USA > Missouri > McDonald County > Illustrated history of McDonald County, Missouri: from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 1
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Illustrated History Of McDonald County,
MISSOURI,
From the Earliest Settlement To the Present Time.
EDITED AND COMPILED BY
J. A. STURGES, attorney at Law, PINEVILLE, MO.
1897.
F472 . MI3Ss
PREFACE.
IN presenting this little volume to the public, I do so with the hope that it will impart much interesting and valuable information that could be collected and preserved alone by the histo- rian. The work was begun more than three years ago and the task, though arduous, has been a pleasant one. One who has not experi- enced it would not imagine the time and labor required, and the difficulties one encounters in preparing even a small book like this.
The archives of the county have been search- ed and carefully compared, newspaper files for many years back have been gone over, and per- sons from all parts of the county have been in- terviewed and their statements compared. The traditionary matters are not the statements of one or two alone, but usually the corroboration of many. In fact no pains have been spared to make it reliable. Perhaps much of interest has been omitted, but it would be impossible to pro- cure or publish all.
+ There may be an occasional mistake, a few grammatical and typographical errors such as are liable to occur in all printed matter, but any intelligent reader will readily understand 0149E2
the meaning and overlook the defects.
The price of the book ($2,00) may seem large for such a small book, but the sale is necessarily limited, and those now contracted will bring a. very small return for the time, labor and cash expended. The somewhat irregular arrange- ment is caused by delay in procuring the mat- ter. This is especially true of the biographies.
I wish to tender my thanks to the newspa- pers for their favorable notices, the many old citizens for the information they have freely given, and to those who have rendered substan- tial aid by subscribing for the book and taking biographical space. Trusting the work may meet with general approval, and that those who purchase or read it will ever remember me kindly, it is submitted for your perusal.
J. A. STURGES.
Pineville, Mo., Nov. 1, 1897.
Claudia a. Sturges,
COMPOSITOR OF THIS BOOK.
Your's Truly, J. a. Sturges.
SKETCH OF MY LIFE.
I was born in McCoupin county, Illinois, August 26, 1850. My father, now of Moline, Kansas, was a native of Connecticut, but when he was an in- fant his parents moved to Ohio. My mother, Nancy Ann Sturges, was a daughter of Richard and Celia Chapman, who emigrated from North Carolina to Ill. in 1818. When I was about seven years old my father bought land in Montgomery county and improved a farm, and that was my home until 1875. We had about 400 acres in cul- tivation, and I know what farm life is. After se- curing a fair education, I read law with R. McWil- liams, at Litchfield, Ill., and was admitted by the Supreme Court of that state in January, 1876. The following spring I located at Litchfield where I re- mained one year. I won my first case in the cir- cuit court, also in the supreme court, for which I received a fee of $100.
In 1877 I went to Kansas, where I lived four years. While there I procured the incorporation and drafted the first ordinances of the City of Pitts- burg, and served as City Attorney one year. I came to McDonald county Dec. 10, 1881, and have tried to farm, taught school, practiced law and published a newspaper ever since. Was a Repub- lican until 1882, when I allied myself with the Democratic party, which I supported until 1894, except the county ticket in 1890. In 1894 I return- ed to the Republican party. Was presiding judge of this county from 1887-90.
February 17, 1876, I was married to Miss Inez E. Cheney, of Litchfield, Ill., who was born in Ver- mont, but came with her parents, Zerra and Mary Jane Cheney, to Illinois when a small child. We have three boys-Harry, Isaac and Albert, dead, and two girls-Claudia and Josephine, and one boy- Daniel Richard (Dick), living.
INDEX.
Altitude of county, 5
Allotting Justices,
34
Anderson township,
36
Anderson, town of,
54
Attorney, circuit,
129
Attorney, county and prosecuting,
130
Assessor, 137
Administrator, public,
.32
139
Buffalo creek,
8
Buffalo township,
36
Buffalo City,
55
Bannock,
56
Bank robbery, at Southwest City,
92
Bank robbery, at Pineville,
200
Bethpage,
97
Brown, Emma murder case,
122
Bird and others whipped,
161
165
Bear, killed in a cave,
198
Bear, Claib Stafford's first,
199
Center township, 38
Cyclone township,
40
Caverna, 56
Coy,
-57
Crystal Springs,
58
Cyclone,
58
County Seat Contest,
69
ii
INDEX.
