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 3
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1837
21
FISH.
crushed were gone, while those I cut up remained. I lived in this cabin three months, and secured my land by preemption.
FISH.
As in most new countries, fish were abundant. The creeks were stocked with perch and catfish; and, with these, buffalo, bass, and campbellites were found in the lakes and larger streams. The Falls of Platte was a favorite resort for fishermen from abroad. I have sometimes seen, at one time, a hundred per- sons fishing at the Falls. At the spawning season vast quantities of large catfish, unable to pass the falls, would gather in the rapids below. In the riffles I have seen the tails and fins of large fish so close and numerous that a spear cast in would often bring a fish to the shore. Venturesome watermen would go under the dam with a grab-hook, and harpoon large fish lying in the crevices of the rocks. As buffalo and catfish were coming down the river, great numbers were caught in the trap set at the foot of the falls. The water-wheels of the mill were sometimes stopped by them. But from year to year they became less. Bean's Lake and other lakes of the county still supply quantities of buffalo fish. Traps and seines are prohibited.
IMPROVEMENTS.
The first homes of the settlers were rude huts constructed of round logs, daubed with mud, floored with puncheons, and cov- ered with clapboards held down by weight-poles. The chimney was of logs to the arch, and then of laths filled in with mud. The door was of clapboards, and the latch-string, night and day, hung outward; for the pioneer is both fearless and hospitable. But, as soon as lumber could be procured, these cabins were succeeded by warm hewed-log houses, with plank floors and stone chimneys. Stoves came in later.
CLEARING LAND.
Prairies were neglected, but farms were opened in the timber with much labor. All trees under a foot in diameter were felled, and cut into lengths of ten feet, for rails. The brush was piled, and the large trees were girdled. For these services $5 per acre was the usual price. As the trees decayed and fell, they were dragged together and burned. Log-rollings were common. The rule was, You help me and I will help you. \ jug of whisky and a general notice of the day brought together a merry crowd. The larger piles of logs were covered with rock, to be burned into lime.
FARMING IMPLEMENTS.
Blacksmiths used charcoal, made from burning large piles of timber covered with dirt. I made many of them, for one of my servants was a blacksmith. Many a bar-share and Cary plow he made. The moldboard was made from a twisting oak. which
1837
22
SOCIETY.
always, like the bean-vine, follows the sun in twisting. An im- provement on the bar-share was the Cary plow, and the next advance was the Diamond plow. A story was told on an old farmer, who had always used the bar-share. A friend prevailed on him to try the Diamond plow. After a day's work, he re- turned the plow, saying: "It won't last a week ; for it has already turned as bright as a dollar." The top of a bushy tree was the ordinary harrow, and wheat was cut with the sickle or the cradle. Oxen were used for all kinds of farm-work. Wagons were made by the carpenter, and ironed by the blacksmith.
SOCIETY.
The settlers had come from all States and countries. Each brought the arts, skill, and acquirements of his old home. Society, as a whole, has never been better. Every trade and profession was represented. Each one contributed something to the general fund of knowledge. Society was not divided into classes and circles. Each was esteemed according to his merit. No one was arrogant from wealth, and none cast out from poverty. Family distinctions were unknown. People were genial and social. All were on a level.
RELIGION.
Hardshell Baptists were the leading denomination. Their log churches, built in the form of a cross, were found in every settlement. They were an excellent people, but their ministers were not educated, and were seldom paid. The Missionary Bap- tists, Cumberland Presbyterians, Methodists, and Disciples divided the people. They preached in the log school-houses and in camp-grounds. No churches were built for ten years after the county was settled.
MILITIA.
In the fall of 1837 the State Militia was organized in the county. S. L. Leonard was appointed major-general, and Wm. B. Almond brigadier-general. The 77th Regiment was commanded by Col. Fielding Burnes; H. L. Wilkerson was major, and Lewis Burnes adjutant; Jas. Bradley was drum major, and John A. White. D. D. Burnes, and others were captains. The 78th Regi- ment was commanded by Colonel H. D. Oden, with John Mulligan as lieutenant-colonel. and John Boulware. Jas. Lilliard, and others as captains. Drilling, musters, and reviews were grand occasions.
SUPPLIES FOR FT. LEAVENWORTH.
