History of Saline County, Missouri, Part 55

Author: Missouri Historical Company, St. Louis, pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: St. Louis, Missouri historical company
Number of Pages: 1008

USA > Missouri > Saline County > History of Saline County, Missouri > Part 55

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

THE TOWN OF BROWNSVILLE. HISTORY, EARLY AND MODERN.

Mrs. Mary A. Laughlin, who came to Saline county, December 3, 1836, and who has resided in the vicinity of Brownsville since that time, and from the 7th of February, 1845, in the town, states that the first house on the town site was built by an old bachelor named Asa Pennington, who was

501

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

from Kentucky. He lived on Davis creek, and built a sawmill on the ground where later Webb & Oldham put up a steam flouring mill which was afterwards burned down.

It is asserted that the town was laid out in 1832, but Mrs. Laughlin states that the first settlers were John Berry and James Fitzpatrick, who came in February, 1837. Fitzpatrick built a house on what is now Main street, and opened a dry goods store, selling the first goods ever sold in the place. He entered the land in section eleven, on which the greater portion of the town now is. He was a Kentuckian and died in Lafayette county many years ago. John Berry died in Brownsville, and lies in the town graveyard by the side of his wife. He came from Boone county to this place.

The first marriage was that of Hickinson Berry and Mary Jane Lemon. The first male child born in the town was George Wentworth, in Novem- ber, 1839. His father was Stephen G. Wentworth, the founder of the town, and his mother's maiden name was Eliza Kincaid. The child was born on lot number fourteen. It afterward died at Lexing- ton when only a small boy. The first female born was a daughter of Hick. and Mary J. Berry, born in September, 1838. The first death was Mrs. John Berry, in 1838; she was buried in the town cemetery. (It is said, however, that a grandchild of hers died and was buried before her.)

The first regular physician was Dr. Nathan Ostrander, from New York, who afterward removed to Oregon. Dr. D. I. Parsons was the next. He resides in Brownsville now. Probably, in advance of these, was Doctor Thornton, who practiced through this region at an early day, although his home was in Johnson county.

The first church organized in the place was the Christian, in the first part of the year 1850, and the first minister was Archibald Stewart, also a Christian. Prior to this, however, there had been an organization of the Christians, at the Sweet Springs, in 1843, but they had no regular house of worship. Lewis Elgin was their pastor.

The first school in the place was taught by Mrs. Mary J. Berry, about the year 1848, in a cabin on lot 6, section 10. She had about ten scholars and her compensation did not exceed $10 per month. The first school house erected was in the fall of 1858 or 1859. It was built on the lot where the public school building now stands, by Alex. Daniels and Mock, and cost $600.

Mrs. Laughlin further states that she bought goods in the town in July, 1837, and that she heard a sermon preached by Dr. Yantis, in December, 1836, four miles north of town. She said there were Methodist preach- ers through here at different times, but no organizations of that denomina- tion until after the Christians.

From statements made by other parties, and from the records, it appears

502

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

that Stephen G. Wentworth was the founder of the town; that it was laid out in 1832, and incorporated, May 3, 1870. Milo L. Laughlin was the first mayor. The post office was established in 1840, and James Fitz- gerald was the first postmaster. The first minister in the town was Rev. John Hood, a Methodist. The first cemetery was on Locust street, and is still used. The first religious services in the neighborhood were held in a log school house, four miles east of town, by a Methodist. The remainder of the town history given, corresponds with the statements of Mrs. Laughlin.

The present town officers are: Mayor, W. H. Reavis; City Board, W. D. Rembert, Wm. Spurgeon, G. W. Smith, and W. P. Gilbert; City Marshal, John De Long; Treasurer, W. D. Rembert; Clerk, A. L. Clinkenbeard.

