USA > Missouri > A history of Missouri from the earliest explorations and settlements until the admission of the state into the union, Volume I > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01053 4706
A HISTORY OF MISSOURI
A HISTORY
OF
MISSOURI
FROM THE EARLIEST EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS UNTIL THE ADMIS- SION OF THE STATE INTO THE UNION
BY LOUIS HOUCK
VOLUME I
CHICAGO R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY
1908
COPYRIGHTED, 1908 BY LOUIS HOUCK
The Lakeside Press R. R. DONNELLFY & SONS COMPANY CHICAGO
1254227
PREFACE
It is with misgivings that this history is submitted to the indul- gent reader. During a somewhat busy and active life, by no means devoted to literary pursuits, the interesting material embodied in this work has been collected. For me it has been a labor of love, absorbing for a long time nearly all my leisure hours - diverting my mind from business cares. When I first began my studies, had no thought of writing the colonial and territorial history of Missouri, but as I progressed in my researches soon realized that this important chapter of the history of the state was unwritten, and also that owing to the great labor and extended investigations in- volved, as well as expense in collecting the widely scattered material, certainly no one for profit would be likely to undertake the task. As my own knowledge of the subject increased and expanded, the idea took possession of my mind, that at any rate a feeble effort should be made to write this neglected period of the history of the state. Such in brief, is the origin of this work, written at odd hours, by one professing no literary accomplishments, but nevertheless anxious to rescue from oblivion that earlier Missouri, when still a virgin land, before the forests were felled and the prairies vexed by the plow, and before the march of modern commercialism took possession of the souls of people.
In such histories as have been published a few scattered and iso- lated facts, usually as an introduction, are devoted to the colonial and territorial era of Missouri. The struggle in Congress, to prevent the admission of the state into the Union, with slavery, and the settle- ment of the question by the so-called Missouri Compromise, has apparently been considered the commencement of the history of the state. But the true history of Missouri begins long before this time. It is a story of fascinating interest. Vaguely and dimly this central region of the North American continent, now the seat of opulence, intelligence and civilization, first appears on the maps, a mere cos- mographic conjecture, a realm where Spanish conquistadors ex- pected to find the fabled Dorado. This cosmographic conjecture soon becomes a geographic certainty, with the courses of its mighty
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PREFACE
rivers well defined; for along these rivers, and the immemorial path- ways leading to them, the first explorers in search of gold traveled on their adventurous marches and bivouacked when exhausted by their fruitless toil. A few bands of roving and barbarous savages were the only dwellers in the land. Soon the enterprising Canadian voyageurs and coureurs des bois penetrate far up the rivers and deep into the boundless woods in search of furs. The self-sacrificing and devoted missionaries follow to give the inconstant and restless savages the word of a higher life. Here and there along the rivers, a small settlement is founded and the mining district at the headwaters of the St. Francois is exploited in a primitive manner. Then by the treaty of Fontainebleu France cedes all her possessions west of the Mississippi to Spain, and the Spanish colonial régime begins.
Now a large number of the French inhabitants of Kaskaskia, Cahokia, St. Phillipe and Fort de Chartres in the eastern Illinois country, cross the Mississippi to escape the dreaded English rule, and find a new home in the possessions of Spain. This emigration gives the first impetus to the growth of population in the western Illinois country - now Missouri - leading to the formation of new settlements and villages, and to trace the growth of these settlements and the business and ancestry of these settlers is a subject which must always interest us.
In the meantime, the restless American vanguard, crossing the Alleghanies, the wilderness of the Cumberland mountains, and following the Ohio, reached the Mississippi, only to find a foreign flag waving on the west bank and at the mouth of this great river. The Spanish intrigues to separate these trans-mountain settlers from the eastern states begin, and the story of Morgan's splendid scheme to found an Hispano-Anglo-American state at the mouth of the Ohio, with New Madrid as the capital, and the consequent influx of Anglo-American settlers, attracted by free land and no taxation, becomes a part of Missouri history. But this dream was destroyed by the jealousy of Wilkinson and the stupidity of Miro.
