USA > Missouri > Platte County > History of Clay and Platte Counties, Missouri : written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns, and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Clay and Platte Counties --their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens. > Part 64
USA > Missouri > Clay County > History of Clay and Platte Counties, Missouri : written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns, and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Clay and Platte Counties --their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens. > Part 64
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The only wonder is that, notwithstanding all these drawbacks, the
1 The valuation of 1840 is placed at $709,076, that being the sum of the personal property given in the table and the estimated value of real estate in 1844, when the first land assessment was made.
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
people in the county succeeded in making the wonderful progress they did during the decade preceding 1860. A net addition to the taxable wealth of the county within a period of ten years equal to $1,525 to each voter, is an achievement that may well be pointed to with pride. Such a result, it is needless to say, could not be accomplished in any strictly agricultural community, as this is, where farming is carried on as it is here in the usual, general way, unless the soil were of a su- perior quality and the seasons almost invariably favorable.
STATE ROADS, BRIDGES, RAILROADS, FAIR, ETC.
During the period included in the present chapter, the 20 years preceding 1861, the people of Platte county kept themselves fully abreast of the times in matters of public improvements as in all others.
State Roads. - No less than 15 State roads radiating from this county were established by special acts of the Legislature. The fol- lowing were the principal ones : From Platte City to Nodaway river, established in 1840-41 ; from Platte City to Liberty, 1840-41 ;1 from Weston to Plattsburg, 1842-43 ;2 from Weston to St. Joseph,3 1844-45 ; from Parksville to Plattsburg,4 1846-47; from Platte City to Smith- ville, 1854-55 ;5 from Weston to St. Joseph, via Linnville, 1848-49 ; from Parkville to Weston, 1848-49 ; from Platte City to Harrisonville, 1848-49 ;6 from Platte City to Woodville, 1848-49 ; from Parkville to Liberty, 1850-51; from Weston to Kickapoo Ferry, 1854-55 ; from Weston to Atchison, 1854-55; from Platte City to Ridgely, 1859-60 ; and from New Market to Sparta, 1860-61.7
Turnpikes. - Between Weston and Platte City a turnpike, or a graded and macadamized road was built. Toll gates were established and tolls collected until after the late war when the road was made free to all.
A turnpike was also made between Weston and Plattsburg upon which toll gates were kept for a number of years. This too was afterwards made free.
1 Also Acts of 1850-51.
Also Acts of 1854-55 and 1862-63, 1855-57.
3 Also Acts of 1844-45 (330), 1848-49, 1848-49 (again).
4 Also Acts of 1848-49.
5 Also Acts of 1854-55.
6 Also Acts of 1850-51 and 1852-53.
7 Under the present law all the roads of each county are under the control of the local authorities of the different counties respectively. In this county ample provis- ion is made for the proper maintainance of the roads, and as a result the public roads here are far in advance of the general average of the roads.
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
Turnpikes on macadamized roads, however, were never received with much favor here and were not very successful. The soil dries so rapidly that the roads soon become suitable for travel after wet weather, and the people always prefer the dirt roads to the macad- amized ones, when the former are in a condition to be used.
Bridges. - Early in the "Forties " bridges were built across the Platte at Platte City and across Bee creek at the crossing of the old " bluff road " leading from Platte City to Weston. But both have long since passed away. The Platte City bridge was replaced with the present iron bridge. The old bridge on Bee creek fell into disuse and decay, the road having been changed. Another one was built across the creek on the then new (the present ) road to Weston. This was also made of wood ; it was constructed in 1848.1
Early Railroad Enterprise. - That the people of this county were early alive to the importance of adequate railway facilities is well attested by the public prints of these times, the liberality with which subscriptions, both public and private, were made, and the numerous acts of the Legislature chartering railroad companies in this county.
Nor was their enterprise devoid of practical results. The Weston and Atchison Railway, forming a junction with the Hannibal and St. Joseph at Atchison, was completed prior to the Civil War, and cars were running regularly into Weston. Furthermore, the Platte County Railroad, intended to connect Parkville with Burlington, Ia., by forming a junction with the proposed Burlington and Missouri River Railway at or near Decatur, Ia., was surveyed, the right of way se- cured, and the road-bed graded all the way to Plattsburg, in Clinton county, prior to 1861. This road, however, has never been com- pleted.
