USA > Missouri > Livingston County > Past and present of Livingston County, Missouri : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 7
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Following the registration of the "disloyal" in the county, a mass meeting to consider the emancipation of slaves was held on the 18th day of October, 1862. Speeches were made by several prominent men, among them, Lieut. L. S. McCoy
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
and Dr. J. H. Ellis, after which a committee consisting of Thos. E. Jones, Benjamin Toner, A. J. Greenwell, H. S. Har- baugh and 'Squire Minor, reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were adopted without a dissenting vote :
Whereas, we, loyal citizens of Livingston county, in mass meeting assembled, viewing with distrust and mortification the present condition of our once happy country, and believ- ing it to be the duty and interest of every citizen to put forth his every energy to stay the tide of fanaticism growing out of party, personal and sectional animosity, by the adoption and support of such a state and national policy as will har- monize the great interests of the American people, do hereby resolve :
I. That we are in favor of a restoration of the Union to its original integrity, and of securing to every part thereof every constitutional right ;
2. That we do believe it to be the duty and to the interest of the State of Missouri to adopt the policy of gradual eman- cipation, with compensation to loyal owners of slaves, as indi- cated by President Lincoln in his address to the border states ;
That we nominate a full ticket for state and county 3. officers on this policy, and pledge ourselves to use all lawful means to secure their election.
The June term of the county court was attended by James A. Davis, Abel Cox, and A. Wallace, S. L. Harris, sheriff and Amos Bargdoll, clerk. This was the last regular meet- ing of the court until January, 1862, after which date the court held monthly sessions. In March, 1864, the brick court- house in the public square being in a dilapidated and danger- ous condition, the court met over Crouch & Company's store. At this time our Col. C. H. Mansur was appointed agent to prosecute the claims of soldiers, soldier's widows and their orphans, growing out of military service.
In the November election, 1862, the following vote was polled : Congress-J. P. Bruce, Dem., 376; Ben F. Loan, Rep., 179; H. B. Branch, Rep. Anti-E., 127. State Senator -W. H. Brownlee, Rep., 214; J. Mccullough, Dem., 225; J. H. Ellis, E., 161 ; R. D. Morrison, 65. Representative-
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
J T. Gudgell, Dem., 334; John Barnes, R., 221 ; S. P. Moun- tain, E., 136. Sheriff-Ed Gudgell, Dem., 550; L. S. McCoy, R., 127. County officers chosen were: John Stone, Dem., county judge; W. L. Lumpkin, Dem., county clerk; R. F. Dunn, circuit clerk; R. B. Williams, Dem., coroner; J. B. Bell, Dem .. treasurer; Z. N. Goldsby, R., assessor; A. Fan- queran, public administrator.
· At the general election in 1863 the following votes were cast in Livingston county : For supreme judges the conserva- tives polled 656 votes and the radicals, 306. For circuit judge J. M. McFerran, Cons., received 629, and Jonas J. Clark, radical, 292. Clark's majority in other precincts elected him. For state senator, A. S. Harris, Cons., received 648; I. V. Pratt, radical, 269.
The presidential election of 1864, in which George B. McClellan and George H. Pendleton were running mates on the democratic ticket and Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson headed the republican ticket, resulted in the follow- ing vote in the county : For President-Lincoln, 342; McClel- lan, 297. For Governor-Thos. C. Fletcher, R., 507; Thos. L. Price, D., 459. For Congressman-H. B. Branch, R., 474; Ben F. Loan, Rad. R., 450. For Representative-J. W. McMillen, R., 424; B. F. Sherman, D., 410. For Sheriff- Garrison Harker, R., 412; Ed Gudgell, D., 408. For County Clerk-B. J. Wiley, 425; R. L. Williams, 416.
