USA > Missouri > Caldwell County > History of Clinton and Caldwell Counties, Missouri > Part 10
USA > Missouri > Clinton County > History of Clinton and Caldwell Counties, Missouri > Part 10
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any age, at the Iowa State Fair over all breeds at the same fair. At the Omaha Exposition in 1898 he stood second in the aged bull class.
Another remarkable bull was March On 6th, weight 2,400, pasture condition. He was grand champion bull at Des Moines and at Kansas City. Royal and first aged bull at National Hereford Show at Hamline, Minn., in 1902.
W. J. Harris, instructor of animal husbandry of the College of Agri- culture, University of Kentucky, after making a study of American show records, affirms that March On 6th leads all the American-bred bulls of the Hereford breed in siring champions and that J. A. Funkhouser ranks sixth among the Hereford breeders of America in the number of cham- pions shown.
Since the death of Mr. Funkhouser in April, 1906, the herd and the farm have been operated by Mr. Funkhouser's widow and by W. T. Willis who, as previously stated, is Mrs. Funkhouser's brother and who has been a partner in the business since 1880. The business is run under the name of "Estate of J. A. Funkhouser."
Mr. Willis will be pointed out as long as Herefords graze American pastures, as a successful fitter and showman. Mr. Funkhouser was so highly esteemed during his lifetime that he was called upon to judge some of the biggest shows in the country, among others the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. He was a director of the American Hereford Association in 1887, vice-president of the same association in 1888 and president of it in 1891 and again in 1895.
Men who can give, from personal knowledge, information concerning the early-day Hereford giants of America are fast disappearing. W. T. Willis-or "Will Willis," as his friends and acquaintances universally call him-is a man with whom it is a pleasure to talk.
Anti Hog Cholera Serum .- In connection with hog raising of all America, no other agent has been so helpful toward overcoming the ter- rible loss of hog raisers, as the Anti Hog Cholera Serum. Clinton County has two manufacturing plants, and a wide territory of business in this now considered staple with stockmen.
One plant is at Lathrop, owned and operated by Dr. E. E. Hufft, veter- inarian and H. T. Brown. This firm established business 10 years ago, and is under United States inspection. The other plant is at Converse, the Brawner Serum Co., consisting of Dr. C. M. Brawner, of Lathrop, L. M. Brawner and Lloyd Brawner, of Converse. Established 1915, improved and enlarged 1918, under U. S. Veterinary license No. 156.
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Dairying .- This department of agriculture of Clinton County is con- fined principally to the vicinity of Cameron, and for years a large cheese factory was operated near there.
Herds of beautiful Holstein and Guernsey, Swiss and others of milk strain browse on the fine pasture of the uplands toward Cameron, and con- tribute largely to the shipping business of that little city.
There are cream stations in nearly every little town, but M. P. Rut- ledge, Chicago, with branch houses at Cameron, Lawson, and Clarksdale, handle more than all the smaller places combined, no doubt. At Cameron this company makes 80,000 pounds of butter per month.
George Chapman has an ice cream factory in Cameron and ships large quantities of whole milk to Kansas City.
Over the county the Jersey has enjoyed at least 40 years of popularity as the mainstay of the farm wifes' domestic structure.
Mrs. M. E. Biggerstaff, of Plattsburg, wife of J. B. Biggerstaff, owned and imported one of the first, if not the first, Jersey cow in the county. Others soon followed and W. Jasper Delaney was a well known Jersey breeder for several years, shipping stock to distant points in the state and to Mexico.
The little Jersey cow was a much debated creature at first and her milk and butter subject to many curious criticisms as well as her appetite, size and various other qualities. But, as said before, she continues with many the favorite as a family sustainer where dairy prdoucts are desired of highest order.
Poultry .- M. P. Rutledge, mentioned in connection with dairy prod- ucts, Cameron, also ships 350 cars of eggs per year. In 1921, he shipped 550,000 pounds of dressed poultry, and from 180,000 to 190,000 pounds of live poultry, valued at $90,000. This Cameron plant grinds its own feed, have their own refrigerator, and the latter half of the year employ 40 on pay roll. Many a Saturday they pay out $2,500 at the door for poultry, and eggs, coming in for 75 miles. They had plans for a $50,000 elevator building to replace the old one, for grain and produce, and to pave Walnut street. Original building 24x100, now south half of block. Have added creamery storage, and a feeding station for three cars of poultry at a feed- ing. There are breeders of fine poultry all over the county, and stations for the products in every little town.
