrounded them, not with the air of a beggar, but with the elastic step of a self-respected freeman.

The settler brought with him the keen axe, which was indispensable, and the equally necessary rifle - the first his weapon of otienc.' against the forests that skirted the water courses, ami near which h<' made his home - the second that of defence from the attacks of hi> foe, the euiiiiiiig oliild of the forest and the [n'airic. His first l.ihor was to fell trees ami erect his unpretentious cabin, wiiieli was rndelj' muJe of logs, and in tlic raising of wliieli he had the cheertid aid .of his neighbors. It was usually frouj fourteen to sixteen feet square, and never larger than twenty feet, and ver}' frequently huiit entirely glass, nail->, hinu'es or locks. The manner of building was - as follows : First, large logs were laid in [losition as sills ; on these were strong sleepers, and on the sleepers were laid tlie rough-hewed puncheons, which were to serve as floors. The logs M'ere then built up till the proper height for the eaves were reached, then on the ends of the building were placed poles, longer than the other end logs, which projected some eighteen or more inches over the sides, and were called " butting-pole sleepers ; " on the projecting ends of these was placed the " butting pole," which served to give the line to the first row of claji-boards. These were, as a matter of course, split, and MS the gables of the cal)in were !)nilt up, were^so laid on as to lap a third of their lengtli. They were often ke[)t in place by the weight of a heavv pole, which was laid across the roof jiarallel to the ridge pole. The house w:is tlien chincked and daubed. A large tireplace was built in at one end of the house, in which tire was kintlled for cooking purposes (for the settlers were without stoves), and whicli furnished the needed warmth in winter. The ceiling above was somewhat covered with the pelts of the raccoon, opossum and of.the wolf, to add to the warmth of the dwelling. Sometimes the soft inner bark of the bass wood was used for the same purpose. The cabin was lighted by means of greased paper windows. A log would be left out along one side, and sheets of strong paper well greased with " coon '" grease or bear oil, would be carefully tacked in.

The above description only applies to the earliest times, Itefore the buzzing of the saw-mill was heard within our borders. Tlie furniture comported admirably with the house itself, and hence, if not elegant, was in perfect taste. The tables had four legs, and were rudely nnide from a puncheon. Their seats were stools, having three or four legs. The bedstead was in keeping with the rest, and was often so contrived as to permit it to be drawn up and fastened to the wall during the day, thus ati'ording more room for the family. The entire furniture was simple, and was framed with no other tools than an axe and auger. Each man was his own carpenter, and some displayed considerable ingenuity in the construction of implements of agriculture and utensils and furniture for the kitchen and house.

Knives and forks t\wy .sometimes Isad and sonietimes had not. Tho common table knife was the jaek-kuife or butcher knife. Horse collars were sometimes made of the plaited husk of the maize, sewed together. They were easy on the neck of the horse, and, if tug traces were used, would last a long time. Horses were not used vei-y much however, as oxen were almost exclusively used. In some instauce.s carts and wagons were constructed or repaired by the self-reliant settler, and the wonderful creakings of tlie untarred axles could be heard at a great dist.mce.

The women corresponded well with the virtuous women spoken of hi the last chapter of Proverbs, for they "sought wool and flai: and worked willingly with their hands." They did not, it is true, make for themselves -- coverings of tapestry," uor could it be said of them that their " clothing was silk and purple ; "" but they *' rose while it was yet night and gave meat to their household," and they "girded their loins with sti'englh and strengthened their arms." " They looked well to the ways f>f their household and ate not the bread of idleness." They laid their hands to the spindle and to the distalV" and '- strength and honor were in their clothing." In these days of furbelows and tlounces, of lace and velvet trimmings, when from twenty to thirty yards are required by one fair damsel for a dress, it is refreshing; to know that tho ladies of that ancient time considered eight yards an extravagant amount to put into one dress. The dress was usuallv made plain, with four widths in the skirt and two front ones cut gored. The waist was made very short, and across the shoulders behind was a draw string. The sleeves were enormously large and tapered from shoulder to wrist, and the most fashionable - for fashiiju, like love, rules alike the '- court and gvo\c " - were padded so u.s to resemble a bolster at the upper part, and were known as "mutton legs" or "sheep shank sleeves." The sleeve was kept in shape often by a heavily starched lining. Those v/ho could afford it used feathers, which gave the sleeve the appearance of an iuthited balloon from elbow up, and wore known as "pillow sleeves." Many bows and ribbons were worn, but scarcely any jewelrv. The tow-dress was superseded by the cotton gown. Around the neck, instead of a lace collar or elegant ribbon, there was arranged a copperas colored neckerchief. In going to church or other public gathering, in summer weather, they sometimes walked barefooted, till near their destination, when they put on their shoes or moccasins. They were contented and even happy without any of the elegant articles of upjtarcl now used by ladies, and considered necessary articles of dress. Ruffles, fine laces, silk hats, kid gloves, false curls, rings, combs, and jewels were nearly unknown, nor did the lack of them vex their souls. Many of llieni were grown before they ever saw the interior of a dry goods store. They were reared in simplicity, lived in siniplicitv and wore liappv in simplicity. It may be interesting to speak more specificallv regarding cookery and diet. Wild meat was plentiful. The settlers generally brouglit some food with them to last till a crop could be raised. Small patches of Indian corn were grown, which, in the earliest days of the settlement, were beaten in a nimtar. The meal was made into a coarse but wholesome bread, on which the teeth could not be ver}' tightly shut on account 6f the grit it contained.