Then the Platte City and Fort Des Moines Railway, near the south- west branch of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, was chartered in 1859-60, but its construction was retarded soon afterwards by the outbreak of hostilities.2
The following other proposed railroads in this county were chartered by the Legislature : The Weston Railway Co. in 1850-51; The Wes- ton and Platte City in 1850-51; Parkville and Ridgely in 1854-55 ; Weston and Clinton County in 1854-55; Weston and Randolph in 1854-55; Weston and Canton in 1856-57; Parkville and Grand
1 For a more particular account of the bridges, see the proper township chap- ters.
2 A more detailed account of the railroads of the county will be given in a subse- quent chapter.
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
River in 1856-57 and the Weston and St. Joseph in 1859-60.
The Fair Established. - Among the many enterprises established during the latter part of this period, and one of much value to the county and that proved an unqualified success, one that of the Platte County Agricultural and Mechanical Association, one of the few fairs of the State which have survived the war and are still prosperous. This was organized in 1858, and its first annual fair was held during the fall of that year. Its history will be given later along, as most of its career belongs to the period commencing after the war.
Other Enterprises. - Subsequent chapters on the post-war period will also more properly include accounts of a number of other enter- prises established prior to 1861, notably among them, the gas works at Weston, 1 which were completed in 1860, and in honor of the com- pletion of which an enthusiastic public demonstration was made at that place in July of the same year.
Close of the Chapter. - Thus the period included in the present chapter, a period during which the progress of the county, notwith- standing the drawbacks experienced, was scarcely equaled by that of the most favored counties in the State, and was probably surpassed by but few, if any, agricultural communities in the Union -this period of hard work, enterprise and economy, which opened amidst the glow of the fires in the clearings of the early settlers, and among a people who were poor and struggling hard to improve a new country, found a fitting close, when 20 years had come and gone, in the gas-light of a busy, prosperous city, and among a people the same with those at the beginning, who had made the county one of the first in the State in wealth and prosperity, and in every condition valued in an enlightened and progressive community.
1 See Weston, in chapter on Weston township.
CHAPTER VII.
EARLY MILITIA ORGANIZATIONS-THE MORMON WAR.
Two Regiments - Officers - Drills - Martial Spirit - Social Features - The Mormon War- Militia Called Out and War Begun -Platte County Battalion of "Gen- tiles " - Surrender of the Mormons - Return of the Troops.
A history of no country or community old enough to have a history can continue an uninterrupted account of tranquil times. Until humanity shall become wiser and better than it has ever been, the tragedies and desolations of war will as surely follow the repose and accumulations of peace, as any succession of events, inevitable by the laws of nature, is certain to occur. Thus it has ever been the world over, and it ever will be.
Since the early settlement of Platte county, in 1837, two great wars have occurred in which volunteers from this county bore honorable parts. The county was also represented in the Mormon and Kansas troubles, and in an early day an effective militia organization was kept up. Before passing on, therefore, too far with other matters, we will submit on the pages following brief accounts of the services performed in each of these.
I.
EARLY MILITIA ORGANIZATIONS.
Prior to the Mexican War there was hardly a county in the State without an efficient militia organization, and this county was no excep- tion to the rule. The laws provided fully for their enlistment, equip- ment and government, and required regular encampments and drills to be held at stated intervals in each year.
TWO REGIMENTS - OFFICERS.
Two regiments were organized in this county in the fall of 1837, though they were of course not full regiments as a regiment is now understood. They were commanded respectively by Col. Fielding Burnes and Col. Oden. The county was divided into two military dis- tricts, separated by the Platte river.
Col. Burnes' district was the one on the west side of the river. His
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
regiment was the Seventy-seventh Missouri State militia, and was com- posed of four companies ; Capt. White commanded one, and Capt. Daniel Burnes another. Col. Lewis Burnes held the rank of adju- tant, and Maj. Hall L. Wilkerson that of major. The drum-major was the gallant Maj. Bradley. As a musician he was all and more to the knightly soldiers of the Lower Platte than the enchanting Orpheus was to the venturous and romantic Argonauts.
Col. Oden's regiment, on the east side, also consisted of four com- panies. Col. Mulligan was lieutenant-colonel and John Bowler was major. Capt. James Lillard commanded one of the companies.
Gen. Solomon L. Leonard, of this county, held the rank of major- general of the Platte military district, and Gen. Alman, who was suc- ceeded by Gen. Rogers, was brigadier-general.
DRILLS.
Regimental, battalion and company drills were held on separate oc- casions, and usually one or the other occurred at least once a month. All were provided with arms, accoutrements, camping utensils, etc., and on the occasion of each drill they went into regular camp. These drills lasted from one to two days, and were sources of much amuse- ment and enjoyment. A militia organization was kept up in this county and musters were held with more or less regularity until the outbreak of the Mexican War. Then companies were formed for the war, and many in the old militia service enlisted.
