USA > Missouri > Caldwell County > History of Clinton and Caldwell Counties, Missouri > Part 9
USA > Missouri > Clinton County > History of Clinton and Caldwell Counties, Missouri > Part 9
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Just now there are no airplanes owned in the county, but for four or five years they have visited different towns of the county, and it is quite common to hear the burring sound of the motor as they fly across the country.
CHAPTER X.
AGRICULTURE.
PRAIRIE AND TIMBERLAND-PRICE OF LAND-BLUE STEM GRASS-KENTUCKY BLUE GRASS-SQUIRE DUCOIN'S BLUE GRASS-WHEAT AND OATS-CORN- CORN AS MONDAMIN-EVOLUTION OF THE FARM RESIDENCE-FARM HOMES DECREASING IN NUMBER-TIMBER VERSUS PRAIRIE-SHORTHORN ASSOCIA- TION-FUNKHOUSER HERD-JAMES A. FUNKHOUSER-ANTI-HOG CHOLERA SERUM-DAIRYING-POULTRY-FARM BUREAU-THE OLD FARMER TO HIS WIFE.
The earliest settlers naturally inclined toward the protecting arches of the forest lands. To the great trees they looked for logs for their huts (the white oak), to the hickory for use about much implement making, chair making and such things. The water was flowing from springs for the house use, and the streams furnished drink for the few domestic animals. The trees furnished "mast" and fuel and sheltered the game, a not unimportant item in the family life. And along the streams building stone could be found suitable in quality and quantity for the simple needs of these early structures in running up the low, broad, hospitable looking chimney, with its wide-open fireplace, in front of which the children played, the older members worked, and the "stranger within the gates" was made comfortable and welcome.
Land was cheap, much of it 25 cents to $1.25 per acre, but the early settlers were not equipped to cultivate the broad, unsheltered prairie lands, and indeed it was with much doubt that they even considered the cultiva- tion of them at all. And had they been equipped, there was no market for such production as later days have shown from this questionable direction. His needs were simple. His world was small. Time was long and so was distance. Patch by patch, the timber lands were cleared and fenced with rails made on the spot. (At this date there are a few rail fences still existing. Most of it has been converted into firewood and sup- planted by wire and posts.)
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Blue Stem Grass .- The first sustenance for live stock in this part of Missouri was the tall blue stem grass, still to be found here in low-lying places, along the roadsides, and in some virgin pastures. This was pas- tured by cattle owned here, and by many brought here from Platte and Clay and other parts more thickly settled and cultivated. These cattle were herded by men with ponies and dogs until fencing was more ex- tensively introduced. This grass, and slough-grass, too, were very useful in covering sheds and stacks, as they were tough, durable, and grew often seven and eight feet tall. Over the prairies were pools of water that would in some places swim a horse, and great numbers of fish made their habitation there.
Kentucky Bluegrass .- With the increasing immigration, it was neces- sary to break out more and more of the native sod. This was done gen- erally with heavy oxen, grazed at resting time near the scene of their labor. With cultivation extending came accidentally and by intent the westward march of Kentucky bluegrass-Poa pratensis-hitherto thought of and heard of almost solely in connection with the limestone soil of Kentucky. It starts up eraly in the spring, blooms, and is in seed by June 10th, dies down before the fierce rays of midsummer sun, and burning winds. Weeds appear to take it, but when frost comes and nips them the bluegrass has risen triumphant to the call of fall rains and slanting sun rays, and even beneath the snow and in sheltered places it may be found in depths of winter. And this marvelous thing, the boast of Kentucky, has become the pride of Missouri, the universal grass of several northern counties. John J. Ingall's inspiration on grass follows :
"Lying in the sunshine among the buttercups and the dandelions of May, scarcely higher in intelligence than the minute tenants of that mimic wilderness, our earliest recollections are of grass; and when the fitful fever is ended and the foolish wrangle of the market and forum is closed, grass heals over the scar which our descent into the bosom of the earth has made, and the carpet of the infant becomes the blanket of the dead. Grass is the forgiveness of nature-her constant benediction. Fields trampled with battle, saturated with blood, torn with the ruts of cannon, grow green again with grass, and carnage is forgotten. Streets abandoned by traffic becomes grass grown like rural lanes and are obliterated. Forest decay, harvests perish, flowers vanish, but grass is immortal. Beleagured by the sullen hosts of winter, it withdraws into the impregnable fortress of its subterranean vitality and emerges upon the first solicitation of
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spring. Sown by the winds, by the wandering birds, propagated by the subtle agriculture of the elements which are its ministers and servants, it softens the rule outline of the world. It bears no blazonry of bloom to charm the senses with fragrance or splendor, but its homely hue is more enchanting than the lily or the rose. It yields no fruit in earth or air, and yet, should its harvest fail for a single year, famine would depopulate the world."-From a "Collection of the writings of John James Ingalls."
