USA > Missouri > DeKalb County > History of Andrew and De Kalb counties, Missouri : from earliest time to the present; together with sundry personal, business and professional sketches and family records. besides a condensed history of the state of Missouri, etc > Part 21
USA > Missouri > Andrew County > History of Andrew and De Kalb counties, Missouri : from earliest time to the present; together with sundry personal, business and professional sketches and family records. besides a condensed history of the state of Missouri, etc > Part 21
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It is safe to say that the competition among rival architects
33
STATE OF MISSOURI.
to thus immortalize themselves and at the same time secure the munificent reward was not very spirited, but in due time Ezekiel W. Smith and W. W. Reynolds jointly produced plans for the pro- posed prison pen, which were accepted by the court. At the September session, 1841, the preliminary order was made, direct- ing that the building should be erected, and appointing Jere- miah Clark superintendent of the same, with power to let the contract to the lowest responsible bidder. Several proposals were made for the work, that of John Eisaminger being accepted. According to the plans and specifications of the building, which are very elaborate, we learn that the outside walls were twenty feet square, inside walls within fourteen inches of exterior walls, the intermediate space filled with oak timber twelve inches square, second floor laid with timber twelve inches square, and trap door in the center of the floor. The cells were strongly con- structed, and securely guarded by iron gratings. This mod- ern bastile was completed in due time, and received by the court at the May term, 1842. It stood on the east end of the square, and answered the purposes for which it was intended for several years, when its insufficiency foreshadowed the necessity of prepar- ing a more secure place for violators of the law.
In the meantime, February, 1843, it was ordered by the court that a clerk's office be erected on the public square, the plans speci- fying the building to be of brick, 14x16 feet in size, with brick floor, which was subsequently changed so as to read stone. Edwin Toole was appointed superintendent, and John H. Brand became con- tractor, agreeing to erect the structure according to proposed plan for the sum of $272. The office was reported complete at the No- vember term, and the court in receiving it stated that " the floor is very roughly laid, but the building is perhaps worth the money."
In the course of time this office as well as the jail proving unequal to the public expectation, the plan of the present build- ing was projected, the order for the same bearing date of August, 1866. The entry of the above date recommends the purchase of a lot of ground on Benton Street for a jail and jailer's residence, which was subsequently changed, a later order designating that part of the public square west of the courthouse as the site for the proposed building. The original plans and specifications
3A
34
HISTORY OF ANDREW COUNTY.
are for a jail thirty-four feet square, and a jailer's house 34x36 feet in size, making the entire building cover an area 34x70 feet; "the jail to be of stone, the walls two feet thick, all other walls of brick ; foundation to be five feet under ground, to contain eight cells, and the entire building to be two stories high. the first story thirteen and the upper story fourteen feet."
W. D. Hobson was appointed to superintend letting the con- tract, which was awarded to William McCandless on the 7th of January, 1867, his being the lowest responsible bid. At the ensuing February term it was ordered by the court that an appropriation of $19,500 of the money collected on the tax book of 1866, and to be collected on the tax book of 1867, be made toward defraying the expense of erecting the build- ing. After several modifications the structure was completed, and received November 19, 1867, the ultimate cost reach- ing the sum of $22,400 of which $3,275 was for extra work. Since its completion and occupancy numerous improvements have been made in the original plan and construction, the build- ing now containing, besides the jail and jailer's residence, the offices of the circuit and county clerks, collector, treasurer, prosecuting attorney and probate judge. The building is sub- stantially constructed, and has answered well the purposes for which it was intended. For several years prior to the erection of the new jail the criminals of Andrew County were confined in the jail of Buchanan County, the original building having been deemed insufficient as a place of incarceration.
PAUPERS.
"The poor ye have with you always," is a Scriptural axiom demonstrated by all the years of history. To provide means for the support of the needy and indigent was one of the first duties attended to by the founders of our Western States, and the pres- ent efficient system of alleviating in a great measure the miseries of this numerous class of unfortunates is largely the product of subsequent legislation.
A glance at the early records of Andrew County reveals the somewhat startling fact that the paupers of those days were duly advertized, and let out at public outcry to the lowest responsible
35
STATE OF MISSOURI.
bidder, as witness the following entry at the first term of the county court: "Henry Clark came into court here, and motions that the court take charge of, support and maintain Elizabeth Clark, a poor person, and it is considered by the court that the said Elizabeth Clark be brought to the house of Gallant Rains at the next term of this court, on the first day thereof, and that the keeping of the said Elizabeth Clark for six months be let on said day to the lowest bidder, and that the sheriff is hereby required to give fifteen days' notice of said letting, by putting up four advertisements at the most public places in the county."
