USA > Missouri > Platte County > Annals of Platte County, Missouri, from its exploration down to June 1, 1897; with genealogies of its noted families, and sketches of its pioneers and distinguished people > Part 18
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I. GREEN T. MARTIN, a lawyer of Missouri.
II. FRANK B. MARTIN, m'd April 4, 1844, Lucretia Gordon, and in 1846 went to Oregon.
III. GILL MARTIN.
IV. HARDIN D. MARTIN, m'd a Searcy, and went to Texas.
V. WM. J. MARTIN, i'd 1st, Aug. 22, 1839, Harriet Crobarger; m'd 2d, Dec. 3, 1852, Mary Goss. Went to Oregon.
VI. JAMES B. MARTIN. has been noticed.
VII. ELIZABETH J. MARTIN, m'd April 23, 1841, H. M. Knighton. VIII. MILLY MARTIN. m'd Elisha Harrington. (See.)
IX. JOSEPHINE MARTIN. m'd 1st, Winter, from whom she was divorced. She then m'd John Riley Owen. (See.) I make her an interesting character in my poem, "The Moaning Falls."
R. S. Kelly and .J. H. Stringfellow issue the Squatter Sorer- eign. a Pro-slavery paper, at Atchison, Kansas.
Feb. 12-Geo. W. Gist having died at Weston, H. J. Wolf ad ministers. Bond, $1,500. Gen. Gist was a man of intelligence, and an experienced surveyor. He was the first president of the Leavenworth Town Company, and laid off the city.
Feb. 23-Leavenworth has 1 hotel, 1 saw-mill. 1 tailor, 1 shoe- maker, 1 barber, 2 blacksmiths, 1 newspaper, 3 lawyers, and 2 doctors.
MARCH.
March 6-E. N. O. Clough enrolled as an attorney.
John T. Bell having died, J. H. Spurlock administers. Bond, $2,000.
March 21-The case of P. Skinner rs. H. B. Todd resulted in a verdict of $49, against the defendant.
1855, MARCH.
198
PARK'S PRESS.
March 24-The Christian Church buys Lot 1, Block 32, Platte City, and proceeds to erect a house of worship. The lot cost $613.
On the Kickapoo ferryboat, the following notice appears: "Some illy-disposed persons have tried to injure my ferry, by stat- ing that I refused to cross persons, last fall, to the election. This is false. It would be difficult to find one more 'sound on the goose' than I am.
[Signed] John Ellis."
KANSAS ELECTION, MARCH 30, 1855.
Result in the Territory: Pro-slavery vote, 5,427; Anti- slavery vote, 791.
Among councilmen elected were, Wm. Barbee, A. M. Coffey, John W. Forman, and R. R. Rees. For the House: O. H. Brown. J. H. Stringfellow, W. H Tebbs, Jas. Whitlock, and Allen Wilker- son Though frauds were perpetrated, yet there was at this time a large majority of Pro-slavery men in the Territory.
APRIL.
April 2-Jerry Woods is elected mayor of Weston.
Population of Leavenworth, 500.
DESTRUCTION OF G. S. PARK'S PRESS.
The Platte County Self-Defensive Association held fre- quent meetings in the. spring of 1855. Senator Atchison, Dr G. W. Bayless, and B. F. Stringfellow were popular speakers, and their Pro-slavery harangues provoked the people to frenzy and outrage. Those living east and south of Platte City became al- most insane. Dr. Walker, Capt. W. J. Miller, J. V. Cockrell, L. Shepard, and Col. J. H. Winston were untiring in their efforts to arouse the people and to get them into Kansas. The Kansas League held frequent meetings in secret. They appointed com- mittees to carry their decrees into execution. Northern Methodist preachers had stated meetings at their church, five miles south of Platte City. Committees waited on them, and commanded them to desist, and enforced their charge with threats of tar and' feathers-and if these were not sufficient, they would be hung. Charles Morris, one of the preachers, defied them, and persisted in preaching. His temerity cost him his life, and, in 1864, was the cause of the death of Dr. Jos. Walker, in retaliation.