Chenoweth murder,
98
Canada Bill lynched,
111
Clerk, circuit,
127
Clerk, county,
128
Coroner,
140
Collector & Sheriff,
131
Casbeer, George and wife suicide,
154
Court house burnt,
74
183 183
Christian, Lieutenant,
Donohue, (Goodman)
58
Devick, John killed, 144
Derbin, Frank drowned, 146
Drowned, three boys,
149
Dobbs, John killed,
179
Deer, adventure with,
197
Elk Horn creeks,
10
Elk horns found,
10
Elk Horn township,
42
Elk river,
14
Elk River township,
43
Early settlement,
16
Early settlers, customs and habits of,
27
Erie,
60
Erie township,
41
Elk Mills,
59
Enterprise,
60
Enterprise, battle at,
177
Fire at Pineville,
75
Fire at Southwest City,
86
Flood, July, 1883, 189
iii
INDEX.
Gates post office, (May)
61
Grubb, Irwin hung,
119
Honey creek,
15
Hart post office,
62
Hearrell murder,
104
Harmon, Mark killed,
182
Harmon, John killed,
143
Harmon, escape of David,
172
Hopkins family removed,
177
Hamlin, William killed,
182
Hinson, Bill,
183
Hidden Treasures,
191
Indian creek,
9
Indian legend,
11
Indian Springs,
63
Judge, circuit,
128
Judge, probate,
132
Judge, county,
134
Jail burnt,
163
Kelso, Colonel,
183
Kings creek,
12
Little Missouri,
13
Lanagan,
66
Lane, Wick murdered
120
LaMance, J. P.,
184
LaMance, M. N., 186
McDonald county, boundary and dis., 5
McDonald county, origin of name, 6
Mike creek, 13
Mill creek, 14
iv
INDEX.
McDonald county established,
23
McDonald county organized,
20
McMillin township,
44
Mountain township,
46
Mann, Garland killed,
100
Moore murder and trial,
114
Morgan, little Claude killed,
124
Meranda, James suicides,
153
Noel,
68
Noel, muder of Lula,
106
Nutting, John,
174
Nutting, M. L. wounded,
179
Nominees, list of,
334
Officers before the war,
26
Officers, first after the war,
31
Patterson creek,
9
Pineville township,
48
Pineville,
57
Pineville skirmish,
185
Pine war,
158
Prairie township,
49
Powell,
76
Proctor, Mrs. burnt,
151
Petty thieving,
160
Population of county,
341
Richwood township,
51
Rocky Comfort,
77
Rutledge,
77
Rail road,
81
Representative,
126
INDEX.
V
Sugar creek,
13
Saratoga Springs,
78
Silver Springs,
79
Simcoe,
80
Splitlog,
81
Southwest City,
83
Sheriff and Collector,
131
Surveyor,
141
School commissioner,
141
Sterley, O. killed,
144
Stafford, John killed,
147
Sellers, death of Lee,
152
Slickers,
156
Smith, death of Major,
170
Shields, Col.,
184
Schell's buried money,
193
Smith, George murdered,
206
Townships,
26
33
Twin Springs,
96
Treasurer,
138
Testerman, Willie killed,
145
Tillotson, Jack killed,
204
Tiff City,
209
Temperance Work,
210
Voting places,
33
Vote by townships,
313
Vendetta,
186
Wolf scalps,
34
Wolf story,
195
White Rock township,
52
vi
INDEX.
White Rock Sulphur Springs,
96
Wisdom murder case, 102
Wilson, John killed,
147
War Stories, Wimpey, Timothy killed,
167
180
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Adams, A. A.,
225
Anderson, A. D.,
226
Anderson, Robert,
227
Baker, Zach,
227 -
Barlow, A. H.,
228
Best, S. D.,
229
Bosserman, H. B.,
253
Cowan, J. H.,
230
Chase, Dr.,
249
Carnell, T. J.,
255
Christensen, J. B.,
261
Carlyle, L. W.,
264
Coffelt, T. A.,
271
Clay, George,
275
Davis, C. E.,
244
Doty, Dr.,
245
Doty, J. A.,
312
Dabbs, Hugh,
246
Duval, C. E.,
307
Elliff, D. S.