Prior to 1837, and for five or six years after the opening of Platte. Clay County furnished the supplies for the Fort. Thos. Gordon was the largest contractor for corn. bacon, and beeves. When the Mexican War commenced, there was great demand for
1837
23
TOWNS.
horses, mules, oxen, and wagons. Business upon the plains built up Platte County in wealth.
TOWN SITES.
I have already referred to Martinsville. No reliable titles to land could be procured until March, 1843, when the Plattsburg Land Office was opened. Yet towns grew up at Weston, Park- ville, Iatan, New Market, Ridgely, and other places. The Mis- souri strikes the bluff at but three places in Platte, and each has a town or two-Iatan, Weston, and Parkville, with Rialto and Winston. The law to grant towns a preëmption, and to authorize sale of lots, was not passed until 1843. No good improvements were made until after the land sales. But there was a Federal law granting to counties a preemption of 160 acres for county seats. Under this law, Platte City was the first town in the county where good titles could be obtained.
WESTON.
In 1837 Joseph Moore took up the claim upon which Weston is situated. Several streets were laid off and some locations sold. But Moore possessed no business qualifications, and the town did not prosper. In 1838 Gen. Bela M. Hughes, the only child of Gen- eral Andrew S. Hughes, already mentioned, purchased a half interest in the claim. The new firm laid off what is known as the city proper, and commenced selling lots. At that time, there were only two families in the town. General Hughes yet lives in Denver, burdened with age and honors, but he was then only 21 years old. He took control in the winter of 1838-9, and sold many lots. The purchasers took the risk of getting the fee-simple title. Some lots were given away, to secure good and enterpris- ing settlers. The first store was established by Thornburg & Lucas. It stood on Warner's corner. I was in Weston, July 14 to 20, 1839. It was a busy, bustling town of three hundred peo- ple. Ben Wood was a saddler. Ben Holladay kept a saloon. I had my first case in Missouri. A man was taken up for stealing a saddle, and was tried for the felony by a justice. A jury was summoned and instructed. If found guilty, he was to go to the penitentiary. I let the jury try him, intending, in case he were found guilty, to move to set the verdict aside. But the jury cleared him, and I got my fee. I remember meeting John B. Wells, Smith Calvert. Ben Holladay, General Hughes, William and D. P. Willingford, Dr. Sam'l McAdow, and Milton Byrum. I attended the sale at Nelson P. Owens' place, where the brick house of the late Lewis Pence stands. But among the new-comers some roughs and desperadoes, who "jumped" lots and defied all authority. The town was on public land, but we had a State law-"forcible entry and detainer"-that was used to put tres- passers off of claims. Right or wrong, the settlers interpreted the law to suit their purposes, and "jumpers" had to beware. Gen- eral Hughes was equal to the emergency, and the lot-jumpers
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1838
24
PRE-EMPTION.
had to be quiet or leave. Weston, under General Hughes' whole- some management, became a safe and prosperous town. A man named Ferguson made a deadly attack upon Hughes with a knife, but the latter eluded the stroke and with his fist felled the assassin. Ferguson, when well, thought it prudent to enlist in the army. James Moore, a brother of Joseph, had to be brought to terms, and a man named Durbin was ordered to leave. Other jumpers were chastized until peace and prosperity reigned. Though the town site was not entered under the Federal law until 1844, nor the plat filed until September 19, 1844, yet in the mean- time the town grew in numbers and in the enterprise of its inhabitants. After the plat was filed and the town chartered, the board of trustees gave deeds for lots at nominal prices. There were no public sales of lots. Except Platte City and Weston, no towns succeeded until after the land sales.
March 27, 1837-Geo. W. Smith and Sallie Gentry were mar- ried. This is the first entry of a marriage in Platte in the records of Clay.
July 20. 1837-Ben Jacks born. He is supposed to have been the first child born in Platte. R. N. Harrington, late of the Dearborn Democrat, was born July 24, 1837.
1838.
The season of 1838 was propitious. The most interesting event was the passage of a general preemption law, granting 160 acres. each, to settlers. This law gave preëmptions to all who were then, at the passage of the law, actual settlers on public lands. A sale or abandonment of the claim worked a forfeiture. But in 1841 the present prospective preemption law was passed. and such as bought claims and took possession at once acquired title which he could enforce at law. The law of 1838 quieted titles. improvements progressed, population increased, churches were organized, school-houses built, orchards planted, and pros- perity ruled.
