USA > Missouri > Clay County > History of Clay County, Missouri > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59
HISTORY
OF
CLAY COUNTY MISSOURI
BY
W. H. WOODSON
ILLUSTRATED
HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY Topeka Indianapolis 1920
F472 .C5W8
1
21
PREFACE
This history of Clay County has been compiled from three sources, printed and oral, which were deemed authentic and reliable, and from personal observation. No apocryphal event has been recorded, nor ques- tionable story attempted to be preserved. Gleanings from unquestioned truthful printed history have been freely made. The public archives in Washington City have been in requisition, and from the writings of Mr. Jefferson more than excerpts have been taken therefrom.
The Editor has been a resident of Clay County for more than half a century which is more than half of the time since the County has had an existence, and has had not only the acquaintanceship, but in many instances the friendship of a number of the original settlers. Not a few of these men had vivid recollections of events occurring in the County from the very earliest days down to the time when they took delight in giving information to the writer, who was invariably a receptive listener. To him no entertainment was preferable than to have the priv- ilege of listening to such men as John Wilson, "Marse" Fountain Waller, John Bronaugh, James, Alvin and Foster Means narrate true incidents, stories of the early days in Clay County. James Means lived continuously on the same farm from infancy to very old age, yet he lived during that time in three different counties-Howard, Ray and Clay.
Had not the Editor a predisposition to observe and retain historical facts, he certainly must have in the course of fifty years absorbed, at least, a modicum of historical events.
Liberty, Mo., December 21, 1920.
THE EDITOR.
This Volume, in Token of Friendship That Endures, is Dedicated to the Memory of Hon. D. C. Allen, Who, During a period of more than Sixty Years of Mature Life, did more for the Welfare of the People of Clay County, than any other Man who ever Lived within its Borders, But whose Fi- delity and Services were never Appre- ciated, and died, 'Unwept, Unhon- ored and Unsuny."-W. H. W.
INDEX
Aker, Lee R. 589
Alpine Ice Company, The 682
Clutter, Ross H. 513
Anderson, Henry D. 620
Cockrell, J. J. 711
Ashley, Dr. Madison A. 663
Coen, John William 621
Atkins, Roy G. 766
Cole, S. B. 648
Bainbridge, D. P 599
Baird, Dr. J. Ed.
630
Commercial Bank of Liberty, The 352
Baldwin, G. T. 765
Balkey, William E. 691
Barnes, W. P. 724
Bates, R. L. 638
Bell, E. K. T
409
Bell, Elisha
548
Benson, Alanzo
587
Bergman, Axel F.
648
Coppinger, John Claude. 358
Corbin, B. B. 359
Coston, Aubrey H. 775
Bevins, David M. 1 1 1
601
Craven, William A. 669
Creason, William D. 774
Black, E. B. 1
390
Crowley, Frank T 741
Black, E. L. 391
Crowley, John 740
Blevins, John M. 454
Dagg, Dr. Hiram McElroy 540
Bogart, Dr. Thomas N 614
Boggess, Owen J 553
Bollinger, P.
649
Borgmier, Bernard S
598
Boyd, John K., Jr. 577
Davidson, L. A
362
Davis, F. M. 693
Deaton, Charles N. 572
Denny, Earl 547
Doniphan, P. D 643
Donovan, Claude N. 377
Douovan, Luke E 490
Dorsett, L. T. 348
Dougherty, Capt, Lewis B 351
Dresslaer, Lewis E 707
Dudfield, Alvin 624
Duncan, Andrew 653
Duncan, William 702
Eby, John A. 668
Ecton, George 557
Edwards, Richard W 413
Edwards, Prof. Ward. 401
Elgin, Joseph M.
773
776
Davidson, James Oscar 720
Boyer, Moses 729
Brigham, William D. 735
Bronaugh, David Thomas 452
Brooks, Eugene A 571
Brooks, Van W 554
Buchta, M. E. 650
Camron, E. F. 701
Campbell, Arch A. 732
Campbell, Laura A 374
Capps, Ernest 771
Carlyle, Arthur and' Lank 529
Carpenter, Walter 458
Carson, James P 528
Cates, James L. A. 531
Citizens Bank of Liberty, The. 349
Clardy, Oswald E. 467
Clark, Robert J. 748
Clay Couuty State Bank_ 696
Collins, Andy W. 604
Compton, George Thomas 447
Conley, Daniel 518
Connell, Robert H 503
Cooley, Frederick Earl 478
Cooley, Herbert M 472
Cooper, G. G. 750
Coppinger, Charles Henry 369
Best, Zack M. 684
Bethune, J. Byron 617 1 1
Bigham, Charles R. 690 1
Daily and Dugan 404
Dale, P. M. 428
Darby, Archibald Logan
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Emmke, John 667
Evans, Dr. David Jones 338
Hulse, Landie R 706
Evans, J. McGee 721
Hummel, John 368
Evans, Joseph L.