During the last year of the war with Mexico the remainder of the militia prepared to go, in expectation of orders to that effect, but the war closed just before they were ordered out. After that but little was done to revive or keep alive the old militia organization.
MARTIAL SPIRIT- SOCIAL FEATURES.
In the early days of the musters the people took a lively interest in them. The militia spirit is always greater in the early years of a community than it is afterwards. Besides, the close proximity of the country to the Indians, together with frequent rumors of Indian outbreaks, did much to keep alive this feeling.1
The social features of the muster gatherings also added not a little to the popularity of the militia system. They offered neighbors and
1 In 1839 Indian troubles were threatened further up the country, and orders came for the organization of a company of volunteers at Martinsville. A company of about 20 men was organized, but was never called into active service. - W. M. Paxton .
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
friends opportunities to meet and talk over all their varied affairs of interest or amusement.
After drill was over, anecdotes, foot races, wrestling matches and innumerable other diversions followed. Moot courts-martial were frequently organized, and merry times were had trying some luckless sentinel who had been taken unawares, or some officer who had, per- haps, slightly tripped a little as a disciplinarian.
With all the pleasure of soldiering and none of the dangers and hardships of war, the old muster days were occasions of rare enjoy- ment to the generation now nearly passed way.1
II.
THE MORMON WAR.
What is known in Missouri as the Mormon War, although the troubles with the Mormons hardly rose to the importance of " war," occurred principally in Caldwell county. The connection of this county with it, however, was so slight that nothing more than a brief reference to it is required.
The Mormons, a pretended religious sect, original in this country, and founded by Joseph Smith in 1829, settled at Independence, in Jack- son county, this State, in 1832, and on account of their offensive doctrines and practices, and of their defiance of the laws and of de- cency, they were driven out within about 18 months afterwards by the respectable, law-abiding citizens of the country.2
They then settled in Clay, Clinton, Carroll, Caldwell, Livingston and Daviess counties, but principally in Caldwell, beginning a city there, to which they gave the name " Far West." The same causes that made them disagreeable neighbors in Jackson county made them equally so on this side of the river, and while they were here trouble was constantly occurring between them and the citizens of the coun- ties in which they were stopping.
These difficulties soon developed into open hostilities, and the Mor- mons were driven out of Carroll county, and from several other lo- calities. They now concentrated near Far West, about 1,000 strong, of armed men, and defied both public sentiment and public
1 Facts furnished by Col. Fielding Burnes and Bradley Cox.
2 Smith claimed to have received his book, the " Book of Mormon," which con- tains the peculiar doctrines of his sect, through a revelation from Heaven. His "re- velation " authorizing the revolting. practice of polygamy was not received (?) until 1843.
609
HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
authority. Numerous depredations were committed by their adhe- rents, and to all offenders they afforded full protection.
To this condition of affairs the attention of the Governor was called, and the demand became universal for the expulsion of the Mormons from the State.
THE MILITIA CALLED OUT - WAR BEGINS.
In 1838 Gov. Boggs issued a proclamation commanding Maj .- Gen. D. R. Atchison to call out the militia of his division for the purpose of putting down the insurgents and enforcing the laws. He called out a portion of the First Brigade of the Missouri State militia, un- der Gen. Doniphan. The militia were placed under command of Gen. John B. Block, Sr., and proceeded at once to the scene of war. The Mormons were under command of " Destroying-Angel " George Washington Hinkle, seconded by that gifted military genius " High Saint-of-the-Danite-Band-of-Brothers-of-Gideon " David Patten, other- wise " Capt. Fearnot," as he delighted to call himself.
Two engagements followed, one at Crooked river and the other at Haughn's Mill, in both of which the sinners, as contradistinguished from the " Saints," were victorious. In the first battle " High-Saint- of-the-Danite-Band-of-Brothers-of-Gideon" David Patten, otherwise " Capt. Fearnot," was killed. In the second eighteen Mormons were killed, and one of the militia.
An engagement or two had previously taken place between the citi- zens and Mormons, in which Joseph Smith's powers as a prophet proved singularly inefficient in military service.
After the battle at Haughn's Mill the Mormons fell back to Far West to make a last stand against the " Gentiles," as they called the militia.
Meanwhile much excitement was caused throughout the State, and volunteers enlisted and companies were organized in different counties.
PLATTE COUNTY BATTALION OF " GENTILES."