The November election of 1866 resulted as follows: For Congressman-Ben F. Loan, R., 687; G. A. Hawley, D., 486. For State Senator, J. H. Ellis, of Livingston, R., 683; Capt. R. B. Ballew, of Grundy, D., 487. For Representative-S. B. Deland, R., 684; John Stone, D., 492. For Sheriff, Garrison Harker, R., 678; R. B. Williams, D., 492. For Circuit Clerk -Z. N. Goldsby, R., 680; A. J. Swain, D., 492. For County Clerk-John DeSha, R., 711 ; J. S. Wilson, D, 462. Anthony Rogers and N. Matson were elected county judges; J. A. Trumbo, treasurer; John T. Moss, assessor; W. Hildreth, superintendent of schools; J. W. Toppass, supervisor of reg- istration.
The election returns of the county for 1868 follows: For
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Representative-R. S. Moore, R., 1,057; G. A. Hawley, D., 813. For Sheriff-John P. Toppass, R., 1,010; S. L. Harris, D., 896. For County Judge-D. F. Rohrer, R., 1,083; Au- gustine Wiley, D., 806. Other county officers elected were : J. A. Trumbo, treasurer; F. M. Hicks, supervisor of regis- tration; J. D. Roberts, county superintendent; E. B. Park, surveyor; H. M. Pollard, public administrator; William S. Anderson, assessor; Bluford West, coroner; all republicans.
The political campaign of 1870 was exciting and hard fought. Following was the vote in Livingston county: For Governor-Brown, 1,410; McClurg, I, III. For Congress -J. H. Ellis, of Livingston, Lib. Rep., 1,363; I. C. Parker, Rad., 1,132. For Representative-Robert S. Moore, Lib. Rep., 1,385; David Rathbone, Rad., 1,132. For Sheriff-R. M. Graham, Lib. Dem., 1,252; J. W. Toppass, Rad., 1,227. For Circuit Clerk-Chas. R. Berry, Lib. Rep., 1,339; J. M. Alexander, Rad., 1,172. For Common Pleas Judge-E. J. Marsh, Rad., 1,181 ; Frank Blenis, Lib. Rep., 1,329.
Following was the vote cast in the county at the presiden- tial election of November, 1872. In this election the late Hon. Chas. H. Mansur was a candidate for congress on the democratic ticket with Hon. Ira Hyde, of Mercer county, a stanch republican, opposing, the latter being elected by a large majority. In the following vote democrats are first named: For President-Greeley, 1,745; Grant, 1,571; O'Conor, 14. For Governor-Silas Woodson, 1,757; John B. Henderson, 1,600. For State Senator-E. J. Broaddus, 1,838; M. T. C. Williams, of Carrollton, 1,516. For Repre- sentative-J. E. Cadle, 1,751; Judson E. Cole, 1,599. For Sheriff, Samuel Harris, 1,824; John W. Toppass, 1,536.
At a special election to choose members of the county court to be composed of four judges and one at large, held on the 29th of April, 1873, the count resulted as follows, demo- crats being named first: At large-R. B. Williams, 1,007; J. E. Terwillger, 766. First district, Chillicothe township- James Graham, 371; Wm. Knouse, 68. Second district- Mooresville and Jackson townships-Adam Black, 202; John Hudgins, 165; both candidates were democrats at the time.
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Third district-Medicine, Cream Ridge, Rich Hill, Wheel- ing and Grand River townships-Augustine Wiley, 223; Jacob Iberg, 225.
The election of 1874 and the vote in the county was as follows, democrats named first: For Governor-Hardin, 1,599; Gentry, 1,256. For Congress-Debolt, 1,530; Hyde, 1,258. For Circuit Judge-E. J. Broaddus, Dem., 1,715; L. H. Waters, Rad .- Rep., 898; Jonas J. Clark, Ind., 253. For Representative-H. C. Ireland, 1,641; H. B. Saylor, Rad .- Rep., 1,148. For Sheriff-S. L. Harris, 1,905; E. A. Packer, Rad .- Rep., 900. For Circuit Clerk, James Wright, 1,830; D. J. M. Roe, Rad .- Rep., 1,035. For County Clerk-J. R. Middleton, 1,554; A. W. Walker, Rad .- Dem., 1,302. For Treasurer and Collector, J. C. Minteer, 1,755; H. J. Ham- mond, Rad .- Dem., 1,094.