After the frauds perpetrated in the Kansas election of March 30. 1855, the following article appeared in the Industrial Luminary. published at Parkville, by Park and Patterson:
"There is virtually no law in Kansas, and no security for life or property, save in the sense of honor and justice cherished by every true pioneer. This may save the country from bloodshed ; but the Government is held up to ridicule and contempt, and its authority disregarded. Judges of elections have been displaced.
RESULTS.
199
1855, APRIL.
and new ones appointed; the polls have in some instances been guarded with pistols and bowie-knives; and some of those elected are going to the governor, swearing that if he does not give them certificates of election immediately, they will 'cut his throat from ear to ear.' Is the flag of our country to be no longer protected ; or are individuals or companies to declare we will, and it must be so. without regard to law? Is this what the authors of the Nebraska- Kansas bill meant by squatter sovereignty?"
That such sentiments should be published in Platte County, under the very shadow of the Kansas League, was more than could be endured. Accordingly, at the next meeting a committee of the whole was appointed to meet at Parkville April 14. 1855, to cast the press and type of the Luminary into the Missouri River, to read a sentence of banishment to Park and Patterson, and to threaten death in case of their return to the county. But the culprits got wind of what was coming, and stored away in the garret a large amount of type, which was not discovered, and afterwards taken to Kansas and used for Free-soil purposes.
On the 14th of April the Kansas Leaguers appeared on the streets of Parkville. Their hearts were fired by flaming speeches. The press was borne of many. A banner was hoisted aloft, and, amid songs and acclamations, the press and material were con- signed to the yellow waters of the turbid Missouri.
Park was absent, and Patterson had to tread the wine-press alone. The decree was short: "Leave the State in three days. and never return, or be hung." Park was allowed three weeks to settle up his business affairs, and to leave.
A public meeting was held that indorsed the proceedings, threatened with death Southern Methodist preachers, and ex- pressed the intention of dealing in like manner with other Free- soilers "not far off." These proceedings met the approbation of the Pro-slavery party at Liberty and elsewhere.
RESULTS.
1. Kansas became a free State. This outrage brought a myriad anti-slavery voters to Kansas.
2. The leaders in this outrage were sued by Park, and had to pay all damages-$2,500.
3. W. J. Patterson went to Montreal, Canada, beame a wealthy merchant, and died honored and revered.
4. George S. Park gathered his scattered means, and in- vested them in Illinois lands, became a large capitalist, and, after the war, returned to his old home, to bless and enrich the very men who had conspired for his ruin. He, from the wealth thrust upon him by his enemies, founded Park College, the grandest and noblest educational enterprise of the West. His dust now reposes at the very spot whence he was banished in life, and a colossal marble monument to his honor overlooks the place where his press
1855, APRIL.
200
COUNTY FINANCES.
was submerged. How unsearchable are God's judgments, and His ways are past finding out !
James H. Lane and John Brown and sons appear in Kansas The Legislature meets and passes Pro-slavery laws.
April 3-Malcolm Clark, a leading Pro-slavery man, is killed at Leavenworth, in a row, by Cole McCrea, who was apprehended and indicted for murder, but escaped.
April 30-A Pro-slavery public meeting at Leavenworth, is addressed by Jas. N. Burnes. They appoint a vigilance committee of thirty. The committee charge that William Phillips was ac. cessory to the murder of Clark, and order him to leave.
Samuel C. Bowers having died, P. Ellington qualifies as his executor. Bond, $12,000. His will is dated February 24, 1855, and probated May 24, 1855. His second wife was Mary Dough- erty, who was divorced from him. She afterwards married John Bryant. He left no children and bequeathed his property to Julia Dupey, P. Ellington, and Judge H. M. Vories, his attorney.
MAY.
COUNTY FINANCES. .
Expenditures in Detail.
Lime Creek bridge. : $ 377.00
Sugar Creek bridge. . 190.00
Prairie Creek bridge. 200.00
Platte City bridge. . 328.00
Lower Bee Creek bridge.
320.00
Other bridges and roads.
1,421.00
Bridges and roads
2,836.00
County Court Justices
290.00
Jail.
661.00
Stationery. .
