USA > Kansas > Leavenworth County > History of Leavenworth County Kansas > Part 12
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The balance of free and slave states was continued till 1849; Arkansas (slave) was admitted in 1836 and Michigan (free) in 1837; Florida and Texas, both slave, in 1845; Iowa and Wisconsin, both free, in 1846 and 1848.
By 1850 the slavery question had grown to such enormity that such eminent statesmen as John C. Calhoun advocated secession of the slave states. This year what is known as the Clay Compromise was passed and contained the following provisions briefly stated:
(1) New Mexico to be organized and admitted with or without slav- ery as their constitution may prescribe.
(2) California be admitted as a free state.
(3) Utah bill organized Utah as a territory intended to be free.
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(4) A new fugitive slave law to try cases in a "summary manner".
(5) Prohibited slavery in the District of Columbia.
The bill in Congress proposed the organization of two territories, one to comprise the territory lying directly west of Missouri and extending west to the crest of the Rocky Mountains to be called Kansas ; the remain- der of the territory lying north of Kansas and west of Iowa, to be called Nebraska. Kansas was bounded on the north by Nebraska; on the east by Missouri; on the south by the 37th degree of North Latitude, a line dividing the Cherokees and Osages; on the west by the ridge of the Rocky Mountains. The bill was passed May 27, 1854, and signed by the President on May 30. The vote in the House was 113 yeas and 100 nays. The pro- visions pertaining to slavery are as follows :
First. That all questions pertaining to slavery in the territories and in the new states to be formed therefrom, are to be left to the decision of the people residing therein through their appropriate representatives.
Second. That all cases involving title to slaves and questions of per- sonal freedom are referred to the adjudication of the local tribunals, with the right of appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Third. That the provisions of the Constitution and laws of the United States in respect to fugitives from service are to be carried into faithful execution in all the organized territories the same as in the states,
The Missouri Compromise was positively annulled by the act. Stephen A. Douglas actively supported the measure which finally brought on the great Civil War. It was designed to uphold the aggressions of slavery but finally tolled its death knell. It meant two million men in arms, one-fourth million in soldier's graves, and the freedom of four million slaves.
So under the provisions of the foregoing act Leavenworth County, along with the rest of Kansas, was to be settled, government established and its institutions begun by the settlers. Up to the passage of this act of 1854 Leavenworth County may be said to have had no civilized residents except the soldiers sent to Fort Leavenworth, and a few missionaries to the Indians, together with a few fur traders.
In 1853, previous to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, all the eastern part of what is now Kansas was covered by Indian reservations and upon this territory white settlements were forbidden. The only exception being for government agents and religious missionaries. Immediately preced- ing the aforesaid act, treaties were secretly made with the various Indian tribes, consisting of the Delawares, Kickapoos, Shawnees, Sacs, Foxes,
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Otoes and other tribes, whereby a large part of the territory adjoining Missouri on the west was opened for settlement. These purchases of Indian land by the government was well understood by the Missourians of the western border. They had for some time been organizing societies such as "Blue Lodges," "Sons of the South" and others for the purpose of taking possession of the new territory for slavery.
Immediately following the passage of the aforesaid Kansas-Nebraska Act hundreds of Missourians crossed over into Leavenworth County, staked out large areas of land and held meetings to further their purpose.
With undue haste and before the time for occupancy of the Indians had expired the border Missourians occupied the greater portion of what is now Leavenworth County. They still retained their homes in Missouri and held squatters' claims in the adjoining territory.
As early as June 10, 1854, squatters held a meeting in Salt Creek Val- ley and formed an organization. The following resolutions were adopted by them:
Whereas, We the citizens of Kansas Territory and many other citi- zens of the adjoining State of Missouri, contemplating a squatter's home on the plains of said Territory, are assembled at Salt Creek Valley for the purpose of taking such steps as will secure safety and fairness in the loca- tion and preservation of claims; therefore be it
Resolved (1) That we are in favor of a bona fide Squatter Sovereignty, and acknowledge the right of any citizen of the United States to make a claim in Kansas Territory, ultimately with the view of occupying it.
(2) That such claim, when made, shall be held inviolate so long as a bona fide intention of occupying is apparent, and for the purpose of defending and protecting such claim, we agree to act in concert, if neces- sary, to expel intruders.
(3) That every person of lawful age who may be at the head of a family, who shall mark out his claim of 160 acres, so that it may be apparent how the same lies, and proceed with reasonable diligence to erect thereon a cabin or tent, shall be deemed to have made a proper claim.
(5) That all persons now holding claim shall have two weeks from this day, in which to make improvements contemplated by the foregoing resolutions.