608
Irminger, James Philip
394
Farmers Bank of Smithville
517
First National Bank, The 343
Irminger, William 394
Isenhour, William 527
Isley, Dr. Lafayette 672
677
Jamison, Ed. 512
Jones, John E. 682
Jones, Rev. Allen Bailey 745
Karr, Judge John W 757
Kenyon, Robert L 492
Killgore, Charles M.
588
Glasscock, A. B.
473
Kimbrell, Henry 442
Kindred, Charles 558
King, John 680
King, Hubert Earl 549
Kirkland, E. E. 354
Kirschner, John J 470
Griffin, E, P. 582
Knighton, Claude F 460
Laffoon, Edgar 737
Laipple, John 370
Hall, Rice Emmett 497
Hall, George T
480
Hallissy, William E 410
Hamel, Philip E., Jr 522
Harbaugh, Robert L. 541
Land, E. B
459
Leavell, L. W.
611
Lewis, John S.
670
Ligon, Charles L
464
Ligon, W. P. 382
Lightburne, Marcus Lee 713
Linden Bank, The 487
Long, G. W. 529
Loughrey, Hugh R. 719
Lowman, Alfred 561
McConnell, Thomas William 733
McCrorey, Norman G. 763
McDavid Brothers 697
McKee, Charles 760
McRorey, W. T. 628
Holloway, E. W. 742
Holt, Thomas J. 767
Hope, Herbert ' 640
Hoy, William 692
Hudelmeyer, John 474
Hughes, James 451
Hulse, Jefferson N. 574
Hart, James Moore 768
Hart, John N.
764
Hayes, B. F. 364
Haynes, Henry 402
Heathman, E. P. 600
Heifner, James P
491
Henderson, Thomas H. 609
Hessel, Fred 602
Hessel, Louis
607
Hey, William
538
Hicks, Leonard N. 420
Hodge, P. D .. 463
Mace, John H. 477
Macken, Alonzo E.
424
Macken, William E 470
Major, Dr. Herman S. 341
Major, Dr. Ralph Herman 351
Major, John Sleet
339
Fox, Dan H.
652
Frazier, John C. 434
Frick, George W. 422
Gabbert, Melvin M.
432
Gaines, Dr. John J 662
Gentry, Oliver P. 384
Gordon, Thomas C.
444
Gordon, Baylis Thornton 688
Gragg, John 493
Greene, Dr. John Priest. 671
Greenfield, Samuel C. 610
Gross, A. W.
738
Hall, E. P 398
Lancaster, Ambrose 499
Lancaster. John Samuel __ 500
Lancaster, Leslie 754
Lancaster, Lewis R 754
Hardwicke, Claude
388
Harlin, J. W. 710
700
Ford, M. S. 564
Jackson, O. .
Irminger, R. H. 597
Fish, C. W.
631
Flanders, Ella. Jean
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Major, Rev. John Sleet 342
Manley, Walter 371
Martin, James T 533
Rhodus, John Dan
762
Massey, Richard M
644
Rice, Dr. James T
661
Matthews, Dr. Francis Holmes
414
Rice, William C 590
Mereness, George H.
728
Ritchey, George S 539
Robb, John P 429
Meservey, B. M. 623
Meservey, W. H.
622
Minter, Robert Lee.
715
Minter, James
752
Mitchell, Samuel H. 761
Miller, Dr. Enoch H.
770
Missouri City Banking Company, The 488
Moberly, William Elisha 756
Montgomery, John A 727
Moore, Captain Harris L 641
Moore, Charles M.
419
Moore, Edward D.
373
Morgan, L. M.
