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 6
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April 10-Phinchas Skinner buys land east of Camden Point. The Missouri River ice commences moving ..
.April 13-The Steamer Tone reaches Weston, bringing Wilkin- son's paper. The Eagle now comes out regularly. The John Aull. arrives at Weston on the 14th.
April 15-The first regular issue of the Eagle at Weston- No. 1. Vol. II.
.April 22-Pritchard is killed in Weston by Price.
1843, APRIL.
53
HARD TIMES.
April 27-The Platte City Presbyterian Church organized with the following members: 1. Wm. B. AAlmond; 2, John Y. Cooper; 3. Dr. John Clarke; 4, Ann, his wife: 5, N. H. Hope: 6, S. P. S. MeCurdy; 7, Jos. Patton; 8, Allen Sloan; 9, Anna M., his wife; 10, Jas. E. Walker. Dr. J. M. Fulton was invited to supply the pulpit. W. M. Paxton and wife united a few months later. The organization took place in the large upper room of the court- house, where preaching was held by all denominations.
ΜΑΣ. COUNTY FINANCES.
Amount received. . $2,017.12
Paid out. . 1,622.07
$395.05
The season was backward, and no ground was plowed before the 20th of April. For three weeks the ground was in good order for the plow, and corn planted before the 10th of May did well: but in May the windows of heaven were opened, and late-planted corn and hemp were failures. Hemp and wheat were covered by snow from November to April. Wheat was protected by the snow, but hemp did not rot until the spring rains; and then the weather was so wet that the hemp could not be broken out. Much of it was left in the shock and lost. Throughout the winter one snow was added to another, and by spring formed a solid covering for the earth, a foot thick. Not half the corn was gathered before the snows commenced, and vast flocks of prairie-fowl from the west damaged the standing corn.
LAND ENTRIES.
Samuel and Birch were able and accommodating officers. A specific time was fixed for the settlers of each township to prove their preëmptions. The settlers of each neighborhood went in a body, and there was no trouble to get witnesses to prove residence. A prescribed oath was taken, a neighbor was called to prove settlement, the money was paid in gold, silver, or Missouri bank-notes, and a certificate given that made the preëmptioner a freeholder. There were but few controversies, and these generally were settled to the satisfaction of both parties. There was not an appeal from Platte County. It required $320.000 to enter the lands of Platte, or $2,000,000 for the Platte Country. Until the Mexican War brought relief. I witnessed a state of awful pecuniary distress. Some of the settlers had money laid by to enter lands; but a greater number had to sacrifice their personal property to save their lands. Property had three prices : 1st, trade or exchange price: 2d, currency price: and 3d, land- office money price. The unfavorable seasons of 1843 and 1844 added to the distress. In 1843 the county assessment of slaves and personal property, including notes and money. was only $412,000. Land was not assessed.
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THE BURNETTS.
54
1843, JUNE.
JUNE.
June 1-Heavy rains retarded agriculture.
The Oregon emigrants, having gathered at Westport, organize by choosing Peter H. Burnett as captain, J. W. Nesmith orderly sergeant, and 9 councilmen.
PETER HI. BURNETT.
We will hear no more of Peter H. Burnett in the history of Platte; and I cannot dismiss so honored a friend without a tribute to his merits. The whole family possessed talent, and a religious sentiment made them enthusiasts in every good cause. The enterprise, hardihood, intelligence, and devotion of Peter H. Bur- nett have blessed and benefited four States of our Union. He was our first prosecuting attorney, and discharged the duties of his office with marked success. He led the first overland expedi tion to Oregon, mid untold dangers, privations, and suffering ; passed to California over a trackless wilderness. became the first governor of the newly acquired territory, and surrendered his office with clean hands and an unclouded name. He published "A Lawyer's Reasons for Joining the Catholic Church" in a neat volume; and in another volume, "An Old Pioneer." he has given sketches of his eventful life. His style is plain and simple, and his adventures are replete with interest. He died in San Fran- cisco May 18. 1895. I will give his genealogy:
GEORGE BURNETT, the ancestor, was b. in Va., Sept. 26, 1770: went to Tenn .; m'd 1802. Dorothy (Dolly) Hardeman, b. in Tenn. May 15. 1786; d. in Platte March 17, 1843. Issue:
I. CONSTANTINA BURNETT. m'd 1st. Jas. M. Miller, who was killed by lightning. 1821. at Boonville. She m'd 2d, W. L. Smith, a merchant of Liberty. I knew him well. He was an accomplished gentleman.