A further reference to the early court proceedings shows that William T. Bush was allowed the sum of $40 for the keep- ing and maintaining the said Elizabeth Clark the length of time above specified.
This manner of providing for the pauper class continued for some years, the county subsequently receiving sealed proposals for their support, the lowest responsible bidder receiving the contract and giving bond with approved security. The expe- rience of older communities having demonstrated the fact that the poor and unfortunate, who are necessarily supported at pub- lic expense, can be better and more economically provided for on a farm with sufficient buildings, and other appliances to utilize their labor, managed by a competent overseer, than perhaps by any other method. In the course of time the county court also hav-
ing taken cognizance of these facts, steps were taken to adopt that system as an element of county economy. This movement met with serious opposition on the part of a great many citizens, who contended that as the paupers were very few, it would be much cheaper to provide means for their maintenance the old way than to have the county incur the expense of purchasing a farm and erecting the necessary asylum thereon. As early as 1858, how- ever, the advocates of the former idea seemed to have impressed the court with the necessity of providing better means for the support of the poor, and, at the February term that year, we find the following entry:
WHEREAS it has been satisfactorily represented to the court, that, in conse- quence of the increasing demand made for the support of paupers in the county, the court doth believe that it will be for the interest of the county to procure a farm favorably located, on which to have the poor kept
36
HISTORY OF ANDREW COUNTY.
and provided for, therefore it is ordered that John C. Roberts be and is appointed commissioner, to select a track of good land, not less than one hun- dred nor more than one hundred and sixty acres, having regard to the quality of land, water and wood, and as great regard to the location, so as to avoid all local causes to diseases, also to consider the proximity market and the faculty of selling said land, if the interest of the court shall require it to be sold at a future time, said commissioner to report concerning said farm, and probable price thereof at the next March term of this court.
This initial step toward providing a county farm, as was expected, encountered great opposition, and the pressure brought to bear against the measure seems to have been of such a nature as to effectually check all further proceedings in the matter. The commissioner failed to report at time designated, and, the project thus brought to a termination, the paupers continued to be kept as before.
In 1871 the project of purchasing a farm was again revived, the champion of the movement being Hon. J. McLain, at that time presiding justice of the county court. Mr. McLain urged the necessity of procuring an asylum from the fact that the lands of the county were constantly increasing in value, and, as a place would have to be purchased some time, it would be a matter of economy to make an immediate investment. The increase of the pauper class also had its weight with the people, and, by refer- ence to the proceedings of the February term of the above year, we find that Judge McLain's counsels had so far prevailed that an order was made by the court to receive proposals from the citizens for the purchase of a poor farm.
At the August term of 1871 it was ordered that an appropria- tion of $8,000 be made for the purchase of a tract of land not to exceed 320 acres, for a poor farm, with James C. Higgins as special agent to bid for the same when offered for sale. The lat- ter duty, it appears, was performed the same year by Judge McLain, as agent for the county, who, after viewing a number of eligible sites, selected a tract of 309 acres in the north half of Section 18, Rochester Township, for which the sum of $20 per acre was paid-one-third down, one-third in one year, and one- third in two years, with interest at the rate of six per cent per annum. This selection has proved a most judicious one, and the purchase of the place, as well as the organization of the present
37
STATE OF MISSOURI.
efficient system of managing the pauper class of the county, . reflects great credit upon Judge McLain.
In February, 1872, it was ordered by the court, that a building 55x28 feet and three stories high, including basement, be erected on the farm, which was completed, substantially, as prescribed, by Henry Bottger, contractor. Two years later, January 13, 1874, this building was completely destroyed by fire, and the same month there was appropriated the sum of $1,200 for the purpose of erecting a barn which could be used temporarily as an asylum.
Buildings necessary to meet the demands of the farm were soon afterward erected, the work having been completed in com- pliance with the contract, with perhaps a small additional advance for extras, changes in detail, etc. In detail, the plan of the buildings is such as to blend economy, comfort and safety with satisfactory harmony, the separate departments for different classes of inmates being arranged with reference to the condition and requirement of the occupants. The utility of a public enter- prise of this character becomes daily more apparent as the improved economy of the county in providing for its poor and infirm, compared with its former experiences, has fully demon- strated. Altogether, the farm with its appliances and manage- ment reflects great credit upon the projectors and managers. The following is the annual expense of supporting the poor for the years designated:
1874. $3,292 31
1875. 4,525 00
1877 3,330 89
1879. 3,239 76
From May, 1886 to May, 1887 1,229 33
The expense for some of the above years was for necessary improvements on the county farm. The number of inmates in the asylum at the present time (1887) is about twenty-five.