In the presidential election of 1876, Livingston county gave Tilden, Dem., 2,014 votes and Hayes, Rep., 1,616. For Congress-DeBolt, Dem., received 1,993; Pollard, Rep., 1,642; Smith, greenbacker, 94. Other candidates received the following votes: For State Senator-G. W. Newman, D., 2,013; A. H. Burkholder, R., 1,582; J. W. Greene, G., 158. In the district the vote was: Burkholder, 6,819; New- man, 6,519; Greene, 177. For Representative-H. C. Ire- land, D., 1,844; Jacob Iberg, R., 1,621; John W. Donovan, G., 152. For Sheriff-M. H. Smith, Jr., D., 1,976; J. W. Top- pass, R., 1,655; Isaac Leeper, G., 120. For Treasurer-J. C. Minteer, D., 2,035; Geo. F. Smith, R., 1,581; R. C. Rynex, Gr., 153. C. H. Mansur was chosen prosecuting attorney; Peter Markey, surveyor ; George P. Pepper, coroner.
In 1878 the republicans and greenbackers "fused." The vote in the county follows, democrats being named first: For Representative-M. L. Smith, 1,667; Abel S. Cloud, 2,041. For Circuit Clerk-Jas. Wright, 1,905; R. A. Spears, 1,822. For County Clerk-J. R. Middleton, 1,894; J. M. Hale, 1,843. For Recorder- B. B. Smith, 1,749; Willard Haw- kins, 1,966. For Collector-J. C. Minteer, 1,964; J. B. Kirk, 1,647. For Sheriff-M. H. Smith, 1,848; Isaac Leeper, 1,899. For Treasurer-Jas. W. Glenn, 1,782; J. W. Greene,
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
1,935. For Probate Judge-Samuel McDowell, 1,827; J. L. Johnson, 1,867. For ProsecutingAttorney-B. B. Gill, 1,670; J. M. Davis, 2,039. For Public Administrator, W. H. H. Baxter, 1,692 ; James May, 2,016. For Coroner, T. W. McAr- thur, 205; David Gordon, 2,032. For Assessor, T. B. Brook- shier, 1,714; W. M. Hudgins, 2,013. For County Judge at large-R. B. Williams, 1,746; W. G. Davis, 1,946. For County Judge, First District-J. R. Houx, 901 ; J. W. Dono- van, 1,156. For County Judge, Second District-Arch Thompson, 822; Chas. McAlear, 819.
The national campaign and election of 1880 was a three- cornered fight, while the republicans and greenbackers of the county "fused." In the county Hancock, Dem., received 1,859 votes ; Garfield, Rep., 1, 165; and Weaver, greenbacker, 1,268. For Congress-Mansur, Dem., 1,878; Burrows, 2,354. For Circuit Judge-Broaddus, Dem., 1,912; Davis, Rep., 2,291. For Representative-F. M. Davis, Dem., 1,932; Don- ovan, Rep., 2,292. Votes polled for other officers follow : At this election township organization was adopted by a vote of 2,608 for and 939 against. The· votes are: For State Senator -Joel H. Shelby (of Mercer), 1,845; W. A. Jacobs, Rep., 2,204; J. K. Clark, 23. For Sheriff-S. L. Harris, 2,120; Isaac Leeper, Gr .- Rep., 2,131. For Recorder-Chas. W. Asper, 1,960; J. M. Hale, Gr .- Dem., 2,270. For Collector- E. L. Taylor, 2,024; A. A. Sportsman, Gr .- Dem., 2,206. For Treasurer-J. W. Wallace, 2,012; J. W Greene, Gr .- Rep., 2,241. For Prosecuting Attorney-B. B. Smith, 2,010; T. H. Kemp, Gr .- Dem., 2,136. For Assessor-O. F. Butler, 1,988; R. A. Spears, Gr .- Dem., 2,220. For Surveyor-Peter Mar- key, 1,946; J. Y. Powell, Gr .- Rep., 2,273. For Public Ad- ministrator- D. P. Williams, 1,921 ; James May, Gr .- Dem., 2,321. Chas. Stewart and Joseph Patton were elected county judges and John Garr, coroner.