573
Morton, John S. 618
Mosby State Bank, The 751
Munkirs, Washington E 751
Musgrave, Dr. John E. 660
National Bank of North Kansas City, The 472
Nall, Edgar 498
Nave, Harry 723
Newlee, John M. 340
Norton, William
399
Nutter, Trigg L
372
Pack, R. W. 674
Paradise, Bank of. 583
Paradise, William F. 412
Patterson, Joseph M., Jr. 712
Peters, Garnett M. 407
Pence, Charles 501
Ponce, Gilbert
734
Petty, Beverly B
708
Petty, George W.
678
Petty, Oscar M
427
Street, Sidney 482
Suddarth, Dr. Charles H 594
Sullivan, Judge James W 736
Swan, George E 363
Taul, John T. 654
Taul, Robert C 591
Tapp, C. C. 654
Thomas, E 627
Thomas, J. E. 634
612
Smithville, Bank of
551
Snail, H. H. C.
592
Snyder, Walter
684
Squires, E. A. 403
Stark, William J 519
Stepp, James M.
716
Steenstry, Frank W. 469
Stollings, David Y 484
Stollings, John S. 411
Stephens, R. T. 627
Stewart, J. T. 584
Pigg, E. L. 483
Pixlee, Benjamin F. 381
Pixlee, Peter C. 378
Pixlee, William Thomas 737
Porter, George Raymond 717
Portwood, Elijah 731
Preston, Hugh H 524
Prewitt. Frank 471
Pryor, John Walter 430
Rogers, Thomas Benton, Jr. 443
Rollins, Frank
560
Rollins, William Penn 562
Rothwell, Dr. John Hughes 344
Rowe, Marvin L 659
Rowell, Samuel J 637
Scott, Judge J. W. 544
Scott, James R 494
Scott, Martin
588
Shannon, William P 755
Shaw, C. 521
Shelton, Doniphan S. 633
Shelton, Judge Alonzo H. 632
Shelton, Merriman 696
Silvers, Harry
664
Siminons and Sons, Willis 725
Simrall, Ernest
361
Simrall, James S.
360
Sissom, Lonzo
P
367
Sisk, W. C. 647
Smith, Samuel H.
Snapp, James
694
Mereness, James
704
Reynolds, George W 532
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Thomas, Isaac Ellis. 488
Williams, Francis Marion 461
Thomas, W. M. 523
Williams, G. K 681
Thomason, J. W
383
Williams, John 550
Thomason, Marcellus S. 705
Williams, Sidney J
552
Thomason, Samuel N. 651
Thompson, Allen M. 580
Tindall, H. Clay 639
393
Wilson, Cyrus D. 439
Vance, Willis L.
568
Winn, William Newton 440
Venrick, James
658
Withers, Robert S. 507
Vest, Albert 1
448
Withers, Webster 438
Vest, Robert D. 709
Woods, John B. 514
Wagner, George W. 504
Woods, Henry A 534
Waller, Judge Joe B
579
Word, S. F.
397
Waller, Sylvanus B.
699
Wornall, Tom, Jr. 389
Wallis, Robert H.
759
Wren, Oscar M. 437
Wubbenhorst, Hiram L. 689
Watkins, Adoniran Judson 769
Watkins, John H
742
Wymore, Colonel Doniphan. 449
Wherritt, Alan F.
542
Yates, O. P. 578
Williams, Daniel W.
570
Williams, William 431
Willmott, William Canby 357
Trimble, W. L.
1
Wason, James D 421
Wubbenhorst, John H 726
Young, James W. 567
History of Clay County
CHAPTER I.
LOUISIANA PURCHASE.
DISCOVERY BY LA SALLE-FRENCH TERRITORY-CEDED TO SPAIN IN 1762-BACK TO FRANCE IN 1800-PRESIDENT JEFFERSON OPENS NEGOTIATIONS THROUGH LIVINGSTON AND MADISON-PURCHASED FROM NAPOLEON IN 1803 FOR $15,000,000-JEFFERSON'S FORESIGHT-"HEADS OF CONSIDERATION" -CONSEQUENCES OF CESSION AND GUARANTEE-FORMAL POSSESSION BY THE UNITED STATES 65-72
CHAPTER II.
ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY.
UNDER TERRITORIAL ACT-CLAY COUNTY FORMED IN 1822-COUNTY SEAT SELECTED-REDUCED TO ITS PRESENT LIMITS IN 1833-TWO ORIGINAL TOWNSHIPS-PERMANENT SETTLERS - IMMIGRATION -OLD FRANKLIN- TOPOGRAPHY-ACT CREATING CLAY COUNTY-CLASS OF CITIZENS-FROM BECK'S GAZETEER-EARLY INDUSTRIES-FIRST ROAD-PIONEER SCHOOLS- TEACHERS' INSTITUTE ORGANIZED 73-84
.