APRIL.
April 7-A Methodist church was organized in the vicinity of Weston. The original members were: Wm. Adkinson. Joel Al- bright. Wm. Bailey, Henry Barker, Wm. Clay, Thos. Edwards, Thos. Farmer. Phil. S. Gill. Jesse Green, B. Holland. H. Hopeland, Thos. Kenion, Frank Newman. C. C. Nichols, and Wm. Toole.
AUGUST.
Ang. 4-The county court of Clay, having divided Platte into townships, appointed justices and constables, and designated places for voting, the regular election was held. The county was then. as now, thoroughly Democratic, and the officers elected were of the same political faith. No county officer was elected, as the appointments made were until the general election of 1840. Platte was regarded as part of Clay. The State senators elected
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1838, AUG.
25
COUNTY ORGANIZED.
were: Judge Jas. T. V. Thompson, of Clay, and Cornelius Gil- liam, of the attached part of Clinton. The representatives were: D. R. Atchison and Jas. M. Hughes, of Clay, and JJesse Morin, of Platte. T. W. Boggs was chosen governor.
NOVEMBER.
Nor. 19-The Legislature convened at Jefferson City.
DECEMBER.
THE COUNTY ORGANIZED.
Dec. 31-The act to organize Platte and Buchanan counties approved. The north line of Platte was to be run west from the old boundary of the State, so as to embrace 400 square miles; and to this end the governor was to appoint a surveyor. He was also to appoint three county justices and a sheriff.
The county court was to meet the second Monday in March, 1839, and was authorized to appoint a county clerk, a treasurer, and an assessor.
The county was attached to the First Judicial Circuit (Judge .1. . 1. King), and to the Twelfth Senatorial District.
Circuit courts were to meet the first Mondays in April, Au- gust, and December, and the judge to appoint a circuit clerk.
The Falls of Platte was to be the temporary seat of justice. and S. D. Lucas, of Jackson, John H. Morehead, of Ray, and Sam'l Hadley, of Clay, were appointed commissioners to select a permanent seat of justice.
One representative was granted to Platte.
THE MORMONS.
In the fall of 1838 Governor Boggs called for a contingent from Clay and Platte to aid in suppressing the Mormons of Caldwell County. Three companies were raised in Platte, by Major John Boulware. They hastened to the scene of war, but order had been restored, and the battalion returned, and were discharged.
1839. SURVEY OF THE COUNTY.
The governor appointed Matthew M. Hughes as surveyor, to run the line between Platte and Buchanan, so as to include 400 square miles. Mr. Hughes, assisted by James Brasfield, repaired to the southeast corner of the proposed county, and meandered the east bank of the Missouri River to a point at which a line run- ning east to the Clinton County line would include exactly 400 square miles. No islands of the Missouri were embraced in this survey ; nor did Applegate, in his subsequent survey. include any island. When the county was sectionized by Applegate, in 1840.
1839, MARCH.
26
COUNTY COURT.
it proved to be 412 square miles. Applegate's lines run about one half degree east of north, and north of west, as compared with the surveys of the east and the north lines of the county. There is no copy of Hughes' survey found in Platte. I presume the orig- inal field-notes are at Jefferson City.
MARCH.
THE COUNTY COURT.
Governor Boggs appointed Jones H. Owen sheriff of Platte County, and Michael Byrd, John B. Collier, and Michael M'Caf. ferty county court justices. As appointed by statute, the first session of the county court was held at the Falls of Platte, on the 11th day of March, 1839. The tavern house of Michael D. Faylor was used as a court-house. After organizing, the court appointed Hall L. Wilkerson county clerk, Hamilton Linnville assessor. and Ira Norris treasurer. The assessor gave bond for $300, and the treasurer for $5,000.
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNTY COURT.
March 11-Isaac McEllis is granted ferry license at Kickapoo. Jeremiah H. Spratt is appointed administrator of John Hens- ley. Bond, $1,800.
ALLOTING JUSTICES.