The vote of 1882 follows: For Supreme Judge-Thos. A. Sherwood, Dem., 1,706; David Wagner, Rep., 926; T. M. Rice, Gr., 1,024. For Congress-A. M. Alexander, Dem., 1,708; D. B. Dorsey, Rep., 916; Wm. M. Quayle, Gr., 1,201. For Representative-L. T. Collier, Dem., 1,580; Henry Bush-
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
nell, Rep., 1,137; B. B. Peck, Gr., 1,082. For Circuit Clerk- Wm. P. Munro, Dem., 2,170; P. J. Dixon, Gr., 1,480. For Recorder-Nat Cooper, Dem., 1,016; J. M. Hale, Gr., 1,819. For Sheriff-S. L. Harris, Dem., 1,971; J. H. H. Kinkead, Rep., 651 ; W. M. Hudgins, Gr., 1,190. For County Clerk- T. B. Brookshier, Dem., 1,510; John DeSha, Rep., 155; Wm. C. Wood, 1,143. For Prosecuting Attorney-James G. Wynne, Dem., 1,431; L. A. Chapman, Rep., 889; Frank Henry, Gr., 1,076; T. H. Kemp, Ind .- Gr., 396. For Presid- ing Justice-R. B. Williams, Dem., 1,673 ; S. F. Boyce, Rep., 817; Chas. Stewart, Gr., 1,308. For County Judges, Eastern District -- Wm. J. Littrell, Dem., 1,076; Henry L. Bancroft, Rep., 879. Western District-A. A. Stone, Dem., 731 ; O. Vadnais, Rep., 295; T. E. Jenkins, Gr., 545. For Probate Judge-Henry Cowgill, Dem., 1,966; John L. Johnson, Gr., 1,691. For Treasurer, Thos. McNally, Dem., 2,126; J. W. Greene, Gr., 1,530. For Coroner-Ed. D. Taylor, Dem., 1,941 ; John Garr, Gr., 1,593.
Then followed the Presidential election of 1884, when the following votes were polled: Cleveland, D., 2,030; Blaine and Butler, R., 2,229; St. John, Pro., 31. For Congress- John B. Hale, D., 2,071 ; W. F. Norville, F., 2,321. For State Senator, W. A. Jacobs, F., 2,340; J. B. Freeman, D., 1,779. For Representative-John F. Jackson, D., 2,040; J. W. Don- ovan, F., 2,325. For Sheriff-S. L. Harris, D., 2,292; J. M. Hale, F., 2,072. For Prosecuting Attorney-J. G. Wynne, D., 2,212; J. E. Waite, 2,146. Other returns on county offi- cers, restraining stock and repealing township organization, follow: For County Judges-E. District-Wm. J. Littrell, D., 1,183; Thos. F. Scott, F., 1,347. W. District-Arch Thompson, D., 917; Joseph Patton, F., 941. For Treasurer- Thos. McNally, D., 2,285; Wm. T. Davis, F., 2,092. For Coroner-Jas. N. Byrd, D., 2,040; David Gordon, F., 2,334. For Surveyor, Alex. Robinson, D., 2,082; H. M. Ambrose, F., 2,257. For Public Administrator-Flavian Bonderer, D., 2,047; J. N. Boyd, F., 2,274. For restraining stock-Yes, 1,825; No, 1,842. For repealing township organization- For, 1,261 ; against, 2,254.
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
In the presidential election of 1908, Livingston county gave Bryan, D., 2,379; Taft, R., 2,400; Debs, Soc., 42 ; Chafin, Pro., 24; Watson, Peo., 55; Hisgen, Indep., 3; and Preston, Soc. L., 3. The same year for Governor, the county gave Cowherd, D., 2,284; Hadley, R., 2,506; Garver, Soc., 45; Farris, Pro., 30; and Dillon, Peo., 45. In the Congressional race in 1908, Livingston county gave Rucker, D., 2,416; Haley, R., 2,386; Brownfield, Peo., 58; and McAllister, Soc., 41.