231
Etue, P. D.,
256
Elliff, J. L.,
257
Edelen, Dr.,
290
INDEX.
vii
Falkenbury, M, C.,
297
Freeze, F. A.,
300
Foster, J. A.,
304
Gilbraith, T. C.,
232
Horner, J. T.,
232
Horton, P. A.,
233
Harmon, Dan,
265
Huckins, Dan,
276
Jackson, H. S.,
234
Jackson, J. A.,
263
Kelley, J. W.,
295
Lane, S. T.,
235
Lamson, J. C.,
286
LaMance, M. N.,
287
LaMance, Lora S.,
288 ">
Marrs, M. L.,
236 -
Meador, M. E.,
236
Madden, J. P.,
237
Montgomery, John L.,
238
Mckinney, Dr.,
277
Noel, W. H.,
238
Noel, A. W.,
247
Nutting, J. W.,
239
Patterson, R. W.,
240
Prater, H. C.,
241
Pepper, H. C.,
283
Price, W. C.,
291
Preston, S. D. and wife,
309
viii
INDEX.
Qualls, J. H.,
241
Seabourn, G. M. D.,
242
Shambaugh, I. N.,
267
Shields, J. W.,
269
Smith, J. W.,
273
Smith, W. E.,
281
Sears, F. A.
274
Stewart, M. L.,
298
Tabler, A.,
293
Tandy, J. F.,
305
Wilson, W. K.,
243
Wimpey, J. H.,
259
Wimpey, T. H.,
244
Walters, A. C., 299
Vermillion, R. E. and wife, 250
Yocum, P. A. T., 302
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY.
MCDONALD COUNTY is situated in the extreme southwest corner of the state, having the Indi- an Territory for its western boundary and Ar- kansas for its southern. Newton county lies north, and Barry, east. In addition to the mag- netic variation, the west line of the state bears west which makes the county three-fourths of a mile wider at the south side than at the north. The south line bears north of east, making the county narrower at the east side than at the
west. The actual dimensions of the county within a few rods from north to south is, at the west end 18 1-2 miles; at the east end 17 1-4 miles. From east to west, on the north line it is 30 3-4 miles, and 30 miles on the south. It, therefore contains about 550 square miles. The general altitude above the sea level is about 1100 feet. The surveys of the county show that from the water level in the streams to the summit of the
6
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
highest hills is 365 feet. This elevation is reached either by gradual ascent from the mouth to the source of the water courses, or by an ab- rupt rise, in places being almost perpendicular.
It has been quite a difficult task to ascertain the origin of the name, but all the old settlers state that the county was named after an offi- cer in the Revolutionary War. Dr. Duval and W. C. Price think he was one of Marion's men.
The surface of the county is quite diversified. In the northwest corner, or nearly so, a point of Swors Prairie projects into this county, there be- ing perhaps 300 acres of prairie land this side of the Newton county line. Thereis, also, a small body of prairie land near the northeast corner of the county, called Mitchells prairie, from a fami- ly of that name who settled there in the early days. White Rock prairie is a small body of prai- rie land in White Rock township. It derives its name from the white, chalky appearance of the stone which is found there in large quantities. In the southwest part of the county, the Cow- skin prairie extends some five miles square, and contains some very fine farms.
Between the various valleys and streams arc uplands covered with all varieties of timber grown in this part of the state. These uplands are, usually, comparatively level, and are called Flat Woods. This name was applied by the
- 1.
7
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
southern people who settled here in the early days, and signifies "barrens". Until within the lastfew years they were supposed to be worthless but are now being rapidly put into cultivation, and have proved to be quite productive. Many of the best farms in the county are now on this
"barren" land. Along the valleys pertaining to all the streams the bottom lands are generally fertile, and produce all kinds of crops in abun- dance. The soil in all parts of the county is much more productive than it appears to be to one who is not acquainted withit. Clover grows rankly on the hill sides and uplands thatappear to be covered with nothing but gravel. Blue grass does quite well when it is once set, but it is difficult to get it started. Orchard and other grasses where tried, have generally proven a success, but up to the present writing the ex- periments have not been very extensive. Fruit trees grow rapidly and come early into bearing, while small fruits of almost every variety scarce- ly ever fail, and are of the finest quality and flavor.