Johnny-cake and pones were served up at dinner, while mush and milk made the favorite dish for supper. In the 6re-place hung the crane, and the Dutch oven was used in baking. The streams abounded in fishes, which formed a healthful article of food. Many kinds of greens, such as dock and poke, were eaten. The " truck patch "" furnished roasting ears, pumpkins, lieans, squaslies, and potatoes, and these were used l>y all. F(u- reaping-bees, log-rollings and houseraisings, the standard dish was pot-pie. Cotlee and tea were used .sparingly, as they were very dear, and tiie hardy pioneer thought them fit only for women and children. They said they would not ''stick to the ribs." jNIaple sugar was much used and honey was only five cents a pound. Butter was the same price, while eggs were only three cents a dozen. The utmost good feeling prevailed. If one killed hogs, all shared. Chickens were to i)e seen in great numbers around everv doorway, and the gol)ble of the turkey and tlie cjuack of the duck were heard in the land. Nature contrib'hted of her fruits. Wild grapes and jdunis \\-ei-e to be found in their season along the streams. The women manufactured nearly all the clothing worn by the family. In cool weather gown.s made of " linsey-woolsey " were worn by the ladies. The chain was of cotton and the tilling of wool. The fabric was usually plaid or striped, and the ditierent colors were blended according to the taste of the fair maker. Colors were blue, copperas, turkey red, light blue, etc. Every house contained a cardloom and spinning wheel, which were considered by the women a.s necessary for them as a riile was for the men. Several different kinds of cloth were made. Cloth was woven from cotton. The rolls were bought and spun on little and big wheels into two kinds of thread, one the "ch;iln," :uk1 the other the '- filling." The nii>re experienced only spun tiic chain, tlie younirer the tilling. Two kinds of looms were in nsc. The primitive in construction was called the side loom. The tranie of it consisted of two pieces of scantling runing obliquely from the floor to the wall. Later the I'nune loom, which was a great improvement over the other, came in use. The men and boys wore jeans .ind linsey-woolsey hunting shirts. The jeans was colored either light hlue or butternut. Miiuy times, when the men gathered to a log-rolling, or a barn-raising, the women would assemble, bringing their spinning wheels with them. In this way, sometimes as many as ten or twelve would gather in one room, and the pleasant voices of the fair spinners, wouhl mingle with the low hum of the spinning wheels. Oh ! golden early days !

Such articles as could not be manufactured, were brought to them from the nearest store by the mail carrier. These were few. however. The men and boys, in nituiy instances, wore pi.ntaloons made of the dressed skin of the deer, which then roamed the prairies in large herds. The young man who desired to look captivating in the eyes of the maiden whom he loved, had his " l)ucks " fringed, which lent them a not uupleasi ng etlect. ileal sucks were also made of buckskin. Caps were made of the skins of the fox, of the wolf, wildcat and muskrat, tanned with fur on. The tail of the fox or wolf often hung from the top of the caj), lending the wearer a jaunty air. Both sexes wore moccasins, which in dry weather, were an excellent sub.-titute for shoes. There were no shoemakers, and each family made its own shoes.

The settlers were scinirated from their neighbors often by miles. There were no church houses, or regular services of any kind to call them together; hence, no doubt, the cheerfulness with which they accepted invitations to a house-raising, or a log-rolling, or a corn husking, or a bee of any kind. To attend these gatherings, they would sometimes go ten or more miles. Generally M'ith the invitation to the men, went one to the women, to come to a quilting. The good woman of the house, where the festivities were to take place, would be busily engaged for a day or nmre in preparation for the coming guests. Great quantities of provisions were to be prepared, for dyspepsia was unknown to the pioneer, and good appetites were the rule and not the e\(;eplion. The bread used at these frolics was baked generally on johnny or journey-cake boards, and is the best corn bread ever made. A board is made smooth, about two feet long and eig!U iiichns vride, the ends are goneraUy rounded. Th.e dou^Ii is spread out ou this board and pUui'd leaning before the lire. Une side is liakod an'] thi' dongli is ehanged on llie board, .so the other side is presented in its turn to the tire. Tliis is johnny eake, and is good, if the pi'oper materials are juit in the dougli and it is properly baked. At all the log-rcdlings and house-raisings, it was custonuiry to provide liquor. E.\cesses were not indulged in, however. The fiddle was never forgotten. After the day's work had been aceoniplished, outdoors and in, by sueu and women, the Hoor was cleared aud the merry dance began. The handsome, stalwart yoting men, whose tine forms were the result of their manly out- door life, clad iu fringed buckskin trowsers, and gaudily colored lumtiug shirts, led forth the bright-eyed, ijuxom damsels, attired in neatly ticting, linseywoolsey garments, to the dance, their cheeks glowing with health and eyes speaking of enjoyment, ani.1 perhaps of tenderer emoiioii. In pure pioneer times, the crops were never husked on the stalks, as is done at this day, but were hiiuled home in the luisk and thrown hi a heap, genei-ally i)y the side of the crib, so that the ears when husked could be throwu direct into the crib. The whole ueighborhoiid, male and female, were invited to the " shucking," as it was called. The girls and many of the married ladies, generally engaged in this amusing work.

In the first place, two leading ex[»ert huskers were chosen as captains, and the heap ot corn divided as nearly equal as possible. Kails were laid across the piles, so as to designate the division ; and then each captain chose alternately his corps of huskers, male aud female. The whole number of working hands present were selected on one sidi.' or the other and then each p;irty commenced a contest to beat the other, which was in many cases truly exciting. One other ride was, whenever a male hu-ked a red ear of corn, he was entitled to a kiss from the girl.s. This frequently e.vcited much fuss and scuffling, which was intended by both parties to end in a kiss. It was it universal practice that taifa, or Monongahela whisky was used at these husking frolics, which they drank out of a bottle ; each one, male and female, taking the bottle and drinking out of it, and then handing it to his or her neighbor, without using any glass or cup. This custom was common and not considered rude. Almost always, these corn-shuckings ended in a dance. To prepare for this amusement, fiddles and fiddlers were in great demand, and it often required

About dark, when the supper was half over, the bu.-tle and confusion coninieneed. The confusion of the tonirues at B;ibel wonhJ have been ashameil at the corn-shucking. The \oung ones liurr\'inir oil the table, aiiij the oM ones eonteniliiig for time and order. It was the case in nine tinios out of ten, but (Uie dwelling-house was on the premises, and that used for eating as well as dancing. But when the fiddler commenced tuning his instrument, the music always gained the victory tor the younger side. Then the dishes, victuals, table and all, disappeared in a t'ew minutes and the room "as cleared, the dogs driven out, ani-l the floor swept off. ready for action. The floors of these houses were sometimes the natural earth, beat solid ; .sometiuscs much excitement was displayed to get on the llocu- first. Generally the tiddler, on tliese occasions, assumed an ini])ortant bciiring, and ordered in true professional style, so and so to bo dcuie, as that was the way in North Carolina where he was raised. Tlie decision ended the contest for the floor. In those days thov danced jiijs and fourhanded reels, as they were called. S(jmetimes, three-handed reels were danced. lu these dances there \\ as no standing' still ; all were moving at a rapid pace from beginning to end. In the jigs the bystanders cut one another out, so that this dance would last for hours. The bottle went around at these parties, as it did at the shuckings, and male and female took a dram out of it, as it was passed around. No sitting was indulged in, and the folks either stood or danced all night. The dress of these hard}' pioneers was generally homespun. The hunting shirt ,wiis much worn at tJiat tiiue, which is a convenient workinir or dancing dress. In the morning, all go home on horseback or on foot. No carriages, wagons, or other vehicles were used on these occasions, for the best reasons - because they had none.