Mr. Wm. B. Kincaid stated to Mr. Letcher, in 1876, that Brownsville was laid out in lots in 1838, by Stephen G. Wentworth and Wm. Brown, the miller. These men owned the land on which the town was built. The town was named for Mr. Brown. There were then two cabins, a mill on Davis creek, (probably Pennington's) a blacksmith shop and a store. The township at that day was twice as large as at present, and the voting population was less than forty. Considerable cotton was raised in the section and old Mr. Prigmore had a cotton gin.

During the civil war Federal troops were stationed at Brownsville a portion of the time, many of whom lived in the neighborhood. A great many of the people of the township were opposed to secession, opposed to the Confederacy, and warmly attached to the old Federal Union.

At one time a scouting party of militia captured a young Confederate near Brownsville, with a large batch of mail from the Confederate army for friends and relatives north of the river, whither he was going. The young Southerner was but a mere boy, but he was dressed in Federal uniform, and so he was tried and shot as a spy.

The guerrilla leaders, Dave Poole, Bill Anderson, Blunt and Yager, passed through at different times on their marauding expeditions. Poole is the only one of these leaders now alive.

The first railroad ever built in Saline county was then called the Lex- ington and St. Louis railroad, now. the Lexington branch of the Missouri Pacific. It passed through the southwest corner of Salt Pond township, and Brownsville was the first railroad station in the county. Track-lay- ing was begun at Sedalia, in the month of August, and finished to Brownsville in December, 1871. The station was opened December 31. James Henry was the first station agent, telegraph operator, etc. He states that then hemp comprised about one-third of the outward ship- ments from that station during the first year, but that this product dwindled down in seven years from that time, so that there was not a

503

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

pound shipped in 1878. During the large corn-crop year of 1875 there were 1,955 car-loads of corn shipped from Brownsville, inside of five months; and one-third of the total receipts of corn at St. Louis, during that time, was from Brownsville and Saline county. In 1872, the water of the Sweet Springs was shipped from Brownville, and with this com- menced their favorable notoriety. It is claimed that Mr. Henry inaugu- rated the practice of shipping this famous water. He bought two-gallon jugs, and sent samples of it in every direction, to every important express office within 500 miles.

THE CHURCHES OF BROWNSVILLE.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

This church, according to its records, was organized in August, 1843, by Elder Louis Elgin. The original members were: W. C. Harrison, James Ferguson, W. R. Ward, J. Bright, J. Jackson, T. Hunter, D. D. Ostrander, Margaret Ferguson, Margaret Bright, Sarah Prigmore, A. Ostrander, Rebecca Parsons, Margaret Hunter, Mary Prigmore, Louisa Harrison ,M. A. Jackson, Mary Ward, Robert Price, Harriet Price, and a negress named "Dinah." A frame church, costing $1,200, was built in 1854, and dedicated the same year, by Elder Thomas Gaines. The pastors have been Elders M. L. Laughlin, Thomas Hancock, O. Spencer, James Ran- dall, J. B. Wright, and C. A. Hedrick, the latter the present pastor. The number of members at present is ninety-five. The entire membership connected with the church, from its organization to the present time, is 417.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Brownsville Presbyterian Church was organized September 6, 1868, with the following members: E. S. West, Corbin West, G. W. Smith, A. Hevelin, D. J. West, Wm. D. Rembert, George Hill, E. B. Bradley, R. L. Hamilton, S. E. Rembert, E. H. Anderson, Martha Brown, Martha E. Harris, Elizabeth Forbes, Mary E. Rembert, D. Brown, Hennie Smith, and Grace Bloom (colored). A frame church was built the same year the church was constituted, at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated by Dr. J. L. Yantis, and Bishop E. M. Marvin. The church is owned jointly by the M. E. Church, South, and the Presbyterian Church in the United States. The pastors have been Joshua Barbee, John L. Yantis, D. D., John Montgomery, D. D., and Ed. M. Yantis. The present membership is about forty.

M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.

