USA > Missouri > Clinton County > The History of Clinton County, Missouri : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Clinton County in the late war, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 50
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I discern with heartfelt joy the movement throughout our country in favor of a more general diffusion of education among the masses. I hail this as the harbinger of a brighter future and a more glorious career to our country. I believe in the education of the masses-of every sin- gle being endowed with reason-and I am decidedly in favor of an unlimited education. I would not only have the youth of our country provided with the elemental branches, but I would extend it to all the higher branches. To the son of the farmer, the mechanic, the merchant or the professional man, I would measure it equally. Educate your son thoroughly. Do not attempt to choose his calling for him, but educate him qualified for any position, and let his own genius and inclination carve out his mission in life. To parents I would say, urge upon your children the advantage of a good education. Do not content yourselves
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with an occasional admonition to them to be studious, but make it an every day business to warn them of the folly of neglecting to improve the golden days of their youth. They, like you and I, will regret, sadly regret, their failure to seeure the richest boon on earth in early life ; but not, perhaps, until too late to remedy the error. Is there a man or woman here who will not make the same confession that I do-that they would like to be children again, with their present experience, to teach them the priceless value of a good education ? I utter a sincere truth when I tell these scholars that of all my errors, the one I most deeply deplore is the failure on my part when it was in my power, to secure a better education. Mark it, my young hearers, you will never cease to regret it if you fritter away your present opportunities for a good education. Devote yourselves to your studies. When your school closes do not cease from your labors. The money you spend for trifles should be used for the purpose of purehasing good, solid books, and then spend no idle time in loitering about, but constantly pore over these books, and ere you are aware, you will become an educated man or woman, fitted for any sphere in life, an ornament to society and a blessing to mankind. Do not read the light novelistic literature of the day. It will do you no good, but much harm. The time consumed in reading such trash can be usefully employed in reading something which will be of permanent value to you.
How I should like to instill into your minds the great importance of diligent application to study. Unless you take an interest in the devel- opment of your own intellectual powers, your teacher, however compe- tent and solicitous, can be of little advantage to you. Remember, it all depends upon your own exertions, comparatively. Let me entreat you to take the advice of one who has seen the folly of a great neglect in this particular. As before stated, my whole heart is in sympathy with the cause of education. I have learned to know its worth. In the general assembly of last winter, I voted against nearly all my political friends, to ask congress to change the terms of the Agricultural Land Grant, to the end that the grant, with about half a million dollars might be put in the common school fund of the state. This I did, not out of any antipa- thy to Columbia, where the most of my friends wished to locate the the Agricultural College, but because I thought it would be wise to pro- vide an additional increase of our already munificent school fund, in order that all might be made surer of a good education. Parents, educate your children. Send them forth into the world penniless rather than unlearned. This is your positive duty, and you dare not incur the responsibility of dereliction in this matter. To the teacher, engaged in a noble calling, I would say, persevere in your arduous, and often thank- less, task. Your labors will be rewarded. You have a weighty respon- sibility committed to your charge. Instill into these youthful minds, not only the seience of learning, but principles of morality and goodness. Teach them kindness, patience and self-government. Learn them to master themselves-to treat each other as brothers and co-laborers in a common cause.
In conclusion, let me say, that Education, Christianity and Liberty, constitute the chief aim of man on earth. Did you ever think how har- moniously they succeed each other? Education fits the human soul for Christianity, because without it, our conceptions of a God are vague,
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indefinite and false. Christianity ministers at the altar of Liberty, and hallows its shrine. Liberty protects and guards Christianity and Educa- tion ; and none of these can exist, in purity without the other. An inseparable trio, happifying man's pilgrimage on earth. Then let us cherish these virtues and bulwarks to our liberties, that those who come after us may rejoice in the possession of a good inheritance. We should justly prize the liberties, the free institutions and the matchless constitu- tion which is ours. True, crimes have been committed in their names, and they have even at times been made the instruments of oppression in parricidal hands ; but they are still precious and interwoven with proud memories. Inculcate into the minds of the masses the blessings of education, and liberty, regulated by law, will be restored in all its former grandeur and glory. The more education we have, the more liberty we will enjoy. Republican government is more securely held, more fully appreciated by an enlightened people. In proportion to our intelligence will our government be peaceful, mild and parental.