In 1793-4 Genet by his Franco-American filibustering scheme to conquer the Louisianas, greatly excited the Spanish officials, who in anticipation of the apprehended invasion, organized the militia and the Indians and established a new post at Cape Girardeau, near the mouth of the Ohio, to defend the country. The proclamation of Washington dissolved this danger. A few years afterward France becomes the ally of Spain, and French military officers visit the
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Louisianas to estimate the value of the country and plan its military defense against British aggression. In 1796, Col. Don Carlos Howard an Irish officer in the Spanish service, ascends the Mississippi as far as St. Louis, with a squadron of galleys and a military force, to pro- tect the upper country from invasion.
Yet a few years, and in 1800, the loosening Spanish grasp on this great Province is well understood and the treaty of San Ildefonso paves the way for the Louisiana purchase.
Now, the banner of Spain is lowered forever in Missouri.
Under a new government, new flag, and new institutions, as if by magic, the political, commercial and industrial aspect changes. The vivifying influence of liberty electrifies the land. As the Louisiana district, the new domain is attached to the Indiana territory, but the meek and docile subjects of Spain vigorously remonstrate, and within six months after they became American citizens, meet in convention to protest and demand self-government. Congress then organizes the Louisiana territory. Justice is now administered by courts ac- cording to well-defined principles and not in arbitrary fashion. Turbulent liberty, regulated by law, takes the place of autocratic rule. In 1812, the name of the territory is changed to Missouri territory and a larger share of self-government given the people. During this period the Indian title to much of the soil has been extinguished within the present limits of the state, and is soon occupied by the numerous emigrants pouring into the territory from the empire- building southern states - from Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Then the earthquake of 1811-2, of New Madrid startles the civilized world. The war of 1812, for a time checks the frontier settlements, but after it closes an ever broad- ening current of emigration flows into the territory. The Spanish land titles, too, are a subject of great interest and the history of these titles and their final adjustment falls within the scope of the territorial history of the state. The growth of new settlements, the organization of new counties, the founding of new towns, the development of agriculture, trade, commerce, and manufacture, and territorial legislation during this formative era, all are recorded in this history. So also the growth of educational facilities and the development of the various religious denominations.
Finally the great struggle to secure the admission of the territory as a state into the Union begins, a struggle that for a time seems to shake the very foundation of the Federal republic, but out of this
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struggle Missouri emerges victoriously, and side by side with the other states begins her glorious career.
Of the distinguished men of colonial and territorial Missouri I give many biographical sketches, and their portraits whenever able to secure them.
It has been my object to collect and embody in this work every important fact relating to the early history of Missouri. Am not vain enough to suppose that I have fully succeeded, however, can truly claim that I have not neglected to make every effort to render the work as complete as possible. Know well that the facts col- lected will not interest the general reader or larger public, because these facts chronicle no great historic transactions or events of world- wide significance. My endeavor has been to give in simple language, briefly and truthfully in detail, as far as I could secure such details, the annals of the humble and almost forgotten pioneers, who first came into the wilderness, established a civilized order of society and all unconscious of their work, laid the foundations of this great commonwealth. My authorities are given on every page. No important fact has been stated without making due reference to the authority upon which I rely. In addition, Sr. Don José Gonzales Verger searched for me for documents bearing on the Spanish colonial régime in upper Louisiana, in the Archives of the Indies at Seville, and brought numerous documents to light heretofore un- known, and which were translated for me by Mr. James Alexander Robertson, of Madison, Wisconsin, and to these frequent references are made. I am also under great obligations to my friend, Judge Walter B. Douglas, so well versed in everything relating to the early history of Missouri, for much kind advice, and many valuable suggestions, and to him I here now extend my grateful thanks. To the late Miss Marie Louise Dalton, whose early death all friends of Missouri historical research must always lament, I owe much for bringing to my attention many of the original docu- ments relating to the history of Missouri in possession of the Mis- souri Historical Society. I must here, too, mention Mr. Pierre Chouteau, one of the descendants of the founders of St. Louis, for freely and generously placing at my disposal his great collec- tion of DeLassus papers and permitting the use of some of his pictures, illustrating the Spanish epoch of the history of the state. To the Wisconsin Historical Society of Madison, possessing an invalu- able collection of American history, I hereby express my obligation
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for the free use of the same. So also to the Congressional Library, of Washington, nor must I forget to thank my friend Mr. William Beers, the distinguished librarian of the Howard Memorial Library of New Orleans, Louisiana, for laying open to me the great collection of maps relating to Louisiana, in possession of that library. And lastly, I hereby express my sincere gratitude to Miss Idress Head, now filling the position of librarian of the Missouri Historical Society, for her assistance during several years in this work, and the deep and intelligent interest she took in everything relating to its preparation.
