USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 43
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105
IHISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
cupping. 1 to 2.00 75 ", medium . .50
thigh 25.00
vaccination 50
424
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
surgeon nearly seven years in the British army, and more recently assist- ant surgeon in the United States navy, for three years, aboard the ship, Experiment, Captain Mervin. I refer you to the Navy Chronicle for 1833, where you will find my appointment.
I am, sir, with much respect and great esteem, Your most obedient servant,
R. A. H. GRAY, M. D." J. L. PAGE, M. D.
"ST. JOSEPH, May 3rd, 1845.
Dear Sir: In reply to your note of 3rd inst., I have to state that upon an occasion (the time and place I do not remember) you were the subject of the conversation. I then made use of the language in sub- stance as follows: 'I have met with Dr. Gray but a few times ; I know nothing of him ; I know nothing of his professional qualifications. Some- time ago, soon after he came to this country, Dr.B --- , of Weston, sent to him for a Wetzel's cataract knife, and he sent a common Bistoury, such as is usually found in a surgeon's pocket case, and wholly unlike the instrument required. Now I know not whether to attribute this to. his own ignorance or his belief in the ignorance of the surgeons at Wes- ton of a cataract knife. I further stated that Major C., of Weston, had spoken of you as having been engaged in a mercantile house in Pitts- burg or Wheeling, and not known there as a physician or surgeon.'
The foregoing is, in substance, what I have said. I spoke nothing of my own knowledge, except in regard to the knife, and permit me to add, I did not intend any disrespect to you or cherish any desire to do. you injustice. I am happy to learn that I have been deceived in regard to your professional character, and I shall have pleasure to contradict the reports in circulation relative thereto.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
J. LAWRENCE PAGE." To R. A. H. GRAY, M. D.
J. L. PAGE, M. D.
Sir :- I have been informed that you avowed the language referred to in my last note to you, viz : That I had lent wrong cataract knives to Dr. Belt, through profound ignorance, etc. If you know said language to be a fact, you had a right to use it, otherwise, I shall require a retrac- tion and an apology.
I am, sir, with much respect and great esteem,
Your most obedient servant, R. A. H. GRAY, M. D.
My friend P., Esq., is duly authorized to arrange and settle all the necessary preliminaries in regard to time, place, and manner of satis- faction, in case Doctor Page refuses to do me justice as required above.
R. A. H. GRAY, M. D.
May 9, 1845.
ST. JOSEPHI, May 9, 1845.
Sir: To your note of the 3d inst. I have replied to through the medium of the Postoffice at Sparta. I then avowed the language I had.
425
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
used relative to the cataract knife, &c. I do know, sir, that Dr. Belt, of Weston, sent to you for a Wenzel's cataract knife, and that you sent a common Bistoury therefor, whether through ignorance or not I do not know.
Your ob't serv't,
To R. A. H. GRAY, M. D. J. LAWRENCE PAGE.
J. L. PAGE, M. D .:
My Dear Sir: Your communication per my friend Mr. - is not sufficiently satisfactory. If you made use of the language contained in my note to you, for the purpose of injuring my standing as a physician or otherwise, I demand an explanation.
My friend, Mr. M- is duly authorized to make satisfactory arrange- ments with any friend you may please to appoint, otherwise to receive a satisfactory apology. Very respectfully your ob't serv't,
May 9, 1845. R. A. H. GRAY, M. D.
J. L. PAGE, M. D.
Dear Sir: Yours dated May 3d, has been received and considered satisfactory, consequently the subsequent communications are withdrawn.
R. A. H. GRAY, M. D.
By his friend A. D. McDonald.
The following is the first list of letters remaining in the postoffice, ever published in St. Joseph. Among these names will be recognized many of the old settlers :
" List of letters remaining in the postoffice at St. Joseph, October 1, 1845, which, if not taken out within three months, will be sent to the general postoffice as dead letters."
Allen, Lewis, Brookheart, John,
Byne, Miss Mary-2,
Beem, Richard,
Bate, Cambell,
Becker, Abraham,
Carter, Mrs. A. C.,
Coon, Rev. S. M.,
Carter, John F.,
Coy, Wm. S.,
Cook, Elizabeth,
Collier, Jos., Dunn, Wm., Donnell, Robert M.,
Dixon, D. B.,
Ewell, Dr. J. B.,
Evans, John, Farleigh, A.,
Flanagan, Wm. P.,
George, Wm. P.,
Gibson, Jas.,
Harness, Lewis,
Kremer, Thos.,
Kerby, Eliza S.,
McDonald, Alex.,
McHenry, Daniel,
Maxwell, Edward,
McHammer, Wm.,
McClour, B. F.,
McClaugh, Harrison,
Mungett, Wilson,
Martin, John --- 2. Noble, Wm.,
+ Nevins, Isaac,
Neely, Miss Cath.,
Potter, David, Pyle, Edward,
Patch, Geo .- 2. Palmer, Spolswood,
ST. JOSEPH, May 13, 1845.
Frost, Harvy,
A
SA
NGS !!