346.00
County Clerk
917.00
Poor ..
1,843.00
Treasurer.
1,075.00
Court-house
356.00
Assessor
284.00
Attorneys
68.00
Printing
5.00
Sheriff .
877.00
Superintendent of Common Schools.
200.00
Patrols.
200.00
Miscellaneous. .
1,093.66
Circuit Clerk
1.342.00
$12,393.66
1855, MAY.
201
JAMES H. BALDWIN.
Assessment.
2.935 slaves.
$1.264,860.00
Money and bonds. 695,962.00
Other personal property 429.104.00
Land and lots. 2.813,240.00
Total.
$5,203,166.00
Revenue collected .
$ 9,314.90
Expended. .
12,393.66
Deficit . .
$3.078.76
'Principal of school fund, $19,820.63.
JAMES II. BALDWIN.
May 1-James H. Baldwin died at Liberty, Mo. He was born in Mason Co., Ky., April 6, 1815, a son of James Baldwin and Sarah Harris. He graduated at Centre College, Ky., in 1837, studied law with McClung & Taylor, in Washington, Ky. He was four years older than I, vet we were companions at Centre College, studied law together, were licensed at the same time, started the practice together as partners, and continued the partnership in Missouri, but I removed, in 1841, to the country, and our association ceased. He was a finished scholar and a profound lawyer. He stood at the head of the bar, and was beloved by his associates. After practicing some thirteen years at Platte City, he removed to Liberty, and formed a partnership with Gen. A. W. Doniphan. He m'd Nov. 18, 1846, Susan Thornton, daughter of Col. John Thornton, of Clay. Their only child is John T. Baldwin, who mar- ried Emma Cockrell. (See.) Mrs. Susan Baldwin, after the death of her husband, married Dr. MeCurdy, and they reside in Idaho.
May 7-Malcolm Clark having been killed as stated, Randall G. Baber administered. Bond, $15,000. He was large, strong, generous, chivalrous, and brave, a faithful friend and a danger- ous enemy. He m'd Jan. 12, 1845, Mary Elizabeth Owens, widow of Nicholas Owens, and daughter of Isham Baber. She had. by Owens, a daughter, Sarah, who married John W. Williams, and re- moved to Jackson Co., Mo., where she died, childless. Mr. Clark left an only child. Alice Clark, who married Dr. M. S. Thomas, of Leavenworth. She has several children. (See Isham Baber's family.)
May 17-William Phillips is tarred and feathered at Leaven- worth. He was a lawyer, and an active and fearless advocate of freedom. He was charged with being accessory to the death of Malcolm Clark, and was ordered to leave by the Pro-slavery Vigil- ance Committee. Taken by Kansas outlaws, he was brought to Weston, and there tarred, feathered, and ridden on a rail, and
1855, MAY.
202
JOHN C. DIESTER.
sold on the block by a negro. A public meeting at Leavenworth, presided over by R. R. Rees, approved the act. Phillips returned to Leavenworth, and was killed by ruffians September 1, 1856.
May 26-Fritz Kahm located at Parkville, and has been a merchant and a useful citizen ever since. He was born in Prus- sia. June 9, 1834. His parents were Peter Kahm and Eliz. Klem- mer. He married April 4, 1860, Eliz. Klam. Ch: 1, Fred P. Kahm; 2, Lizzie; 3, Minnie; 4, Walter B .; 5, Grace.
May 29-Ralph Johnson having died, J. F. Broadhurst ad- ministered. He left a widow, Susan, and children: 1, Ben; 2. Andrew; 3, Henry; 4, William; 5, Edwin; 6, Henrietta, m'd Duncan; 7, Sarah.
JUNE.
June 1-John C. Diester died on his farm below Parkville. He was a worthy, intelligent, and enterprising German. He left a widow, Catherine C., and children: 1, William H .; 2, Daniel; 3. Henry W .; 4, John T .; 5, Magdalen C., m'd C. P. Henson.
June 8-A Free-State meeting at Lawrence, Kansas. Arms are received by them from friends in the East.