'Squire Ducoin's Bluegrass .- In LaFayette Township lived Esquire John Ducoin, who gave Clinton County a bluegrass story all her own. The "'squire" was something of a politician and stump speaker, had loud stentorian tones and rather drawling delivery. He was of the old-fashioned unconventional type, of husky physique and much given to drolleries that were openly and highly amusing.
It was during the gubernatorial campaign of David R. Francis, whose term of office was from 1888 to 1892.
The 'squire was a staunch supporter of Mr. Francis and attended the Democratic convention held at Jefferson City during the campaign, with the high purpose of doing his chieftain much good. He rose to make a speech, and realizing there were many who did not know the "'squire," he undertook to tell where he hailed from, and in the announcement said, "I come from a county where the bluegrass grows five feet tall." At that the people would roar, and he would wait for part of the confusion, at least, to subside, and start all over again. This was repeated, but he never got any further; everybody was convulsed, and the speaker was compelled to retire.
Silenced, but not vanquished, he came home. The following spring he looked well to his bluegrass, found some over five feet all, mailed it to the Governor, with the reminder of the boast and the ridicule he had endured. The story was printed far and wide, and has ever since been one of Clinton County's smile producers.
Wheat and Oats .- The settlers were mainly from Kentucky and Vir- ginia and hemp had been their staple product "back home." It was easy and quite natural that they should continue an enterprise in which they were experienced, and for which they were prepared. They had brought slaves with them to do much of the work, so hemp became the most suc- cessful crop and continued so for years.
The average price was $100 a ton, and the average yield per acre 800
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pounds. Hemp was considered a refertilizer, too, which was much in its favor.
In the matter of breaking hemp, 112 pounds was considered a day's work. The slave was paid $1 per hundred for every 100 pounds above this standard task. It was not unusual to find Negroes who broke 200 to 300 pounds a day. With the close of the Civil War the demand for hemp ceased, and farmers turned their attention to other crops.
Wheat has always been raised, but not to the excessive yield known in other states. Oats are used more for rotation, a by-product of no con- siderable value primarily, except as varying in feeding, as the yield is uncertain. It is used as a nurse crop for grasses.
Corn, with clover, timothy and bluegrass, have put Clinton County on the map. Great fields of corn are planted every spring, sometimes once, twice and thrice before the desired "stand" is gained, or until the season seems too much advanced. Every appliance imaginable has been used to cultivate corn. Farmers begin in the winter around the firesides to discuss best methods, whether "listed," or planted on top of the ground, whether checked or in rows, seed corn is located and cared for, whether sod, stubble or old ground, each furnishes an enemy all its own that requires constant vigilance, but corn is king in Clinton County.
It is all used at home in feeding cattle and hogs, and then a large amount is shipped in every year to make up the deficit, as a large acreage is given over to grazing, necessary to the proper finish of fat cattle.
Just after the World War, in 1919, the depression came that would not warrant cattle feeding. The corn crop was immense, car shortage pre- vailing, so farmers that had produced the crops, at large expense in some cases, failed to sell and saw their corn deteriorate in piles and pens.
It is said that within a radius of 10 miles around Plattsburg there are more cattle fed than in any other like territory in the United States.
"Corn as Mondamin, the Friend of Man."-Mondamin, the friend of man, was the name given to America's wonderful cereal, corn, by the American Indian. The tremendous influence of corn in the upbuilding of our country not only justifies the name, but forces recognition of the remarkable foresight of the Redman.
It is the imaginative Ojibway to which we are indebted for a beautiful legend of the origin of corn, and according to this legend, for corn itself.
Ambitious for the advancement of his people, one of the leaders of the Ojibway tribe sought seclusion in the forest, and during a period of fast- (10)
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ing and prayer appealed to the Master of life for help to check the de- structive wars among the nations. After seven days, Mondamin, a messen- ger from the Great Spirit, appeared and for four days this leader wrestled with him, defeated him and buried the body under the leafy mold where it fell.