II. PETER HARDEMAN BURNETT. b. at Nashville, Tenn .. Nov. 15. 1807 : d. in San Franscisco May 18, 1895; m'd a dr. of Judge Peter Rogers. I have already noticed him. Issue .
1. Diright J. Burnett. 2. Martha L. 3. Romictta. 4. John. 5. Armistead. 6. Sallie C. Burnett.
III. GLEN OWEN BURNETT. a Christian preacher.
IV. GEO. WM. BURNETT. at one time constable of Carroll Township. Platte County.
V. ELIZABETH A. BURNETT. i'd 1st. in Clay Co .. Dr. Ware S. May, who d. in Nov .. 1847. Mrs. May possessed beauty. spirit. virtue, and intelligence. Dr. May was a pioneer physician, and successful in his practice. His fund of anecdotes and his genial disposition. seasoned with mirth and humor, made him popular with all classes. Yet he was not a happy man. and in one of his sprees took mor- phine and died. Issue:
1843, JUNE.
55
THE BURNETTS.
1. George R. May, i'd Oct. 9, 1869, Miranda J. Waller, and went to Iowa.
2. Mary C. May, m'd May 27, 1858, Edwin R. Williams, b. Nov. 15, 1826.
3. Dorothy (Dolly), d .; m'd July 27, 1866, Oliver Todd. Ch: [] George Todd; [6] Lizzie; [] Millie. Mr. Todd will be noticed again.
4. Susan May. m'd April 4, 1866. Sam'l C. Park. Ch: [@] Edward Park ; [b] Burnett.
5. Benj. L. May. b. June 17. 1841; d. April 24, 1882; m'd Sept. 28, 1865. Mary A. Nicol, b. April 4, 1846, a dr. of David Nicol. Ch: [] Geo. E. May. b. 1866: [b] David W., b. 1868; [c] Anna E., b. 1870; [d] Ben. W., b. 1872; and [€] Frank. b. 1879. Dr. B. L. May studied medicine with his father, graduated at Belle- vue Medical College, settled at Barry, and became an eminent physician. From him May Township took its name. He died April 24, 1882. His widow and children live at the old Nicol homestead.
6. Elisabeth May, i'd May 10. 1866. Lee M. Williams, h. May 15, 1843, son of William.
Mrs. Elizabeth May, widow of Dr. W. S. May, afterwards i'd Robert Cain. (See.)
VI. JAS. WHITE BURNETT. m'd Sarah Jane Turner. dr. of Elder Thomas Turner.
VII. MARY H. J. BURNETT. m'd 1836 Dr. Benj. S. Long. b. at Versailles, Ky., Jan. 12. 1808; graduated at the medical de- partment of Transylvania University in 1835. She d. in 1843. and he d. May 11, 1877. Ch:
1. George M. 2. Anna B. 3. James. 4. Mary 1. 5. Har- riet. 6. Louisa, who m'd John Fulton, of Parkville. VIIT. THOMAS S. BURNETT. a M. E. preacher.
June 6-Heavy rains have raised the streams. The Platte and Missouri are overflowing, and many bridges have been washed away. Cut-worms are damaging corn.
June 16-The Steamer Col. Woods came round from Weston to Platte City, bringing as passengers E. S. Wilkinson and Isaac Carter. They met with no trouble on the way. The boat lay all night at the foot of Main Street. The town got drunk. and G. P. Dorriss shipped a hogshead of sugar to New Orleans.
JULY.
July 5-W. II. Edgar takes out tavern license for Platte City. His hotel was the Faylor log house, that stood where the Wells Bank now stands.
July 10-Atkins & White, merchants of Platte City. fail, and Stephen Johnson buys their storehouse. on Lot 7. Block 25. for $400.