"Alike all a2:es; dames of ancient days Have led their childreu through the mirthful maze, And the gray grandsire, skilled in jestic lore, Has frisked beneath the burden of tliree score."

The amusements of that dav' were more athletic and rude than those of to-day. Among the settlers of a new country, from the nature of the case, a higher value is set upon physical than mental endo\vment?. Skill in woodcraft, superiority of muscular development, accuracy in sliootiiif^ with the rifle, activity and swiftness of foot, were quulificntioiis th:it broueiil their [)osscssors fame. Foot-r;icin;j was i>rac-tised, and ofleii the l>o_vs and vouuiz men eniza^eil iri friendly contc^ls witli the Indians. Every man had a rifle and always kej)! it in good oriU-r ; his flints, bullets, hullet-nioulds, screw-driver, awl, butcher-knife and tomahawk were fastened to the shot-jjoueh strap, or to the l>elt around the waist. Target-shooting- was much practised, and shots were made, by the hunters and settlers, with flint-lock rifles, tluit cannot be excelled by their descendants, with the improved breech-loaders of tiie present (hiy.

At all gatherings, jumping and wrestling were indulged ; and those who excelled were henceforth men of notoriety. At their shooting matches, which were usually for the prize of a turkev, or a gallon of whiskey, good feeling generally prevailed. If disputes arose, they were oi"leii settled l)y a square stand-up flght, and no one thought of using oilier weapons than fists. They held no grudges after their fights, for this was considered unmanly. It was the rule, if a fisht occurred between two persons, the victor should pour water for tlie defeated, as he washed away the traces of the fray, id'ter which the latter was to perform the same service for the former.

Pionekr Mills

Among the first were the " band mills," a description of which will not prove uninteresting. The plan was cheap. The horse-power consisted of a large upright shaft, some ten or twelve feet high, with sonie eight or ten long arms let into the main shaft and e.xtending out from it fifteen feet. Auger holes were bored in the arms on the upper side at the end, into v.hich wooden pins were driven. This was called the "big wheel," and was about twenty feet in diameter. The raw-hide belt or tug was uiado of skins taken off of beef cattle, which were cut into strips three inches wide ; these were twisted into a round cord or tug, which was long enough to encircle the circumference of the bi^ wheel. There it was held in place by the wooden pins, then to cross and ()ass under a shed to run round a drum, or what is called a " truunel head," which was attached to the grinding apparatus. The horses or oxen were hitched to the arms by means of raw-hide tugs ; then walking in a circle, the machinery would be set in motion. To grind twelve bushels of corn was considered a good day's work on a baud mill.

The most rude ami primitive method of mamit'acturiiig meal was hy the use of the grater, wliereb}- the ineal was forced through tiie holes !iud fell down in a vcs.-icl jire[):ir('d to i-eccive it. An iniproveiueiit on this was tlie liand mill. Tiie stones were smaller than those? oi' the hand mill, and were j)ropelled l>y man or woman power. A hole is made in the upper stone, and a st;iff of wood is [lut in it. and the other end of the stafl' is put llirough a hole in a plaid< above, so thac the whole is free to act. Oric or two persons take hold of this statf and turn the upper stone as rapidly as possible. An eye is made in the upper stone, through which the corn is put into the mill with the hand, in small quantities, to suit the mill instead of a hop|ier. A mortar wherein corn was beaten into meal is made out of a large round log, three or four feet long. One end is cut, or burnt, out so as to hold a peck of corn, more or less, accordiug to circumstances. This mort.ir is set one end on the ground, and the upper end to hold the corn. A sweep is [ii-epared over the mortar, so that the spring of the pole raises the jiisLon, and the hands at it fiirce it so hard down on thecoru that after much beating the meal is manufactured.

The pictures here drawn of the pioneers, their modes of livins:, their customs and amusements, while lacking entire completeness, we feel are accurate and truthful. The reader, after perusing our chapter iu the history of Howard county, in reference to tlie same subjects, in connection "ivith this cliapter, will get a fair idea of pioneer times.

Chariton Couuty Organized and it-. RiMindarits Delined - The Clerk's Ofliees Burned - The Court-IIouse Burned - First Circuit Court - David Todd tirst judse - Edward Cabell first Circuit Court Clerk - Ephraim Moore, tirst Sheriff - Haruiltoa R. Gamble, the fast Circuit Attorney- First Grand Jury- Early Attorneys - Commissioners to Locate Couuty Seat - First Suit - Proceedinirs of the First Courts - Report of Commissioners on Location of Coantv Seat - October Terui - Early Marriaj;es.

At a session of tlie Legislature wliich met ut St. Charles in t Ik? winter of ISiO, liie net orfcaiiiziug Ciiariton, Boone and R:iy counties was pa'^sed. All tiiat section of countiy lying north of Chai'iton county aiul extending to the Iowa line, was annexed to Chariton county, for all civil, military and judicial purposes, thus giviiiothe county jurisdiction over an extensive territory, emhracing the country west from the Howard county line, to the eastern boundary of Ray county, the counties of Linn, SuUi\'aii, Putnam and a part of Adair and Schuyler counties. The pi'csent limits of Chariton county, as delined by the Legislature, are as follows: -

"Beginning at a point in the middle of the [Missouri ri\er, where the line between sections 17 and -0, townshi[i .")1, range 17 west, intersects the same ; thence with the we-.tcrn line of Howai'd county, thence with the north line of Howard county to the sectional line which divides range lU into equal parts ; thence north to the line between townships 5(5 and 57 ; thence we.st with said line to a point wdiere Locust creek crosses the same : thence down the middle of said creek to the middle of the main channel of Grand river ; thence down said river, in the middle of the main channel thereof to the Missouri river : thence down said Missouri river in middle of the main channel thereof to the beginning."