Between the valleys and water courses and the uplands, are usually ranges of hills. They are generally steep, high, and often rise in perpen- dicular cliffs. These abrupt hills and hollows are called brakes, and are generally worthless except for the timber and for range, or pastures.
.8
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY ..
These brakes are not confined to any locality, but are contiguous to all the streams. The largest bluffs are found along the river where in places they rise perpendicularly several hundred feet, and form some of the grandest scenery in the Great Southwest. Along the southern border of the county the surface is generally broken, and in the southeast part the hills rise almost to the magnitude of mountains. The valleys and coves in this broken part of the county are, however, exceptionally rich, and contain many fine farms and prosperous . in- habitants.
WATER COURSES.
Beginning in the northwest part of the county, the first stream of note is Buffalo creek, which enters the county on the north line about five and one-half miles from the northwest corner and bears south and west, passing into the Indi- an Territory near Tiff City. It is a beautiful stream of water fed by springs, and along its bottoms are some of the richest farms in the county. It was named many years before a white man ever thought of settling on its banks. I have not been able to learn his name nor the date in which he made his journey, but have been reliably informed that the name Buffalo, was given this creek by the first Catholic Mis- sionarythat ever visited the Indians of this part
9
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
of America. During his journey considerable heavy rain fell and the creek, as well as the river rose until it was past fording, and the party was obliged to go into camp between the two streams until the water ran down. While thus delayed a buffalo cow was killed by one of the party and the robe, or skin, was preserved. From this event the missionary gave the name- Buffalo to the creek and Cow Skin to the river. A very pretty origin for the names of two of the most noted streams in our county.
Next south of this is Patterson creek, named from John Patterson, an old bachelor who settled on the creek about the year 1833. The creek rises about two miles west of the town of Anderson and runs principally west, passing into the Territory about a mile south of Tiff City.
South Indian creek takes its source at a large spring in the town of Rocky Comfort and runs south of west for some ten or twelve miles where it connects with the main creek which has its source in Newton county, and enters McDonald county about twelve miles from the northeast corner. The main creek flows south and west from where it enters this county, and empties into Elk river just above the old town site of Rutledge. This is one of the most beautiful of streams; throughout its entire length the rich bottom lands, fine farms, herds of all kinds of
10
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
stock and comfortable, home-like houses and barns, impress one with the belief that heis in one of the favored spots of the earth. Many years ago, in the earliest settlement of this part of Missouri there was an Indian camp on this creek just about where it now crosses the north line of this county. The name was given it from this Indian camp.
East of this, and still in the northern part of the county are the North and South Elk Horn. These two streams each rise from springs and are fed by the same means. The Valleys are narrow but very productive, and many nice farms are found along these two streams.
Many of the older inhabitants do not remem- ber the origin of the name, but Ihave been able to glean the information that it was formerly the grazing and stamping ground for heards of elk, and the name was given on account of find- ing horns of these animals along the two streams. Mr. John Roseberry, now deceased, more than sixty years ago found an immense set of elk horns in that vicinity. He was a large, tall man, but the horns were so large that when the tips were placed on the ground he could stand straight under the crown. This may seem somo- what incredible, but it is vouched for by so many reputable citizens that it is given as an absolute fact.
11
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
In connection with this part of the county we have gleaned the following little romance which we give as a beautiful illustration of the dusky heroes and lovers of long ago. Perhaps it will be of sufficient interest to pardon the digression.
THE STORY
Long before there were any white settlers in any of the south western counties of Missouri a band of Indians used to make their annual hunt- ing expeditions through this country. One of their regular camps was on Indian creek near the north line of this county. From this camp they would scour the country for miles around in search of game. Among this tribe was a young warrior who had long, in vain, sought to gain the love of a dusky maid who proved adverse to all his entreaties. One evening after his prof- fered love had again been rejected, in his lonli- ness and despair, he went out in the stillness of the night and, gazing on the stars that twinkled so brightly, as if in mockery of his anguish, he breathed a prayer to the Great Spirit to make him worthy of the maiden and to enable him to gain her love. At length, worn out by his mel- ancholy vigils, he wrapped himself in his robes anl laid down to pursue in his troubled dreams the thoughts that would not leave his mind eith- er awake or asleep.