1843, JULY.
56
ST. JOSEPH.
July 18-Branham & McCausland buy Lot 6, Block 26, in Platte City, for $50. Here they built a frame store.
Dudley Wells convicted of manslaughter in the fourth degree. and fined $1,000.
The members of the bar recommend Allen McLane for regis- ter of the State land office at Savannah; but Nat Burrows receives the appointment.
July 26-St. Joseph was laid off in June, 1843, and named the 26th of July. The latter day is observed as Founders' Day.
AUGUST.
Aug. 4-Letters are granted to Philip Walker on the estate of Daniel Varble. Ch: 1, Margaret Varble; 2, Henry; 3, James; 4, Sallie; 5, Manon; 6, Jasper; 7, a daughter.
Aug. 7-Letters granted to G. D. Toole on the estate of Samuel Staggs. Bond, $6,000. Ch: 1, Samuel Staggs (ii), m'd May 29, 1873, Ada M. Dooley.
Aug. 13-M. N. Owen buys land one mile west of Platte City.
Aug. 19-J. H. and R. D. Johnston buy the N. E. ¿ of Sec. 9, T. 52, R. 34, for $800.
Aug. 23-H. D. Martin sells to Zadock and Jas. B. Martin his interest in the water mills at Platte City, and goes to Oregon.
Jerry V. Cockrill sells to R. P. Gaines his hotel on Lot 12, Block 24, Platte City, for $3,000.
At a special election, held the first Monday in this month. Lycurgus Shepard was chosen county surveyor in place of S. L. Leonard, resigned.
SEPTEMBER.
Sept. 1-Phinehas Skinner buys a large body of land near the Narrows, and, forming a partnership with Zabina Babcock, opens a country store.
Sept. 7-Platte City incorporated with W. C. Remington, Phil. Lutes, John S. Porter, John Edwards, and W. E. Black as trustees,
OCTOBER.
Oct. 1-Zadock Martin conveys to Platte County 24 acres in the N. W. ¿ of Sec. 36, T. 53, R. 35; Jesse Morin is appointed com- missioner, and lays off an addition to Platte City, consisting of Blocks 35 to 41.
The banks are resuming specie payments.
Oct. 3-Senator Lewis F. Linn dies at Ste. Genevieve, and Judge D. R. Atchison is appointed to the vacancy.
Judge Henderson Young succeeds Atchison as circuit judge. Fielding and Clinton Cockrill buy farms two miles west of Platte City, and Felix G. Cockrill starts a store in Weston.
Oct. 9-Judge Henderson Young holds circuit court. B. F. Loan is enrolled as an attorney.
1843, OCT.
57
THE HUGHES.
A Democratic meeting is held at Platte City with G. P. Dor- riss as chairman. Allen MeLane and A. Jasper were appointed delegates to the Democratic State Convention. D. A. Sutton pronounces Van Buren a broken-down horse, and Jesse Morin agrees with him; but B. M. Hughes, A. Jasper, and Capt. Andrew Johnson defended Van Buren.
S. Penn, editor of the St. Louis Reporter, attacks Benton vigorously.
Oct. 24-Letters granted John Lewis on the estate of George Strouse. Strouse m'd a dr. of Abram Miller and left a son, who went to Kansas.
Oct. 28-The great naturalist, Audubon, passes down the Missouri, after a visit to the Yellowstone in the interest of science.
NOVEMBER.
Nor. 4-A lot is bought for the Line Creek Regular Baptist Church in N. W. Į of Sec. 19, T. 51. R. 33.
Nor. 7-R. P. Gaines takes out tavern license at Platte City. Letters are granted John Land on the estate of Leroy Stapp.
D. R. Atchison left Weston for Washington.
Nor. 25-G. P. Dorriss buys of J. H. Johnston the W. } of S. E. Į of Sec. 36. T. 53. R. 35, for $600.
Nor. 30-J. G. Shultz sells to Dougherty & Swords his interest in the site of Iatan. Much sickness prevails.
DECEMBER.
Dec. 5-John R. Hardin administered on the estate of G. W. Dougherty.