The Clinton County Farm Bureau was organized early in the year 1918 and R. A. Kinnaird was hired as the first County Agent. Mr. Kin-
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naird served a little over two years when he was transferred to Nodaway County and Mr. E. E. Isaac succeeded him. Mr. Isaac served as County Agent until July 10, 1922, when he resigned to enter other fields. The present County Agent, Mr. Ross Nichols, was employed Sept. 1, 1922, coming here from Holt County where he had served nearly two years previously.
The object of the Farm Bureau is to promote better homes and home life through the betterment of our agricultural practices which not only look to more economical crop production, but to the maintenance of our soil fertility. The object of the Farm Bureau is also advanced through work with the boys and girls in all lines of club work which has for its aim the teaching of these boys and girls better methods of work in each line which fits them to cope with the problems which they will meet when they come to be the farmers and farmers' wives of the next generation.
The County Agent is a direct representative of the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the State College of Agriculture through the Agri- cultural Extension Service and is, therefore, in touch with all new devel- opments in agricultural practice and is enabled through the Farm Bureau organization to carry this information to the farmers of the county .- Written by Ross Nichols, County Farm Agent.
The Old Farmer to His Wife.
It's rain or snow, an' I don't know Just which to say it is; It sticks to trees, with glassy freeze An' hurts my rheumatiz. The clouds are gray, an' not one ray Of sunshine filters through,
So cold an' wet-I like to set Close by the fire with you. For here inside where you preside, It's not so dull and gray ;
You must have stored a good-sized horde Of sunshine for today.
For it shines through our home from you, An' brightens all around
'Till we forget the cold and wet
That drive outside its bounds.
-C. P. J., March 17, 1915.
CHAPTER XI.
THE BENCH AND BAR.
FIRST CIRCUIT JUDGE-DAVID R. ATCHISON-OTHER CIRCUIT JUDGES-THE EAR- LIEST PRACTITIONERS-OTHER EARLY LAWYERS-PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR.
The first circuit judge of the Circuit Court of Clinton County was David R. Atchison, appointed February, 1841, by. Governor Edwards, aft- erwards, Senator, Vice-President and by a peculiar combination of cir- cumstances was President of the United States one day, Sunday, March 4, 1849. He spent his later years in retirement in Clinton County and he is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery, Plattsburg. He has many relatives living in this county. He was succeeded on the bench by Austin King, afterward the Governor of Missouri. He, in turn, was succeeded by George W. Dunn. Refusing to take the oath of the Gamble Convention, he was succeeded by Governor Austin King, who was, in turn, succeeded by his son, Col. Walter King. The latter was impeached because he would not enforce the drastic laws of the Drake Constitution. Under the disfran- chising laws of those days Philander Lucas was elected judge. The dis- franchisement being abolished, Judge Dunn was again called to the bench, and he served until old age disqualified him. He was succeeded by the election of Judge James M. Sandusky, of Clay County. He was suc- ceeded by Judge William S. Herndon, Platte County. Judge Herndon was succeeded by Judge Alonzo D. Burns, also of Platte County. Judge Burns died in office and Judge A. M. Tibbels, of Holt County, succeeded him.
The earliest practitioners at the bar of Clinton County were Gen. A. S. Hughes, Ex-governor George Smith, Willard B. Almond, Theodore Wheaton, Peter H. Burnett, Henry M. Vorhies, James B. Gardenhire, Gen. David A. Atchison, Willard P. Hall, Solomon L. Leonard, Gen. Bela M.
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Hughes, Silas Woodson, Gen. J. M. Bassett, Gen. A. W. Doniphan, Hon. Wm. T. Todd, Hon. Austin A. King, Col. Winslow Turner
Later legal talent were Hon. Thos. E. Turney, Hon. Thomas J. Porter, Hon. George W. Dunn, Charles Ingles, James M. Riley, James H. Birch, Jr., J. M. Lowe, Roland Hughes, S. G. Craig, Wash Adams, Richard R. Rees, James W. Denver, Morgan Turney, J. F. Harwood, O. P. Newberry, William Henry, T. Criss, S. W. Seaton, S. H. Corn, E. C., Hall, Thomas W. Walker, Clem Porterfield, John M. McMichael, Charles C. Birch, D. M. Birch, Abraham Shaver, B. J. Castile, A. J. Althouse, John A. Cross, Henry Hughes, W. L. Birney, Charles A. Wright, John E. Goldsworthy,
Freeman, John Doniphan, Mordacai Oliver, James Strong, John Strong, Stephen Brown, M. A. Lowe, Charles Monsur, Thomas McCarty, S. C. Woodson, Stephen C. Woodson, John G. Woods, Joseph Black, Dwight Par- sons, Thomas H. B. Turney, B. F. Craig, E. W. Turner, T. W. D. Yonley, C. T. Garner, James L. Farris, - Estep, Benjamin R. Vineyard, H. M. Ramsey, Upton M. Young, S. A. Young, Jenkins, Samuel Hardwick, William H. Woodson, William Burris, Henry Smith, James E. Lincoln, Horatio Simrall, R. S. Musser, Henry Gwinner, James H. Moss, B. T. Stringfellow, Joseph E. Merryman, Jeff Chandler, E. H. Norton, R. P. C. Wilson, William Henry, E. J. Smith, Zachary Provolt, M. F. Tier -; nan, S. N. C. Langworthy, Thatcher B. Dunn, Pennell, Thomas G. Barton, W. L. Birney, D. C. Allen, Henry L. Routt, Chas. C. Bassett.