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER III.
EARLY COURTS AND ELECTIONS.
FIRST COUNTY COURT-A COURT INCIDENT-ROADS ESTABLISHED-OFFICIALS APPOINTED TAX LIST-FIRST ELECTION-SIMON COCKRELL-SECOND TERM -FIRST PATROL-FIRST CIRCUIT COURT-OFFICERS-JURORS-FIRST PER- SON HANGED IN CLAY COUNTY-"THE RING TAILED PAINTER"-COURT HOUSE-JAIL-OTHER ROADS ESTABLISHED-TOWNSHIPS CREATED-FER- RIES ESTABLISHED- SLAVE AND OTHER VALUES STEAMBOATING-AN ATTEMPTED MURDER-A DOUBLE HANGING-A REVIEW OF THE EARLY
_85-97 DAYS
CHAPTER IV.
INDIAN TROUBLES.
PROXIMITY OF INDIANS-THE VASSER FAMILY-INDIANS AT MCELWEE'S PLACE -MARTIN PALMER-A FIGHT WITH INDIANS-TWO INDIANS KILLED-BLACK HAWK WAR-TROOPS ORGANIZED-AHE "HETHERLY WAR" 98-103
CHAPTER V.
MEXICAN WAR.
DECLARATION OF WAR-PRESIDENT CALLS FOR 50,000 VOLUNTEERS-PLAN OF CAMPAIGN-MISSOURI REGIMENT-COMPANY C FROM CLAY COUNTY-ROSTER -FACTS ABOUT SOME OF THE OFFICERS AND MEN-COLONEL DONIPHAN IN COMMAND-OTHER OFFICERS-DONIPHAN'S EXPEDITION-MUSTERED OUT OF SERVICE-NECROLOGY-HOME COMING RECEPTION-POLITICAL EFFECT.
104-112
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER VI.
EVENTS PRIOR TO THE CIVIL WAR.
POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OF 1840-CLAY'S PREDICTION-CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION OF 1846-ELECTION OF 1845-GREAT FLOOD OF 1844-PRICES IN 1846-DIS- COVERY OF GOLD IN CALIFORNIA-SOME CLAY COUNTY 49ERS-CHOLERA- NECROLOGY-POLITICAL QUESTIONS OF 1850-MEETINGS HELD-QUESTION OF SLAVERY-KNOW NOTHING PARTY-ITS PLATFORM-TROUBLES IN KAN- SAS-PRO SLAVERY AND FREE STATE AGITATION-KANSAS ELECTION- PRO SLAVERY MEN ORGANIZED-MEN AND MEANS FURNISHED TO MAKE KANSAS A SLAVE STATE-RAILROAD BUILDING-POLITICAL CONDITIONS IN 1860 113-122
CHAPTER VII.
CIVIL WAR PERIOD.
BEGINNING OF WAR-ARSENAL IN CLAY COUNTY SEIZED-ARMS AND AMMUNITION TAKEN-MASS MEETING AT LIBERTY-COMPANIES ORGANIZED-GOVERNOR ISSUES ORDERS-THE ROCK CREEK AFFAIR-TROOPS TO LEXINGTON- FIGHT AT BOONVILLE-CARTHAGE-BATTLE OF WILSON'S CREEK-SIEGE OF LEXINGTON-BLUE MILLS LANDING-FIGHT SOUTH OF LIBERTY-LEGIS- LATURE MEETS AT NEOSHO-FEDERAL TROOPS AT LIBERTY-STATE GOV- ERNMENT REORGANIZED-SOLDIERS AT LIBERTY-CONSERVATIVE UNION MEN-RAID ON MISSOURI CITY-BUSHWHACKERS-ORDER NO. 11-RAIDS BY BUSHWHACKERS-END OF WAR 123-137
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER VIII.
AFTER THE CIVIL WAR.