Dec. 9-W. J. Norris buys the N. E. + of Sec. 18, T. 53, R. 35, on the road from Platte City to Weston, for $1,400.
Dec. 14-Died suddenly, while attending court at Plattsburg. Gen. Andrew S. Hughes.
THE HUGHES FAMILY.
David Hughes was descended from Jesse Hughes, who came to America from Wales, about 1730. David was b. in 1756, in Powhatan Co., Va .; came to Kentucky in 1785, settled in Mont- gomery Co., and d. in 1805. His ch: 1. William Hughes: 2. James; 3. John; 4. Jesse; 5, Andrew S .; 6, David; 7. a dr., m'd Ben Bowen, and was mother of Elizabeth C. Bowen, wife of .J. J. Throckmorton. Of these children we shall notice only
ANDREW S. HUGHES,
Who was b. in Montgomery Co., Ky., Feb. 9. 1789; d. at Plattsburg Dec. 9. 1843. His mother was Margaret Frame, b. 1758, a dr. of David Frame. After attending the best schools of his day, he read law, and practiced in the counties of northern Kentucky. He m'd Dec. 29, 1814, Rhoda Dent Metcalfe, b. Feb. 28, 1789, in
1843, DEC.
58
THE METCALFES.
Fayette Co., Ky. In 1829 he came to Clay Co., Mo., and for some years was an agent for the Sacs and Foxes, and was stationed at the ford of Platte River, east of Blacksnake Hills. He was active in having the Platte Purchase attached to Missouri. While in Kentucky, he represented Bracken and Nicholas counties in the State Senate for two terms. When I knew him, he was a bustling, genial, and generous-hearted old gentleman. He knew every- body, told a good story, and was very influential with a jury. He had but one child :
I. BELA METCALFE HUGHES, b. at Carlisle, Ky., April 6, 1817; educated at Augusta College; he studied law and practiced in Platte County; he was a brigadier-general of militia, register of the land office at Plattsburg, represented Platte in the State Legislature, and went west. He now resides in Denver, a hale and happy old gentleman. He m'd Jan. 9, 1838, Catherine Neal. b. Aug. 20, 1820; d. Sept. 6,1844. Ch:
1. Mary C. Hughes, b. March 27, 1842.
2. Andrew S. (ii), b. Dec. 19, 1843.
Gen. B. M. Hughes m'd 2d. in June, 1849, Laura L. Allen. dr. of Tandy Allen, of Bourbon Co., Ky. Ch:
3. Jessie C. Hughes, b. May 21. 1851.
4. Edith A .. b. June 17, 1852.
5. Georgiana. b. June 11. 1854.
6. Tandy A .. b. March 17, 1860.
THE METCALFES
Are one of the most distinguished families of Kentucky. A volume would be required to record their honors, in both civil and military life. We can only give the lineage of Mrs. Rhoda D. ( Hughes) Metcalfe:
I. FRANCIS METCALFE, of Yorkshire, England: His son.
TT. JOHN METCALFE, came to Virginia about 1760: His son. TIT. JOHN METCALFE. b. in Fauquier Co., Va .. in 1780, came with his parents to Kentucky, in 1784. His ch. were:
1. Thomas Metcalfe, the old "Stonehammer." governor of Kentucky.
2. Bela. 3. Sarah. 4. Lucy. 5. Rhoda D.
IV. RHODA DENT METCALFE, m'd Gen. Andrew S. Hughes. V. BELA M. HUGHES, of Denver.
WILLIAM BROWN
Died about August. 1843. He was the father of a large family of children. most of whom will be hereafter noticed. He was a son of Samnel Brown (i), and was b. in Kentucky in 1782. He m'd .Ann -, and his administrator thus enumerates his ch:
1. William Brown (in): 2. Adam C .: 3. Susanna, wife of Samuel Brown (iii): 4. Arch'd: 5. Thomas: 6. The ch. of Mrs. Thomas Moberly as follows: [@] Newton Moberly: [b] Susan, wife of
1844, JUNE.
59
MARRIAGES.