June 9-Joseph R. Daniel having died of cholera, his father- in-law, W. L. Blanton, adminstered. He was a blacksmith of Platte City, and a partner of W. E. Oliver. Ch: 1, Alonzo Dan- iel; 2, Nathaniel; 3, Armede; 4, Eveline.
F. M. McDonald edited the Parkville Courier from this date, for five years.
JULY.
July 2-A. H. Vories and W. S. Carroll enrolled as attorneys.
And. J. Stigers having died, Chas. Babcock administered. Bond, $300. No children. His father was Peter Stigers, and his brothers and sisters: 1, Mary, wife of Wm. Davis; 2, Levi; 3, Odo Stigers.
The Kansas Legislature met at the call of Gov. Reeder, at Pawnee, where a rough stone building had been erected as a capitol. The Legislature's first act was to remove to Shawnee Mission. The Governor vetoed the law, but it was passed over his veto. They met at Shawnee Mission, on the 16th of July. The old house is now a ruin, standing alone in a wheat-field.
AUGUST.
Aug. 1-At a special election in Weston. S. P. S. McCurdy was chosen judge of the Weston Court of Common Pleas, O. Diefendorf clerk. and W. T. Woods marshal.
Cholera on the plains; Maj. Ogden dies with it.
1855, AUG
203
JOHN D. ALDERSON.
Gov. A. H. Reeder removed as governor of Kansas, and Wil- son Shannon appointed in his place.
The town of Delaware, Kansas, is founded. Lots are sold at fabulous prices.
JOHN D. ALDERSON.
Aug. 10-John D. Alderson dies north of Weston. He mar- ried in Tennessee, Nancy Couther, and came to Platte in 1842. He was a thriving farmer, and had accumulated wealth. Ch:
I. ELIZABETH ALDERSON, m'd in 1848, Wilson G. Noble. She died August 13, 1861, and Mr. Noble has lived single sincethat day. Hewas one of the earliest settlers of Weston, and there is yet his home. He was born in Boone Co., Mo .; was a son of Thomas Noble, and a saddler by trade. In 1838 he came to Weston, and has been in the harness busi- ness and mercantile pursuits ever since. He is a Knight Templar, and a dignified, honorable. and esteemed citizen. Children :
1. William A. Noble, a physician of Kansas.
2. Charles Noble, b. Feb. 23, 1852, a merchant of Weston, and at one time mayor of the city. In 1879 he m'd Julia Pettijohn, of Chicago. Ch: [{] Birdie.
3. Lizzie Noble, b. June 10, 1862; m'd Sept. 3, 1844, Jas. W. Cox, b. Feb. 5, 1861, son of W. G. Cox. She d. Dec. 31, 1891. Mr. Cox is a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser on the old estate of his father. He was educated at William Jewell College. His wife pos- sessed uncommon loveliness.
II. ELIZA ANN ALDERSON, m'd J. H. Trundle.
III. JAMES C. ALDERSON, b. in Simpson Co., Ky., May 17, 1833; m'd Nov. 21, 1865, Mattie Stone. Mr. Alderson is now a citizen of Jackson Co., Mo. In Platte he at one time owned 1,700 acres, but all have been sold. He was one of the most extensive and successful farmers and stock- raisers of the county, and was highly esteemed for intelli- gence and public spirit. Ch:
1. Annie Alderson, m'd March 17,1886, Daniel M. Railey, b. Dec. 16, 1873, son of Egbert W.
2. May Alderson. 3. Lillie. 4. Manson. 5. Herbert. 6. Bessie Alderson. T. James C.
Aug. 10-Lecompton is made the capital of Kansas.
Aug. 14-James Lane makes his first public appearance at Lawrence, Kansas, at a Free State Convention.
SEPTEMBER.
Sept. 4-David S. Irwin's estate is administered on by N. H. Hope. Bond. $12,000. Hope & Irwin, saddlers, were among the
1855, OCT.
204
COL. JOSEPH WINSTON.
first settlers of Martinsville. Irwin never married. He was highly esteemed.
The Kansas Legislature establishes slavery, makes it a felony to express Abolitionist sentiments, disqualifies Abolitionists as jurors where the rights of slave-holders are involved, and requires all officers to swear they will support the fugitive slave law.