Organized in 1870, by Rev. W. B. McFarland. The original mem- bers were Fletcher Patrick and family, C. H. Wells and family, Wm. Chapman and wife, and Benj. Smith. In conjunction with the Presby- terians a frame church was built in 1868, and dedicated in 1872 by Bishop

504

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

Marvin. Names of pastors, Revs. W. B. McFarland, C. H. Boggs, John Keener, Preston Phillips, B. Margeson, and R. H. Shaffer. A parsonage connected with the church was built in 1872; its present value is $1,000. Present membership, 63.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Brownsville Baptist Church was organized January 24, 1870. The original members were M. M. Weekly, Jesse Jackson, W. G. Buck- ner and their wives, J. J. Murray, J. W. Hammontree, and Misses Eliza- beth, Rachael and Catharine Murray. In 1879 a frame church building was erected at a cost $1,400. It was dedicated by Rev. Pope Yeaman. The pastors have been, Thos. Hudson, T. C. Floyd, J. L. Hampton, R. H. Harris, and T. J. Tate. Present membership, 54. Since its organiza- tion the church has had 89 members.

M. E. CHURCH, COLORED.

Brownsville Chapel, Colored Methodists, was constituted in 1872. The original members were Geo. Lucas, Major Brockman, J. W. Brown, Agnes Brown, Mary N. Lucas, Fannie Lucas, Sallie Brockman, John Baker, and John Washington. A frame church was built in 1872, which cost $250. It was dedicated in 1873, by E. W. S. Peck, pre- siding elder. The pastors have been, Geo. Lucas, J. W. Payne, J. D. Evans, V. Chastain, and J. W. Brown. The present membership is 65. It is proposed to erect a new church building the present season at a cost of $1,000.

CIVIC SOCIETIES.

ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

Barbee Lodge, No. 217, A. F. and A. M., was chartered October 19, 1867, by order of Wm. E. Dunscomb, grand master. The charter mem- bers were doctors D. J. Parsons, E. S. West, Ryland Tuck, and L. H. Williams, and Capt. R. L. Ferguson, Josh. Barbee, H. N. Beaty, B. F. Pitts, and D. M. Payne. The first officers were D. L. Berry, W. M .; Joshua Barbee, S. W .; Ryland Tuck, J. W .; R. L. Ferguson, secretary. The names of present officers are D. L. Berry, W. M .; John C. Lankins, S. W .; B. F. Bellamy, J. W .; T. C. Andrew, secretary. The records from 1874 to the present were destroyed in the fire of January 20, 1881. A hall 22x60, of brick, was built in 1872, by W. G. Buckner and M. G. Brown, at a cost of $5,500. The lodge is in a healthy condition finan- cially, and brotherly love prevails. It has lost seven members by death since its organization-W. L. Hawkins, P. E. B. Wright, J. L. Hampton, R. L. Ferguson, Wm. Andrew, B. F. Pitts, and Dr. L. H. Williams. The master of the lodge writes that Capt. Ferguson, who commanded a com- pany in the Missouri state militia during the civil war, was a member of

505

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

the Masonic I. N. S., and at his death his family drew $4,000. Bro. Chauncey Scott's family drew $2,700.

ODD FELLOWS.

Brownsville Lodge No. 170, I. O. O. F., was instituted by order of the grand master of the state, July 12, 1867. The charter members were Wm. M. Taylor, Z. F. Taylor, Albert Clark, Wm. M. Stephens, J. N. Clark, M. G. Brown, Hardin Witcher, W. G. Buckner, and R. P. Walls. The first officers were Z. F. Taylor, N. G .; Hardin Witcher, V. G .; W. G. Buckner, secretary; M. G. Brown, treasurer. The present officers are J. J. Gross, N. G .; D. L. Berry, V. G .; J. F. Anderson, recording secre- tary : John J. Wilcox, perm. secretary; C.F. Elsner, treasurer; John DeLong, Wm. Spurgin, and A. J. Tisdale, trustees. The present membership is 54. The lodge has no hall, but it is in a prosperous condition, and has over $500 in the treasury over all liabilities.

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.