With educated citizens to conduct the affairs of state ; with educated masses to curb the spirit of demagogues, no tyrant's heel can ever press a happy and united people. Thus, and thus only, can Education, Chris- tianity and Liberty, be the watchwords which shall guide us to the full summit of human happiness.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
REUNIONS OF OLD SETTLERS.
BARBECUE AUGUST 28, 1873-BISHOP MARVIN'S LETTER-REUNIONS AT ST. JOSEPH IN 1874 AND 1875 - SPEECHES OF GENERALS CRAIG, DONIPHAN, ATCHISON, JUDGE BIRCH, JUDGE VORIES, AND OTHERS.
There has never been any distinctive reunion of the old settlers of Clinton County. There was, however, a barbecue at the bridge, south of Plattsburg, on the 28th day of August, 1873, which was attended by both old and young. The old settlers were especially invited to be pres- ent, not only those who were then residing within the limits of the county, but those who had formerly lived here, and had moved away. This being the first meeting of the kind held in the county where the coming together of these old veterans was made a prominent feature of the occasion, they turned out en masse, and it was estimated that nearly all the old pioneers who were physically able to be present, were there.
The occasion was redolent of pleasant memories and sacred recol- lections to the old gray haired sires. Many of them have long since passed to the land of shadows,
"Unblamed through lite, lamented in the end."
A few still linger upon the shores of time, as the oldest landmarks, when Clinton County was still a wilderness. Brave hearted old pio- neers! Golden be the evening twilight of their lives. We have for them a peculiar reverence, and upon our hearts may their memories. abide imperishable. A few more years of watching and waiting, and those who still survive will have joined
" The innumerable caravan, that moves To that mysterious realm when each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death."
The Plattsburg Lever of September 5, 1873, in speaking of that event, says : "Never, perhaps, in the history of Plattsburg has a day dawned that will be longer referred to than the one just closing. For weeks past the topic of conversation in all circles has been 'the big barbecue." Children became impatient waiting. The lads and lassies have been busy getting their stunning outfits in order, and even those whose locks are silvered over thought the sands of life moved slowly. In fact, every- body and their families were on the qui vive.
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" Yesterday afternoon, the fires were kindled under five of the finest oxen, thirty-five hogs and ten sheep, and four hundred and eighty feet of table, four feet wide, was put up. This they thought would be ample room. The next thing in order was a suitable rostrum, which was erected in a suitable place, and over it was a motto, 'Peace on earth and good will to all men,' which reflected the sentiment of every par- ticipant. At the head of the table the following motto: 'A kind and cordial welcome to all,' was noticeable in large, bold letters. The grove selected for this gathering lies nearly one mile south of the city.
"At an early hour this morning, farmers from all parts of this and adjoining counties, commenced making their appearance, from all direc- tions, in wagons, buggies, carriages, horseback, and on foot. The railroads came in, some on time, and others behind, all filled to their utmost, with men, women and children, for the grand barbecue. Long before noon, the dense throng of people was estimated at seven thousand.
" About eleven o'clock, attention was secured, and Hon. J. M. Lowe, chairman, delivered a welcome speech on the part of the citizens, and then introduced Judge James H. Birch, who entertained us with well- timed remarks, after which Hon. James E. Hughes was introduced and favored his hearers with his experience. By this time, it was high twelve, and dinner was announced. Beside all the barbecued animals, several wagons, loaded with all sorts of the best provisions, were sent in from the country. One baker, we learn, furnished fifteen hundred loaves of bread and a wagon load of pies. Every one felt satisfied there was enough for him, and seemed anxious that his neighbor should be served first, hence, there was none of that snatching and pushing, which gener- ally characterizes public dinners. I have no hesitancy in saying, it was the most orderly concourse of people ever assembled.