RECORDS.
Some of the original real estate records of Andrew County, though still in existence, are not now used, the contents of the first books having been neatly transcribed several years ago. Among the early instruments recorded are found promiscuously
38
HISTORY OF ANDREW COUNTY.
scattered bills of sale, mortgages, deeds, chattel mortgages, deeds of trust, powers of attorney, etc. These instruments were usually drawn up by justices of the peace, who, while men of good judg- ment, were generally unlearned in the sense of literary culture, as nearly all the records testify. There were exceptions to this rule, however, some of the early records having been prepared by men evidently well acquainted with the rules of English compo- sition. The following is a copy of the first instrument recorded in the county :
This indenture, made and entered into this tenth day of February, 1841, by and between David Kempts, of the one part, and Hiram Smith of the other part, all of the County of Andrew and State of Missouri, witnesseth that the said David Kempts, for and in consideration of the rents, covenants and agree ments hereinafter reserved, and contained by and on behalf and part of the said Hiram Smith, to be paid, done and performed, hath demised, leased and to farm let, and by these presents doth demise, lease and to farm let, unto the said Hiram Smith, his heirs and assigns, the following described tracts or parcels of land, to wit [ follows description ], to have and to hold said hereby demised prem- ises to him, the said Hiram Smith, his heirs and assigns, to his and their only use, benefits and belioof for the full term of ninety-nine years from the day and date of these presents.
And the said David Kempts doth hereby further covenant and agree the possession of said hereby demised premises to the said Hiram Smith, his heirs. . and assigns, against the lawful claims and demands of any person or persons whatsoever, forever to warrant, secure and defend by these presents; and the said Hiram Smith on his part doth hereby covenant and agree to and with the said David Kempts for and in consideration of the covenants and agreements aforesaid by and on behalf of the said David Kempts to be done and performed, to pay to the said David Kempts, his executors, administrators or assigns, the yearly rents or sum of one dollar, said payment to be made yearly, and every year on the first day of January during the said term of ninety-nine years. The first payment of which to begin and be made on the first day of January, 1841. Also to pay to the said David Kempts, his heirs, etc., the full and just sum of $150.00 whenever said tract or parcel of land shall be offered for sale by. the Government of the United States, and at the expiration of the said term of ninety-nine years, to deliver up said parcel of land unto the said David Kempts, his heirs, etc. In testimony whereof we the parties to the indenture have here- unto set our hands and seals the day and year above written.
DAVID KEMPTS. [SEAL] HIRAM SMITH. [SEAL]
The second instrument is a " bill of sale " from Andrew Lackey to E. C. Owens and Daniel Low for the ferry boat on Nodaway River, "together with the right of using the same so long as the boat may last and endure; also one bay horse, fifty- one head of hogs, one cow, two steers, three head of sheep and one wagon," date May 31, 1841.
39
STATE OF MISSOURI.
The first mortgage was given on his chattels for the sum of $100, by George S. Nelson to Richard Hill, filed for record on the 9th day of July, 1841.
The first deed was filed for record on the 31st day of July, 1841, the parties to the same being Sampson L. Stansberry, of Andrew County, and Abraham Barnes, of Cooper County, the former selling to the latter for the sum of $1,000 " a quarter sec- tion of land on the One-Hundred-and-Two River, on which the improvement known as the Stansberry mill is situated."
EARLY MARRIAGES.
They had weddings in those good old days. Cupid, "the god of love," whose universal sway over the hearts and affections of mankind has been commensurate with the history of the race, having early made his presence known among the pioneers of . Andrew County, the following were among the first to succumb to the gentle sway of the fickle god, and unite their fortunes " for better or worse:"
STATE OF MISSOURI, ANDREW COUNTY.
I do hereby certify that I joined together in the holy bonds of matrimony Hiram Hurst and Elizabeth Todd, on the 20th day of December, 1840. Given under my hand this 8th day of March, 1841.
LEWIS ALLEN,
Elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Filed for record on the 9th day of March, 1841.
