USA > Missouri > Mercer County > History of Harrison and Mercer Counties, Missouri : from the earliest times 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 20
USA > Missouri > Harrison County > History of Harrison and Mercer Counties, Missouri : from the earliest times 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 20
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Although in a new country the settlers did not lose their religion or neglect their social or moral training. In the year 1841 the denom- ination known at present as the Bethany Christian Church was organ- ized on Big Creek by Elder John S. Allen and Ephraim Stewart. After that Parson Allen continued to preach to the church nearly every Sunday for forty years. He never charged anything for his ยท services but was always a liberal contributor to the good cause. To him more than any other person are the people of Bethany indebted for the upbuilding of the church here, and for good moral and relig- ious teaching. He has been spared to see the church he nurtured so well in its infancy continue to increase for over forty years and to have a church building costing $8,000, the best church edifice in this portion of the State.
There were no postoffices or post roads in the county at that time, and what few letters were written by the settlers had to be sent to Cravensville, a small postoffice in Daviess County, five or six miles north of Gallatin; this place had been built and occupied by the Mor- mons, but after they left the village went to decay and the postoffice was discontinued.
The first postoffice in the county was established at Bethany in 1845; for several years it went by the name of Bethpage, and David Buck was appointed postmaster. The mail was carried on horseback to and from Cravensville once each week. The settlers took but few papers and, therefore, as might be expected, were not well posted upon all that was going on in the busy world of trade, but they knew how to trail the deer or find the rich bee tree, and they often visited each other and told of their successes and disappointments, and rejoiced together over their prosperity or sympathized with each other in their troubles. Hypocrisy and deceit were almost unknown among them,
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and honesty and hospitality distinguished them. Although what they had in basket or store was scant, there was scarcely a time but that each would readily have shared his scant provisions with a neighbor. Their cabins were rude and diminutive, but their latch strings, like their generous hearts, hung on the outside.
Indian Trading .- The early settlers were sometimes in quite a strait for ammunition, which was a serious matter, as they depended in a great measure upon wild meat for the first few years.
This want was often partially supplied by the Indians who generally had powder and lead furnished them in abundance by the Government.
The Indians were then numerous in the southwestern portion of Iowa, and when their hunting excursions would come near the white settlements the whites would trade with them to secure ammunition. The Indians soon learned that when the whites needed ammunition they would give good trades to get it; in this they exhibited their natural shrewdness, and in the game of "swap" often outwitted their pale faced brothers.
An incident that occurred in the fall of 1841 will serve to illustrate this:
A settler needing ammunition gathered a lot of turnips, and took them to the Indian camp to trade, but being unable to speak in the Indian dialect the Indians held him at a disadvantage pretending not to understand him. Toward evening a lad about ten or twelve years old offered to trade some powder for turnips; they effected a trade, the man delivering over the turnips, and followed the lad into his wig- wam to get the powder. It was then dark, but the wigwam was lighted up slightly by a stick fire; the lad got the allotted amount in a rag, and the settler wanted to take it to the light to examine it, but the lad motioned frantically for him not to take it toward the fire, at the same time saying "tshu tshu" "tshu tshu" as much as to say it will explode. The man took the alleged powder to his wagon, but fearing the lad was tricking him concluded to test the powder; he tasted it, and tried to explode a little of it, when he found it was no good. He returned with it to the wigwam, but neither the lad nor the turnips could be found. It appeared that the lad had gathered up some charcoal, pounded it up fine, and traded it to the unsuspecting settler for pure Government powder. He wandered around complaining greatly at the manner he had been swindled, but he could not find a member of the Lo family who could understand him sufficiently to sympathize with him in the loss of his turnips and powder.