After this last was compiled came J. Ed Jones, J. E. Bohart, W. H. Lyons, H. T. Herndon, J. J. McAnaw, John Adam Clark, John E. Frost, D. H. Frost, W. H. Herndon, Pross Cross, Darl Cross, K. D. Cross, J. Lee Cross, Frank L. Pulley, Henry Perkins, Frank B. Klepper, F. B. Ellis and others.
The city of Denver was named for Gen. J. W. Denver of the older list. He early emigrated to Denver, Colo.
Of the lawyers of this period of 1922, H. T. Herndon, J. E. Frost, John Adam Clark died while in the most useful and experienced years of life.
The members of the bar of Clinton County at present are: R. H. Musser, Joel Funkhouser, W. S. Herndon, D. H. Frost, F. B. Ellis, Henry Perkins, E. C. Hall, L. B. Hooper, A. J. Althouse, F. B. Klepper, E. T. Harris, J. Lee Cross, John Livingstone, John C. Carr, Max L. Wiley, Win- slow Porter, C. H. Harrison, W. E. Trice, John A. Cross, Pross T. Cross, and Darl B. Cross.
CHAPTER XII.
THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD.
POLITICAL EXCITEMENT OF 1860-THE CLINTON COUNTY VOTE- THE UNION AND SECESSION ELEMENT-PUBLIC SENTIMENT-RESOLUTIONS-LEADING SPIR- ITS-ACTIVITY OF LOCAL MEN-ORGANIZATION OF TROOPS-CLINTON COUNTY TROOPS IN THE WAR-ARREST OF JUDGE BIRCH-THE KILLING OF CAPTAIN JOHN REED AND REVEREND PAYNE-QUANTRELL'S BAND.
The year 1860 was one of political excitement. The division of the Democracy, and the nomination by the respective elements of Douglass and Breckenridge, rendered the election of Mr. Lincoln absolutely certain. he Democracy of Clinton, as appears from the vote of that year, was almost equally divided-the Douglass vote being only a few over that of Breckenridge-while the vote for Mr. Bell was nearly equal to the com- bined vote for Douglass and Breckenridge, and the vote for Mr. Lincoln being only ten.
The secession of South Carolina followed by six other states, so inten- sified the feeling that the Legislature of Missouri passed an act to elect 99 delegates to take into consideration, etc. The whole question in all its bearings was thus brought before the people. The Union element here nominated the late Judge James H. Birch, while the other element nominated the late Rev. A. H. F. Payne. Mr. Payne was a highly intelli- gent gentleman, a large farmer, and a minister of the Christian Church, but more conservative than those who put him forward.
The difference in the platforms upon which they were placed was so positive, as were the feelings and sentiment of leading spirits upon each side. They felt that their duty was as much as possible to keep down and harmonize the feelings of the people-who were largely South- ern born-and on all questions, but the one main question, were of one mind. Hence, we find in the platform upon which Judge Birch was nomi- nated, a resolution as follows:
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Resolved, That the possession of slave property is a Constitutional right, and as such ought to be ever recognized by the Federal Govern- ment; that if the Federal Government shall fail and refuse to secure this right, the Southern States should be found united in its defense, in which event Missouri will share the common danger of the South.
It was preceded by some fundamental proposition as follows:
"That we are warmly attached to the government under which we live; that we recognize the great Federal Union as the great preserva- tive of our liberties ; that under it we have, by God's providence, prospered beyond all other people; that under this government, we are respected abroad, prosperous at home and fast taking our position as the leading nation of the earth. Valueing as we do, thus, highly, the American Union, we should regard its dissolution as eminently disastrous to our country, and as tending to suppress the cause of national liberty throughout the world."