Through the whispering trees came the command from above to keep the soil loose and free from weeds above the resting place of the con- quered spirit, and in a short time spears of green sprang up and with the autumn coloring came and ripened grain that was to be the food for the Indian forever. No longer was it necessary for them to depend upon wild grains and game for their subsistence-the Great Spirit had supplied them with a wonderfully nourishing cereal, that mixed in equal parts with dried meats, sustained them in arduous physical undertakings de- manded by their primitive mode of living.
Corn was the answer to the prayer for help in the advancement of the race. Mondamin is still the "Friend of Man."
This pretty legend is told by Mr. Thomas Chivington in the Missouri State Agricultural Report for 1921. He ventures the assertion that corn is not receiving the attention it should by the present generation either through lack of appreciation and lack of information of its nourishing qualities as a food, and its cheapness.
Evolution of the Farm Residence .- The log hut was soon outgrown in the onward march of the prosperous farmer, and was used as "summer kitchen," "loom house," shop, or for some other purposes besides the housing of the family, until now at the end of the first 100 years but few remain over the county.
The larger houses were built quite uniform in plan, two stories, hall in the middle, fireplace in every room, great chimneys in each end. Many such houses of brick or lumber built before the Civil War still stand. The J. B. Biggerstaff Plattsburg home of brick, built by Thomas Palmer, now owned and occupied by Miss Sallee Alexander. This place was originally a farm of some extent and the east line touched Main street until a few years ago. The R. C. Woodward home, north of Plattsburg, originally built and owned by Thomas McMichael, is one of the large old-time houses, the weather boarding is made of walnut and was hauled in wagons from Liberty before the Civil War. Another of brick, owned originally by the late Nathan Vance, north of Plattsburg, now owned by W. W. Thompson,
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and one of brick built and owned by the late Charles Ingles, now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Ingles-James, northeast of Plattsburg.
The same kind, colonial in build, heroic in size, impossible today in the light of original plan for heating, but suggestive of stalwart men at their best, and women full of capabilities, these still dot the country over, many of them to be razed to the ground before the next historian attempts to write the annals of our splendid county.
Farm Homes Decreasing in Number .- A condition that awakens in- terest more often felt than expressed, and with which are shades of re- gret, is the declining in number and condition of farm homes. As before mentioned, orchards are neglected and dying out, yards and fences unkept, houses that were once the scenes of happiest gatherings of the country- side now changing every few months from tenant to tenant. Farms get- ting larger, homes fewer, machinery that lightens labor has made it pos- sible for the owner to live in the towns enjoying the advantages of urban life. The rural schools are much smaller, or merged with the village school, the rural churches often closed. The whole changed condition of rural life finds its explanation in the home centers.
Timber Versus Prairie .- Two stories are told which illustrate the state of mind as to the relative virtues of timber and prairie land.
In 1858 James Evans, a saddler, lived at old Hainesville. He had saved up some money. His friend, Dr. Bernard, was something of a money loaner in those days, and Mr. Evans asked him his opinion of an investment over near Lathrop on the prairie. The Doctor listened and then gave his opinion as follows: "No, Jim, 10 per cent will beat it. And besides, you'd never live long enough to split and haul rails enough to fence it." But in spite of this, Mr. Evans made the trade, and his son, W. J. (known to his host of friends as "Bud"), remembers standing by while the father counted the money out of the little stand table drawer. It is the Collins land, and was bought then of David Reynolds, who wanted to return East.
And the McKee family, near Perrin, tell how their father bought a beautiful prairie farm at Perrin, but sold it so as to get nearer timber on Smith Fork. There the younger children still live, having added much of prairie lands to the original homestead.
And such children of nature are we still that the home that is nestled among the native forest trees has something of a charm, something of the dreams of the distant past about it, that no touch of art can quite sup-
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plant. That the winds of winter drive less severely, the snows fall much softer, the rays of the midsummer sun lose their intensity through the shadows of the native trees, may be but a trick of the imagination, but the fact does remain that God planted them there, and His ways are ever best.
Shorthorn Association .- Much of the wealth and standing of our county in its principal industry is due to the fine judgment and forethought of the Shorthorn Association, organized in 1879 and continuing until 1894.