DRAKE CONSTITUTION-CLAY COUNTY SAVINGS ASSOCIATION ROBBED-DIS- FRANCHISEMENT-DEMOCRATS SUPPORT B. GRATZ BROWN FOR GOVERNOR -HOW THE NEGRO VOTE WAS SECURED-RESULT-THE WOODSON-MCCARTY SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN-RAILROADS-GRASSHOPPER YEAR - POLITICAL ISSUES AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS-INDUSTRIES-VALUATION-ELECTION OF 1920-DEMOCRATS CARRY CLAY COUNTY. 138-147
CHAPTER IX.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
PRESENT BOUNDARIES -- TOPOGRAPIIY-WATER SUPPLY-FIRST SETTLERS - OTHER SETTLERS-LIBERTY LANDING-LITTLE SHOAL CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH-PROVIDENCE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 148-150
CHAPTER X.
LIBERTY.
TOWN SITE ON LAND OF JOHN OWENS-COUNTY SEAT SELECTED-FIRST SALE OF TOWN LOTS-FIRST HOTEL AND STORES TOWN INCORPORATED-LIB- ERTY IN 1846-REINCORPORATED IN 1861-EARLY INDUSTRIES-WATER AND LIGIIT-LODGES-CHURCHES-SCHOOLS-URBAN LAKE-ODD FELLOWS HOME ADVANTAGES OF LIBERTY-PROGRESS 151-167
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER XI.
FISHING RIVER TOWNSHIP.
LOCATION-SOIL-FIRST SETTLEMENT-EARLY SETTLERS-MISSOURI CITY-EX- CELSIOR SPRINGS-WILLIAMS' LANDING-FLOOD OF 1844-ST. BERNARD- TRAGEDIES-LODGES-CHURCHES 167-172
CHAPTER XII.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS.
DISCOVERY OF SPRINGS-J. V. B. FLACK-FIRST HOUSE-RAPID GROWTH-VIL- LAGE INCORPORATED-FIRST OFFICERS-A FAMOUS RESORT-HOTELS -- PARKS AND DRIVEWAY-MORE THAN TWENTY SPRINGS-MINERAL PROP- ERTIES OF WATER-REGENT SPRINGS-SILOAM SPRINGS-BATHING-GOLF CLUB AND COURSE-AN UP-TO-DATE TOWN-PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISES-AMUSEMENTS AND RECREATIONS-PUBLIC SCHOOLS __ 173-188
CHAPTER XIII.
GALLATIN TOWNSHIP.
LOCATION-DRAINAGE-ONE OF THE ORIGINAL TOWNSHIPS-SETTLED IN 1822- VILLAGES BARRY, FIRST AN INDIAN TRADING POST-HARLEM-MOSCOW- RANDOLPH-NORAH KANSAS CITY-EARLY CHURCHES 189-192
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER XIV
PLATTE TOWNSHIP.
LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES-PHYSICAL FEATURES-GOOD FARMS-EARLY SET- TLERS-"YANKEE" SMITH-OTHER SETTLERS-TOWNSHIP CREATED FROM GALLATIN IN 1827-ORIGINAL BOUNDARIES-FIRST OFFICERS AND ELEC- TIONS-ELM GROVE, FIRST POST OFFICE-CIVIL WAR TRAGEDIES-PIONEER CHURCHES-SMITHVILLE-GOSNEYVILLE 193-200
CHAPTER XV
KEARNEY TOWNSHIP.
ORGANIZATION-BOUNDARIES-FIRST JUSTICE OF THE PEACE -- TOPOGRAPHY- SETTLEMENTS-WILD ANIMALS-CIVIL WAR TRAGEDIES-CHURCHES-THE TOWN OF KEARNEY-HOLT 201-207
CHAPTER XVI
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY-RAILROAD FACILITIES GREENVILLE AND CLAY- VILLE EXTINCT TOWNS-FIRST SETTLERS-TOWNSHIP FORMED IN 1830- BOUNDARIES-FIRST OFFICERS AND ELECTION-MT. VERNON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 208-210
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER XVII
WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE.
THE STORY OF ITS FOUNDING AND LOCATION-OFFICERS AND FACULTY ___ 211-224
CHAPTER XVIII
ORGANIZED MEDICINE IN CLAY COUNTY.
By John Joseph Gaines, M.D., Secretary.