This meeting was presided over by William Carpenter, one of the oldest Whigs in the county; and the committee which reported the resolu- tions was composed of Thomas E. Turney, Samuel S. Trice, W. G. Bigger- staff, G. B. White, George Funkhouser, Holman Block and John M. Mc- Michael.
The matter having been submitted to a convention of 99 picked men, the excitement of the county subsided. The action of the convention tended to consolidate public sentiment in peaceful channels.
The firing on Fort Sumpter, the action of Virginia, the call of the President for troops, the refusal of Governor Jackson to supply Missouri's contingent, the concentration of state troops under General Frost, and their forced surrender to General Lyon, set the people in a furor of excite- ment. A company was raised in this county, Cunnlow, captain, for service under Governor Jackson's call. This company was principally made up of the young men of the county, who, filled with high resolves, thought their duty lay in supporting, with their lives, the cause of the South.
Under an act of Legislature, Governor Jackson had ordered an enroll- ment of able-bodied men, preparatory to draft. This act excited the Union men, who, in their resolve not to be conscripted to fight against their con- victions of duty, organized themselves into companies to resist the execu- tion of the law.
One company was raised in Cameron and William H. Edgar, who was afterwards killed at Shiloh, was elected captain, the Fishing River Com-
-
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HISTORY OF CLINTON AND CALDWELL COUNTIES
pany elected Hugh L. W. Rogers captain, the Castile Company elected Archibald Grooms captain, and the Plattsburg Company elected James H. Birch, Jr., captain. John Steel was quietly organizing a cavalry com- pany for United States service.
The tendency of things in this county was dangerous, and a colli- sion was inevitable. The older heads saw clearly the outlook, and while divided on the issues, as did the younger ones, yet they were friends and had lived long enough to be charitable to each other, and tolerant of per- sonal opinions. They therefore met at the college building by appoint- ment, and, after discussing the questions, resolved that while they could not harmonize their feelings or opinions, yet they would discountenance any personal or local violence, and that those of each side might hold their opinions, and join and fight under their respective banners, but keep their peace toward one another at home. This state of feeling predominated until Sept. 1, 1861. The respective sides engaged in recruiting their armies. Colonel Boyd had a Confederate regiment encamped in Whar- ton's pasture on Castile Creek, ready to march as it did march, to join Price in his attack on Mulligan, at Lexington, fighting on its way, the celebrated Blue Mills fight against the Third Iowa Regiment. It was on that day that someone destroyed the Platte River bridge on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, which let the passenger train into that river, resulting in the death of many persons, including Cutler, the conductor. Who did it, and what was the motive has never transpired.
On that day, a company of men belonging to Boyd's Regiment, were in Plattsburg to bury young Kelley, who was killed at Wilson's Creek. They were in command of Major Bostwick, and, after the burial services were over, they arrested Col. John Steel, and a detachment of men under Bostwick proceeded to the residence of Colonel Birch, south of town, to arrest him. Colonel Birch, who had some intimation of danger had armed himself heavily and defied Major Bostwick to arrest him. The major, with great prudence and to avoid shedding of blood, retired, and shortly returned with and increased force of soldiers. At this turn of affairs, Colonel Birch, seeing it useless to contend with such a force, mounted his horse, and, reaching Prairie Park, the home of his father, informed him of the condition of affairs and they both that night proceeded to Cameron, where they were joined by Captain Rogers and his company, Captain Groom and his company, Captain Edgar's com- pany, with detachments of men from Caldwell, Davies and DeKalb, and
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soon had a force of 400 men. The camp here established was, for the time being, the headquarters of military operations in northwest Missouri. Here was organized and mustered into service Major James' battalion, con- sisting of Edgar's company, from Clinton, and Plum's company from Cald- well, also Major Cox's battalion, consisting of Bollington's and other com- panies. These were state forces, under Governor Gamble and mustered into service for six months. These irregular and temporary commands were afterwards transmuted into the 6th Missouri Cavalry, commanded by Col. E. C. Catherwood. One of the companies of this regiment was composed of the flower of the young men of the county. The roster of Company F showed that its captain was Charles C. Bassett, afterwards a prominent lawyer in south Missouri. Its first lieutenant was Daniel M. Birch, just fresh from the Virginia University and afterwards its captain. D. C. McMichael was a lieutenant, and afterwards its captain and who was subsequently killed while leading an attack against the Modoc Indians, in the lava beds of Oregon. Company B stood pre-eminent in the brigade, and it showed that for drill, discipline and behavior, it was the first, while the desperate and gallant charge it made at Pineville, under Captain Birch, proved that it was entitled to rank first among the bravest.