(6) No person shall be protected by the Squatter's Association who shall hold in his own right more than one claim.
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(7) That a citizen of the Territory be appointed as register of claims, who shall keep a book in which he shall register the name and de- scription of all squatters, and their claims, and the dates of making the same for which registration he shall be allowed fifty cents, to be paid by the claimant.
(8) That we recognize the institution of slavery as always existing in this Territory, and recommend that slaveholders to introduce their property as soon as possible.
(9) That we will afford protection to no Abolitionists as settlers of Kansas Territory.
(10) That a "Vigilance Committee" be appointed by the chairman to decide upon all disputes in relation to claims, and to protect the right- ful party; and for that purpose shall have power to call together the entire "Squatter's Association".
(11) That all persons who wish to become members of the "Squat- ter's Association" shall subscribe to the foregoing preamble and res- olutions.
(12) That the Secretary of this meeting be instructed to hand these proceedings to E. S. Wilkinson and S. J. Finch, or either of them, for immediate publication and reference.
J. H. R. Cundiff, Secretary.
Lewis Burns, President.
Doubtless the pro-slavery element was stimulated to make settlement of the territory by the knowledge that organizations of the free state ele- ment were being formed in New England and other parts of the North. The sentiment along the Mississippi border was intense, especially just across the river from our county. The Salt Creek Valley meeting received extensive comment and the sentiment is shown in some of the following extracts from newspapers at that time:
The Democratic Platform, Liberty, Mo., June 8, 1854:
"We learn from a gentleman from the Territory of Kansas that a great many Missourians have already settled in that country, and are making arrangements to "darken the atmosphere" with their negroes. That is right. Let every man that owns a negro go there and settle, and our Northern brethren will be compelled to hunt further north for a loca- tion."
Also under date of June 27, 1854, same source:
"We are in favor of making Kansas a "Slave State" if it should re- quire half the citizens of Missouri, musket in hand, to emigrate there, and even sacrifice their lives in accomplishing so desirable an end."
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Platte Argus, Missouri, has the following:
"The abolitionists will probably not be interrupted if they settle north of the fortieth parallell fo north latitude, but south of that line, and within Kansas Territory they need not set foot. It is decreed by the people who live adjacent that their institutions are to be established, and candor compels us to advise accordingly."
The Industral Luminary, Parksville, Mo., June 20, particularly refers to the Salt Creek Valley meeting as follows:
"We give today, in another column, the resolutions passed at the meeting held in Kansas Territory on last week. They are more temperate than the Independence and Westport resolves. The claim-makers are right in organizing themselves, but they should avoid everything that savors of sectionalism. We hope fanatico-political combinations will be kept out of the new country, especially such as we read of being formed in some of the Eastern states. American freemen are wanted-not mercenary tools of furious demagogues either from the South or North."
The Baltimore Sun, on June 28, 1854, commenting on the Salt Creek Valley meeting states:
"According to these resolutions free-soilers will do well not to stop in Kansas Territory, but keep on up the Missouri River to Nebraska Terri- tory where they may peacefully make claims and establish their abolition and free soil notions; if they do they will be allowed one day's grace to take up their bed and baggage and walk. It is estimated 2,000 claims have already been made within fifteen miles of the military reserve, and in another week's time, double that number will be made.
Meetings were held across the river in Missouri and bands were organized for the purpose of crossing over into Kansas and taking over the polling places in behalf of slavery. Subscriptons were taken to de- fray the expenses of the parties. Some of them crossed over at Leaven- worth. The History of Clay County, Missouri, by Col. W. H. Woodson (1920) gives the following account:
"The troubles in Kansas began in 1853, when the Kansas-Nebraska bill was being discussed in the halls of Congress; this bill was passed by Congress, and repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820. The law left to the people of the territory to decide whether slavery should exist or be excluded therefrom. "The true intent and meaning of the act" as therein expressed, to be "not to legislate slavery into any state or territory, or exclude it therefrom," but to leave the people form and regulate their
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domestic relations as they pleased, subject only to the Constitution of the general government. The Free Soilers claimed that all public territories were to be admitted into the Union, as free States, and that slavery was to be excluded therefrom; on the other hand, this was denied by pro- slavery men; that under the Kansas-Nebraska bill, they had the right to vote in the territory of Kansas, there being no restrictions denying them the right. The Free State men clamed only actual settlers had the right to vote in the territory. Yet it became a notorious fact that "Emigrant Aid Societies" from New England, and parts of the North, sent hundreds of men, "armed with the Bible in one hand, and a Sharp rifle in the other," as expressed by a noted Northern preacher, for no other purpose than to vote to make Kansas a free state. This was known to the people of the Southern states, and was the cause of great excitement to Missourians, and particularly so to those living in the Western part of the state, who determined if the Free State men intended to import voters into the terri- tory, certainly the Missourians or any other persons had the right to ex- ercise suffrage at the same polls, to determine whether the territory should be admitted as a state, with or without slavery.