As early as 1855, Stephen C. ('Duff') Duncan, of this county, recog- nizing the excellent facilities and perfect adaptation of the soil and climate to the breeding and rearing of the best blooded cattle, imported from Ken- tucky several of the Shorthorns from the finest breeds. So successful was he in this enterprise, that at different periods after that date other men invested in the same kind of cattle, the number increasing until the winter of 1879, when there was found to be between 15 and 20 men in the county who were making a specialty of raising Shorthorns.
In January of that year the Breeders' Association of Clay and Clinton Counties, Missouri (and Ray is said to have been included), was organ- ized, with J. M. Clay, Plattsburg, president, and S. C. Duncan, of Smith- ville, Clay County, secretary.
The association immediately issued a descriptive catalogue of their stock, the title page of which read as follows:
In presenting this catalogue to the public, the Breeders' Association of Clay and Clinton Counties, of Missouri, take pleasure in extending to all a cordial invitation to examine the blood contained in it. It is pre- sumed that breeders and farmers, with the catalogue before them, will be able to form an intelligent estimate of its value. We believe the stock offered is fully up to the standard; and, if well handled, will be profitable, and convince buyers of the fact that blood will tell. All stock sold will be warranted as represented, and put aboard the cars, free of charge, at the buyers' risk. Terms of sale, cash. A credit of six months will be given with 10 per cent interest. Purchaser to give approved note before remov- ing stock."
The following are the names of the parties belonging to the Breeders' Association, or Shorthorn Association, each of whom have herds of blooded cattle numbering from three to 100 head: James M. Clay & Son, 100; J. N. Winn, 30 ; B. F. Winn, 70; Alexander Breckenridge, 40; Benjamin Trim- ble, 40; LaFayette Wright, 20 . J. A. Burk, 15; H. C. Duncan, 30; Joseph
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HISTORY OF CLINTON AND CALDWELL COUNTIES
Duncan, Sr., 50; Joseph Duncan, Jr., 10; E. C. Hale, 40; James T. Phelps, -; James A. Funkhouser, 12; Jesse Baker, 12; Downing & Summers, -; I. P. Hopkins, 5; Frederick Essig, 15; John Grayson, 3; Joseph Ashby, 15; George W. Dawson, 30; George Newby, 20; John Killgore, 50; John Payne, 6; Dyerle & Barrett, 12; John Bevins, 6; Dr. W. W. Bland & Son, 6; Jones & Bros., 6; Scearce & Bros., 30; R. C. Brown, 20; O'Neal Bros., 20; Robert Tyndale, 20; Burkley Bros., 40; - Green, 10; Porter & Bros., 12; Pickett & Son, 20; Granville Biggerstaff, 20; A. C. Cook, 8; Joseph B. Biggerstaff, 3; Marion Snodgrass, 12; Stephen Trice, 30; Abram Fry, 6. The sales were held semi-annually and drew buyers from other counties and states. The association continued in force until 1894. At the first sale 97 head were sold, in 1880 90 head were sold, and May, 1881, the third, 114 head were sold, and in October that year 68.
Whether remunerative to the members of the association or not, for the Shorthorn business was subject to the same vicissitudes as any other in the 15 years of its history, but this much to its credit, the hopes for the upbreeding of the cattle, and its being willing to stand by the unques- tioned proverb that "blood will tell," have heightened the ambitions of stockmen in succeeding years, have given the county a wider reputation, and insured profits in the markets of the Mississippi Valley. And after 40 years' experience, we pay these men of the Breeders' Association a tribute of respect and gratitude for the substantial benefits that have accrued to this county from their sometimes difficult undertakings.
The Funkhouser Herd .- From the American Hereford Journal, Aug. 1, 1922 .- Clinton County, Missouri, near the middle of which the Funk- houser farm is located, has long been noted as a cattle center. W. T. Willis, the manager of the Funkhouser estate, says that no area of similar size in the world has fed more cattle. As far back as Mr. Willis can re- member cattle have consumed all the corn the county has produced, and it has been necessary to ship in feed to make up a deficit in home production. What has been true in the past is true today.
But while Clinton County is well known by reason of the activities of its feeders, its name also is written large in purebred Hereford history on account of the remarkable achievements of James A. Funkhouser who espoused the cause of Whitefaces in 1882 and was continuously interested in them until his death in April, 1906.
James A. Funkhouser was born in Plattsburg, Mo., in 1846. His father, Abraham Funkhouser, was a Virginian who took up his residence
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in Clinton County as a young man and engaged in the retail merchandis- ing business at Plattsburg and at Haynesville, a town whose name has long since disappeared from the postal guides.