The records to which the lii>furian would naturally turn t'or intbriQutioii concerniiiL' the early history ot' the county (the records of the county court) haye unt'orl unatcly hcen destroyed in Chariton county, from the date ot' its organization to N()venil)er 11, 18til. Beinj; ilepriyed ot' this ^.ource of information, which is not onl_\- detiiiite but authentic, we are compelled in oui- in\'estigation>; after the truth, to rely, to ^omc extent, ui^ou traditions and contemporaneous facts, which hear uijon tlie same periods of time.

The records of deeds were also destroyed, from 1821 to 1S26 ; deeds of trust, from January, IS.'i'J, to Noycmber 11, 1861, and the marriage record, from 1S52 to 18ol.

The county and circuit clerks' offices were detached from the old court-house and were located in the southwest corner of the courthouse yard. On tiie night of November 11,1881, a litile after nudnight, Senator Andrew Mackav dij^covereil from the hotel a tire in the direction of the court-house. He, with J. C. Crawley, at once went to tile court-house and sa.w that the clerk.-^" othce uas on fire. How it occurred and why the building was set on tire, has never been ascertained, ^^'ilen these gentleman arriyed on the ground, the roof of the County clerk's othce was falling in and the roof of the circuit clerk's ofhce was just becoming ignited. A\'itliout a moment's hesitation the door of the liuilding wa> broken open, when Mr. Crawlev entered and threw out the books belonging to that ofKce.

On the 20th of September, 18i)4, the iujshwackers under Todd, Threldkill and other desperate and dangerous characters, came into Keytesville and burnt the court-house, under the plea that it was used as a place of rendfzvous for the .Union soldiers and militia. Had it not been for the timely interference of Judge Lucien Salisbury, who was at the time in the town, these vandals and iconolasts would have burnt the recorils with the building. The judge prevailed upon them to permit him to take out the records. The leader of the band told him he would give him five minutes in which to get the records out of the building, but before the time was up the house had been.

Judge David Todd, tiie presiding and sole judge of said court, First Judicial Circuit, being jirescnl, iiroiluced the f<dlo\ving conuni^sions :

" Know you, That reposing >ii.x'ial trust and contidence in the integrity, learning and ability of David Todd, esquire, 1 have nominated and 1)}' and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him circuit judge of the tii'st .Tu<licial Circuit in the State of Missouri, and do authorize and emimwer him to discharge the duties of said office according to law. To have and to hold the said otEce with all the right>, privileges ami emoluuieuts therewith ap[)ertaining, unto him, the said Da\id U'odd, during good l)ehavior, iniless sooner rem<n'cd according tct \a\v. In testimony whereot', 1 have affixed in\ jiri\ate seal. (There being no seal ol" State yet provided.) Given under my hand at St. Louis, the oth tlay of Deceuii)er, A. D. 1821, and of ih.e Independence of the United Stales the forty-tifth.

It will be liotieed from the above commission, that the capital of the State was then at St. Loui>, and that the State of Missouri had not been fully admitted into the Union, that event being conlirmed August 10th, 1831, by the Legislature which met at St. Charles.

AU of tliese are deail, the last: survivor hiiinii' Nathaniel Butler, who died in LSiiS, at the ago of about 7-1 years, yiv. Butler represented (Jhariton county in tlic Lower House of the Legislature in 18J7 or 1858.

The attorneys present u})on the first day of the court were Cyrus Edwards, John C. Mitchell, William J. Redd, Joseph I. Monroe, John Paj'iie, Andrew S. ]McGirk and Hamilton R. Gamble.

The commissioners, Richard ^Voodsou, Lawson Dunnington, Hiram Craig, William Pearce and Baylor Banks, appointed by the Legislature in 1820 to locate the county seat, appeared, gave bond and took the required oath.

The tirst suit v.-as was entitled " James McGunegie, plaintiff', against Jonathan S. Findlay, defendant," and was based upon a petition to foreclose a mortgage. The third suit, civil action., was brought by Dull" Green, plainlitf, against Edv.-ard B. Cabell, defendant, on an ac count. The tirst Jury trial was had on a case entitled. "John Gaither et al, against Uriah T. Hcntl'man," a civil action, which had l)ecn appealed from a justice of the peace to the Circuit Court.

John Wigginton, John R. White, Sylvanus Warren, Jonathan S. Findlay, Peter Lyon, Richardson Terrel, Joseph Bntterfield, Thomas Watson, James Reddick, Stephen Donoiioe, David Love and James Morin, were the jurors, who not being able to agree upon a verdict, wei-e discharged.

Second Term

The court met again June 25, 1821. The grand jury impanelled at this term of the court was composed of Daniel Ashley, foreman, Josiah Brown, S. Johnson, A^'illiam Cabeen, Peterson Parks, John Vance, Samuel Campbell, Thomas Watson, Thomas Botts, John M. Fowler, Frederick W. Banihiek, Wright Hili, Pleasant Browder, William Harrington, George Burckhartt, Thomas Bradley, James Temple, John Tooly, and Daniel Beggs. The first State case was "The State of Missouri against Setli Boths and John Moore." Two other indictments were found and the grand jury discharged.

John r. llyluud, Dahaoy C;ut and Cieorge Tompkins were r.dinictcd as practising attorneys. A number of cases were tried and disposed of. The conitnissioiiers, to locate the county seat, made the followingreport : -

" That, the permiuient seat of jrastice for the said countv of Chariton, he fixed in the town of Ciiariton, and that courts in the future are to lield in the brick-house in the public sipiure. That the deed made to the commissioners fos- the beuetit of Chariton county is hei'ewiiii submitted for your approval ; however, it is to be observed, tliat subsequent to the signing of the jiower of attorney by Sahret Jolmson to Dad' Green, to grant any concession of pid)lic lots, which may be found necessary to secure a couutv seat in said town. That Subret Joliuson has coureycd to Tlionuis Joice, but is, notwithstaridiug, \villing to all and everything Green nuiv lawfully do concerning tlic premises, and has authorized Baylor Banks or Sabret Johnson to confirm the same on his part. Should you in TOur opinion think it necessary to have Bank's or Johnson's contirmation (which is in my humble opinion just), it can i)e had as 'Mv. Banks and Johnson are at hand, and 1 believe will have no objections. We are, with due respect, etc., June 25, ISiIl.