No subject for years had caused so much talk during 1854, and winter of 1855, as the Kansas question. Organizations, not only in Missouri, but the Southern States, were made to take suitable action in the premises. Western Missouri was very active. The border counties on the North side of the Missouri River, next to Kansas, held meetings and men were urged to go to Kansas, and be there by March 30, 1855, for an election was to be held to choose members of the Territorial Legislature. On the South side of the Missouri, and in counties bordering on Kansas, like meetings were held, and resolutions passed pledging the people to go to Kansas.
The people of Clay County were thoroughly aroused. A large and enthusiastic meeting assembled at the court house, and many of the best men of the country were enrolled into companies, and started for Kansas. Many who did not go in person, furnished horses, arms and provisions. Gen. David R. Atchison was the leader, chief adviser and commander of the men living in Northwest part of the state. These men crossed the river at Leavenworth, and on the day of election cast their votes at the various polling places in that section. The Missourians from the Southern and western part of the state, south of the Missouri River, were under the leadership of Congressman Samuel H. Woodson, at Tecumseh, and points in that part of Kansas, to cast their votes. The result of this, the first,
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election in Kansas, was that the pro-slavery candidates were elected by an overwhelming majority.
During the entire troubles in Kansas until it was admitted as a state into the Union, Clay County furnished men and means to aid the pro- slavery cause whenever called upon. On one occasion when the young men of the county were preparing to go to Kansas in aid of the pro-slavery cause the following subscriptions were obtained to pay their expenses: Col. James H. Moss, $20.00; J. T. V. Thompson, $50.00; John Purley, $10.00; A. G. Reed, $20.00; F. R. Long, $20.00; W. E. Price, $20.00; E. M. Samuel, $50.00; R. C. Thompson, $10.00; A. Withers, $20.00; David Lin- coln, $10.00 ; John Dougherty, $50.00; John Holbert, $50.00; W. H. Wymore, Bird & Co., $50.00; Joel Turnham, $50,00; W. E. Rhea, $10.00; R. M. G. Price, $50.00; John Mosby, $10.00; Garrard Long, $20.00; William Mc- Nelly, $10.00; Francis Henshaw, $25.00; J. M. Watkins, $10.00; Joseph Pfester, $5.00; John Arthur, $10.00; Spencer Anderson, $20.00; R. H. Miller, $10.00; William Onan, $10.00; M. Haines, $10.00; David Roberts, $25.00; Edwin Bell, $10.00; G. W. Gerden, $20.00; Thomas McCarty, $10.00; William Davenport, $10.00; Simpson McGaghey, $5.00; Capt. Anthony Harsel, $20.00; A. Lightburne, $50.00; Thomas Routt, $10.00; George Stone, $10.00; Thomas Fields, $50.00; Bernard Mosby, $10.00; A. J. Calhoun, $10.00; John Estes, $10.00; Wade Mosby, $50.00; Robert Ad- kins, $10.00; D. J. Adkins, $50.00; J. J. Moore, $10.00; S. R. Shrader, $50.00; John B. Talbott, $20.00; R. A. Neely, $20.00; John Berry, $10.00; M. Arthur, $50.00; Robert Reardon, $20.00; John Ecton, $20.00; Joseph Anderson, $50.00; David D. Miller, $10.00; M. V. Wymore, $10.00; Bland, Fisher & Co., $20.00; A. B. Everett, $10.00; M. Estes, $10.00; Andrew Robertson, $25.00; Elisha Cravens, $5.00; Samuel Homes, $5.00; Strother H. McGinniss, $25.00; O. P. Moss, $20.00; Fountain Waller, $25.00; Thomas C. Gordon, $50.00; Presley Gray, $10.00; Robert Thomason, $5.00; John D. Hall, $25.00; James Chanslor, $25.00; Gen. A. W. Doniphan, $40.00; William J. Stark, $10.00; J. D. Davidson, $20.00; John D. Ewing, $10.00; William Collins, $20.00; Joseph Lewis, $20.00; James Fleming, $25.00; T. J. Young, $10.00."