The next morning he started out on his usual
12
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
hunting trip, and during the day visited the lo- cality where a herd of elk were known to use. Being unsuccessful in his search for game, he wandered around until late in the afternoon, tired and thirsty, he concluded to go to the big spring at the head of North Elk Horn, and spend the night there alone. As he came near the place he heard the scream of a woman and the angry snort of an elk. Rushing down the hill atlight- ning speed, he saw a large male elk just as it struck the maid, and heard a stifled groan as she rolled on the ground and was trampled beneath the feet of the enraged animal. One twang of his bow sent an arrow on its death-dealing mission; an instant his hunting knife gleamed in the sun, then sank deep in the side of the animal, which rolled over and died. The warrior gathered the insensible form of the girl in his arms, and as he looked in her face beheld the object of his affections. He carried her to the spring, bathed her in the cool water and in a few moments she revived. Her injuries were not serious, and for many long and happy years that elk's horns stood over the door of their wigwam, the grandest of all his trophies. Ever after that spring was called the Elk's Horn, and the name was event- ually extended to the two beautiful streams.
Kings creek rises south of the center of Rich- wood township and runs principally south and
13
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
empties into Big Sugar creek in center town- ship 2 miles below Powell. It was named from John'B. King the first settler. He was a law- yer, saw mill man and figured quite prominently in the Pine War which occurred in the early set- tlement of the county.
Mike creek rises in Richwood township near . the Barry county line, and runs south and west, emptying into Big Sugar creek about one mile . above the mouth of Kings creek. " The name was given from the first settler on that stream, Phil- ip Michael, who located on the farm now owned by Henry Green Fox, in the year 1857.
Big Sugar creek has its source in Benton Co., Ark., and, enters this county in Mountain town- ship near the southeast corner, runs north and principally west to the town of Pineville where it unites with Little Sugar and forms Elk, or Cowskin river. Little Sugar rises in Benton county, Ark., enters this county at Caverna in White Rock township, and runs west and north until it makes the connection above mentioned.
The two streams derive their names from the quantities of sugar maples that formely grew in great numbers along their bottoms. There us- ed to be a number of sugar tree orchards on these two creeks, and the early settlers were abundant- ly supplied with maple syrup and sugar.
Little Missouri is the name of a stream that
14
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
has its source in White Rock township, runs nearly west and empties into Little Sugar creek.
Mill creek lies in the southern part of Pine- ville township and connects with the river just above the town of Noel. It derives its name from a saw mill erected nearits mouth by Moses Martin about 1835. It was operated by horse power, and afterward a pair of corn burrs were added. South and southwest of this is Butler creek which empties into the river just below the town of Noel. The upper part of this stream is called Deer creek; so called from the numer- ous herds of deer found there in early days. Butler creek was named from Chas. Butler who settled at the place now owned by Chas. Heath about the year 1840.
Elk River, also called Cowskin, is formed, as stated, by the junction of the two Sugar creeks at the town of Pineville, and flows principally west, meandering north and south at various parts. From Rutledge it flows nearly south
about three miles, then bears north until it crosses the state line and enters the Territory about two miles north of the parallel on which it starts; thence westwardly until it empties into Grand river in the Indian Territory. This stream was declared navigable by act of Congress many years ago, but it has never been practical for that purpose, there being too many narrow and
15
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
shallow places. The valley or bottom is from one-half to two miles wide and the soil is very rich. Many large and productive farms are along its banks and the owners are counted way upin the thousands in wealth.
Honey creek rises in Arkansas, runs across the corner of the county, passing through Southwest City and into the Territory.
There are various other small streams and valleys along which are found many productive farms, but the above are the principal water courses worthy of note.
These streams are all fed by springs, and the water is usually cold. One peculiarity of the smaller water courses is that they become "lost" or run under ground much of the way. At one point the water will be running like a mill race, perhaps fifty yards below the bed will be per- fectly dry, then again the water comes to the surface going with a rush until it again rises and so on until it reaches a larger body.
.. 16
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
CHAPTER II.
" EARLY SETTLEMENT.
THE early settlers of McDonald county, like those of all other localities, located along the creeks and river bottoms. Here were abundant springs of pure, cold water, the, streams were alive with fish and an abundance of game ranged near these water courses. The soil was · ex- tremely fertile, producing almost miraculous crops of all grains and vegetables, while the uplands called "barrens" or "flat woods", were considered almost worthless for agricultural purposes.
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