" After dinner Colonel John Doniphan, of St. Joseph and John R. Keller, of Clay County, made short speeches, after which Judge R. R. Rees, the pioneer of Plattsburg, but at present of Leavenworth, was intro- duced. Uncle Dick was in his proper mood to interest everyone within the sound of his voice. He told us how he came to settle in Clinton County in 1833 ; where he built the first log cabin on the town site ; how he was made the first clerk of the county, and last, but not least, how on the 4th of July, 1833, he danced on the green with the girls ; and added further, if any one of these girls was present, he would like once more to trip with her the light fantastic toe. Other speeches were listened to with interest by a portion of the people, while others participated in the dance, the amusement of swinging and the croquet games. Both the brass and string bands added much to the festivities of the day. At present writing, 9:30 p. m., nearly every house is illuminated, and the air is filled with music, while the City Hall is packed with the elite engaged in the mazy dance. All feel that the day has been spent pleas-
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antly and profitably, and that it has been a day of great hilarity for Plattsburg."
In 1874 and 1875, in September, the old settlers of the Platte Pur- chase, including Clinton County, held reunions in the city of St. Joseph. At each of these meetings were many of the old pioneers of Clinton County, whose names appear among the list of veterans who were then present. Although these reunions did not occur in Clinton County, many of her citizens participated in them, among whom were Judge James H. Birch and David R. Atchison ; and believing that an authentic and reliable account of what was done and said upon those interesting occa- sions, and especially the part that was taken by the pioneers of Clinton County therein, would be of interest now, we shall in this connection give of them a full and complete history, beginning with the letter of Bishop Marvin to Colonel James N. Burnes, the president of the old set- tlers' meeting. Bishop Marvin had been invited to be present at the meeting in September, 1874, but owing to his ministerial duties, could not attend. His letter, we think, will be read with great interest, espe- cially by the old pioneers of Northwest Missouri, nearly all of whom, doubtless, met the Bishop during the early years of his ministry in this portion of the state :
2719 LUCAS AVENUE, ST. LOUIS, September 3, 1874.
JAMES N. BURNES, ESQ. :
Dear Sir and Brother: I have just returned from a tour, and find yours of August 27th, inviting me to participate in the reunion of the "old settlers " of the Platte Purchase. I regret that I did not know of the reunion a month earlier. In that case I could have arranged my appointments so as to enable me to be present. As it is, I have an engagement in Dent County, which, for special reasons it is necessary to meet. You may assure your board that no circumstances of a trivial character would prevent my acceptance of their invitation.
For the early settlers of Northwest Missouri I feel a regard that amounts to enthusiasm, and increases with time.
The early years of my ministry were spent in that part of the state. In 1842, I passed the present site of St. Joseph, on my way to a field of labor quite on the frontier. It embraced all the country west of Noda- way River. You will remember at that time there was no St. Joseph. In subsequent years I labored in Clay, Platte and Buchanan counties. I shall never forget the uncalculating, unbounded hospitality of the " old settlers." Many of them were in their first rude cabins, but those cabins had the rarest capacity for entertaining both friend and stranger of any houses of their size I ever saw. I often saw them crowded, but to the best of my recollection I never saw one of them full ; there was always room for a fresh comer. I recollect once in the Platte Purchase, I was wedging myself into a bed already occupied by five children, when one of them waked sufficiently to exclaim, " Mamma, mamma, he's a scrougin me ! "
You will yourself remember that I was more than once a guest at the house of your honored father. Bear with me while I say I can
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never forget the model Christian mother, mistress and hostess, who pre- sided over the domestic scene there.
At that time I knew many men who did not know me, for I was a mere youth. I knew they were great as compared with other men I knew, but I had a fancy that the great men were in the east. But after many years of extended observation I have come to the conclusion that I heard as fine a specimen of political speaking in Liberty, in 1844. by Colonel Doniphan, as I have ever heard since, and that the country would be happy if the balances were everywhere held by hands as intel- ligent and firm as those of the pioneer jurist, David R. Atchison.
Among my own class there was the laborious Redman, the scholarly Tutt, the impetuous and saintly Roberts, and many others, now dead. Nor can I omit the name of the incorruptible and courageous Roberson. Some are still living: Holmes, Perry, Ruble, Jordan, Rush, Spencer, Barker and others.