As an incident to his business activities, Abraham Funkhouser acquired a farm of 160 acres in the days before the Civil War and this original acreage is still part of the Funkhouser estate holdings. It was the headquarters of the Hereford operations of J. A. Funkhouser and is still devoted mostly to Whitefaces. It lies a mile west of Plattsburg.
J. A. Funkhouser attended the public school of plattsburg and a Methodist college which flourished in the little city in days agone. When he reached the age of 21 he married Mattie Ermin Willis, a sister of William T. Willis. At that time began the David-and-Jonathan relation- ship between Mr. Funkhouser and Mr. Willis which continued uninter- ruptedly until Mr. Funkhouser laid down earth's cares.
A fact not generally known is worthy of record here. Mr. Willis was a partner of Mr. Funkhouser's in the latter's Hereford operation although the cattle were recorded and shown in Mr. Funkhouser's name. The two men worked together like a well matched team. Mr. Willis did the fitting and showing and looked after numerous other duties in connection with the herd, while Funkhouser attended to business matters connected with it and used his wonderful cattle judgment to advance its interests.
Mr. Funkhouser, soon after his marriage, took up farming and the feeding and shipping of livestock and in the middle '60s moved onto the Funkhouser farm where he resided continuously until he died. From boyhood he had shown an inclination for agricultural pursuits, had worked on his father's farm whenever opportunity offered and had been a lover of cattle. By the time he approached his 30's he was recognized as one of the leading feeders and shippers of a section where good feeders and big shippers abounded.
Like practically all the cattlemen of his section, Mr. Funkhouser, handled Shorthorns and knew Herefords only by reputation until 1881. In the fall of that year he attended a fair at St. Louis where T. L. Miller, Beecher, Ill., was making an exhibit. Mr. Funkhouser was impressed with the merits of Herefords from the moment he saw the Miller animals and bought from the Beecher breeder two calves. One of these was a bull, Invincible 5245 by Winter de Cote 2977 (Eng. 6021). The other was a heifer, Landscape Maid 4050 by Dauphin 18th 3368 (Eng. 5862).
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T. L. Miller was a far-seeing advocate of Herefords and he recognized in Mr. Funkhouser a man whom he wished to weld to the Whiteface breed. So he loaned him "Dauphin 18th' 'for use in the new Missouri herd. Three purebred Herebords mentioned here reached the Funkhouser farm May 1, 1882, and were the first cattle of the breed to come onto the place. Mr. Funkhouser immediately bought 60 good grade Shorthorn cows and mated "Dauphin 18th" with them. The Clinton County man was deter- mined to find out just how prepotent Hereford blood was. The resulting crop of calves was an extremely pleasing one-pleasing not only to Mr. Funkhouser but to everyone else who saw it. Most of the bulls of this crop were sold to ranchmen in 1884 for herd purposes and did satisfactory service. Some of them were changed to steers, shown successfully and then sold at good prices for fancy beef.
The good qualities of these cross-bred steers convinced the Platts- burg man that his forte in the future lay in the production of purebred Herefords. He accordingly began to build up a herd. He moved slowly of necessity. Money was scarce and hard to get. Grasshoppers had well- nigh ruined Northwest Missouri. But Mr. Funkhouser and his partner and brother-in-law, Mr. Willis, never wavered in their determination to make a place for themselves in the ranks of Hereford breeders. They added to their collection of Whitefaces as they had the chance and change.
The herd attained its greatest size in 1900 when it numbered about 225. Since then it has gradually been reduced until now it contains 60 breeding cows or about 150 animals altogether.
"Hesiod 2nd 40679" was bought by Mr. Funkhouser for $100 when one year old, and kept him until he died at 19 years of age. Three differ- ent breeders of national reputation sought to buy this champion bull at $5,000, when he was 9 years old. He was grand champion Hereford bull at Kansas City in 1892, at Des Moines, St. Joseph, Kansas City and Lin- coln, Nebr., in 1893, and not only was he a prize taker, but his progeny of both sexes. He weighed 2,200 pounds.
Another show animal was the bull "Free Lance 2nd" taking first in class at the Nebraska State Fair and the St. Louis Fair in 1894, and headed the young herd, winning first in class at the Illinois State, the St. Louis and St. Joseph fairs; was grand champion bull over all breeds at St. Joseph and had other marks of approval at different state fairs over the country too numerous to mention. He was grand champion Hereford bull,
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