C. R. Barnett; [c] Nancy, wife of Wm. Chandler; [d] Ann; [e] Elizabeth ; [/] Mary; [9] Jas. Moberly. 7, Ch. of Mrs. Scollin.
MARRIAGES IN 1843 NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED.
January 1. Thos. Allen m'd Sidney Ann Drais.
January 10, G. W. Dye m'd Louisa Hague.
February 2. G. A. Crobarger m'd Elizabeth Cooper. February 16. R. C. C. Gray m'd Susan M. Hart.
February 16. Thos. A. Dye mi'd Lucinda Cook. March 3. C. F. Robertson i'd Elizabeth Ussary.
June 8. Ben Simpson i'd Nancy Cooper.
June 15. Brooking Jeffers m'd Cath. Ellsworth.
1844. OFFICERS.
Governor, Thos. Reynolds; Circuit Judge, Henderson Young : County Justices, Lewis. Kuykendall, and Hughes; Sheriff, J. H. Owen: Treasurer, F. Marshall: Public Administrator, Robt. Pat- ton; State Senator, And. Johnson; Representatives, B. Allen and J. A. White; Circuit Clerk, Jesse Morin; County Clerk, J. H. Johnston; Circuit Attorney, Jas. Craig; Assessor, W. C. Rem. ington; Surveyor, L. Shepard.
BUSINESS MEN.
At Platte City: Attorneys-W. B. Almond, J. H. Baldwin, R. P. Clark, J. R. Hardin, I. N. Jones, W. C. Jones, S. L. Leonard, J. E. Pitt, J. G. Spratt, Jas. S. Thomas, W. P. Hall, John Wilson. Physicians-Drs. Baldwin, Clarke, Marshall, Callahan, Shrock, Black.
Merchants, etc .- Wm. Brown, G. P. Dorriss, L. Fleshman, H. P. Kutchenthall, J. H. Johnston (postmaster), Stev. Johnston, R. D. Johnston, McCausland & Branham. J. D. Murray, Ferguys' & Ranson. G. W. Samuel. Z. Martin & Son. R. P. Gaines. Elisha Green. L. Tracy, W. C. Remington. Wm. H. Spratt, B. R. Morton. At Weston: Attorneys-L. D. Bird. Bela M. Hughes, J. R. Tylee. H. J. Wolf.
Physicians-B. Bonifant. Jos. Malin. J. M. Fulton.
Merchants, etc .- P. Blanjour. F. G. Coekrill. E. Cody, Ben Holladay, W. S. Murphy. A. Gilbert. W. G. Noble. G. P. Post. C. A. and E. W. Perry. T. F. Warner, D. P. Wallingford, Richie & Miller, J. P. Georgens. James Osborn. C. P. Wentworth, Ben Wood. Railey & Bro.
JANUARY.
Jan. 2-The will of Wm. Spencer, dated October 7, 1843. is probated. His wife. Nancy, qualifies as executrix.
1844, JAN.
60
BUSINESS.
Jan. 6-Capt. Wm. Triplett buys land two miles north of Platte City.
Heavy rains.
Jan. 8-Democratic meeting at Platte City, nominate Van Buren.
Jan. 23-Elisha Green buys of Ira Norris the S. E. ¿ of Sec. 30, T. 53, R. 35, adjoining Platte City, for $1,600.
FEBRUARY.
Feb. 9-Governor Reynolds commits suicide, and is succeeded by Lieutenant-Governor Marmaduke.
Bond, $1,500.
Feb. 24-Hugh Swaney buys land five miles east of Platte City.
MARCH.
Feb. 14-John R. Hardin, administrator of Dr. J. H. McFall.
March 1-Nelson Faulconer buys the N. E. ¿ of Sec. 13, T. 51, R. 34, at $1,400.
Democrats in State Convention, nominated J. C. Edwards, for governor, in place of Reynolds, deceased. The Democratic party is divided into "Hards" for Benton, and "Softs" against him.
Allen McLane buys the Eagle of Wilkinson, and, bringing the press and type to Platte City, issues the Platte Argus. He goes to St. Louis to purchase paper and new type.
Andrew Tribble buys the N. E. ¿ of Sec. 3, T. 52, R. 35, for $600.