"ELMWOOD,"
Cape Girardeau, April, 1908.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I .
PAGE I
Probable Origin of Name of the State-Variously Spelled in Early Narratives - Present Spelling Adopted by Joutel in his Narrative in 1686 - History of the Boundaries of the State-Extension to the 36th Parallel between the Mississippi and the St. Francois-Addition of the So-called Platte Purchase in 1836-Controversy with Iowa as to the Northern Boundary-Wolf Island Litigation with Kentucky -The State Geograph- ically Described-The Hydrography of the State-Springs-The Topog- raphy of the State-The Ozarks-The Ozark Plateau-The Granites- Crystalline and Sedimentary Rocks-Caves-Mineral Wealth-Iron- Lead-Zinc-Coal-Clays-Timber and Prairies-Primitive Forest Free of Undergrowth-Park-like Appearance of Country-Soil-Beauty of Landscape-Wild Fruits-Wild Flowers-Nuts-Prairie Fires-Burning Woods-Prolific Wild Animal Life-Buffaloes-Bears-Beaver-Game- Fowls-Fish-Observations of Early Travelers and Missionaries-Meat of Wild Animals Salted on the St. Francois-Shipped in "Pettyaugers" to New Orleans.
CHAPTER II
· 4I
Extent of Pre-historic Remains-Mound-builders-Mounds Located by Lewis M. Bean and D. L. Hoffman-Mound Area of Missouri-About 28,000 Located-Antiquity of Pre-historic Works-Opinion of Stoddard and Others-Various Opinions Concerning Race of Mound-builders- Evidence Discovered in Mississippi County Tending to Show they Be- longed to Nahua Race-Pottery Balls-Remains Discovered not Necessarily of Same Period-Center of Mississippi Valley Seat of Distinct Develop- ment-A Distinct Sub-group in Southeast Missouri-No Systematic Exploration of Southeast Missouri Mounds-Many Ceramic Remains Destroyed by Plowshare-Primitive Inhabitants of the Central Mississippi Valley Advanced in the Potter's Art-Description of Some of the Ware Discovered-Brick and Tiles-Pemiscot Mound Covered with Brick or Burnt Clay-Bottle-shaped Carafe, Marked Feature of Ceramic ware of Southeast Missouri-A Unique Head of Woman of Grecian Type- Carved Sandstone Pipes-Extent of Pre-historic Population-Agricultural People-Sedentary-Habitat of Mound-builders on Good and Fertile Soil -Extent of Pre-historic Remains in Southeast Missouri-Where Located -In St. Francois Basin and on Slopes of the Ozarks-Large Mound of Pemiscot County-Description of Various Mounds in Southeast Counties -Mounds in the Ozark Counties-In the Western Prairie Counties-On the Missouri River-In Northeast Missouri-In the Counties of North- west Missouri .- Pre-historic Population Numerous.
CHAPTER III 98
De Soto's March-Crosses the Mississippi-Follows the River North to Crowley's Ridge-Crosses the St. Francois Near Helena-Marches North and Enters What is Now Missouri-Finds the Casquins-Accompanied by Casquins Marches North to Capaha-Crosses an Old Bed of the Mississippi -The Capahas-Where their Habitat-Battle with the Capahas-Estab-
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lishes Truce Between the Casquins and Capahas-Secures Salt from the Country North of Capaha-Returns to Casquin-Marches Southwest to Quigate-Probable Location of Quigate-Turns North to Caligoa- Probable Location of Caligoa-Moves Southwest to Palisema-Thence to Tanico-Camped on the Headwaters of White River-Marches South Across the Boston Mountains to the Arkansas River.