Court accepts the names and lines of the six municipal town- ships laid off by the county court of Clay, and appoints allotting justices as follows: 1, Peter Crockett for Preston Township; 2, Matthias Masten for Carroll Township; 3, W. M. Kincaid for Green Township; 4, Robert Patton for Lee Township; 5, Sam'l T. Mason for Marshall Township; and 6, James Hurd for Pettis Township. Weston Township was not laid off until 1840.
George P. Dorriss was the first to take out a merchant's license.
Dram-shop license was issued to Jonathan and Nich. Owens. on payment of $5 to the State and $1 to the county.
Ed Wilcox was appointed constable for Carroll Township. but could not give bond.
March 21-John A. Ewell m'd Eliza Houshell. This is the first record of a marriage found on the books of Platte County.
FIRST CIRCUIT COURT.
March 25-Judge Austin A. King commenced his first term of circuit court for Platte, at the log tavern of M. D. Faylor in "The Falls of Platte." His first act was to appoint Jesse Morin circuit clerk. Sheriff Jones H. Owen returned the following Grand Jury: 1. James Beagle; 2, Isaac Blanton; 3, James Brown; 4, John Brown: 5. Sam'l 1. Brown; 6, Robert Cain; 7, Patrick Cooper; S. Daniel Dearborn; 9, Jas. Flannery; 10, Isaac Glasscock; 11. Jesse Lewis (foreman); 12, John McCarty; 13, Wm. McClain; 14. John S. Malott; 15. Henry Matheny; 16, Peyton Murphy;
1839, MARCH.
27
CIRCUIT COURT.
17, Isaac Norman; 18, Sol Tetherow; 19, Jos. Todd, Sr .; 20, Joshua Y'ates.
The following attorneys were enrolled: 1, W. B. Almond; 2, D. R. Atchison; 3, Peter H. Burnett; 4, Alex. E. Cannon ; 5, A. W. Doniphan; 6, John A. Gordon; 7, Russell Hicks; 8, And. S. Hughes; 9, Amos Rees; 10, J. S. Thomas; 11, T. D. Wheaton; and 12, Wm. T. Wood (circuit attorney).
The Grand Juryfound indictments for gaming against : 1, John Baldon; 2, S. A. Brown; 3, G. P. Dorriss; 4, John Green; 5, John Larkin; 6, H. D. Martin; 7, Ira Norris; 8, J. H. Spratt, and others. John Ferguson and A. W. Hughes were indicted for keeping gambling-houses.
March 26-John B. Wells appointed administrator of Horeb Wells; bond, $1,000. Horeb Wells left a widow, Rachel, and an only child, Fannie A. Wells.
APRIL.
April 3-County court raised the fee for county, for dram-shop license, from $1 up to $5. The State fee had been fixed at $5, mak- ing the full fee $10.
MAY
May 6-M. M. Hughes files his report of survey of Platte, and the county court refers it to S. T. Leonard and James Brasfield, who approve the same, and recommend the payment of the sur- veyor's bill, $102.
Petition filed for a road from English's Landing (Parkville) to the Falls of Platte.
The county court pays $100 towards the cost ($280) of the bridge over Bee Creek, near its present mouth. The remaining $180 was paid by the United States Government.
May 7-Geo. P. Dorriss is allowed $20 for a county seal.
May 11-The county court orders an election of justices and constables to be held June 22d.
Ben Holladay is granted dram-shop license at Weston.
Wm. Hague is granted ferry license at Fort Leavenworth.
JUNE. SURVEYS COMMENCED.
June 4-Lisbon Applegate commenced his work of sectioniz- ing the county. He started at the old State line, between town- ships 50 and 51. The work was finished in June, 1840. A certified copy of his field-notes, originally in two volumes of 1,100 pages each, is in the custody of the county surveyor, and is the "Domes- day Book" of Platte. Surveyor Applegate was experienced in his calling, and no errors have been detected in his work. He died. greatly honored and loved, in Chariton County. Mo., in Janu- ary, 1875.
THE BRASFIELDS.
28
1839, JUNE.
THE BRASFIELDS.