March 6-Baptist Church at Ridgely organized.
March 26-Thompson T. Jones buys land three miles east of Platte City.
APRIL.
April 3-The county court orders Commissioner Morin to lay off an addition to Platte City on the 24 acres deeded to the county by Z. Martin, and sell the lots publicly.
The court orders the bridge commissioner (Sutton) to let out the construction of aprons for the Platte City bridge. The court demanded of Mercer, the contractor, that he build the approaches to the bridge under his contract to build the bridge-but this point was given up.
April 18-The first plat of Parkville filed, by Geo. S. Park. He had already sold lots, but had not conveyed them.
MAY. THE COUNTY FINANCES.
May 1-Revenue collected, $3.650.52; expended, $3,472.30. The county levy is 50 cents on the $100.
Assessment, lands ..
$576.000.00
Assessment, personalty. notes, and money. 709.076.00
Total $1,285,076.00
1844, MAY.
61
JARVIS MURDER.
THE JARVIS MURDER.
This spring, a gang of desperadoes, chiefly from Clay County, went west on the Santa Fé Trail, and met the train of Jarvis, a Mexican, coming with money to buy goods at Independence. After killing Jarvis, they robbed the train of a large amount of money and everything valuable. The perpetrators of this crime bragged of their success, and it was found that other men of good standing had furnished the outfit, and had shared in the booty. Brown, a saloon-keeper at Hell-Town (Ridgely), and McDaniel, a son of a worthy farmer of Clay, were apprehended, tried in a Federal court, convicted, and hung. Quite a number implicated suddenly disappeared.
The first number of the Platte Argus is issued at Platte City by Martin L. Harden, publisher, and Allen MeLane, editor.
The United Baptist Church of Pleasant Ridge buys an acre of land at the center of Sec. 5, T. 53. R. 35. and builds a brick church.
Henry Clay is nominated, at Baltimore, by the Whigs, for President ; and James K. Polk is nominated May 27th, by the Democrats.
POSTAGE.
For long distances, is now, for letters .25 cents. May 30, 1845, reduced to. . .123 cents.
May 2, 1846, reduced to. . .10 cents. May 23-Congress passes an act granting preëmption to trustees for town sites. Under an enabling act of the State Leg- islature, Weston entered its site and sold lots.
Incessant rain.
JUNE.
June 6-John Linville's will probated, dated March 28, 1844. His widow was Nancy, and his children: 1, Nancy; 2. William : 3. Robt. S .: 4. John B .: 5. Richard B .; 6. Jubal; 7. Henry H. Linville.
THE OVERFLOW.
For several weeks, this month, the Missouri and Platte rivers spread from bluff to bluff, driving out to the hills families and their stock. The site of the town of Tracy was covered. This is the only flood ever known to cover the highest grounds in the Missouri bottoms. The overflows of 1858 and 1881 left some ground above the water. The Indians have no tradition of its equal. The great rise of 1826 was 4 feet lower. That of 1858 was 3 feet lower. The Platte kept pace with the Missouri in every great rise. I had marks in the old mill at Platte City, of the overflows of 1844. 1858. and 1881. The waters in 1844 were 20 inches higher than 1858, and the waters in 1858 have never since been reached by 2 feet. The Mississippi River attained its great- est elevation at St. Louis, June 24th. It was then 7 feet 7 inches above the city directrix. The overflow of 1844 is an era in our
1844, JUNE.
62
HIGH WATERS.
history. Sickness, especially chills and fevers, followed the over- flow, and the mortality was fearful. The people were discour- aged. Their fields were overgrown with weeds, the furrows were running with water, the land sales had exhausted their money, and to the failure of their crops, sickness is added. With faint- ing hearts, they stood upon the bluffs and cast tearful eyes upon the dismal and ruinous waters.
June 14-The floods are at their height.