CHAPTER IV . 119
Expedition of Coronado to Conquer the Seven Cities of Cibola-Grand Review of the Expeditionary Army by the Viceroy, February, 1540-Event- ful and Toilsome March from Compostela to Cibola-Dream of Silver and Gold, Great Kingdoms and Royal Cities Dispelled by Reality-Recon- noitering Corps Seek other Settlements-Alvarado Discovers the Rock of Acoma, Tiguex on the Rio Grande, and Cicuque on the Pecos-Wonder- ful Riches of the Land of Quivira Related by "The Turk," a Former Indian Slave-Army in Winter Quarters at Tiguex-Route Followed and Distance Traveled by Coronado's Army to Quivira, Described by Parti- cipants-Location of Quivira Disputed by Historians and Geographers -Incidents of the Expedition of Historical Value-Magnitude of the Interior of the Continent First Revealed-March from the Valley of the Rio Grande to the Valley of the Pecos-Ruins of Cicuque in Valley of the Pecos-Coronado Crosses the Canadian and Reaches the Great Plains- Marches for Days Among the Buffaloes-First Meets the Indians of the Plains, Styled "Querechos"-Marches Along the Streams in the Buffalo Country-Reaches a Country Well Inhabited-A Country of Kidney Beans and Prunes and Vines-Encamps in a Ravine a League Wide- Coronado Orders Army to Return to Tiguex-With Thirty Horsemen and Six Foot Soldiers Coronado Proceeds to Quivira-Travels Many Days by the Needle Across the Great Plains-Reaches the River of Quivira-Pro- ceeds to the Villages of Quivira-Quivira Evidently Within the Present Limits of Missouri-Topography of the Country-The Osages Identified by Coronado, and Tribes of the Lower Missouri Valley.
CHAPTER V
. 136
Exploration a Spanish Trait of Character-Spanish Adventurers At- tracted by Fabled Riches and Inaccessibility of Quivira-Illegal Expedition of Bonilla and Humana in 1594-They Quarrel, Bonilla Killed-Humana Reaches the Great Settlements and Crosses a Broad River-He and his Followers, Except Alonzo Sanchez, Massacred-Expedition of Don Juan de Onate to Quivira-Battle with Escanjaques or Arkansas Indians- Expedition of Alonzo Vaca in 1634-Expedition of Don Diego Dionisios de Penalosa y Briceno-Narrative of Padre Freytas Discredited-Inter- esting Career and Vicissitudes of Penalosa-Conflict with the Spanish In- quisition-Wanderer and an Exile-French Naval Expedition of La Salle Attributed to Penalosa-Account of Penalosa's Expedition to Quivira.
CHAPTER VI
. 149
Gulf Claimed as a "Spanish Inland Sea"-Discovery of Mississippi Made from Headwaters to Sea-Indefatigable French Explorers of Canada -Rumors of the "Great River"-Radisson and Groseilliers, their Voyages -Navigate the "Forked River" in 1669-Mention the Osages-Jean Nicolet probably Sailed on the Mississippi in 1634-Father Allouez first Mentions the River by its Present Name-Missionaries Hope to Reach the Sea of Florida or that of California by Following its Waters-Louis XIV Impressed with the Importance of Finding a Route to the South Sea from Canada-Joliet Employed to Explore this River-Marquette Associated with
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him-Start on their Voyage of Discovery in 1673-Find the Peorias and Mongwenas on the Des Moines-Locate their Villages in what is now Missouri-Discover the Mouth of the Missouri-Pass the Narrows at Grand Tower-Find Iron Deposits in Perry County, Missouri-Mention the Con- glomerate Caving Bluffs near Apple Creek-Pass the Mouth of the Ohio- Meet Indians who Have Intercourse with Europeans-Stop at the Village of the Arkansas and then Return North - Joliet Loses his Papers and Journal in the St. Lawrence-La Salle Receives a Commission to Explore the Mississippi-Begins his Voyage of Discovery December, 1681-Reaches Kapaha March 12th-Reaches the Gulf April 6th-Takes Possession of the Valley of the Mississippi in the Name of France, under the Name of Louis- iana-Copy of Procès Verbal.