There was a man, a minister of Christ, a large portion of whose pub- lic career belongs to the Platte Purchase, of whom I must say, he was in some respects the most remarkable man I ever saw. I refer to W. G. Capies. He was another "Agamemnon, King of men." He was a first- class wit, a man of the finest social feeling, having positive ideas, and a great end to accomplish. That end was the extension of the kingdom of Christ and the salvation of men. In his view, a high standard of pop- ular education would contribute to this. He did much for Northwest Missouri in establishing schools under Christian auspices, and although they did not survive the war, they did much to elevate public sentiment, and have left an influence behind them that must be permanent.
Now I proceed to say that the old settlers of Platte have heard as great preaching as any other people on the American continent, and from the lips of the man, Caples. I have heard more scholarly men, men whose sermons evinced higher cultivation and a better classical finish ; but for power of argumentation, for philosophical breadth and sweep, for grandeur of conception, for greatness of imagination, for force and pungency of popular appeal, for originality, variety and opulence of thought, and for pathos, my conviction is his superior has not appeared in the American pulpit.
I make no doubt that the ministry and church have done more to quicken thought and create a thirst for knowledge in the west, than is generally understood. Ministers of the gospel in the new communities, being above the average of people in culture, and dealing in truths of a character to elevate the mind, and provoke inquiry, have, as an incident of their calling, toned up the popular mind, encouraged a taste for read- ing and created a demand for schools. Such a man as Caples connot mingle with people without elevating them.
But pardon me. I had no thought of becoming so garrulous. I am getting to be almost an old man, and thoughts of the old times have awakened the talking mood in me, until it seems a real hardship and self-denial not to be with you at the reunion. It is thirty years since I heard Doniphan. How I would like to listen to his utterances on this occasion, when old memories will mellow his voice, and since, as I doubt not, Christian sentiments will exalt and irradiate his conception.
Will you have the goodness to present to the "old settlers " my profound regard, and express to them my deep regret that I cannot
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greet them on this pleasant occasion, for there are many whom I shall never see again. As ever, E. M. MARVIN.
Bishop Marvin died in 1878.
The following interesting account of the reunion of 1874, we take from the St. Joseph Herald :
OLD SETTLERS' MEETING, SEPTEMBER, 1874.
The Old Settlers' meeting was the most interesting feature of the day. At least one hundred of the old gray-haired sires and mothers, who were among the early settlers of the Platte Purchase, were gathered on the reserved seats in front of the grand stand. At half-past twelve o'clock this meeting was called to order by Colonel James N. Burnes, who spoke as follows :
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN-You will not expect of me an extended speech. I am too full to express what I feel. You will allow me to nominate for chairman of this meeting the Hon. David R. Atchison. His name is the balance of my speech.
Hon. D. R. Atchison then took the floor, and thanked the audience for the honor conferred upon him. He had once presided over the United States Senate, but this was a prouder position than he had ever occupied before. He referred in feeling terms to the early settlers of the Platte Purchase, the trials and hardships of the people, and their courage and endurance under difficulties.
Hon. George Smith was elected first vice president. Mr. Smith returned his thanks for the distinction. He had no speech, but would on a proper occasion address the people of the Platte Purchase.
Col. Burnes then opened a book containing the names of the old settlers, and moved that they be appointed vice presidents. Carried.
Col. J. H. R. Cundiff was appointed secretary of the meeting.
Gen. Craig then introduced Gen. A. W. Doniphan. Gen. Doniphan then came forward and said the sight of the Old Settlers exhilarated him like laughing gas. He said that old people like to talk, but he had to excuse himself with returning his thanks to the managers of the Expo- sition for granting the opportunity to the Old Settlers to have a re-union. One of the privileges of an old man was to contrast the present state of the country with what it was when the first settlement was made. He referred to the railroads, cities, colleges and other evidences of civiliza- tion that had sprung up in this country, that was an unknown wilderness in the old times. The Missouri of 1874 was an entirely different Missouri from that of 1830. He referred in feeling terms to those who had died since the settlement of the country.