In September, 1838, orders came for the Platte county militia to furnish a battalion for service against the Mormons.
Accordingly, Maj. Bowler, or Col. Bowler as he was called, was directed to form three companies for the militia and proceed with all possible speed to the scene of war. His force consisted of 258 men, besides officers, and was made up principally from the two regiments previously mentioned. They marched to the vicinity of Far West early in October, where they joined the forces of Col. Doniphan.
610
HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
SURRENDER OF THE MORMONS - RETURN OF THE TROOPS.
The militia now moved upon the Mormons, fortified at Far West, for the capture of the place. But "Prophet " Smith, after the de- feat of his forces already referred to, and seeing that he would be protracting a hopeless struggle by offering further resistance, surren- dered on the terms offered by Gen. Doniphan - that he and the other leaders should be tried by the courts for their insurrection and depre- dations, and that all the others should leave the State.
The Platte countians returned home a few days afterwards.
Smith and half a dozen others were indicted for treason, murder, robbery and other crimes. But he himself afterwards made his escape from the jail where he was confined. He went to Illinois, where he was also indicted and lodged in jail, and there he was mobbed and killed by a party of incensed citizens. He was on trial for treason at the time.
CHAPTER VIII. THE MEXICAN WAR.
Army of the West - Platte and Cole Infantry Battalion - Departure of the Expedi- tion - Arrival of Kearney in Santa Fe -Col. Sterling Price -Capt. Morin's Platte County Company - Names of Members -The Ortiz Insurrection - Murder of Gov. Bent and Others - Battle of La Canada - Ambuscade at El Embudo - Storming and Capture of Fort Pueblo de Taos - Other Battles - Massacre and Subsequent Battle at Moro - Engagement at Cienega- The Return Home - Capt. Denver's Company - Names of Volunteers From This County - Society of Veterans of the Mexican War.
In 1821 Mexico, including Texas, declared herself independent of Spain, and in a few years afterwards a republic, with a constitution fashioned after that of the United States, was established. A liberal immigration policy was adopted and a heavy tide of emigration poured into Texas.
After a succession of revolutions, Santa Anna became President of Mexico, and in 1835 he abolished the liberal constitution of the country. The Texans refused to submit and he attempted to subdue them. A series of bloody engagements followed, in nearly all of which the Texans were successful, and in April, 1836, Santa Anna was taken prisoner. Soon afterwards, to obtain his release, and see- ing that further efforts to subdue the Texans would be fruitless, he acknowledged the independence of Texas and ordered the remainder of the Mexican army in the field to evacuate the country. But Mexico refused to recognize the acknowledgment of Santa Anna, and still claimed Texas as a part of that country. Making no further efforts, however, to subdue it, affairs between the two countries remained in a state of armed peace until the outbreak of the Mexican War.
In the meantime, Texas had framed a constitution and set up an independent republic, and in a short time she applied for admission into the Union. On account of the slavery question, it being con- ceded that Texas would continue slavery if admitted, the free soil element, in and out of Congress, strongly opposed her admission, and it was not accomplished until after the Democratic success in the election of Polk in 1844.1
1 Inaugurated March 4, 1845.
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
At the time of the admission, Texas had been an independent repub- lic for nine years, and had been recognized as such by several European powers. Still, Mexico claimed sovereignty over her and notified the Government at Washington that she would regard the admission of Texas into the Union as a declaration of war on the part of the United States. Furthermore, Mexico held that the territory between the Nueces and Rio Grande, claimed by Texas, had never belonged to the latter, and was in no sense a part of it.
Immediately after the admission of Texas Gen. Taylor was ordered into the new State to protect it against invasion. The war then began.1
The Government at Washington determined upon a comprehensive plan of operations. One squadron of the navy was ordered to join the fleet already on the Pacific, in an attack upon the Mexican ports of California ; and another to operate in the Gulf of Mexico. An Army of the West was ordered to assemble at Ft. Leavenworth under Gen. Kearney and invade Mexico, proceeding thence still further west and co-operate with the Pacific fleet. Gen. Wool was to collect at San Antonio another force, which was to constitute the Army of the Cen- ter, and to invade Mexico from that quarter. Heavy reinforcements were sent to the army under Gen. Taylor, known as the Army of Occupation.
ARMY OF THE WEST.
Of the four armies named, we have to do in the present history mainly with the Army of the West, of which both the companies formed in this county, and all the volunteers except a part of Capt. Denver's company and a few others, became members.