Brownsville Lodge, No. 119, A. O. U. W., was instituted by John A Brooks, April 3d, 1879. The charter members were J. J. Thom, J. T. Wilson, D. L. Berry, A. L. Clinkenbeard, J. F. Smith, L. F. Berry, D. T. Root, M. M. Weekly, Philip Land, D. L. Smith, J. E. H. Jackson, F. D. Miller, W. P. Galabert, Thos. G. Nelson and W. H. Steers. The first principal officers were A. L. Clinkenbeard, P. M. W .; D. L. Berry, M. W .; M. M. Weekly, G. F .; D. L. Smith O .; J. J. Thom, Recorder; J. T. T. Wilson, F. The present principal officers are F. D. Miller, P. M. W .; D. T. Root, M. W .; G. W. Tuthill, G. F .; A. L. Clinkenbeard, O .; M. M Weekly, Recorder; W. Vaughan, F. The present membership is forty The lodge is in a prosperous condition. No deaths have occurred since its organization.

ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP.

Salt Pond creek meanders through the western part of this township, and it was upon this stream that the first settlements in the township were made in 1828, 1829, 1830, to 1837, by Robert and John S. Owens, of Tennes- see, and Thomas Hunter and the Francisco family, of Kentucky, who settled west of where the town of Elmwood now stands. Then came the Triggs and the Joneses at the salt springs, not far from the same time. Old Capt. Bright, Robert Owen, James Montgomery, Gilmore Hays, Thos. Hunter, John S. Owens, James Brown, Col. John T. Smith, John and Kit Clarkin, John S. Harris, James Beaty, John McAllister, S. G. Wentworth. Dr. Parks, Asa Pennington, and Joshua Steppe were early settlers in Elmwood township and bordering country. These were mostly from Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. A few were from Ireland.

506

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

In 1837, when Mr. C. L. Francisco came to this section, timber was scarcer in the county than now. The settlers lived in log cabins with puncheon floors, and often there were wide cracks between the puncheons, and these were made to serve the purpose of spittoons! It was deemed useless to build frame houses on the prairie, for at that date high winds were prevalent, and it was thought they would be blown over. A man would have been deemed crazy who would have attempted to build a frame house then where scores are standing now.

Game of every kind abounded. Bear were to be found, and wolves were so numerous and so bold that they would chase the settlers' dogs into the houses at night. (See chapter on game, wild animals, etc.)

Salt making was carried on up to 1836 at the Big Spring by different parties. Settlers frequented the salt works from miles away.

This township furnished the colonel, the adjutant, and several members of a regiment that marched up to Richmond, in Ray county, during the Mormon war-" and then marched back again."

Mr. W. L. Beatie, who removed to section 31, township 50, range 22, in 1836, says that the first settlers in that neighborhood were James Montgomery, in township 49, range 23; Thomas Hunter, of Kentucky, in township 50, range 23; Robert and John Owens, in township 50, range 23, all in 1830-31. Samuel Hayes came in 1832, to township 49, range 23, and Father Bright and the widow Pennington and family, in 1833, from Kentucky.

The first marriage was that of Gilmore Hays and Naomi Montgomery, by J. L. Yantis, in 183 -.

Among the first deaths was that of James Montgomery, in 1837 or 1838. He was buried on his farm.

The first physicians came from Dover, in Lafayette county, until 1838, when Dr. Thomas Parks made his appearance in the settlement from Booneville. Probably Abram Millice, a Methodist, was the first minister, and held the first religious services at the house of Samuel Hays; but Dr. Yantis, Presbyterian, held services at James' Montgomery's about the same time.

The first school was taught on the line between townships forty-nine and fifty, on section three, by Miss Mary Ann Ferrel, now Mrs. Laugh- lin, of Brownsville. The first school house was built in what is now Salt Pond township, on section fourteen, township forty-nine, range twenty- three, in the year 1840. It was built by the contributed labor of the com- munity, and cost but little if any money. It was very primitive and rude in style; the seats were made of split slabs.