June 16-John Austin is appointed administrator of Milton J. Byram. Bond, $20,000. He came from Lewis Co., Ky., and settled near Iatan. He was a handsome, courteous gentleman. He m'd 1st. a Watkins, who died, leaving: 1, Wm. P. Byram ; 2, Almarinda R., wife of John J. Young; 3, Jas. G. Byram; 4, Milton J. Byram, Jr. Mr. Byram then m'd Margaret Lay, b. in Woodford Co., Ky., May 10. 1819, who bore him, 5, Susan J. Byram. His widow. Margaret (Lay) Byram, m'd 2d. Nov. 5, 1846, Arnold Blythe, born in Fayette Co., Ky., May 10, 1815. He was a son of Sam'l Blythe and Jemima Lay, and settled in Marshall Township in 1844. He is wealthy, and possesses much land. Their ch:
I. MARY BLYTHE, a lovely and interesting girl, was educated by Prof. H. B. Todd, and m'd W. W. Goodwin, of Memphis, Tennessee.
II. SARAH J. BLYTHE, m'd in 1879 Jessie Force, of St. Joseph, son of Daniel Force and sister of Maud, wife of W. F. Nor- ton. Ch:
1. Arnold D. Blythe, Jr. 2. Sam'l. 3. Nellic.
June 25-Geo. B. Sanderson buys a large body of land be- tween Weston and Platte City.
Continued high water in the Platte tempted several steamers to ascend the river to Platte City. Among these steamers were the Col. Woods, the Anawan, and the Lexington. A small steamer subsequently sank in the woods below the Falls and a man named Hutchinson lost all he had on her. The visit of these steamboats excited the visionary people, and, for some years, it was thought Platte City was destined to become an important seaport. Ground for a wharf was reserved, an act was passed to lock and dam the stream, and a company was formed which bought the steamer Haidee, and with Anderson Martin as captain, Jas. S. Thomas as clerk, and John Bane as mate, ran the Missouri for a few years, but never ventured into the Platte.
JULY.
July 1-Theo. F. Warner buys land at Rialto and starts a store. John B. Wells is running the Rialto ferry. The rivers are still high.
July 5-Philip Lutes, who has been living in the country, buys Lot 10, Block 22, Platte City, which for long years was the family homestead.
63
THE SILVEYS.
1844, JULY.
July 18-AAndrew Tribble, administrator of Win. Markwell. Bond, $4,000.
Though the hemp crop was damaged by rain, it is estimated that it brought $80,000 to the county.
AUGUST.
Aug. 1-The campaign of the "Hards" and the "Softs" re- sulted in a victory for Benton. Edwards was chosen governor. W. B. Almond ran for lieutenant-governor, as a "Soft," and was beaten.
The total vote for President :
For James K. Polk, Democratic .1,325,013
For Henry Clay, Whig .1,231,643 For Jas. Birney.
66,304
Bela M. Hughes and Achilles Jasper were chosen to repre. sent Platte in the Legislature.
Jas. Kuykendall was chosen sheriff; D. P. Lewis, H. B. Mayo, and John Freeland were chosen county justices; W. C. Remington assessor; L. Shepard surveyor. Robt. Ellis was elected State Senator.
SEPTEMBER.
Sept. 3-The newly elected county justices, Lewis, Mayo, and Freeland, take their seats.
Sept. 4-Samuel Brown's will probated, dated January 8, 1838. His widow is Susanna, and their ch: 1, Sashel Brown ; 2, Robt. S .. m'd March 13, 1862, Eliz. S. Duncan; 3, Townsend F. Brown, m'd Dec. 10, 1855, Mary Tolson; 4, James; 5, Samuel (ii); 6, Wm .; 7, Josiah; 8, Frances, m'd May 13, 1858, Ben F. Kimsey; 9, Eliza- beth, m'd Jones Hoy; 10, Nancy, i'd Fugate. These children become heads of large families, and will be hereafter noticed.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, near Camden Point, or- ganized.
OCTOBER.
Oct. 9-Ben Simpson, administrator of Sam'l Kimsey. Bond, $1,000.
Oct. 15-Lucretia Gordon, administratrix of Wm. Gordon. Bond, $10,000. His will was dated August 14, 1841, and probated October 14. 1844. They were parents of Silas Gordon, the guer- rilla, of Mrs. Dr. Holt, and others. (See Lucretia Gordon.)
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