The Indians would generally trade almost anything they had for
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skutipo (whisky). They would gather great quantities of wild meat, which they would dry, and pack away for transportation to their towns. They were also quite skillful at tanning deer skins, out of which they made many useful articles or beautiful trinkets. They preferred to trade these to the settlers, but soon found that there was not much demand for them. They would exchange their dried venison or anything else for skutipo, and then the men would get drunk, and when they were drunk it was safer to be away from them, though they were quiet when sober, and never disturbed the whites or their property, but sometimes would infringe too much upon the hunting grounds of the whites. It was against the law to trade, sell or give whisky to the Indians, yet the law was in that regard oftener violated than it was vindicated.
Occasionally a thief would pass through and take a horse, and then the whole settlement would be aroused. Fortunately such losses did not occur often, and there is no record of a horse thief being caught by the early settlers of this county. It was a rule of the very highest authority that no settler should knowingly harbor a horse- thief. There was one man shown to have violated this excellent rule, and he was made to suffer the penalty, which was "linting." Of
course lynching is not to be encouraged in well-regulated communi- ties, but among the early settlers it appeared to be the dernier resort. It was too far away to take offenders to court, and would occupy too much time and incur too great expense. The settlers found "lint- ing " so much easier, speedy and economical, and in this case it worked so admirably in making a good citizen of the victim that it was in very high favor.
There was very little sickness among the early settlers. This may have been greatly owing to the fact that it was only the stout and hearty young people who had the hardihood to venture out upon the wild and unsubdued frontier, or it may have been that the open-air life and rustic cabins were conducive to health. Hunting and chasing wolves in the winter time was a delightful pastime. About the year 1844 Dr. Hardin Oatman settled in the new country. He did not come, however, so much to practice his profession as to open out a farm. In cases of severe sickness he was usually called, but his calls for several years were very rare, although he was a good physi- cian and a clever gentleman, and his bills or charges were light.
About the year 1843 St. Joseph was first laid off, and began to attract attention as a trading point. Up to that time the place had been merely an Indian trading post, conducted by Joseph Robidoux,
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and was known as the Blacksnake Hills. It soon became a business place, and, as it was about twenty-five miles nearer than Liberty, the settlers early commenced making paths and roads in that direction. The Grand River currency passed as readily and at as good rates there as at Liberty, hence the honey-wax and pelt trade soon turned almost exclusively to St. Joseph. No more attempts at counterfeit- ing were brought to light, and the merchants of that place soon placed great confidence in the Grand River squatters. An incident illustrat- ing that this confidence was not misplaced is related of a certain Grand River settler. He was at St. Joseph doing some trading at the store of Bob. Donnell-the present New York banker-and the goods he happened to want being more than his "produce" would pay for, he agreed to bring more honey and wax by a given day. The settler felt proud and elated that the merchant would take his word for the delivery of the honey, but Donnell was a pretty good judge of human nature, and thought the settler had an honest face and would do to trust for a barrel of honey. The squatter hastened home, told his wife of his good fortune, felt like a man of conse- quence, and vowed that he would make his promise good. He ac- cordingly struck out to hunt the bee trees and find his honey. He hunted all day and continued his search by moonlight, searching hol- low trees and listening for the buzzing of bees. In a few days he had secured his barrel of honey, and returned home to prepare for his journey to St. Joseph. Upon counting up his time he found that he only had three days, and his time would be out on Sunday. So he hastened up, but failed to get into St. Joseph on Saturday. He hesi- tated about moving forward on the holy day, but thought that would not be so bad as to fail to keep his promise, so he entered the city on Sunday and inquired for Bob. Donnell, and was informed that he was at church. He hastened to the church, and, arriving just as the min- ister had commenced his sermon, he addressed him rather abruptly with "Halloo, stranger! will you just hold on a minute? I want to inquire if Bob. Donnell is in the house." Bob. saw him, and walked out, when the squatter in a loud voice told him: "Well, Bob., I have brought you that barrel of honey." At this every one in the house laughed, but the honest settler felt a proud consciousness of having made good his financial obligation that no mirth could remove. Since that time the reputation of the Grand River settlers for prompt- ness and the punctual performance of promises has been very good.