In the election of 1910, Rucker, D., received 2,337; Haley, R., 2,224; Tobey, Pro., 72; Campbell, Soc., 35. In the State Senatorial contest of 1910, composed of the counties of Grundy, Harrison, Livingston, Mercer and Putnam, Ford, R., had no opposition and received 10,546 votes. There were 9 scattering votes. The vote for county representative was- E. C. Orr, D., 2,274; Horace P. Scruby, R., 2,120; Oscar S. Moore, S., 37; and W. D. Steel, 171.
In the election of November, 1912, the total vote in Liv- ingston county was as follows: D., 2,315; R., 889; P., 1,502; Soc., 58; Soc. L., 5; and Pro., 54; for the presidential elect- ors. For Governor-Majors, D., 2,331; McKinley, R., 972; Nortoni, P., 1,374. For Lieut .- Governor-Painter, D., 2,329; Lloyd, R., 909; Burris, P., 1,443. For Secretary of State- Roach, D., 2,228; Alford, R., 906; Neidemeyer, P., 1,451. For State Auditor-Gordon, D., 2,322; Manthe, R., 907; Rey- nolds, P., 1,454. For State Treasurer-Deal, D., 2,324 ; Hoef- ler, R., 907; Ball, P., 1,456. For Attorney General-Barker, D., 2,323; Mason, R., 904; Hyde, P., 1,459. For R. and W. Commissioner-Bradshaw, D., 2,336; Marsh, R., 899; Mc- Coy, P., 1,443. For Judge Supreme Court, Div. No. 1-Bond, D., 2,320; Brown, R., 906; Dalton, P., 1,449. For Judge Supreme Court, Div. No. 2-Ferris, D., 2,315; Walker, D., 2,306; Denton, R., 899; Kennish, R., 917; Thompson, P., 1,464; Arthaud, P., 1,463. For Judge, K. C. Court of Ap- peals-Trimble, D., 2,371; Burney, P., 1,478. For Repre- sentative in Congress-Rucker, D., 2,360; Haley, R., 894; Williams, P., 1,402. For State Representative-Orr, D., 2,268; Hunt, R., 1,741 ; Reynolds, P., 569. For Judge, East- ern District-Kissick, D., 1,321; Yeomans, R., 1,467. For
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Judge, Western District-Bonderer, D., 985; Rice, R., 867. For Prosecuting Attorney-Ashby, D., 2,328; Marshall, P., 2,334. For Sheriff-Nothnagle, D., 2,478; Davis, R., 2,150. For Treasurer-McBride, D., 2, 357; Kerns, P., 2,290. For Public Administrator-Littrell, D., 2,353; Roof, P., 2, 316; For Coroner-Girdner, D., 2,357; Carpenter, R., 838; Cal- laway, P., 1,470. For Surveyor-Floyd Gibbons, D., no oppo- sition, 2,526.
Previous to the organization of the progressive party in Livingston county in 1912, the political complexion was evenly divided, with perhaps a few votes to spare on the democratic side of the house in a straight party vote. In the November election of 1912, the republicans or "standpatters" polled a light vote, while the new progressive party succeeded in elect- ing two county officers, prosecuting attorney and county judge. Had the republicans united with the new party and voted solidly with the progressives the latter doubtless would have secured all the offices. The progressives of Livingston county are here to stay, every voting precinct in the territory having formidable club organizations. H. I. Spence is present chair- man of the county central committee, A. H. Huggett, secre- tary ; J. W. Hill is chairman of the democratic committee and Drew P. Tye, secretary; while Chas. W. Gillidette is chair- man of the progressives and Charles Hagaman, secretary.