OCTOBER.
Oct. 1-J. W. Whitfield elected by 2,721 Pro-slavery votes a delegate to Congress. He was commissioned, but not allowed a seat. The Free State men did not vote.
Oct. 2-Henry Walker having died in Weston, Henry Basve administered. Bond, $10,000. Ch: 1, W. H. Walker; 2, Andw. J.
Oct. 3-Pro-slavery men meet at Leavenworth, and issue an address, appealing to the people for law and order. It was signed by D. A. N. Grover, J. A. Halderman, L. F. Hollingsworth, D. J. Johnson, W. G. Mathias, R. R. Rees, et al.
Oct. 5-John Chapin having died, John Williams administers. Bond, $3,000.
Oct. 7-Abram Faubion having died, James Dodd adminis- ters. Bond. $4.000. Ch: 1, Margaret Faubion, m'd Brenner; 2. William, d. in Dec., 1857; 3, Catherine Faubion; 4, Ruth Ann; 5, Hezekiah; 6, Hitoner Faubion.
Oct. 8-Election in Leavenworth County, to determine be- tween Delaware, Kickapoo, and Leavenworth, which should be the county seat, resulted in favor of Delaware, by a vote of 900, against 838 for Kickapoo, and 700 for Leavenworth. The polls at Dela- ware were kept open three days, and many went there from Platte to vote. I would not go over, though importuned ; but denounced the interference of our citizens as wrong. Yet my name was voted three times.
Oct. 9-Election by Free State men of Kansas of delegates to a constitutional convention. The convention met October 23d. and chose Jas. H. Lane president.
NOVEMBER.
Vor. 10-Letitia D. Winston, widow of Gen. Joseph Winston, having died, Col. John H. Winston administers. Bond, $20,000.
THE WINSTON FAMILY.
The progenitor was COL. JOSEPH WINSTON, born in 1746; died in 1814. In 1766 he removed from Virginia to North Carolina. In the Revolutionary War he raised a regiment of patriots, and served under Gen. Greene, in the Army of the South. His regi- ment did noble service at the battle of King's Mountain, October 7. 1870, where Gen. Ferguson of the British Army was defeated. For his services on this occasion he was granted, by the Legisla- ture of North Carolina a sword ornamented with appropriate
THE WINSTONS.
205
1855, NOV.
emblems and inscriptions. This sword and a handsome likeness of him who earned it by his gallantry are vet preserved as heir- looms by his grandson, Col. John H. Winston. Col. Jos. Winston was also with Gen. Greene at the battle of Guilford Court-House. He was elected to Congress in 1792, and reëleted in 1800, and again in 1802. He served four terms in the Senate of North Carolina. and was presidential elector in 1801. The city of Winston, N. C., is named for him.
The father of Col. Jos. Winston was one of two brothers who came from Wales, and settled in Albemarle Co., Va. The other brother went, subsequently, to AAlabama, and was the progenitor of Gov. Winston, of that State.
The will of Col. Jos. Winston is dated April 12. 1814. He grants to, and names, his children, as follows:
1. Robert Winston is granted lands and personal property.
2. Joseph W. Winston-lands and negroes.
3. Sallie Winston-his precious bureau, etc.
4. Lewis Winston-a valuable watch, etc.
5. Samuel Winston-his diamond knee-buckles, etc.
6. Fountain Winston-his gold sleeve-buttons.
7. William Winston is named, but no special bequest is granted him.
Eight thousand acres of land are distributed among his chil- dren. Joseph is to support the old negroes, and he is to have the sword granted him, which, he says, "is to be used only in defense of his country." Of these children we are interested only with
GEN. JOSEPH WINSTON,
Who was born in Stokes County. N. C. He married there Letitia D. Hughes, daughter of John Hughes and Annie Moore. He was a major in a North Carolina regiment, stationed at Norfolk, Va .. in the War of 1812, and served to the end. He was afterwards a representative for years in the Legislature of North Carolina. In the militia of his State he was appointed brigadier general, and advanced to major-general. He came to Platte in 1839, and set- tled north of Parkville. He had a store at the mouth of Platte, at the town of Winston, and here he was last seen. It is sup- posed he was accidentally drowned in the Missouri River. Ch: I. COL. JOHN H. WINSTON, b. in Stokes Co., N. C .. Jan. 22. 1815; came to Platte in 1838, and settled seven miles south- east of Platte City ; m'd Dec. 4, 1839, Elizabeth Tebbs, dr. of Wm. H. Tebbs and Lydia Kennedy, b. Aug. 5. 1818; d. Dec. 1. 1886. Mrs. Winston possessed many virtues. With a cul- tivated mind and literary taste she combined a tall and handsome person, stateliness of manner, and grace with truth and kindness of heart. When her husband was un- dergoing his long military imprisonment, she took me into her counsel ; and while her tears fell freely and her prayers
1855, NOV.
206
THE WINSTONS.
rose fervently, I wept with the dutiful wife and the faithful Christian.
Col. Winston was long a militia officer. In early days I mustered under him. In military matters he was well in- formed; and when the war broke out in 1861, his Southern enthusiasm and his soldierly bearing pointed him out as the commander of Southern troops, raised in this county. In August, 1861, a military rendezvous was formed in his neighborhood and called Camp Cain. Here the Southern bands gathered, and a number of companies were organ- ized, under Capts. Chesnut, Chrisman, Chiles, Miller, Mitch- ell, Rogers, Spratt, and others. Before the regiment was fully organized, the men were hurried to the front. They were in time to take part in the siege and taking of Lexington. They were at Pea Ridge, Corinth, and other important engagements. In the spring of 1864 Col. Win- ston, by order of Gen. S. Price, returned home to recruit men for the Southern army and to help them on their way to the front. While on this duty he was captured by a troop of Federal soldiers, at his home, three miles southeast of Platte City. For twenty months, until the close of the war, he was confined in military prisons-successively at St. Louis, Alton, and Jefferson City-in apprehension of death by military order, at any time. The return of peace brought him liberty. Col. Winston had 'long been a favorite of the people of Platte, and on his return he was joyfully received. From 1872 to 1876 he represented the county in the State Legislature, and his name has been fre- quently suggested for the State Senate. Col. Winston yet lives at his old home, honored and revered by all who meet him. Ch:
1. Lydia Winston, b. Aug. 14, 1843; m'd Feb. 2, 1865, Mil- ton E. Clark, a banker and capitalist of Leavenworth. She is fond of society and spends much of her time in New England. They have three lovely daughters: [@] Nellie E. Clark, b. Dec. 13, 1866; m'd Sept. 8, 1892, Lieut. Stephen M. Hadons; [b] Cora Clark, b. Aug. 6. 1868; [c] Hildah Clark, b. Dec. 16, 1873-the beautiful!
2. C'ora A. Winston, b. Sept. 17, 1844; m'd May 2, 1864, Judge William H. Woodson, b. Jan. 6, 1840. Cora. in the prime of her beauty, possessed commanding loveliness; and now, as a matron, is charming in grace and queenly in majesty. She would have adorned the court of an empress. Judge Woodson is a scion of a noble family. He is the son of my col- lege companion, Hon. Samuel H. Woodson, a judge of the Independence Circuit, of Missouri, and mem- ber of Congress from that district. Judge W. H.
1855, NOV.
207
THE WINSTONS.
Woodson resides at Liberty, Mo. He has filled the offices of prosecuting attorney and of probate judge, and is recommended for Congress. He pos- sesses native intellect, supplemented by education, ambition, and chivalry. He commenced the practice of law at Platte City in 1864, entered the Confederate army, served under Gen. Price, and became assistant adjutant-general of the Missouri State Guard. He is related to his wife through the Hughes family. Ch: [{] Winston Woodson, b. Aug. 29, 1865; d. Nov. 18, 1891; [b] Elizabeth T. Woodson, b. Oct. 17. 1870; [c] Wm. H. Woodson (ii), b. Feb. 21. 1874; [d] Arch. L. Woodson, b. Jan. 8, 1876; [e] Lydia L. Woodson, b. Oct. 13, 1877; [f] Jos. L. Woodson, b. May 23, 1880; [9] Everard M. Woodson, b. Dec. 27,1882.