FOUNDED IN 1854-SECOND OLDEST IN THE STATE-EARLY MEETINGS-QUALIFI- CATION FOR MEMBERSHIP-OBJECTS-MEMBERSHIP FEE-FIRST OFFICERS -INVENTION AND DISCOVERY INVITED-CIVIL WAR-INTEREST-IN THE WORLD WAR-"EVERY MAN A VOLUNTEER"-DISTINGUISHED SERVICE- SERVICE AT HOME-AUXILIARY DEFENSE COMMITTEE-NECROLOGY OF MEMBERS-DOCAOR ALLEN-PRESENT OFFICERS 223-230
CHAPTER XIX
ROAD BUILDING.
NEED OF GOOD ROADS-MOVEMENT IN CLAY COUNTY IN 1916-$1,250,000.00 BONDS VOTED-WORK DELAYED BY WORLD WAR-COL. E. M. STAYTON IN CHARGE -WORK ACCOMPLISHED AND IN PROGRESS-HOW THE FEDERAL GOVERN- MENT AND STATE COOPERATES IN GOOD ROADS BUILDING. 231-236
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER XX
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
ALEXANDER DONIPHAN CHAPTER.
By Mrs. Robert S. Withers.
OBJECT-ORGANIZED IN 1909-COL. ALEXANDER DONIPHAN-ACTIVITIES-MEM- BERS HONORED BY STATE ORGANIZATION-WORLD WAR WORK-ACTIVE RESIDENT MEMBERS-NON-RESIDENT MEMBERS-TRANSFERRED TO OTHER CHAPTERS-WITHDRAWN-DECEASED 237-242
CHAPTER XXI
THE PRESS.
"THE FAR WEST" FOUNDED IN 1836-"THE WESTERN JOURNAL"-"THE LIBERTY BANNER"-"THE WESTERN PIONEER"-"THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM"- "CLAY COUNTY FLAG"-"LIBERTY WEEKLY UNION"-"THE CLAY COUNTY DEMOCRAT"-"RICHFIELD MONITOR"-"THE SENTINEL"-"THE KEARNEY CLIPPER"-"THE LIBERTY TRIBUNE"-"THE LIBERTY ADVANCE"-"THE EX- CELSIOR DAILY CALL"-"EXCELSIOR SPRINGS STANDARD"-"CHRISTIAN UNION HERALD"-"CLAY COUNTY DEMOCRAT"-"CLAY COUNTY RUSTLER"- "CLAY COUNTY NEWS" 243-244
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER XXII.
THE MORMONS.
MORMON INFLUX TO JACKSON COUNTY IN 1832-TROUBLE IN JACKSON COUNTY- TOOK REFUGE IN CLAY AND OTHER COUNTIES-HOSTILITIES AGAINST MOR- MONS-MORMONS ARMED- FORCES CONCENTRATED AT FAR WEST-STATE MILITIA CALLED OUT-GENERAL DONIPHAN IN COMMAND-MORMONS SUR- RENDER-JOE SMITH AND OTHER LEADERS INDICTED-IN JAIL AT LIBERTY -LEADERS SAVED BY DONIPHAN-GOVERNOR BOGGS MURDERED-MOR- MONS REMAIN AWAY FROM STATE FOR FIFTY YEARS-AT INDEPENDENCE. 245-248
CHAPTER XXIII.
-
THE JAMES BOYS.
NATIVES OF THIS COUNTY-FATHER, REV. ROBERT JAMES, DIED IN CALIFORNIA -MOTHER'S SUBSEQUENT MARRIAGES-FRANK JOINS CONFEDERATE ARMY- CAPTURED AND PAROLED-AGAIN ARRESTED-ESCAPES AND BECOMES A GUERILLA-RAIDS-MOTHER ARRESTED BY FEDERALS-JESSE "WENT TO THE BUSH"-TWICE WOUNDED-CAREERS OF BRIGANDAGE-PURSUIT KEPT UP BY LOCAL OFFICERS-PINKERTON DETECTIVE AND DANIEL ASKEW KILLED-END OF CAREERS-LITTLE KNOWN IN CLAY COUNTY 249-254
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE WORLD WAR.
PRESIDENT WILSON-AMERICAN PATRIOTISM-SUMMARY OF WAR-PERSONNEL OF LOCAL DRAFT BOARD-ROSTER OF SOLDIERS AND SAILORS FROM CLAY COUNTY-NECROLOGY-HONOR ROLL OF GOLD STARS-AMERICAN EFFORT IN THE WORLD WAR-ACHIEVEMENAS OF AMERICAN TROOPS 255-275
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
CHAPTER XXV.