The receipt of the news in this State in May, 1846, that actual war had begun, created great excitement and even greater enthusiasm. As Missouri was a pro-slavery State and strongly Democratic, the war was popular here from the beginning. Large public meetings were held which warmly indorsed the administration at Washington, and passed resolutions pledging a full quota of men.
Immediately Gov. Edwards called for volunteers to join the Army of the West at Ft. Leavenworth, and within ten days companies were on the march from every part of the State.
I Gen. Taylor took possession of Matamoras March 28, 1846, and Mexico declared war in April following. May 12th the U. S. Congress ordered the enlistment of 50,000 volunteers and voted $10,000 to carry on the war.
613
HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
PLATTE AND COLE INFANTRY BATTALION.
A large public meeting was held at Weston, in this county, which was addressed by enthusiastic speakers and a company was at once organized. Wm.S. Murphy was elected captain, Vincent Vaulkenberg, first lieutenant and Aquilla B. Aull, orderly sergeant.1 The company was mustered into the service as Co. A, First Battalion, Missouri infantry.
By the 18th of June, 1846, companies had arrived from the counties of Jackson, Lafayette, Clay, Saline, Franklin, Cole, Howard and Callaway, lettered 'A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, and commanded respectively by Capts. Waldo, Walton, Moss, Reid, Stephenson, Jackson and Rogers. These composed the First Missouri mounted volunteers, numbering 856, of which Col. Doniphan was elected colonel.
Gen. Kearney (then a colonel, who ranked Col. Doniphan) was in command of the whole force, the balance of which, under his immed- iate command, consisted of the first battalion of Missouri infantry com- posed of Capt. Murphy's Platte county company and Capt. Augney's company from Cole county, numbering 145 men ; the Laclede Rangers of St. Louis, 107 strong, under Capt. Hudson, who were attached to the First Dragoons, 300 strong ; and a battalion of light artillery, consisting of two St. Louis companies under Capts. Weightman and Fischer, numbering 250 men, with Maj. Clark as field officer ; Kear- ney's separate force numbered 856 men.
Gen. Kearney and Col. Doniphan, with a total force of 1,658 men and sixteen pieces of artillery - twelve six-pounders and four twelve- pound howitzers - started on their western expedition on the 26th of
1 The roll of the company as far as we have been able to gather the names con- tained the following: Captain, Wm. S. Murphy (superseded by Jonas S. Woods) ; First Lieutenant, Vincent Vaulkenberg (killed at Canada and succeeded by -- Gib- bons) ; Second Lieutenant, Franklin Finch ; Orderly Sergeant, Aquilla B. Aull; Sergeant, Martin Hardin; Second Sergeant, Jno. Harbst. Drummer, Sam Easburn; Privates, Martin Brooks (transferred to Capt. Morin's company), -- Beneger, Hugh Camp- bell, -- Campbell, Wm. Clark, John Carter, John Curry, Lot Drummond, Wm. Drummond, Sam'l. Doyl, John Doyl, -- Dougherty, John Fox, Bluford Funderback, Wm. Griffith, John Graham (killed at Canada), Thos. Galloway, Robt. Grooms, Jno. Grooms (died at Santa Fe), Gladden Green, -- Gibbons, John (Jack) Harris, --- Haddock, Benj. Hartwell, Ezra Hubbell, Rolla Isaacs, Amos Isaacs, Richard Jenkins, Ezekiel Larrison, -- Larry, John Morgan, Samuel Morgan, Newton McFarland, McCormick, Jno. McGuire, Jas. McCowan, Elijah Pierce, - Pierce, Jos. Por- ter, -- Ramey, Geo. W. Riley, Jas. B. Riley, Samuel Richardson, Israel Swan, Wm. Skaggs, -- Sherer, Leroy Snodderly, Wm. Sharp, Jacob Sharp, Jonathan Short, Jas. Serat, John Thurman (from Buchanan Co.), John Ussary, Robert Waldron, Newton Wilcox, John Wiley, Edward Wiley, Ward Wooten, John Wells (from Buchanan Co.), Henry West (from Buchanan Co.).
614
HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
June, 1846. Their first objective point was Santa Fe, then the Mexi- can capital of New Mexico, which they intended to capture.
After a tiresome trip across the plains and down through the canons of New Mexico, lasting nearly two months, they reached Santa Fe on the 18th of August and took possession of that place, encountering no resistance. However, during the latter part of their journey they were repeatedly threatened with attacks from the Mexicans, and at Sante Fe Gov. Amijo and Gen. Salezar collected a large army to defend the place. But on the approach of the Americans the Mexican Governor and his forces fled precipitately.
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