June 10-Major James Brasfield died at his home on Todd's Creek. His widow, Jane, and his oldest son, Thos. W. R., were appointed, November 9, administrators, with the will annexed. The father of deceased was Wylie Roy Brasfield, of English line- age, born in Virginia April 19, 1766; removed to Kentucky, and i'd Elizabeth Berry, daughter of Thomas. She was b. November 4, 1771, and d. October 21, 1837. Their son,
JAMES BRASFIELD
Was b. in Clark Co., Ky., September 25, 1790, and d. in Platte. June 10, 1839. He was a major in the War of 1812-lost an eye in the service, drew a pension to the day of his death, m'd, June 6, 1816, Jane Lafferty, b. February 5, 1799, d. January 15, 1880. She was a dr. of Thos. Lafferty, of Scotch parentage, b. January 14, 1771, d. July 25, 1828, and his wife, Eleanor Strode, b. in Vir- ginia, February 16, 1783, and d. April 17, 1868.
Maj. James Brasfield received a finished education, read extensively, and was a chaste writer of both prose and poetry. He was sheriff of Clark County, Kentucky, for eight years, and a practical surveyor of large experience. He came with his family to Clinton Co., Mo., in 1834, and removed thence to Platte, in the spring of 1838. He was the surveyor who, under Commissioner M. M. Hughes, fixed the northern line of Platte County. Ch:
I. THOMAS WYLIE ROY BRASFIELD, b. in Clark Co., Ky., Sept. 6, 1817; d. in Platte Nov. 8, 1873. He was tall and handsome, and highly esteemed for intelligence, honor, and integrity. He m'd Elizabeth Breckinridge, b. 1829; d. May 15, 1883. She was a dr. of Len. Breckinridge, of Clay. Ch: 1. James Brasfield, went to Oregon, m'd a Miss Smith, and has reared a family.
2. John C. Brasfield, b. 1841, a Knight and an Odd Fel- low, m'd, Dec. 22, 1864, Minerva (Minnie) Thatcher, dr. of Daniel. She was b. Sept. 22, 1848, d. at Lib- erty, Mo., March 19, 1891, and buried at Smithville. Ch: [@] James W. Brasfield; [b] John S .; [c] Morton (Dock); and [d] Eleanor (Nellie). Mr. J. C. Bras- field is now a merchant of Smithville. He m'd 2d, Dec. 25. 1895. Mollie E. Duncan, dr. of Theo.
3. Sallie Brasfield m'd Dr. C. H. Morton. He d. at Smith- ville Nov. 6, 1885, and was buried at the Brasfield Cemetery, in Platte. Ch: [] Loar Morton, m'd Sidney Williams; [b] John S., m'd Miss Rollins.
4. Robert Brasfield, b. 1846; d. Ang. 23. 1882.
5. Ellen Brasfield, m'd 1st, Frank Brooks; m'd 2d. Summerville. Live in Oregon.
6. Wylic R. Brasfield. i'd 1st. December 19, 1872, Elwilda De Berry, dr. of John L. Ch: [{] Ernest ; [b] Lou. He m'd 2d. Florence Hord. No ch.
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1839, JUNE.
29
THE BRASFIELDS.
7. Polly Ann Brasfield, b. April 19, 1850; m'd JJuly 2, 1867, Montgomery P. Balsley, b. in Boone Co., Ky., Nov. 27. 1836. He lives in Platte, on part of the old Bras- field homestead, near South-Gale, and is a much respected gentleman. Ch: [4] George Balsley, b. March 31, 1868. [b] Adelia, b. July 2, 1870. [@]Eva, b. July 27, 1872. Mr. Balsley moved from Kv. to St. Joe in 1858; and, after visiting Colorado and Idaho, settled in Platte in 1867. He possesses large experience, and is genial and companionable. 8. Thomas W. R. Brasfield (ii), single, lives in Oregon.
II. POLLY ANN BRASFIELD, b. April 23, 1820; m'd Elijah Fry, a worthy farmer of Clinton. Ch:
1. Mary C. Fry, m'd John Reed, who will be noticed. (See.)
2. America, m'd Thos. H. Clay, a cultivated gentleman and farmer, living near Edgerton. Ch: [@] Geo. Clay, d. Dec. 9, 1896. [b] Ida M. and [@] Maggie, wives of Stephen Johnston. (See.)