THE CLAY COUNTY COUNCIL OF DEFENSE.
(By Robert S. Withers.)
RAPIDITY OF RESPONSE-COUNSEL OF DEFENSE CREATED BY CONGRESS-WAR DECLARED GOVERNOR GARDNER CALLS MEETING -- CLAY COUNTY REPRE- SENTATIVES-PURPOSE AND DUTIES-MEMBERS 276-278
CHAPTER XXVI.
CLAY COUNTY WOMAN'S COMMITTEE COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE.
(By Mrs. Robert S. Withers.)
WOMAN'S PART IN THE WAR-WOMAN'S DIVISION OF MISSOURI ORGANIZED- REGISTRATION-FAMILY ENROLLMENT-LUNCHEON AT LIBERTY-PROGRAM -FOOD CONSERVATION-CHILD WELFARE WORK-WORK OF TRAINING CAMP ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE-WAR SAVINGS AND LIBERTY LOAN CAM- PAIGNS-MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES-TOWNSHIP CHAIRMEN-TOWN CHAIR- MEN-COUNTY DEPARTMENTAL CHAIRMEN-FOOD CONSERVATION-CHILD WELFARE-RED CROSS-LIBERTY LOAN-TRAINING CAMP ACTIVITIES- PATRIOTIC EDUCATION AND AMERICANIZATION-REGISTRATION 279-29I
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY CHAPTER XXVII.
CLAY COUNTY CHAPTER, AMERICAN RED CROSS.
FIRST WAR FUND DRIVE-ORGANIZATION FORMED IN CLAY COUNTY-OFFICERS OF CLAY COUNTY-CHAIRMEN -- WAR FUND AND MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGNS -- RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES-PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT-CANTEEN WORK-HOME SERVICE SECTION-DOCTORS FROM CLAY COUNTY WITH ARMY AND NAVY-DENTISTS-VETERINARIES-STUDENT DOCTORS-NURS- ING DEPARTMENT JUNIOR RED CROSS-NEGRO AUXILIARY 292-309
CHAPTER XXVIII
SOME CLAY COUNTY AND MISSOURI EVENTS.
SOME DATES OF DISCOVERY, SETTLEMENT AND PROGRESS OF MISSOURI AND ANNALS OF CLAY COUNTY, MISSOURI 310-327
CHAPTER XXIX
OFFICIALS FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF CLAY COUNTY.
CONVENTION DELEGATES - STATE SENATORS -REPRESENTATIVES - CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES-PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS JUDGES OF PROBATE-COUNTY COURT JUDGES-COUNTY CLERKS-SHERIFFS-CIRCUIT COURT CLERKS- COLLECTORS OF COUNTY REVENUE-COUNTY ASSESSORS-COUNTY TREAS- URERS COUNTY SURVEYORS -- RECORDERS OF DEEDS-COUNTY COMMISSION- ERS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS-CORONERS-RESIDENT ATTORNEYS-EARLY LAWYERS 328-337
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS
Blevins, John M 455
Bogart, Dr. Thomas N 615
Bridge Across Smith's Fork 193
Brooks, Van W 555
Campbell, Laura A. 375
Collins, Residence of Andy W 605
Court House, Clay County 65
Daily and Dugan
405
Dudfield, Alvin
625
Early Day Transportation
136
Elms Hotel, Excelsior Springs
176
Evans, David Jones
338
Ford, M. S. and Grandson 565
Frazier, John C
435
Frazier, Mrs. John (
435
Garage, Day and Night, Excelsior Springs 665
Gashland Lumber Company 525
Gentry, O. P 385
Gordon, Thomas C. 445
Hayes, B. F.
365
High School, Excelsior Springs 184 Hudelmyer, Mr. and Mrs. John and
Grandson 475
Hulse, J. N. 575
Hulse, Mrs. J. N. 575
Irminger, James Philip 395
Jail at Liberty, Old
65
Kearney Public School
168
Kirkland, E. E.
355
Ligon, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. and Son 465
Macken, Albert and Elizabeth J
425
Massey, R. M. 645
Matthews, Dr. F. H. 415
Mexican War Veterans
104
Odd Fellows' Home
152
Pack, R. W
675
Pioneer Home
120
Pioneer Motor Power
120
Post Office, Excelsior Springs
176
Public Library, Excelsior Springs
184
Rothwell, Dr. John H 345
Scott, James R.