During the Civil war, a bushwhacker by the name of Jos- eph L. Hart, a man who despised the name of Yankee and would rob and plunder from Confederates and southern sym- pathizers as quickly as from a Lincolnite, was killed on July 13, 1863, in the northern part of this county. Hart had been driven out of Platte and Clay counties and came into Liv- ingston only to meet his death. David Gibbs, with a detach- ment of men from Company K, of the Fourth Provisional Regiment of Missouri Volunteers, came upon his little com- mand and during a brief fusillade and exchange of shots, Hart fell, being killed by a bullet fired by William Matthews. The late W. C. Wood, our "Billy," furnished the Grand River Chronicle, published in Chillicothe, the following report of the killing of Hart:
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
"Hart came into the forks last Thursday with Tom Crews and other desperate characters. Soon as the facts became known Lieutenant Gibbs started a scout after them who returned Friday noon without accomplishing anything. On Sunday night another scout was started out on Clear creek range and camped about midnight. Monday morning at daylight, Lieutenant Gibbs moved forward to the timber of Clear creek in which the bushwhackers' trail was struck at the head of Coon creek and after following a zig-zag trail for some distance the scout divided into two squads, one taking the Coon creek hills; the other consisting of seven men, fol- lowed up Clear creek and soon struck the trail of the gueril- las, six in number. They followed up rapidly among the deep hollows and thick brush, until within a half a mile of old man Curtis' farm, when they were fired on by Hart and his men. Two rounds were fired at forty feet range, when our boys replied, raised the yell, and charged the steep bluff. The guerrillas broke and fled in the dense thicket after Hart fell. He was shot through the neck after taking two deliberate shots at one of our gallant boys who was in twenty feet range. Four horses, two 9-inch navy revolvers, overcoats, blankets, a piece of blue jeans, etc., were captured. On Hart's person were found his commission from Colonel Parker, of Jackson county, a silk flag of Jeff. Davis' kingdom, a field glass, memorandum, etc. Our boys helped bury Hart where he fell. On Monday night the gang stole three horses from Will Blackburn and Wash Masterson, and our boys recaptured two of them on Wednesday."
THE KNOW NOTHING PARTY
Politically Livingston county was solidly democratic from its organization up to the year 1860, but personal popularity occasionally resulted in the success of some member of the whig party. From the year 1844 up to 1860, the following whigs were elected to office: Alexander Dockery, Nova Zem- bla Johnson, John Hudgins, James A. and William L. Black, Dawson Crews, J. W. Boyle, Anselm Rowley, J. H. B. Man-
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
ning, Thomas Warren, William J. Wallace, E. B. Waples and W. E. Pearl.
A few of the more prominent democrats elected to office during the same period were W. Y. Slack, Wm. O. Jennings, James Leeper, Sr., Nathan H. Spencer, Thomas R. Bryan, George Munro, John Wolfskill, Reuben Leaton, S. A. Alex- ander, James Leeper, Jr., Joseph Cox, John L. Leeper, Fran- cis Preston, two or three of the Gregorys and half a dozen Martins.
Following the control of political affairs in the county by the democratic party, the know nothing organization in 1855- 56 seriously handicapped them for a time. Only by the most thorough organization and discipline in the ranks did they prevent the leaders of the new organization from proselyting from their former stanch stronghold on political control of the county. For the purpose of more closely uniting the party and keeping them permanently in line, a great mass meeting was suggested by the more prominent leaders to meet in Chil- licothe on the first Monday in February, 1856. Following is the call and the names of the signers thereto :
"With a view of a permanent organiation of the demo- cratic party for the political contest of 1856, the undersigned democrats of Livingston county would respectfully call a mass meeting of the democrats and all others favorable to their creed of principles, to assemble at the courthouse in Chilli- cothe, on the first Monday in February, 1856, to take such steps as may be deemed necessary : Larze Anderson, Alex. Austin, David C. Austin, Wm. C. Austin, A. N. Austin, S. H. Austin, James L. Austin, A. J. Austin, James Anderson, Jesse Aufield, Amos Bargdoll, Joel Bargdoll, E. Bell, Owen Brigman, Henry Frith, J. A. Farrell, Spence H. Gregory, Jr., J. H. T. Green, Joshua Gibbons, John Garr, Richard Garr, John O. Gish, M. R. Gregory, Edward Gudgell, John T. Gudgell, Adam Gano, Jr., Thomas Gano, Nicholas Gano, J. L. Myers, Francis Martin, Richard Martin, John H. Minnick, George Munro, H. R. Manning, Jas. McAllister, Joseph Miller, Jesse Morris, B. F. Norman, W. C. Norman, Elias Norman, James Nave, Samuel Odell, Lewis Bargdoll, Solomon Bargdoll, N.