CHAPTER VII . 168
Indian Tribes Discovered by De Soto-By Joliet and Marquette, 1673 -Names and Location of Various Tribes-Indian Migrations-Tribes Found by La Salle-Origin of Missouris, Osages, Kansas, Ponkas and Iowas-Dispersion of the Missouris-The Otoes, Bravest of Native Tribes -Indian Method of Travel-Languages of Indian Tribes of Missouri- Significance of Indian Names-Corruption of Aboriginal Terms-Hunt- ing Grounds of the Osages-Osages Noted for Sobriety and Intelligence- Location of Osages, 1820-1838-Indian Hunting and Farming Methods -Forest Products Used by Indians as Food-Philosophy of an Indian Chief-Attractions of the Savage State-Brackenridge's Impressions of the Osages-Anecdotes of Indian Chiefs-Indian Costumes-Hospitality, Manners and Customs-Method of Building Lodges, Weaving Blankets, etc .- Indian Cookery-Domestic Institutions of the Osages-Tribal Government-Noted Osage Chiefs-A peculiar Custom of the Osages -Massacre of an Osage Band-Dexterity in Archery-Osage Indian School Established 1821-Indian Manners and Morals Depicted by Mis- sionaries-The Saukees and Foxes-Manners and Customs-The Shaw- nees and Delawares-Immigration Favored by Spaniards-Rogers, White Chief of Shawnees-Noted Chiefs-Manners and Customs-Early Settle- ments Disturbed by Marauding Indian Bands-Indians Strip a Wedding Party of Wearing Apparel - Witchcraft and Punishment-The Cherokees -Bowls' Band-Indian Traces or Trails-Indian Treaties and Cessions of Lands-Over Thirty-nine Million Acres Ceded, in Missouri, by Indians within Thirty Years.
CHAPTER VIII
. 237
Possibilities of the Mississippi Valley not Appreciated-First Settlers Canadians-Joutel's Notice of Salt Springs on the Saline in 1687-La Hontan on the Missouri in 1688-Hunts with the Arkansas on the West Bank of the Mississippi Below the Mouth of the Missouri-French Traders Visit the Missouris and Osages, 1694-Fathers Montigny, Davion and St. Cosme, in 1698, on Missouri Soil-St. Cosme Erects a Cross on the Right Bank of the Mississippi in 1699 Near Cape St. Antoine, Probably within the Present Perry County-First White Settlement in the Mississippi Valley Near the Mouth of the Des Peres River-French-Canadians on the Missouri in 1705-Rumors of Mines of Precious Metals-Father Gravier Mentions a Rich Lead Mine in 1700 on the"" Miaramigoua" (Maramec) -Cape St. Croix Identified-Wild Game There-Natural Crossing of the Mississippi-Le Sueur's Voyage Up the Mississippi in 1700-Distress of Party-Relieved by the Jesuit Missionaries-Penicaut Notes a French Settlement at the Mouth of the Saline-Le Sueur Arrives at Cahokia- Goes Farther Up the River-Camps at the Mouth of Buffalo-Father Marest Notes the Salt Springs on the Saline, 1712-Bienville Sends an
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Expedition Up the River to Explore the Missouri, 1708-The Spanish Expedition and its Fate-Various Accounts by Bossu, Charlevoix, and Others Discussed-Du Tisne's Journey into the Interior of Missouri in 1718-Goes Up the Saline and Across the Country-Visits the Osages and Other Indians-Frects the Arms of France at the Headwaters of the Osage -Stories of Du Tisne Given by Bossu-Bourgmont's Expedition-Biog- raphy of Bourgmont-Dumont's Satirical Story-Copy of Bourgmont's Original Commission-Established Fort Orleans Near the Mouth of Grand River in 1720-Story of Bourgmont's March into the Indian Country from Fort Orleans-Bourgmont Returns to France-Fort Orleans Abandoned.