Captain Edgar's company of infantry, made up in part of the 17th Missouri and it being a part of General Benton's brigade, received the first onset of Confederate troops, and its commander was among the first to offer up his life in that great battle.
In November, 1861, a concerted movement was understood to be in progress to arrest the members of the convention, who had assumed the right to rule the state-had deposed General Jackson and placed H. R. Gamble in his place. In furtherance of this object the late Judge James H. Birch was arrested and taken to General Price's camp on Sac River. If the movement was intended to arrest the whole convention, it failed, as Judge Birch was the only one who was arrested. About the same time General Halleck had arrested Maj. David Wright, who was also a mem- ber of the convention, and the two being of equal rank and civilians, they were exchanged for one another.
Judge Birch was taken from his residence about three o'clock one morning, by a band of armed men, and taken to Platte County, thence Clay and Ray and across the river at Lexington. His arrest caused great excitement, and numerous arrests were made in retaliation by the Federal troops, and for a while, it was feared that serious consequences would
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HISTORY OF CLINTON AND CALDWELL COUNTIES
result as it was not known what the object of the arrest was. But such men as Judge Robert Johnson, and Dr. (later Senator) Bland-Southern men-penetrated into Clay County and were enabled to report from Judge Birch himself that no personal violence need be feared, when the citizens, who had been arrested as hostages, were discharged. As the winter of 1861-62 progressed, the feelings that had separated the citizens began to subside, and those who had been forced to flee, to return. Col. James H. Birch, Jr., who had in the meantime been placed upon the staff of Governor Gamble with the rank of Colonel, returned home and resumed the practice of law. A great many of the Confederates, whose term of enlistment had expired, came home under the proclamation of Governor Gamble and took oath of allegiance, and resumed their duties as citizens.
The year of 1862 was marked with no outbreak. The citizens were peacably attending to their personal affairs. Those who had military desires joined the flag which they preferred to fight under, and quiet and peaceful desires were the order of the day. The year 1863 opened in the same spirit, and but for the appearance of certain parties in our midst, would have continued. The county was thrown into the most violent commotion and fear by two of the most fearful and bloody murders of the war. A detachment of Colorado troops had penetrated the county and had plundered our merchants, Mr. John E. Shawhan being robbed of more than $10,000. A portion of the 25th Missouri succeeded them and were induced to kill Captain John Reed, one of the oldest, most respectable and peacable citizens of the county. His death was consummated with peculiar atrocity. At the same time Rev. A. H. F. Payne, who had been the opponent of Judge Birch for the convention, was taken from home, and after being kept for two days, brutally shot. Mr. Payne was quietly pursuing his vocation as a farmer and minister and had protection papers in his pocket from Governor Hall and Major Bassett. It was understood that others had been marked for destruction, but it was hard work to induce the Missouri soldiers to carry out the bloody purposes of those who had originated these murders, and it was arranged for another Colo- rado regiment to come into the county, but General Schofield promptly ordered them from the state, which order reached them when taking din- ner three miles south of Plattsburg, and thus was frustrated what might have been one of the bloodiest chapters of the whole war, as several prominent Union men had been marked, because they had given voice to indignation at the murders which had been committed. The result of this
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style of warfare brought its natural results for it was not long before a band of bushwackers, being a part of Quantrell's band under Lieutenant Gregg, put in their appearance, and took the town, robbed the treasury and set fire to the records in the court house. This band being unable to catch the men whom they believed had caused the death of Captain Reed and Mr. Payne, were prevailed on to leave the town without doing anyone personal violence. Judge Culver and Mr. Winslow Turner were the spirits which prevented any violence. The advent of these guerillas brought a great many of the militia from other counties, and for a while the earth seemed turned into a place of torment. No one felt that he was safe, either in person or property. The militiaman, for the time being was King, and all subordinate powers took their cue accordingly. The fore- going is taken largely from the old history of Clinton County.
CHAPTER XIII.
WORLD WAR.
UNITED STATES ENTERS THE WORLD WAR-CLINTON COUNTY RESPONDS-MEN WHO SERVED IN THE ARMY AND NAVY FROM CLINTON COUNTY-RED CROSS NURSES-LIST OF THOSE WHO DIED IN THE SERVICE-"OUR SOLDIER DEAD."
It is not in the province of this history or within the purview of this short chapter to attempt a history of the great World War which threat- ened the very foundation of civilization and affecting every nation in the world.
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