Nearly all the families did their own weaving and spinning, and the most of the clothing worn was of home manufacture. Tastes were sim-

507

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

ple and easily gratified. Friendship and good will everywhere abounded, and hospitality was universal.

From 1836 to 1840, there were no regularly worked roads through the township, and no bridges, and indeed none were needed. The country was open allowing a " bee-line" course to be taken to almost any point, and the 'streams were almost always fordable. The nearest postoffice was at Dover, about twenty miles away. Postage on a letter then was twenty-five cents. Mills were from fifteen to twenty miles off. Goods were bought at Dover and Jonesboro. The settlers diverted themselves at times with chasing deer and wolves, or shooting at a mark. It was also considered entertaining, and combining business with pleasure to hunt bee-trees and take therefrom their mellifluous stores. The troubles experienced were mostly caused by the severe and protracted winters, which exhausted and cut off supplies, and rendered intercourse with the outer world extremely difficult. Much suffering was occasioned by the severe winter of 1832 (?) when the snow fell on Christmas day, to the depth of four feet, and remained until March. (See History of Grand Pass township, and general history.) During this period corn had to be crushed in mortars to make meal for bread.

Dr. Thomas Parks, of Elmwood, thinks John and Robert Owens came in 1828, from Howard county. Prior to them, but at what date, is not known, was Abe Job, who settled on section 4, township 49, range 23.

Dr. Parks himself, from Todd county, Kentucky, was the first physi- cian. Rev. J. L. Yantis, Old School Presbyterian, held the first religious services, at the house of his father-in-law, James Montgomery. The first school house was near the present residence of S. N. Beatie. The first school taught was by John Lynch, afterward sheriff of Saline county, who died about 1863, on the same farm he first settled.

The nearest stores of any consequence were at Lexington and Jones- boro. Mills were few and far between.

COL. "JACK SMITH T."

A brief sketch of one character, that formerly resided in this township, must be given to the exclusion of other matter. Col. John T. Smith, a brother of Gen. Thos. A. Smith, of the famous " Experiment " farm, set- tled at the Big Salt Springs, at an early date. He bought out the springs, greatly improved them, and made salt for some years. He was a bach- elor.' and in every other particular an odd character! His means were very ample. He counted his acres by hundreds, and his slaves by troops.

By his own command, Col. Smith, was called "Jack Smith T." His commands were always obeyed, or there was a funeral if they were not. The character of the man may be conjectured from these incidents:

He had been a principal in three of four duels, in all of which he killed his man. On one occasion, he went from Saline county to Bloody Island,

508

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

opposite St. Louis, on an affair of honor. At another time, as he was on his way to Booneville, he met two horsemen coming westward. Smith saluted them and they returned his greeting, not very politely or ceremo- niously. Thereupon he drew his rein and called out:

" Stop, gentlemen, a moment, if you please." As they did so, he asked: " Where are you from, and where are you going?"

" O, we are from Virginia, and are going west. We are land-sharks," returned the two strangers, rather indifferently and somewhat provok- ingly.

" By G -! That is just what I thought. Draw you pistols, gentle- men," and drawing his own, Jack T. fired and killed one of the men and badly wounded the other.

The men were not " land-sharks," but honest, reputable citizens, look- ing for locations and intending to become actual settlers in this county.

Some years ago, about the year 1835, an officer of the regular army, in charge of some horses for Ft. Osage, passed through Saline county. He became separated from his detachment in some manner, and arrived at Col. Smith's house just at dusk. Jack T. met the gallant captain, who was gorgeous in epaulettes and military trappings, wore a cocked hat and "a sword and pistols by his side," and in answer to his request for supper and lodging for the night, assured him that "the best on the place " was at his service.