3. James, m'd a dr. of Ben Lampton.
5. Alice, m'd McPhelridge. 6. Manor, single.
III. WILLIAM A. BRASFIELD, b. May 28. 1822; d. in the mines of Cal., January 29, 1850.
IV. JOHN STRODE BRASFIELD. b. in Clark Co., Ky., April 5. 1825. Came with his parents, in 1834, to Clinton County, Mo .; and thence to Platte, in the spring of 1838, settling in the "Great Bear Rough" on Todd's Creek. I will give an account of his early life in his own words:
"We settled in what was known as the "Great Bear Rough." We caught four cubs. I worked on the farm; paid off father's security debts; had to walk three miles to school. A sow was given me; raised a litter of pigs; sold 1,200 pounds of pork for $12; bought a fiddle with $4: borrowed $2 from our old servant, Aleck, and bought four calves for $10; broke them, and had two yoke of oxen. In 1842, went to Santa Fé; was hunter and cook for the party ; was once near being captured by the Comanches; returned with a pack-mule and $55: became a clerk in a store at $25 per month. In the spring of 1849 went to California with brother William, John G. Haydon, Wm. Davenport, and R. P. Wood. In Humboldt Desert we were lost: R. P. Wood became crazy for a time; Davenport dashed forward, and returned with water; wintered at Hang-town; went to Sacramento; was offered $350 per month to clerk, but declined it. Potatoes sold at $1 per pound, and eggs at $1 each; the proceeds of my 1,200 pounds of pork would have bought a dozen eggs: our teams came through in good order. I engaged in mining, and made $1,500; went into the mercantile business with L .. . J. Wood and J. M. Clay as
1839, JUNE.
30
THE BRASFIELDS.
my partners; went to San Francisco, and returned with a stock of goods; sold them at great profit. My brother William died; and, in discouragement, I came home."
December 11, 1851, Mr. Brasfield m'd his relative, Kate Brasfield, dr. of Claiborn. She was b. in Woodford Co., Ky., October 15, 1826; d. March 30, 1890. Several children were born to them, but died in infancy. He m'd 2d, Sept. 1, 1894, Kate Briggs, of Kansas.
In 1870, Mr. Brasfield was elected a judge of the county court of Platte, and served three years. He is an enthu- siastic Mason, and has attained the highest honors of the order. His genial, generous, and hospitable nature has made him a general favorite. His first wife was a beau- tiful and lovely woman, and possessed a remarkably sweet disposition. The Judge is wealthy, and, with his young and accomplished wife, lives on his farm adjacent to Tracy. V. ELIZABETH WILLIS BRASFIELD, the youngest child of Major Brasfield, was born June 3, 1831; m'd January 18, 1849, Judge Jas. G. Spratt, who came from Smith County, Virginia, in 1842. August 7, 1843, he was appointed a jus- tice of the peace of Carroll Township; was deputy county clerk in 1852; read law privately; was elected probate judge in 1858, over Jas. Kuykendall, the late incumbent. Mrs. Spratt was an intelligent and amiable lady. She died May 9, 1861. In September, 1864, Judge Spratt went to Virginia City, and, while practicing law, engaged in speculation in mining stock. He died Nov. 13, 1881. His remains were brought back to Platte, and found rest be- side his wife. In the practice of law, he was partner of Hon. Joseph E. Merryman, in Platte City. He was a good lawyer, and was an honorable man. Ch:
1. John W. Spratt, b. Dec. 29, 1849; m'd October 4, 1875, Mary A. Thatcher. After her death he m'd Duncan. No ch.
2. Edgar Spratt. b. Aug. 30, 1855; d. Aug. 11, 1882; m'd Ang. 30. 1877, Salena (Sibbie) Thatcher, b. April 27. 1860; d. April 8, 1882. He was a merchant of Smith- ville. The deaths of husband and wife within four days of each other. of typhoid fever, created much alarm. Both were buried in the Brasfield Cemetery. ELECTION OF JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
June 22-The election of justices of the peace for the town- ships resulted as follows:
1. For Preston Township: 1, Wm. Banta; 2, Peter Crock- ett : 3. Arch Hill; 4. H. D. Oden.
2. For Carroll Township: 1. Dan'l Clary; 2. Jas. Flannery ; 3. J. W. Gibson: 4. Matthias Masten.
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