In 1843 an order was received from the Governor to organize the militia in these settlements. The settlers prior to that time had not
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felt any particular need of a military organization, but they did not know what emergency might arise, and they thought the Governor might know more about matters than they did, and they were growing in importance, when they attracted sufficient notice to be taxed and formed into a military department. There were a great many Indians in the southwest part of Iowa, and though they were friendly and peace- able, the settlers did not know what might occur to change this pleasant state of affairs, therefore they talked over the matter, and concluded to meet together and organize the militia. The women were particularly well pleased at the idea that the militia would be organized, and their protection fully secured.
Of course the important consideration was in reference to the prop- er persons for the officers of their little army. It was agreed that they would need a colonel and major, and they set about the selection of these officers. It was the general opinion that the officers must be men of judgment and courage, and especially the colonel must be a man of stamina. At last it was determined that C. L. Jennings was the proper man for colonel. He had come to the county in 1841, and reared his huge cabin on the farm now owned by Jacob King, some four miles northeast of Bethany. He had shown himself to be a good commander of an oxteam, and was good looking, and the tallest man in the settlement, and the squatters, being Bible readers, knew how Saul was selected for king because " he was higher than any of the people from the shoulders up." S. C. Allen was elected major. He was not so tall as the colonel, but that was not considered so important a mat- ter for the lower officers. We have been unable to learn of any roll or roster of the men enrolled or enlisted into the militia. It is stated , that there were two companies, but it is not known how many men were in each company as they were divided according to the conven- ience of the settlers.
The Killyan War .- Shortly after the militia were organized they were called into service by the Colonel, under the following circum- stances: A settler on the edge of the prairie, a few miles south of where Eagleville now is, by the name of Charles Killyan, took a couple of bush- els of corn to Phil. Harris' mill on Big Creek west of Bethany. While he was there a heavy rain fell, raising the creek so that it could not be crossed; there were no bridges or fences on Big Creek at that time. The mill was on the west side of the creek, and as it appeared the creek would continue too deep to ford for two or three days, Killyan concluded to go up the creek on the west side until he could cross it. Accordingly he started north to head the creek and go home. As he did not return
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home for a week, and had always been a good industrious citizen of no bad habits, his family and the neighbors became alarmed at his pro- tracted absence; neighbors were sent to the mill to see if any tidings could be gained of him. It was learned he had been to the mill, ob- tained his grinding and started for home in due time, but nothing fur- ther was known or could be learned of him. The settlers became aroused; the matter was discussed. It was considered that he had started for home in a northwest direction toward the Indian settle- ments in Southwest Iowa, and no doubt was entertained but that he had been captured by the Indians. Was he killed and scalped, or was he held as a captive and hostage? These were questions that ex- cited various comments. If Killyan was captured by the Indians, it was the duty of the settlers to punish the Indians or there would be no safety for any other settler that might be out alone, and it was considered a matter of prudence as well as sound statesmanship to show the Indians the strength and courage of the settlement. The idea of war upon the frontier with the wild and merciless savages ex- cited the liveliest apprehensions. They had often read of Indian war- fare, and had early been taught that their mode of warfare was the in- discriminate murder of men, women and children, and that the Indians were cunning, and liable to dash down upon them without any notice or sign of their coming. All such thoughts had a tendency to inten- sify the situation. Upon consultation it was decided proper to call out the militia and follow after the trail of Killyan. It is true the Indians had always been peaceable and friendly, and had never ap- peared to show any desire to make trouble with the white settlers but once, and that was after the Indians had lost some ponies, and thought the whites had taken them or harbored those who did, but upon in- vestigation the Indians were convinced that the squatters in this county were not to blame, and thereupon friendly relations had been more firmly established than before. There was no telling but what some thief or thieves had again stolen some of their ponies, and the Indians might have concluded to take their revenge upon Killyan. Some of the more timid could almost see poor Killyan tied to a tree or stake, with a pile of wood around him ready to have the torch applied. Everybody was excited, especially the women and children. Killyan's poor wife became almost distracted; she would cry and say "my poor husband has been captured by the Indians, Oh, I will never get to see him again." Under these circumstances the colonel of the militia issued his orders to have the settlement placed on a war footing, and all the militia were ordered to meet at the house of the colonel the
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next morning by sunrise to start upon an armed expedition in search for the missing squatter or to discover his murderers. Such a bustle, excitement and hurry had never before been known in the Territory. Riders were sent in all directions to notify the militia to turn out on the morrow with ten days' provisions. The women in their patriotism forgot their fright for the time being, and flew to cooking rations for the campaign, the men brightened up their guns and "run " bullets, and prepared their ammunition, and such a general rubbing and clean- ing up of old guns was not common. The militia had been organized under orders but had drawn no arms, ammunition or rations. On such an expedition it was necessary to go as cavalry, and each soldier must be supplied with a horse. They were all good hunters and experi- enced marksman, having brought down many a deer, and felt safe when at the breech of their guns.