I do certify that the matrimony between William A. Owsley and Martha Howell, of the County of Andrew, and State of Missouri, was celebrated on the 10th day of December, 1840, by me, a licensed preacher and deacon in the Methodist Church. SAMUEL KINYON.
Sandron Bucy and Nancy Stewart were married December 24, 1840; Walter Wiles and Nancy Griffith, January 7, 1841; Cyrus Woodcock and Elizabeth Pierson, January 7, 1841 ; Russell Thompson and Elizabeth Holland, March 5, 1841; James Duncan and Sarah Tracy, March 4, 1841; John K. Welch and Elizabeth Elliott, March 4, 1841; William H. B. Reynolds and Maranda Kelly, February 10, 1841. Other marriages in 1841 were as follows: Samuel Russell and Sarah Ann Hughes, Samuel Hall and Sarah Nicols, Daniel Low and Narcissy Leaky, Harrison M. Kellogg and Elizabeth Turner, Enoch Miller and Marion Haddix,
40
HISTORY OF ANDREW COUNTY.
William Hourney and Susan Blankenship, John Galbert and Lodicy Hughes, Lewis Garrett and Rebecca Trice, Daniel Smith and Elizabeth Fosler, Alexander R. Stoughton and Nancy Fab- bert, Samuel Fetterson and Mary Pittman, Edmund Bagby and Elizabeth Hungate, Nathaniel Kellogg and Caroline Turner, William Shelton and Mary Means, Allen Holt and Elizabeth Simmons, Jonathan Miller and Mary Kemp, Abel Henderson and Louisa Wills, William Becknell and Sarah Ann Wilson, Isaac Feebeck and Eliza Garrettson, Thomas Brigham and Eliza- beth Riley, Luke Wiles and Lucinda Hartman, Adam Leader and Sarah Garland, Thomas Smith and Jennie Robbins, John McLain and Jane E. Campbell, Anthony Wedd and Emily Jones, William B. Barnett and Mary Young.
ELECȚIONS.
Owing to the absence of the early returns it is impossible to . give a trustworthy report of the elections of Andrew County during the early years of its history. Many of the returns were not recorded, while others were so unsystemati- cally arranged as to render them unintelligible. From the year 1844 to 1860, or during the first sixteen years of the county's history, politics seem to have wielded but a slight interest in the local government. While it is true that many of the early pio- neers were men possessed of well defined political views and tenets, and were thoroughly partisan upon the issues of national and State elections, quite a number of candidates were usually permitted to enter the race for the respective county offices; the one possessing superior personal popularity generally led the field and secured the coveted prize.
In the early days it was not unusual to meet the rival candi- dates traveling in company from settlement to settlement, meet- ing the people at their own firesides, log rollings, social gather- ings, camp meetings, shooting matches, horse races and public sales, where every honorable device was resorted to by each can- didate to develop his full strength at the coming election. "The historian would not dare to draw upon his own imagination to supply the stock of rich, rare and racy anecdotes molded and circulated by these ingenious canvassers, or to describe the modes
41
STATE OF MISSOURI.
and methods by them adopted to increase their popularity with the people. There was then no press as now to perpetuate daily events as they transpired. Many of the maneuvers and capers, successes and failures, with the pleasures and sorrows of thirty and more years ago in this county are hidden from us by the shadows of time. Darkness intervenes between us and many sayings and doings of by-gone days, which, could we but penetrate that darkness and gather them in, would shine out upon the pages of history like 'diamond settings in plates of lead.' "
From 1844 to 1860 but few conventions were held in the county, which, during that period was largely Democratic. As the election returns for the county prior to 1860 have been mis- placed or destroyed, it will be impossible to give the names of the respective candidates who ran for office at such elections, or the number of votes cast on those occasions. The first general election after the county organization was the presidential contest of 1844, the county being considerably larger then than now. The following is the official returns of that election, as copied from the year-book: Clay, Whig, 384; Polk, Democrat, 911. In the presidential election of 1848, the county vote was as follows: Taylor, Whig, 384; Cass, Democrat, 689.
The following is the vote of November, 1852: Scott, Whig, 466; Pierce, 784.
1856-Fillmore, American, received in the county 428 votes; Buchanan, Democrat, 889; there being none cast for Fremont, the first presidential candidate on the Republican ticket.
1860-Lincoln, Republican, 97; Douglas, Northern Demo- crat, Breckinridge, Southern Democrat, and Bell, Union, together received 1,815 votes.