Henry, T. Williams, Peyton R. IIa}clen, ami Abiel Leonard were admitted as practising attorneys. This term of the court continued two days, and was occupied with tlie trial of one or two criminal and several ordinary ci\ ii suits.

John R. Guy was recognized as the tirst administrator, he havinu: been appointed b}' the Circuit Court of Howard county as such to administer upon the estate of Lewi.- Gray, deceased.

The following are some of the earliest marriages that took place in the county. Among the names of the contracting parties, tlie present generation will doubtless recognize tiie names of many of their ancestors.

I, Joliu M. Fowler, :i justice of Ihc [)eacc, do l!ei'el)y certifj thr»t I solemnized the rights of iiKitriniony between John ^Montgomery and Elenor Moore, on the thirteenth day of January, 1820, in tiic township of Chariton. Given under my hand this 2tjUi day of January, 1821.

I, Jolm M. Fowler, a justice of the peace, do hereby certify that I solemnized the rites of matrimony between Absalom MeDaniel and Polly AVolfscale, on the 12th of October, 1820, in the township of Chariton. Given under my hand this 2l3th day of Jannaiy, 1821.

Be it remembered, that the undersigned, a justice in and for tho county aforesaid, did join together in matrimony, the 22d day of July last, Samuel Gibbs and Mary Barnes. Given under my hand, this 23d day of July,' 1821.

Sir: - This is to certify, that on the 11th day of October last, I celebrated the rights of matrimony between Josiah Shockley and Nancy Clark, both of Chariton county. Given under my hand, this 26th day of November, 1821.

I, George Burck'aartt, u jiij^ticc of the peace, within and tor the county afoiesaid, do hereby certify, that on the third day of March, 1822, I solemnized the rights of matrimony between John Cooley and Polly Kitcliens. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this first day of April, A. D. 1822.

Boiuidury - Physical Features - Old Settlers - Chariton - Its Early History - OKI Residents - Kev. Jno. M. Peck - His Visit and \Vhat He Saw - Schools - Woman Preacher - Incidents - Tobacco - Decline of Chariton - Monticello - Its History- Thorutonsburg - Louisvillc-on-Misjoiiri- Mai! Facilities - Comparison - Jud^e John M. Davis - Forest Green - First German Settlement.

The oouiity was ofioiniilly nrganized with Grand Iviver, BulValo Lick, Prairie and Chariton towuships. In 1840, the county was again divided into Misfsouri, Bowling (ireen, Brunswick, Triplctt, Cunningham, Yellow Creek, Salt Creek, ^Mendon, and Muscle Fork townships. These townships were composed of what was theii called Butl'ulo Lick township, with one voting precinct located at Brunswick.

There are now (188.3) sixteen townships, to-wit : Bee Branch, Cockrell, Cunningham, Yellow Creek, Clark, Mendon, Salt Creek, Muscle Fork, Triplett, Brunswick, Keytesville, Bowling Green, Wayland, Charlton, Salisbury, and ^Missouri townships.

In giving the history of the townships, we shall have more regard to their importance and early settlement in the order of time, than to their alphabetical arrangement. ^Ve shall Itegin with Clniriton, it being the first settled in the county and including within its area the homes of those early pioneers who sutlered and braved and endured so much, that their descendants might enjoy the fruits of their labors, theTr patience and tiieir privations. AVithin this township was located the first seat of justice ; here were gathered the pioneer lawyers, the judges, the doctors, the officials, and that heterogeneous class of adventurers, who follow in the wake, but never in the forefiont of civilization. Here too were witnessed the first eflbrts ut farming and the building of the embryo mill and manufactories, which were but an earnest of what may be seen in the county now. Here too occurred the first marriages, the first births, and here, too, repose the asiies of the earliest death In fact, Chariton towusliip was

Ciiat'iton towiishii) takes its name from Grand Chariton river, which skirts a portion ot" ii^ western IjouiidarN'. It is hounded on the north by Keytesvilie and Salisbury tdwuships ; on tlie east by H>)ward county ; on the snuth by Srdine county, from which it is separated by the Missouri river, and on the west by ]Mis.--ouri township.

The eastern part of the towndiip is rolling : the northern jnirt is high land, descending into bottom land. The soil is rich and highly productive. But little rock is found in the township. Timber is abundant and occupies a larger area of the township than prairie land. This township is traversed l)_y Grand Chariton river, Little Chariton river, East fork of Chariton river and Doxie fork.

Old Skttlers

Among the early settlers of Chariton township were liirani Craig, Col. John M. Bell, Samuel Forest, John Toolev, Joseph Vance, William Crawford, John Fowler, James Fowlei', Thomas ^yatson, Abram Lock and his sons, Thomas, John I)., N. P., IL P. aud Wm. AL Lock.

For the names of other old settlers in Chariton township, the reader is referred to the succeeding pages of this chapter and also to the address of Charles J. Cabell, which will lie found in our chapter entitled "Old Settlers' Reunions."