The next morning, early, the militiamen might have been seen riding to the residence of the Colonel until the regiment numbered nearly forty faithful troopers. All things being ready, the gallant Colonel brought out his war-horse and gave the order to mount, and they soon dashed off double file for the fray. They stopped to feed and water at noon at Big Creek, and shortly after starting again they struck a trail showing that numerous ponies had recently traveled to the north. After traveling some distance they came to a place where the Indians had evidently camped, and they found meal scattered upon the ground and tracks that indicated one large horse among the ponies, all of which they interpreted to mean that the Indians had the horse and meal, but where, oh where was Killyan? Perhaps a poor captive and far removed from family and friends, or, perhaps worse, left as food for wolves. Here a few of the army wanted to go back, claim- ing that further search was useless, and that they had only enlisted for one day, and their families were not well, and their stock required their attention, and other similar trivial excuses. The colonel said it was no time then to desert the post of duty in the hour of danger, and when the country demanded every man to do his duty, but if any of his command would publicly acknowledge that he was a coward and would surrender his gun and ammunition, he would be dishonora- bly mustered out of the service and could return home. No one. would do that, and the morale of the forces was fully restored, and they boldly pushed forward into the enemy's country. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when they gained the summit of a ridge, and looked far to the north, they saw men on horseback. "Indians, boys," said a gallant trooper, as he gazed through his spy-glass.
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"Indians, by thunder," said the Colonel, as he gazed through the spy-glass, "and coming this way, but only a small squad." Was it the advance guard or a decoy to deceive the militia ? But our Colonel was not to be decoyed. He ordered his men forward to suitable grounds, where they dismounted and formed line of battle, and awaited the approach of the enemy.
"Now, by thunder, let every man stand his ground, and all stick together," said the Colonel. With bated breath they awaited the approach of the enemy. They were in an cpen prairie, and could not be ambushed, and did not much fear an attack at that place, but it was a good point for observation. Presently two Indians and a white man emerged from the brushy hollow before them. "That is Kill- yan," said the man with the spy-glass. As they came nearer the men saw that it was Killyan, and he was received with joy. He then explained that he had started up the west side of Big Creek to head the stream; that he had done so, but the weather being bad and cloudy, he had lost his course and gone too far east, and gone down on the east side of Grand River, which he could not cross on account of the high stage of the water, and had to go back north again. Falling in with some friendly Indians that were going to Fort Des Moines, two of them were sent to assist him in finding his way home, as they understood the country better than Killyan.
The Indians received the thanks of the big warrior, and grateful acknowledgments of Killyan, and departed to seek their tribe, and Killyan was returned to his family, who were almost overwhelmed with joy. The war was declared over, the victory won, the lost restored, and the valiant militia dismissed by the Colonel with praises. for their bravery in turning out in defense of their imperiled country. The peaceful and happy termination of this campaign gave renewed confidence to the settlers that they need not fear any trouble from the Indians north of them, and it is worthy of remark that there never was any hostile troubles or scarcely any ill feeling between them.