Soon after the election the Nation became involved in the great civil war, during which political differences were largely held in abeyance by the excitement generated in the friction of contending armies and military movements.
1864-Between the years 1860 and 1864 the great strength developed by the Republican party in Andrew County was almost phenomenal, the vote for Lincoln, the latter year, having been 1,141, a gain of 1,044 votes in four years. The vote for McClellan
42
HISTORY OF ANDREW COUNTY.
in 1864 was only 60, which by no means represented the strength of his party in the county.
1868-The vote of the county stood as follows: Grant, Re- publican, 1,318; Seymour, Democrat, 586.
1872.
TOWNSHIPS.
Grant.
Greeley.
Monroe.
125
87
Rochester.
166
161
Empire.
127
119
Platte.
170
135
Jefferson.
75
125
Nodaway
246
177
Washington
125
72
Benton.
140
86
Lincoln.
149
188
Jackson.
167
127
Clay.
175
106
Total.
1605
1383
Grant's majority.
1876.
TOWNSHIPS.
Hayes.
Tilden.
Benton.
161
114
Clay.
106
109
Empire.
128
144
Jackson.
175
124
Jefferson
70
126
Lincoln.
159
208
Monroe.
111
80
Nodaway
220
191
Platte.
159
162
Rochester
181
171
Washington .
105
91
Total.
1575
1520
Hayes' majority
1880.
Garfield.
Hancock. '
Benton.
239
182
Clay.
111
139
Empire.
117
139
Jackson.
175
144
Jefferson.
92
137
Lincoln.
177
167
Monroe.
148
85
Nodaway
308
247
Platte.
190
174
Rochester
224
157
Total.
1781
1571
Garfield's majority
210
222
55
TOWNSHIPS.
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
1884
TOWNSHIPS.
Blaine.
Cleveland.
Benton
311
210
Clay.
123
136
Empire
129
147
Jackson.
196
143
Jefferson
123
145
Lincoln
171
179
Monroe
162
89
Nodaway
347
291
Platte.
194
168
Rochester
239
199
Total.
1985
1707
Blaine's majority.
278
LOCAL OPTION.
In the summer of 1887 a petition, signed by the requisite number of voters, was presented to the county court, praying that an election be held to decide whether or not the people were in favor of having intoxicating liquors sold in the county. An election was accordingly ordered, but no sooner had this been done than the earnest advocates of "local option" inaugurated a vigorous campaign, which, for enthusiasm and diligent work, had never been surpassed by any previous campaign in the his- tory of the county.
Public meetings were held in every neighborhood throughout the county. Eloquent speakers set forth in the strongest possible language the terrible curse of the rum traffic, and the great benefits to be derived from the adoption and enforcement of the law of local option, and for several weeks excitement ran high, the oppressors of the measure working determinedly against it in the meantime.
It was confidently believed at first that the county would give a decided majority in favor of the law, but as the canvass proceeded many "intemperate " speeches by over zealous advo- cates of temperance were made, which had a tendency to make enemies rather than gain friends for the cause. The election took place on September 6, 1887, the following being the vote of the county by precincts and townships:
44
HISTORY OF ANDREW COUNTY.
For the sale of Against sale of intoxicants. intoxicants.
Bolckow
59
101
Rosendale
106
99
Clay
113
49
Empire
977
95
Jackson
172
82
Jefferson
68
53
Monroe.
85
56
Nodaway
357
158
Platte.
132
105
Lincoln
232
33
Helena.
73
33
Rochester.
104
36
Total.
1,598
900
Majority in favor of the sale of intoxicating liquors.
698
CENSUS.
The population of Andrew County by the census of 1860 was 11,850, of which 606 were foreigners.
In 1870 the population was 15,137; foreign population that year, 876.
The following is the census report for 1880 by townships and towns:
Benton
1,926
Town of Bolckow .. 346
Clay
1,193
Empire
1,283
Jackson
1,244
Fillmore Village. 297
Jefferson
1,196
Lincoln.
1,475
Village of Amazonia 262
Monroe
1,172
Nodaway
1,415
City of Savannah
1,206
Platte.
1,610
Rochester
2,039
STATISTICS OF 1880.
Number of farms ..
2,233
Acres of improved land.
195,075
Value of farms.
$5,409,693
Value of farm implements
$230,123
Value of live stock.
$1,138,373
Value of farm products
$1,140,001
Value of orchard products.
$55,439
Value of real estate.
$2,877,580
Value of personal property
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