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
G. Bliss, James Bean, Henry Black, Wm. Blackwell, John Bryan, A. J. Bryan, Levan Brookshier, T. B. Brookshier, Leander Brookshier, Wm. H. Brookshier, John Boucher, J. N. Bell, Thomas R. Bryan, James Bradford, Wilson Barnett, Abel Cox, J. W. Collins, John Caldwell, Isam Cox, Andrew Craig, Jr., Brannock Curtis, D. P. Cochran, E. M. Claraday, David Cadle, Joseph Custer, Joshua Crumpecker, Wm. Cloud, David W. Curtis, David Curtis, David Y. Dale, John England, Hardin D. Ewers, David Eads, Darius Evans, J. J. Eberly, John Fitzmorris, J. B. Freeman, James Francis, John Frazier, Wm. G. Firth, Howard Gano, Nathan Gano, Henry Gano, Joshua Gano, Spence H. Gregory, Sr., John Graves, Jordan Graves, Westley Girder, Greenbury Gibson, Reuben Hawkins, Asa H. Holcomb, E. Herriford, John Hutchinson, Wm. Hoge, James Hicks, Jr., James Hicks, Sr., Abijah Hicks, Joseph Haddock, Thomas Hutchinson, David Hawkins, Jere Hutchinson, Jesse Hoge, Pleasant Ingram, John Jacob, Wm. O. Jennings, Wyatt Jennings, Thos. Jennings, Jr., James Jen- nings, Allison James, Joseph Jones, Wm. Keith, Wash Keister, Rice G. Keister, Christian Keller, Joseph B. Kirk, Uriah B. Kent, James B. Kerr, Wm. S. Knox, David Keller, Isam Lisle, Asa Lanter, Henry Manning, Evan Odell, Isaac Ourly, Jack- son Perrin, Wm. F. Peery, A. E. Poulet, J. Y. Porter, John Richards, James Rosson, Charles Rosson, Jas. M. Robertson, Judson Schofield, Robert M. Steen, Siford Saxon, Silas Smith, John Speck, L. D. Sivic, John Saunders, Wm. Silvey, Emasus Silvey, Temple Smith, Daniel G. Saunders, Alex. Saunders, Wm. Y. Slack, Wm. Sirus, John Stewart, R. M. Stewart, Morris Shaw, Hiram Taylor, Samuel Thompson, Clinton Van Brimmer, Jas. M. Wood, John Wisecarver, John Winnegan, John Walker, John Wolfskill, A. F. Walden, T. W. Warder, Joseph Wolfskill, Noah Wilkinson, Maj. A. Wallace, James Wells."
Following the great mass meeting of the democrats the American or know nothing party held a meeting by order of the local council on the 22d day of February for the express purpose of celebrating Washington's birthday. This meeting was largely attended by members of the several councils in the
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
county, including Chillicothe, Utica and Springhill. Every member of these councils was bound by a solemn oath not to indite or reveal any of the inner workings of the organization and the members were recognized by grips, signs and pass- words. Its ranks were filled with old whigs and an occasional democrat. The main principle of the party was to put none but Americans on guard, or rather that none but native-born citizens of the United States should hold office. Catholics were excluded from their councils and contended that all for- eigners must reside in the United States twenty years before obtaining citizenship. The Constitution was made a part of the constitutions of their councils while "Old Glory" held a prominent place in the lodge room. The party, however, was prominent only a short period, the strength and influence of the foreign and Catholic vote of the country, together with other influences, causing the membership to dwindle from time to time until in a few years it was known only in memory.
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