CHAPTER IX . 269
Louisiana Under Crozat's Charter, 1712-Provisions of the Charter- Officials of New Government-Scheme of Government-Crozat's Plans Thwarted by the Spaniards-Spanish Settlements Advanced Eastward- The Company of the West, 1717-Powers Conferred on the Company- The Royal Company of the Indies-First French Settlement Made in Southeastern Missouri-French Exploration of Mineral Districts of South- eastern Missouri-Petition for Mining Privilege, 1702-Early Accounts of Mineral Districts of Missouri-Early Maps-Futile Search of Governor Cadillac for Rich Mines-Ill Success of Efforts to Work Mines-A His- torical Impostor-Mining Grants Made to Renault-Renault's Extensive Mining Operations-The Renault Claims-Other Mines in this District -Primitive Methods of Transporting Lead Products from Mines- Francois Azor, Discoverer of Mine à Breton-A Trade Monopoly Granted in 1745 on the Missouri-Scattered French on the Missouri-Few Settlers in the Western Illinois Country Prior to the Treaty of Paris.
CHAPTER X . . 287
Louisiana Ceded by France to Spain, 1762-Opposition to Cession and Delay in Transfer of Territory-De Ulloa First Spanish Governor, 1766- Ulloa Ordered to Leave the Country-Spanish Expedition Under Rui y Morales, from New Orleans, to Build Two Forts at Mouth of the Missouri, 1767-Rui Appointed Commandant of the Missouri Country-How Spanish Military Voyage Up the Mississippi Conducted-Instructions to Commandant Concerning Building of Fort, Treatment of Indians, Rela- tions with the English, Inducements to Married Men, Importation of Girls for Wives, Suppression of Saloons and Vice-meetings, Rules for Indian Traders, &c .- Plan of Spanish Fort Erected at Mouth of the Missouri- Rui Succeeded by Don Pedro Piernas-Winter Journey of Piernas and his Men-Spanish Fort on Missouri Ordered Delivered to St. Ange-Spanish Government Stores Attached in "Paincourt" (St. Louis)-Alexander O'Reilly Captain-General of Louisiana, 1769-Piernas Appointed Lieu- tenant-Governor of upper Louisiana, 1770-Ste. Genevieve and St. Louis First Settlements in upper Louisiana-Instructions of O'Reilly to Piernas Concerning Government of the Country, &c .- Varied Military Career of O'Reilly-Report of Piernas to O'Reilly Concerning the Country, Inhabit- ants, &c.
PART II .- Cruzat Appointed Lieutenant-Governor, Arrives at St. Louis, 1775-Spanish Aid Americans in Struggle for Independence- Liberal Spanish Policy to Secure Emigration from England Settlements, etc .- Importation of Negro Slaves Proposed for Cultivation of Hemp and Flax-Two "Missourie" Indian Slaves Ransomed by Cruzat-DeLeyba Appointed Cruzat's Successor, 1778-River Journey from New Orleans to St. Louis, 93 Days-English Invade the Illinois Country and Spanish Possessions, 1780-English and Indian Attack on St. Louis-Second Administration of Cruzat as Lieutenant-Governor-English Machinations,
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1781, to Incite Indian Warfare-Disastrous Expedition of French-Cana- dians Under De la Balme Against the English-Lawless Condition in Illinois Country Following American Conquest-Spaniards Fear American Invasion-Spanish-Indian Alliances, 1782-Don Manuel Perez Supersedes Cruzat-Spanish Intrigues to Separate Western American Territory from Atlantic States-Plan of Col. George Morgan to Form English-American- Spanish Republic at Mouth of the Ohio-Migration of Shawnees and Delawares Across the Mississippi to Spanish Possessions-Trudeau Suc- ceeds Perez-Genet's Efforts to Organize Filibustering Operations Against Louisiana-Spanish Plan of Defense-Invasion of Spanish Possessions Prevented by United States Government.
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