495
Scott, Judge J. W.
545
Smithville Public School 193
Snyder, Walter
685
Steamboating, in 1860 80
Stewart, J. T. 585
Stollings, David
485
Suddarth, Dr. C. H. 595
Tapp, Mr. and Mrs. C. C.
655
Thomas, J. E.
635
Thomas, Mrs. J. E. 635
View from Missouri City 168
Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. George W.
505
William Jewell College, Campus.
216
William Jewell College, Jewell Hall_ 224
William Jewell College, Science Hall 216
Woods, John B.
515
Woods, Mr. and Mrs. Henry A.
535
Woodson, W. H.
Frontispiece
CLAY COUNTY COURT HOUSE, LIBERTY, MO.
OLD JAIL AT LIBERTY, MO., WHERE JOSEPH SMITH WAS INCARCERATED IN 1837
History of Clay County
CHAPTER I.
LOUISIANA PURCHASE.
DISCOVERY BY LA SALLE-FRENCH TERRITORY-CEDED TO SPAIN IN 1762-BACK TO FRANCE IN 1800-PRESIDENT JEFFERSON OPENS NEGOTIATIONS THROUGH LIVINGSTON AND MADISON-PURCHASED FROM NAPOLEON IN 1803 FOR $15,000,000-JEFFERSON'S FORESIGHT-"HEADS OF CONSIDERATION" -CONSEQUENCES OF CESSION AND GUARANTEE-FORMAL POSSESSION BY THE UNITED STATES.
The ownership of the territory, known as the Louisiana Purchase, was not asserted until LaSalle, in 1682, took possession of that country, in the name of his sovereign, Louis XIV, King of France, and in whose honor he named the province, Louisiana. That part of Louisiana lying west of the Mississippi river was, in 1762, ceded to Spain, and from that time until 1800, Spain held undisputed sovereignty over the whole of the Louisiana province. For years during the latter part of the seventeenth century, and for more than a decade in the early part of the eighteenth century, all Europe, and America, were caldrons of wars, rumors of wars, contention and diplomacy. The most powerful single personality of mod- ern days, the greatest soldier since Caesar, the most astute and adroit diplomat of all time, Napoleon Bonaparte, was at the zenith of his glory, and wonderful career, and was panoplied with such power the greater
66
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
part of this period as to cause the greater part of Europe to quake with fear for its safety, and America, especially the United States-then in its infancy-to be not a little concerned for its safety and perpetuity.
Jealous of the increasing activities of England and Spain in America, Napoleon compelled Spain into a treaty, known as the Treaty of Ildefonso, October 1, 1800, by which Spain ceded to France, all the territory known as Louisiana, west of the Mississippi. Although this result had been accomplished during the most tumultous and exceedingly dangerous times, yet this treaty had been kept a secret for three years, still not sufficiently so that Thomas Jefferson-then President-did not fail to get an inkling that such a treaty had been consummated, and he determined on prompt action to secure, if possible, the province of Louisiana, deem- ing such acquisition as not only absolutely necessary to protect the in- tegrity and safety of his country, but to prevent impending war, and, also, by so doing succeeded in extending the confines of his own coun- try. Robert Livingston was the American minister to France, and to him was promptly sent instructions to make known to that government that the United States would insist upon the free navigation of the Mis- sissippi, and that the occupation, by the French government, of New Orleans, would bring about a conflict between the two nations, which would culminate in armed rupture; that it was the part of wisdom, as well as diplomacy, for the two countries to remain on peaceable and friendly terms; that the United States government desired peace with all nations; that the occupancy of New Orleans might oblige the United States to make common cause with England, France's bitterest, and, apparently, implacable enemy; that to avoid such a step, the govern- ment of the United States would purchase the province of Louisiana.
James Madison was authorized by Mr. Jefferson, the President, to assist Mr. Livingston in this negotiation with France, which proved suc- cessful, and on the 29th day of December, 1803, the flag of this country floated over the City of New Orleans; the territory having been pur- chased from France at a cost of only $15.000,000. Thus was added to our domain all the territory known as the Louisiana province.
From the time the Colonies won their independence from Great Britain, to 1803, the United States was bounded on the North by Canada -a province of Great Britain; on the East by the Atlantic ocean; on the South by Florida-a province of Spain, and the Gulf of Mexico; on
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.