A negro servant took charge of the captain's horse, Col. Jack him- self of the captain and his side-arms, the latter being laid carefully away. The officer was invited to seat himself in front of a blazing fire, while Jack T. went out and ordered supper. Upon his return the host and his guest entered upon an animated and extended conversation, which was kept up until a negro came to the door and announced that supper was ready. "Bring it in!" shouted Jack T. Two lusty, strapping hemp-break- ers thereupon entered the room, bearing between them a huge iron wash kettle filled with hot, smoking corn-meal mush. "Bring spoons!" roared Col. Jack. The spoons, large iron ones, were brought. "Now, Cap- tain," said Smith, in his blandest manner and milder tones, " sit up to sup- per." The officer, too hungry to be particular, and too polite to refuse anyhow, took the proffered spoon and, seated opposite his host, attacked the huge, hissing mess of pottage before him, as if it were a rare and dainty dish set upon a king's board, reminded somewhat of the incident , of Francis Marion, the British officer, and the sweet potatoes.

Jack T. and the United States captain ate for some time, apparently in great enjoyment, keeping up a brisk conversation the while. At last the officer laid down his spoon, and, pushing back his chair from the caul- dron, announced himself satisfied. "Eat some more, eat some more," urged Colonel Jack. Upon the officer's persistent refusal and assertions

509

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

that he was abundantly satisfied, Smith took down his dragoon pistols, which he always kept convenient, cocked one, and pointing it at his now astonished guest, said, solemnly:

" By G -; you shall eat, sir!" And thereupon the officer ate!

He now thought he had fallen in with a maniac. As soon as opera- tions had been resumed, Col. Smith became the pleasant, entertaining host of an hour before. Now, corn-meal mush is very "filling" sort of food. The captain had not long plied his spoon until he again announced himself satisfied. "Eat some more!" thundered Jack T. Remon- strances, and even entreaties were unavailing, and the captain ate " some more." In a few minutes, he again intimated his desire for a cessation of hostilities, as it were. The mush was very good, he said; it was indeed refreshing; there was nothing else he liked so well as mush, and this was decidedly the best he had ever eaten; but, if the colonel would pardon him, he had eaten quite a sufficiency, and begged to be allowed to retire. "Eat some more!" again demanded Old Jack, presenting a pistol.

The captain ate "some more!"

O, how it would have delighted poor Oliver Twist to have been a guest of Jack Smith T .!

But, at last, nature came to the assistance of the poor surfeited, if not " foundered," officer. And Col. Smith, perhaps touched by the spectacle, allowed him to retire.

The next morning the captain departed before breakfast. Not until he had mounted his horse and was out in the road, were his pistols and sword given him. As he rode away, his imagination, like his stomach, was distended, as he thought that it certainly did require all sorts of peo- ple to make the world, especially the Missouri part of the world.

Col. Smith left the Salt Springs many years ago. His tubs and pans, and vats, and other machinery were to be seen by passers-by for years after he left. He died in some part of this state, it is said, many years since. Many other incidents, illustrative of the character of the man, might be given.

MURDER OF FABER AND DAWSON.

In February, 1864, two citizens of this township, Christian Faber and J. J. Dawson, were most inhumanly murdered near Marshall. They were citizens, not soldiers, and were universally respected. Mr. Faber was an old man, nearly seventy years of age. On the day of their death they went to Marshall to buy some family supplies, and to pay their taxes. In making their purchases they showed that they had some money with them. They started for their homes at about two o'clock in the afternoon, but never reached there alive Their wagon and team was found the next morning, and soon after their bodies were found a mile or two west of Marshall, one on either side of the road, in some brush.

510

HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY.

Dawson had been shot three times, twice in the breast and once in the back. Faber received two balls in the breast and one in the head. Their bodies were carried to a house in process of erection for a Mr. Neale, and placed in coffins made by the carpenters there at work. They were buried in the Hays burying-ground. A coroner's jury returned a verdict that Faber and Dawson were killed by parties unknown.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Saline County, Missouri, Part 55

Author: Missouri Historical Company, St. Louis, pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: St. Louis, Missouri historical company Number of Pages: 1008

Author: Missouri Historical Company, St. Louis, pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: St. Louis, Missouri historical company
Number of Pages: 1008