The early settlers of the county, in speaking of the ab.ove named town, alway:^ called it " Old Chariton," not because there was another and a newer town bearing the same name, but because it was the oldest and first settled town in the county. It was located in Chariton township, on the Chariton river, about one mile from the junction of that stream with the Missouri, and on sections 5 and 6, township 51, range 17. Duff Green and Sabrct Johnson were the original proprietors of the town site. It was laid out in the spring .of 1817, nboiit t\v.) yc.a-> later t!i:u\ Old Fninlvlin, iti Iloward oouiity. It l)eiiig the most u'cstoi-ii town op. the Mi-smiri livcr when founded, it grew rapidly jind gave promise of rivrilling even St. Lmiis, a? :i place of coiiiiiiercial iriiportaiice. So anihitious was the little town, and so bright seemed its future, that "William Cabecn, a slioemaker, as already stated in the liistory of Howard coun1^', sold hi> property in St. Louis, n block near the court-liouse, for $o,000, and invested the money in Chariton. The St. Louis proixrty is now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, wliile Chariton, tiic onee lunbitions and thriving little city, is but a thing of tlie past, living oidy in the memory of the few old settlers, who knew it. in tlic days of its prosperity. The town contained about 1,200 people at one time, which was the greatest number that it ever contained. At this time it had seven dry goods and general stores, two saw and grist mills and three hotels. Upon the authority of IJobertson Moore, who nf)w resides at Glasgow, the old town of Chariton, when first located, was within four hundred yards of the [Missouri river. The river, hov.evcr, has receded until the town site is now fully one mile from its banks. Mr. Moore settled in Chariton in 1S17. lie says that it was generally understood bv the earlv settlers, at the time of L(!wis and Clart's expedition in 18n4, that the Missouri river ran where Chariton w.is afterwards locatcil. He further states that the river was fordable in 1S17, in the month of August, above Glasgow, at what has since l)een known as the Ba^dor Banks place.

John iL Peck, D.D., visited Chariton in January, 1819, and while there was a guest of General Dutl' Green. In speaking of his visit in his memoirs, he has this to say of the towTi, of its location ajid people : -

"Chariton, cmitaining about thii'tv families, has been laid oil' on ,t stream of the same name. In the winter of 181tj-17 it was tlie wintering ground of a trilic of Indians. The following summer three or four log cabins were erected. Within a year the increase has been rapid, and, in view of trade and business, it is thought to be superior to any situation on the Missouri river. The Chariton consists of tjireo principal streams or branches that take their rise in the great prairies i'liv in the north, each of whi(.'h when not unusually low is navigable for keel-boats. These bi-anches unite their waters in or.e noble channel as they approach the town, forming a stream navigaljle for steamboats, and a safe harbor at all seasons.

lies the town site, the lowci- end ot' the circle toucljiiig on the I\Iissouri. On the east s^ide of the town-phit lies ;i range of hills or hlutVb. giving a romantic and variegated appearance. Sunie like pyramids rise abruplly into the air, and from their summits show one of the most delightful prospects in nature. Ascending one ol' these Iduffb. which rose majestically fiom the town site, I had an extensive view of the surrounding country. To the west ami northwest tlie prospect is almost boundless.

"There are several very respectable and intelligent families in this town, and several umpiestionably pious. At night I Cidled the attention of the ladies to the t'ornnition of a ' Female Mite Society,' to aid the ' United Society for the Si)read of the Gospel,' in sustaining some of our preachers in tra\elling and preaching in destitute settlements. This ' uiite society ' was organized the following week, with twenty-two members, who subscribed $3(). The ofticiating persons chosen were Mrs. Luoretia M. Green, president; ilrs. Henrietta C. D. Finlev. secretary : Mrs. Polly Allen, treasurer; and Mrs. ]\hiry Ann Campbell and ]Miss Ann Green, assistant directors. In the following spring the first Sabbath school west of St. Louis was commeueed in Chariton. It became au.xiliary to the - Philadeljihia Sunday and Adult School Union," which was the progenitor of the American Sunday School Unir)n. About this period the Baptist missionaries held some correspondence and had some thoughts of making Chariton a station for the ' ^\'estern Mission.' ""

From the above extract, we learn several interesting facts concerning Chai'iton - lacts that are altogether relial_>le - because they were written. c<Mitemporancously with the existence of the things therein mentioned.

The doctor says that the town contained a population of about thirty families in January, 1810, which would probaldy make the number of inhabitants reach 175 persons, all told, at that time. He also says that a tribe of Indians wintered upon the town site in 181t)-17. and that during the following summer, which was the summer of 1817, three ov four log-cabins were erc^cted. It is known that the Sac and Iowa Indians were here then, aiid that these tribes remained in the count_\' (going out in the sueiinier and returniuL'' in the fall ami winter) until 18i8. Tlie lowas liad camped in the neighborhood of wlieie old Chariton was afterwards built, for inan\- years, and had doubtless wintered in that locality in 181(5-17. Their inot-t noted chief was White Cloud, who possessed many good traits of eiiaractei-. and was a fine looking Indian.

Wahoochce was the chief of the Sacs. The doctor speaks of orgaiiizintr ti " Female ^lite Society," giving the names of the otlieers, and says iu the spring of 18:?0 the first Sabbath school west of St. Louis was commenced in Chariton.

Among the early business men of Chariton were the firm of John Ross & Co., composed of John Ross, AViHiam Glasgow and Joliii Anil; General Dutl" Green, :uid Stephen Donalioe. all of whom had general stores. Captain White opened the first saloon. Joseph Brewer was a manufactni-er of hats. Lewis Green, a slave, who was at one time the property of DiilF Green, but at the tinie of which we speak, the proiperty of Jolm Moore, was the blacksmith. Frederick Beanbrick was the tailor, and the onl}- German settler, at that date, in the county. Isaac Campbell and Robertson Moore were the hotel-keepers. .Tames Sample,* a brother-in-law of Duff Green, and Duff Green himself, were the lawyers. Henry Bins was the carpenter, cabinetmaker, and Santa Fe trader. James Keytes, who afterwa.rds founded Kcytesville, was among the early residents of the town, and administered to the spiritual wants of the people as a Methodist preacher. The Baptists began tlie erection of a church edifice, but never finished it. This was the only building of the kind ever undertaken in the place. Among the pioneer, if mit tiie first, physicians, were Doctors Julm Holman. John Bull,t and Iloclor \\'illis Green, a brotlier of Dufl'Grecn. As early as 1820, tlierc was what was called a " Lf)an Office Bank" established in Chariton, with Colonel Henry T. Williams as manager and cashier. This institution collapsed in 1822, and was the occasion of some little excitement among those who were pecuniarily interested in it.

Kofrt-'r.--, who \v:i-^ also :i Baptist minister. He was an Eiiglislmiaii hj birtli and ediK-ation, ami was regarded as an oracle in that cornnnmity.

"The village all declared how ranch he knew; 'Twas certain he could write, and ciplier too ; Lauds he could mea^^ure, terras and tides pre^age; Aud even the .story rau that he could gauge."