Eastern Emigration .- By the middle of the summer of 1854 emigrant aid companies were formed in the East and North, and the great flow of Northern emigration moved toward Kansas and especially toward the territory bordering on the west bank of the Missouri River. Up to August there were probably not more than fifty free state families in the terri-
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tory of Kansas, and most of them in the present boundaries of Leaven- worth County. Thenceforth this vicinity became the theater of the most momentous struggle known to the nation. It was the beginning of the final contest between freedom and slavery, and became the issue of life and death to the great Republic.
Leavenworth County in the Civil War .- Leavenworth County fur- nished more troops in the Civil War than any other county in the State, having the largest population. Many from the surrounding country sought refuge here and enlisted in the Union Army. Leavenworth seemed to be a vast camp for enlistment to suppress the Rebellion. A detailed account will not be attempted to be given here.
The first company mustered into service was the Steuben Guards under Capt. Gustavus Zesch and designed as Company I, First Kansas Infantry. The date given was May 27, 1861. It participated in the bat- tle of Wilson Creek and sustained a heavy loss. It took part in many other engagements.
By May 20, 1861, eighteen companies had been organized and were ready for service. These companies were known as follows:
Home Guards, Thomas Carney in command; Leavenworth Fencibles, J. B. Stockton in command; German Rifles, J. B. Huesgen in command; Leavenworth Guards, I. G. Losee in command; Emmett Guards, William Phillips in command; Steuben Guards, Gustavus Zesch in command; Dela- ware Guards, G. W. Gardner in command; Delaware Rifles, B. T. Twombly in command; Lincoln Rangers, William Freeland in command; Mounted Rifles, H. P. Johnson in command; Leavenworth Grays, A. H. Kent in command; Shields Guards, Daniel McCook in command; Phoenix Guards, Peter McFarland in command; Union Guards, Edward Cozzens in com- mand; Leavenworth Light Infantry, Powell Clayton in command; Lafay- ette Guards, David Block in command; Lane Rifles, T. J. Weed in com- mand; Leavenworth Rifles, W. B. Smith in command. During the year many other companies were organized. Companies continued to be organ- ized throughout the war. Among them are the following:
A cavalry company of Union Home Guards in Stranger Township, J. P. Salisbury in command; Kickapoo Guards, Capt. Fred Wellhouse in command; Capt. Black's Guards, re-enlisted to serve in first regiment of home guards ; Lyon Guards, D. H. Baily in command ; Fourth Ward Guards, L. B. Wheat in command; The "Old Guards", James M. Dickson in com- mand; Third Ward Guards, William Haller in command; Leavenworth
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Mercantile Guards, M. S. Adams in command; Leavenworth Light Cavalry, I. G. Losee in command.
James L. Abernathy entered the service November 1, 1862, as Lieu- tenant Colonel and resigned November 8, 1862; founder of Abernathy Furniture Company.
M. S. Adams, Captain, commissioned September 16, 1862, resigned 10th, 1863.
Henry J. Adams, Major, Paymaster Commissioned September 5, 1861, discharged August 1, 1864.
D. R. Anthony, Sr., Lieutenant Colonel Seventh Kansas Cavalry, com- missioned October 29, 1861, resigned September 3, 1862. Editor of Leav- enworth Times.
E. N. O. Clough, Provost Marshall a large part of the war; raised 2,300 men for the union ; appointed colonel but not assigned ; served without pay.
Powell Clayton, Captain Company G, First Kansas Infantry, brevet Brigadier General August 1, 1864, afterwards United States Senator from Arkansas.
William F. Cloud, Colonel Fifteenth Kansas July 26, 1865; mustered out October 19, 1865.
Samuel F. Drake, Lieutenant Colonel Seventeenth Infantry, commis- sioned July 28, 1864.
George W. DeCosta, Major, Paymaster, Commissioned April 21, 1864; Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, mustered out February 16, 1865.
S. B. Davis, Major Medical Department; commissioned February 19, 1863; breveted Lieutenant-Colonel ; mustered out February 7, 1865.
Thomas Ewing, Jr., Colonel Eleventh Infantry, September 15, 1862; promoted Brigadier General March 13, 1863; afterwards member of Con- gress from Ohio.
Henry Foote, Major Paymaster, commissioned June 1, 1861 ; resigned July 27, 1863.
J. H. Gillpatrick, First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Regiment Home Guards, commissioned November 1, 1862; promoted to Major Sec- ond Kansas (colored) ; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel November 9, 1864; afterwards Judge District Court.
John Gould, Captain, commissioned November 26, 1862; breveted Major and mustered out October 9, 1865.
Cyrus L. Gorton and R. M., by President, May 18, 1864; mustered out October 7, 1865.