3. Harry C. Winston, b. in Platte County. After gradu- ating at William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo., at the Missouri State University, and at the Law School of Washington City, he has commenced the practice of law at Kansas City. He m'd his distant relative, Josie Kennedy, an amiable and intelligent lady. They have no children.
4. Geo F. Winston, graduated at William Jewell College and at the St. Louis Law School. He is now prac- icing law in Kansas City, Mo.
5. Alg. S. Winston, m'd May 10, 1881, Amanda Duncan, b. July 29, 1863, dr. of James Duncan. Sidney, as he is called, is a farmer on part of the parental estate. Ch: [@] Joseph Winston; [b] Harry; [c] Bessie; [d] Cora; [€] John.
II. LOUISA WINSTON, m'd in North Carolina Jas. B. Frost, who died there. The widow came to Platte in 1838, with her two children, and here died. Ch:
1. Elizabeth Frost, m'd in 1846. Col John E. Pitt, b. in southern Kentucky about 1822; d. in Colorado June 19, 1884. Mrs. Pitt was a handsome and fascinating woman, well read in the literature of the day. a bril- liant conversationalist, and a charming companion. Col. Pitt came to Platte City in 1843, and first intro- duced himself to public notice by running against Judge S. L. Leonard for circuit attorney. His speeches were replete with wit and spicy, cutting stories. His audiences were convulsed with laugh- ter, and his well-told anecdotes are not vet forgotten. He was a Whig, but gained favor by his courteous manners and genial disposition. He was an orator and a chaste writer. He was the life of every circle he entered, and made himself interesting to all sorts
1855, NOV.
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THE WINSTONS.
of company. As a humorist he had few equals, and yet he possessed a high order of intelligence. In August, 1845, he was elected a delegate to the second State Constitutional Convention, and in 1858 he was chosen a county representative, with Dr. Samuel McGuire as his associate. In 1878 he was elected county attorney. In April, 1881, he removed to Colorado, to live with his daughter, Mrs. Katie Dameron, where he died. His children have all left us. I knew the family well, and can testify to their fascinating beauty, their remarkable proficiency in music, their charming graces, and their educational accomplishments. The three daughters of Col. Pitt were a triad of noble sisters, charming wives, and true and faithful mothers. Ch: [@] James Frost Pitt, b. in 1851; is a rising lawyer of St. Joseph. He is, even now, one of the best practitioners of the State. [b] Lula Pitt, b. Sept. 13, 1853; m'd Feb. 28, 1881, Dr. Guilford Yokom, b. in 1844. They live in Colorado. Ch: [1] Helen Yokom, b. Oct. 1, 1882; and accidentally killed in July, 1894, by a shot from a gun in the hands of a negligent youth. Lula is now a sad and childless mother. [c] Katie Pitt, b. in 1856; d. Dec. 4, 1889; m'd Sept. 21, 1876, Geo. M. Dameron. She was a delicately strung harp, sensi- tive to every breath of air or beam of sunshine. Her soul was from infancy attuned to harmony. She met you in ecstasies of delight. and when she left, you were sure an angel had been with you. Words of kindness and affection flowed as nectar from her lips, and to your imagination she was a bird of par- adise. But these perfections were more than her nature could sustain. She lost her reason, and died in an asylum. She left a child, Warren, who, with Mr. Dameron, is in the far West. But her dust re- poses in our cemetery, and a large harp, appropriately placed at the head of her grave, is garlanded with honeysuckle. Her life was a song, and her monu- ment is a lyre whose Eolian strains lull her slum- bers. [d] Lettie Pitt, m'd Oct. 29, 1885. R. H. Wel- ler, a dealer in cattle at Kansas City. Lettie is much like her mother-a brilliant talker, and a faithful worker in the Episcopal Church. To her talent for music she adds vivacity, purity, and unwavering faith. Ch: [1] JJohn C. Weller; [2] James W .; [3] Lizzie P.
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