He was a ninn of rigid discipline, and, in some respects, quite eccentric. 'J'lie other teaclier rejoiced in tiie jiecuiiar and unique cognomen of Jfijui Brov.'ujolui. One dav tlic larger boys of Brownjohu's school cojichided they ^\'ou]d go over and " clean out,'" as they said, the boys of Rogers' school. Thev went over en vias^e, when the schools we)-e dismissed at noon, aud two of the largest and l)ravest representatives of each scliO(^l did the fighting for all their comrades. William F. Davis, brother of Judge Jolm ]M. Davis, was the pugilist. of Kogers' school, and Brownjohu's forces were represented by another boy equally as large aud courageous. The battle was fought, and Davis came out victorious. Of course Kogers heard of the fight, and as sorui as school couveued in the afternoon, he called Davis to Iiim, as he had a number of times for similar oll'enccs, ai|d was iu the act of inllictiug corporal punishment upon him, when Davis, thinking that his teacher might not whip him if ho told him all about the fight, told him that the boys of Brownjohu's school had said that his teacher - meaning Rogers - "was nothing but an old Tory," aud he (Davis) took it up and whipped him for it. Rogers, who tlieu had the instrument of torture in his hand - a long, black ruler - ready to use it, stopped andtold Davis that iniderthe circumstances he would notpunish him. Rogers, although some forty years had passed since our revolutionary war, felt very keenly the force of the epithet " Old Tory," and was more sensitive, doubtless, upon the subject because he was by birth an Englishman. The incident serves to illustrate the oftrepeated saying, -' It is owing altogether to whose ox is gored." A man by the name of Pierce was also an early teacher.

A Woman Preachkr

In 1824, !i strange woman came to Chariton and wanted to preach for the people. The proposition was so new and startling in its character, that the citizens of the town concluded she was not in her right mind, and advised her to leave as soon as she could. The idea of a woinairs pi-eacliiiii,' h;id not, ;il that dny, been heurd of, o^ificciallv in this Western county, and the sovereigns ol' tlie soil Ihonglit the hare proposition upon her part showed ineontestilde proof of her lunacy. They thought that women should -

General Dull" Green was one of tlie most prominent and entcrpi'ising men ofthe town. He had a imrsonal diSieulty witli a man named John Campliell, and ^hot him through the body. Camphel! was riding througli tiie principal street of the town, when Green, who was .standing ill the door of his own business house, with a ritle in his hands. raised it and shot him. Campbell, however, did not fall from his horse, but rode onto the office of Doctor Holtnan, where he was lifted from his saddle and taken into the office. Campbell afterwards recovered and lived to accomplish a daring and rennirkable feat, as the following facts testify : Campbell paid his addresses to a yountr lady in tlie vicinity - a Mi.^s Amanda Pepper - whose father wus ()i;i)osed to her marriage with Campbell. Campbell and the young lady beeaine greatly attached. It was the custom in those days for the pioneer to keep his gun in a I'ack, on the inside of his house, over the door. Pepper always kept his gun in the rack when not using it. One afternoon, Campbell, [irepared with a gun, mounted his horse in Chaiaton and went to the house of his intended. When lie halted at the door, he saw the old gentleman in the house, who in.^tantly rose from his seat and .attempted to get hi.s gun. Campbell seeing him, presented his gun, and told him that if he moved lie would kill him. At the same lime, Campbell called to Mis? Amanda, and told her if she intended to go with him. to come and get up liehiud him. She mounted behind him "in hot ha-.te,"' and Canqibell rapidly disap[)eared down the road in company with his lady love, whom he married. The irate father was indignant emnigh to shoot Camiibell, but I'eariiig that he would kill liis daughter, whose person alone shielded tlie object of hi.s hatred, did not fire.

Tobacco

Judge John M. Feazle, who now (18S3) resides in Glasgow. Howard county, Missouri, came to Old Charitou, in 1833, from Virginia. and put up written notices through the town and county, informing tho people that lie woiilil iMirchase ail the tohacco tiit-y would raise lor three \ cars, and pa-\- tliom two dollars and a halt' a hiiiidrpd lor it. From this period llio ranncrs lieiian to raise tohat'co : Imt little was raised het'ore. Since then, (.'hariloii county has been one of the l»anner tohacco counties of all the ciniiities in tlic United States. (See chapter on A^rieultiire. )

In 1^25, the fortnnos of the little town, whicli had been so suecessfully planted in the wilderness, beizan to wane. The Chariton river had overflowed its banks, and ehise upon the reciHling waters came sickness and death to man}' of the inhabitants of the town, an<I to many of those who lived near its banks. Thatdreadc'il tlisease, malaria, which has in all ages of the world proven to be more destructive to armies than the sword or bullet, and tnore fata! in its ravages u[)ou human life than anything else, decimated the ranks of tlicse jiioueers after each flood I'rom the ri\'er. They, however, continued to dwell in Old Chariton. b( lie^-^ng that the felling of the forest trees in the immediate vicinity of the town, the o|)eiilng up of the county for settienieut, and the drainage of a i'aw of the swami)s and lagoons along the hanks of the river, would o:ive a more heaUhful climate. The s;!me condition of atTaii'.s existed year til'ter yea)-, until about 1840, when the town was abandoned, men leaving without even efiecting a sale of their pro])erty, and, in a few instances, leaving their half finished houses to rot and fall to the ground. Many of the inhabitants went to Glasgow, two miles below, which is o?ie (if the highest and m(/St healthful locations on the river. The first attem{)t to locate another town in the vicinit} of Chariton oci-nrred in 1831. During that year, 1831, Doctor John Grtives founded the town of Monticello, one mile east of Chai'iton. The doctor erected a building for a store, which was the only business house in the town, and, while building his dwelling house, he lost his lite. lie and a hired hand had crossed the Chariton river to get a load of sand, and wiiile returning in a canoe the doctor was drowned. Jt)shua Belden took charge of the doctor's business, and afterwards married his widow.