He referred to the free and easy hospitalities of the early days. Men did not stop to part their hair in the middle, but just gave it a toss back
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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
and went about their business. The unbounded hospitality was such as the world had never seen before. The ladies were the picture of health, and had strength as well as beauty, and there wasn't a strong minded one among them. They had eyes like the doe, and a step like the gazelle, and were self-reliant and natural. He referred to the old type of men, that some thought had become extinct, but assured the audience they still lived.
His speech was well interspersed with anecdotes, and he kept the audience laughing and roaring for full fifteen minutes. He referred to the old Missouri settlers who had made homes in Colorado and California, and said still they kept up the good old customs. He spoke of the progress of the last quarter of a century. Twenty-five years ago there was not more than a thousand miles of railroad in America. St. Joseph and Kansas City were the ultimathule of civilization. Now they were great railroad centers, teeming with the commerce of half a dozen states and territories. The iron horse had passed our borders and gone careering on his conquering course across numerous territories to the golden gates of the Pacific. It was impossible to conceive what the next hundred years had in store for this great country.
Judge Birch was then loudly called for ; but Gen. Craig introduced Senator Bogy, who then came forward, and spoke as follows:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF NORTHWEST MISSOURI :- For many years I have attended meetings of the people in different towns, cities and counties of the State, and, indeed, in many of the States of the Union, but I can say with the utmost sincerity that I have never before taken part in any assemblage of the people, which gave me so much true and heartfelt pleasure as this one does. When your invitation, sent to me by your committee, was received, I was on the eve of disposing of my time in a different way from that of being present here to-day, but the reading of it at once decided me to forego all other engagements. I have come, my friends, to exchange with you greetings of friendship, and to talk of the past, and of the men who, a few years ago, were with us working and shaping the destiny of our state and devoting their time, and energies to its material development. Most of them after well- spent lives, have passed from among us, leaving behind them honored names-to be cherished and respected by their descendants. I take it that, with few exceptions, I am addressing the children of the old set- tlers. Judging from my own recollections, there are but few left of the old set. Thornton and Thompson, and Laidlow, and Rich and Dougherty, with whom I was personally acquainted, have paid the great debt of nature, and lie now beneath the green sod of the section first made to contribute its share to the support of the civilized man. Other names could be mentioned by persons better acquainted with the individuals of this section than I am ; but these few are a type of the old settlers. Who does not remember the name of each of these men without a pro- found emotion of respect and veneration ? They were not only intelli- gent and influential, but in their respective persons was embodied the true character of American citizenship.
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You, my friends, who are their descendants, should not only respect their memories, but be proud of their private and public virtues. A nation of such men would be the wonder of the world. So much for the past. I meet here to-day a few of the old settlers who have been spared as the connecting link between us and the past. Atchison and Doni- phan, Morin and Wood and Birch, and a few others are here yet. Two of these have national reputations, and would of themselves be sufficient to make a nation illustrious: Atchison was for a long time the presiding officer of the Senate of the United States, when in that body were Calhoun and Clay and Webster and Benton and Crittenden and Man- gum and Cass and Houston, and a host of other illustrious characters. He then acquired a reputation co-extensive with the nation. The name of Doniphan will live in history forever. His campaign in and through an enemy's country, under the most difficult circumstances, has never been surpassed by anything in ancient or modern times. Alexander obtained the name of Great because he went from Greece to the Indus, and for ages a halo of glory has surrounded his name, not surpassed by that of Hannibal or Napoleon ; yet when all the attending circumstances are duly considered, the march headed by your own Doniphan required more true courage and bravery, and power of endurance, and patience, and perseverance, and skill and military genius than the expedition headed by Alexander the Great. Atchison and Doniphan are yet with you-and with the true simplicity of Cincinnatus and the dignity of Cato, move in your midst, sharing in your joys and sympathizing with your sorrows. May they be spared for many years to come. I am not here to-day, my friends, to deliver an eulogy upon the men who first settled this section. I have mentioned a few as a type, so as to let their descendants know what sort of men they came from, and so that they may entertain a feeling of great pride in their ancestors.
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