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George W. Gardner, commissioned Captain February 18, 1863; re- signed January 18, 1864.
George Hoyt, Second Lieutenant C. K. Seventh Kansas Infantry, commissioned November 11, 1861; promoted Captain May 7, 1862; re- signed November 3, 1862; appointed Lieutenant Colonel September 7, 1863; resigned July 19, 1865; appointed Brevet Brigadier General March 13, 1865.
John A. Halderman, Major First Kansas Volunteers; Major Gen- eral of northern division of state forces; members of first County Board; Major of Leavenworth two terms; regent of State University; State Senator and Representative; Consul to Siam.
M. H. Insley, Captain, commissioned by President August 16, 1861; promoted to regular army March 13, 1863; resigned May 26, 1865; banker.
Charles R. Jennison, Colonel Seventh Kansas Cavalry, October 28, 1861; Colonel Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry, 1863; Brigadier General; com- mand at Fort Leavenworth; State Senator and State Representative.
Hampton P. Johnson, Colonel of Fifth Kansas Cavalry; killed in ac- tion at Morristown, Missouri, September 17, 1861.
James Ketner, First Lieutenant Company G, Second Kansas; pro- moted to Captain; Brevet Major General March 13, 1865.
Albert Lee, Captain, commissioned August, 1861; May 17, 1862, pro- moted to Colonel, Seventh Regiment, and November 29, 1862, promoted to Brigadier General.
Daniel McCook, Captain Shields Guards; Captain Company H, First Kansas, November 9, 1861; appointed Brigadier General by the President; killed in action.
Thomas Moonlight, Captain Leavenworth Light Battery; Captain Company D, Fourth Kansas; Colonel Eleventh Kansas; Brevet Major Gen- eral 1865 ; served in Seminole War; Adjutant General of Kansas.
George W. McLain, commissioned Captain by the President in Quar- termaster Department, October 20, 1862.
H. Miles Moore, Major and Judge Advocate Fifth Kansas Regiment, June, 1861; resigned November, 1862; lawyer; author of History of Leav- enworth City.
Marcus J. Parrott, commissioned by President as Captain August 3, 1861; member of Congress.
Edward H. Schneider, Lieutenant Colonel Eighth Kansas Infantry, December 3, 1863; resigned July 11, 1864; Brevet Major General March 13, 1865.
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Hiram S. Sleeper, Major Paymaster; commissioned February 19, 1863; resigned November 23, 1864.
William Tholen, Captain, appointed by President March 8, 1863; dis- charged March 10, 1864.
Champion Vaughn, Major and Aid-de-Camp; appointed by President November 21, 1862; mustered out April 11, 1865.
T. J. Weed, Major and Aid-de-Camp, January 29, 1862; discharged November 21, 1862; re-appointed March 31, 1863; Brevet Lieutenant Colonel March 13, 1865.
A. C. Wilder, Captain, August 7, 1861; resigned August 22, 1862.
CHAPTER XII
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CHURCHES
THE FIRST METHODIST-FIRST CHRISTIAN-EVANGELICAL, GERMAN LUTHERAN- EPISCOPAL-JEWISH-PRESBYTERIAN - CONGREGATIONAL - EPISCOPAL,, ST. PAUL'S-CATHOLIC-FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST
The First Methodist Episcopal Church .- The first sermon preached in Leavenworth County was delivered by Rev. W. G. Caples, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at or near the Leavenworth Company's coal shaft October 8, 1854. Occasional services were held by Rev. W. Butt, of Indiana, during the years of 1855 and 1856. It is said that he was fairly driven out of town by the pro-slavery element and hid for a long time in the hazel brush, so fearful was he for his life.
In May, 1857, George R. Weaver organized the first Methodist Epis- copal Sunday School, which has been maintained ever since. At the same time a Quarterly Meeting of the church was held.
On February 21, 1860, the church was incorporated by a special act of the Kansas Territorial Legislature, under the name of "The First Methodist Episcopal Church, Leavenworth City, Kansas," and has ever since maintained its corporate existence.
The first incorporators or board of trustees named in the charter were George H. Weaver, Elijah Hughes, Jacob Landis, William B. Waugh, James R. Lunn, William Ferguson and William Fairchild. Before that time, however, under the ministry of Rev. Hugh D. Fisher the church had acquired the property at the northwest corner of Fifth and Choctaw streets and commenced and completed the erection of a church building thereon. Here the members worshiped until the fall of 1912, when the congregation moved to the new and present edifice at the northeast corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets. The old church building on Choctaw
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