+ This in a great degree was owing to the good will kept up and fos- tered at all times by the early settlers. The first settlers of this county were an exceptionally good class of citizens, as all who knew them willingly bear witness. No county was ever settled by a better class of men than John S. Allen, William R. Allen, A. W. Allen, A. M. Butler, David Buck, Daniel Bartlett, C. L. Jennings, T. M. Geer, Lewis Charlton, Henry Fuller, Samuel Edmiston, John W. Brown, Thomas Flint, Thomas Tucker, T. M. Dunkerson, Elisha Meeker, M. K. Howell, Philip Harris, James A. Dale, Ephraim Stewart, William
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A. Travis, David Travis, James A. Dale and those who settled with them near Bethany. Even William Penn and his early colony were no better.
The Mormon War .- As there was only one other occasion when the militia were called into active service, we will give it in this con- nection, although it happened several years later.
In the year 1846 occurred what is known by the early settlers as the "Mormon War." After the Mormon settlement at Nauvoo, Ill., was broken up, and Joseph Smith, their leader and false prophet, was killed, Brigham Young seized the reins as the successor of Joseph Smith, and, with the greater portion of the adherents of the strange doctrine, started out west to seek a country beyond civilization-some lone and pleasant dell, some valley in the West-where, free from toil and pain, the weary Mormons might rest and practice their abom- inations without molestation by civil authorities who are a terror to evil-doers. The Mormons traveled westward through the southern portion of Iowa. This portion of that State was not settled at that time, and, as the Mormons swarmed along the border, many of them stopped in what is now Decatur County, Iowa, and commenced im- proving land at a place they called Mount Pisgah, and also at Garden Grove.
All sorts of rumors were in circulation in reference to the inten- tions and designs of the Mormons. Many thought they intended to return to Missouri, and buy up their old' possessions, and those they could not buy out they would some way force out, and this would lead to disturbances, and perhaps break up the settlements, and bring great trouble to the settlers. It was thought they were waiting upon the borders for other Mormons to arrive, and as soon as they received sufficient force they would make a raid on Missouri. These reports greatly excited the settlers, as they were weak in population, and would be the first to be overrun by the Mormons from the north, as there were only a few settlers north of Bethany.
The militia had been drilled but little, and had no experience in the field save during the "Killyan War," but still they had their gallant Colonel to look to and lead them on to victory. In consequence of the alleged preparations of the Mormons, and reported threats, the settlers thought it best to carry the war into the enemy's country, and to attack them while they were yet unprepared. Accordingly war was determined upon, and the gallant Colonel called his regiment to- gether, and they struck north on the line of march, with banners flying and guns shining in the blazing sun, determined to give the muchly
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married people one trial at least. The Colonel never felt prouder than he did on that day, as he reviewed his regiment of about fifty valiant warriors, each of whom could knock out a squirrel's eye at 100 yards and not miss, and who had never been defeated. After a two-days' march, the Colonel and his army came upon the Mormon settlement, when the Colonel demanded the whereabouts of Brigham Young. The Mormons appeared to be very much excited, and were not at all prepared for war, only bent upon peaceful pursuits, and waiting for other stragglers to join them. In the surprise and alarm of seeing an armed force in their front, some concluded that it was the Illinois troops intercepting their westward journey. The women retreated to their tents, the children huddled together in herds, and the men stood around in groups, as if expecting to be taken prisoners. The Colonel ordered his men to remain in line, and on no account to break ranks. Presently the Mormons ran up a white flag. As Brigham Young did not appear for some time, the Colonel sent a guard for him, and in a few minutes. Brigham" came out, bowing and scraping as politely as a French dancing-master, and asked, "What is want- ing, sir? What do you want with me?" The Colonel rose up in his stirrups to his full stature and said, "We want to know what in thunder you are doing here?" Brigham said, very meekly, they were simply traveling peaceably toward the West. The Colonel spake out very boldly, and said unto him, "Our people in Missouri, including my regiment, became uneasy at your appearance and ma- neuvers here, and supposed you were intending to move on Missouri, and have come to see about it."
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