The town was beautifully located, and was regarded as a healthful situation. A number of gentlemen of wealth and S(jcial standing resided there. Among these were Walker Lewis, .Judge John M. Feazle, Stephen AV. Lewis, U'm. A. McClure, Judge John A. Clark, John P. Morris, Joshua Belden, and John A. Halderman. The town occupied section 4, township .')!, range 17. The next effort to build another town was made by R. B. 1'hornton, in 183'>, at what was culled the roiiit," :it the iiioiitli of tlie Cliariton, where the fen-y w;ib looatei!, on the Missouri river. This was on section 8, township .il, i'aii:^e 17.

The tir^t business house at this place was [)Ut np byjolin Mulligan. I'lie terry was riin l>y Andrew Thrash and R. B.Thornton. The new town was christened Tiiorntonsburg. and named after Mr. Thornton, who was one of the proprietors of the ferry. The first business house was put up by Mulligan. Other business houses were erected by Carson & Hays, and ntliers. Captain Thomas .Tovce, in the course of a few years, oaine from Ijouisville, Jventui.-ky, to Thorntoiisbnro'. }Ie owned or had some interest in the land upon which the town was located, and because involved in litigation with I'lirash and Thornton. The matter was finally settled, and Joj'ce christened the town anew, uauiing it Loni-ville-cm-Missouri. Tiie proprietors of the new town were Thornas Joyce, Tilly Emerson, and R. B. Thornton. Joyce did this in ISlO, after Glasgow was hiid out and settled two miles l»elow, and nuide every ellbrt to advance tlie interest of the town, thinking that Louis\ilie-on-Missouri would outcrop Glasgow, and lie the t'uture great city of the [Missouri valley. Like Old Chariton and Monticello, the town soon became a thing of the past, while Glasgow, its most dreaded rival, still survived.

Mail Facihtiks

There were no mail facilities west of old Cliariton until 1833, and no mails on the north side of the Missouri river through this section of country until that time. James Wilson was the original contractor for carrying the mail westward from Chariton. His >on was the tirst mail-bo3' put on the route between the towns of Chariton and Liberty' in Clay county, Missouri. The distance was one hundred and thirty miles by the route travelled. After two or three months Charles Manns succeeded Wilson's son, and he in turn was succeeded by John M. Davis, the present Judge Davis, who was then a lad of tifteen years. Davis carried the mail three months, commencing October 9, 1833, and never missed a trip, and never failed to be at a [lost-oilice when the mail was due. It required six days to make the round trip. The mail left Chariton on W'cdnesday, was taken to Keytesville, and then to Grand River, where the boy in ch;u-ge remained all night ; thence next morning to Carv's post-olTice, in Carroll county, and then to Henry Brewers' ferry on Crooked river, where he again stayed over_ night ; next n;orning lie took hi-(.':iki'ast :it EichiiioiKl, }iay county, reacliing Lilicrty the same evening ; lea%ing L/ilicrty Saturday morning he returned hy tlio same route, ari'iving at Cliariton on tlie al'ternoon of tlie following ]\Ionday. The eon)pen>atioii to the mail carrier was $9 per month, his hoard and e.\pen^scs paid, the carrier providing his own horse. The \\"e>t\vard hound mail-l)ag wouhl usually contain ahout three pecks of mail matter ; the mail for the ea-;t, coming from Liberty imd way places, would generally measure about as much as would h'll an ordinary silk hat, consisting exclusively of letters, for there were then no [ninting presses west of Old P'rankliu, Howard count}-. There is, perhaps, no one fact tliat im[)resses itself more torcibl}' upon our mintis of the marvellous growth of the A\'estei-n country than that which is presented by the in.-^titution ju,-t here, of a brief conijiarison. John M. ].)avis and his ponv were then the only means of tran.--i)orting the United States mail a ilistancc of 130 miles. Davis was a mere boy, physically weak and unable to do a man's \vork, but [josses'^ing a man's pluck and a man's energy, he alone, the boy that he was, was the all-sutllcient guardian and jirotec'oi' of the United States mail. cari-\ing it on horseback and delivering it in person to the most distant an<l remote settlement of the great West. I'lie mail whicli he carried, and which was the accumulation of a week, was not more than (.'iiough to convenienth' till the uld-tashioned ordinarv mail or saddle-bags.

Look at the facilities ami apjioinlments which arc now alforded by the government for i he transpoi-tation and dh-tribul ion of the mail along the same route. The noisy, iron horse has superseded the quiet, modest pony, travelling almost with the ra[)idit}- of the winds. The robust and health}'-looking route agent, who receives his $1KI i)er month, dresses tastefully in his >u\t of Idue and rides in a comfortable car, has long since superseded John Davis, who wore his suit of homespun butternut, receiving for his services $9 per month. We oi)serve, however, the more marked and greater change in these evidences of the growth and development of the country, in the amnuiit of mail matter tht-n and now. Three pecks in Imlk of mail ma.tter was sent westward then once per week ; now, alrmg the same route is distributed, perhaps, no less than one ton per dav, saving nothing of the many t(His which chilly go westward through Omaha and Kansas City. Block the railroa(.ls .it either one of the [daces named, for a week, and the amount of mail matter that would accumulate could never be moved and distributed were it not for the irreat number of these roiul.s wliioli iliverire from these great centre.s. The trusty jjo.-itbov, liowever tlcet of foot maj' he his steed, ami the old-f'ashioMeLl staire coach, however expeditious, would 1)C powerless to grapple with tliis mountainous aud eon-^lantlj increasing jiile of matter.

Forest Grkkn

was laid out hy John G. Forest, norlheast quarter of section 17, township 52, range 17, in 187;), on the K. and ]v. Railroad, which now connects Glasgow and Salisbury. The first hou.'>e was erected in ^lay, 1873, by M. Guerin, for a general store. Covey llerylbrd wus the first postmaster, Frederick Weisenhani Mas the lirst i)Iacksniith. D. Gochcy was the first carpenter. The town al present ( ISSo) contains two business houses, one blacksmith, one pli\>ician, a tobacco factory, a hotel, post-ofBce, and public scIiddI. L. P. Nichols was the lirst principal of the school. Silas Moore is the j)resent principal.

First Gkrman Sk Tti.E.Mknt

^Ve have already stated in this chapter that Frederick Deanbrich was the only German settler in Chariton county from 18"20 to 1S35. The first German settlement proper was made in 1888, four miles north of Glasgow, in the forks of the Chariton river, by Louis Coleman, John ZoUah and Doctor Louis Mycr.