BANK
BANK
STATE SAVINGS BANK
STATE SAVINGS BAD
N
HINTON STUD
STATE SAVINGS BANK.
427
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
Robertson, Elijah, Swaitz, J. T., Teel, Dr. B. F-6, Thompson, John A.,- Thomas, H.,
Shults, Peter J.,
Simpson, Isaac A.,
Taylor, Miss Ann,
Thompson, D. V.
Vares, Henry M.,
Vanwickle, Everett,
White, James,
Winkler, David, Walker, A. J.,
West, Mrs. Frances,
Wright, Isaac R.,
Brooks, D. G.,
McBeath, Mr. R.,
Belcher, Geo. A.,
Beaty, Fulton-2.
Baker, Benj.,
Baker, Joseph G.,
Cunningham, Joseph,
Chandler, Rev. Thos.,
Clink, Joshua,
Coltor, Wm., Coton, Wm.,
Doulton, Jonathan S.,
Dixon & Wilson,
Dunn, Wm. M.,
Deppen & Gay, Messrs.,
Francey, Samuel,
Green & Co., Hays, W. L.,
Jasper, Capt. A.,
Johnston, James,
King, Sarah,
Locvecy, M. S.,
Lane, Jas. A.,
McDonal, Thos.,
Martin, Abraham,
McChristen, Patrick,
Norton, Edley,
Pell, Calvin,
Price, Jas,
Porter, W. M.
Preston, A. S.,
Richards, Chas.,
Smith, F. W.,
DEATH OF GENERAL JACKSON.
Upon the receipt of the intelligence of the death of the old hero of the battle of New Orleans, fought on the 8th of January, 1815, the citi- zens of St. Joseph repaired to a grove, one mile north of the town, on Saturday, the 19th of July, 1845, and listened to a eulogy upon the life and services of General Jackson, delivered by Hon. Willard P. Hall, who then resided at Sparta. The Gazette, speaking of that occasion, says : " We will not do Mr. Hall the injustice to attempt a sketch of his speech. We would only say, the matter of the address was entirely appropriate ; his style was concise and perspicuous, sometimes ornamented by beauti- ful figures, and the composition lost nothing by the manner of delivery, for Mr. Hall is an agreeable speaker. The only objection we have heard made to the address is, that it was too short."
HEALTH OF THE TOWN IN 1845.
During the summer and fall of 1845, the old citizens will remember that sickness prevailed over the Western States to an unparalleled extent. In almost every section of Missouri, disease prostrated a great
Falkner, Miss S. E.,
Furgerson, Jas.,
Hughes, Geo. W.,
Myers, Henry,
McCrary, Pinley,
Watts, W. B.
Wells, Thos .- 2,
Carter, Wm. F.,
428
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
many people, and even in Buchanan County they were not entirely free from its ravages. In St. Joseph, however, there was but little, if any, sickness during that year. The Gazette, speaking upon the subject, in October of 1845, says :
" Had there been any doubts about the healthfulness of our town, its history the past year is sufficient to set that doubt to rest, for whilst people on the prairies, in the woodland, in the bottom, on the bluffs, and in the new and old portions of the state have very generally been made acquainted with the icy touch of the ' chill' and the burning grasp of the " fever,' the people of St. Joseph have been remarkably healthy all the time."
In the same connection that paper says of the weather :
" The weather is now fine-Indian Summer with all its serenity and sweetness. On these lovely fall days 'tis a luxury to withdraw from the busy strife and hum of business, and seek the quiet solitude of the country, where nature inspires the mind with contemplations that refine and elevate. The faded and falling leaves, the drooping and frost-bitten grass, the leafless trees, forcibly remind man that his season of decay will soon come, and bids him, in feeling, imitate the calmness and sweetness which seem to pervade all space, and consecrate every ·object."
On the 3d of November, 1845, the "St. Joseph Thespian Society" made its first appearance, in the comedy entitled "The Prisoner at Large."
On the 5th of December, 1845, the "St. Joseph Lyceum" held its first meeting in the Presbyterian Church. The question discussed was : " Do the lights of nature teach the immortality of the soul ?" Dispu- tants-Affirmative, Dr. S. D. Overstreet, George Brubaker. Negative, L' Archer, J. H. Young.
At the next meeting of this society, B. F. Loan became a member, and, among others, discussed the question, "Are the inferior animals immortal ?"
A small paper was published in Sparta called the Rooster, about January, 1846.
March 6, 1846, appeared the advertisement of the St. Joseph Sem- inary for Young Ladies, S. Landis, Principal.
As the ladies may be interested to know when the first sewing society was organized in St. Joseph, we here quote from the Gazette of April 3d, 1846:
"We take pleasure in calling the attention of our townsmen to the St. Joseph Sewing Society, which has lately been established in our midst. The object of the association is extremely laudable, viz., the gaining of funds to erect and finish the Methodist Church. We recom- mend those of our young men and others who may wish clothes of any
429
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
description, to patronize the ladies of the St. Joseph Sewing Society, for in doing this, the double consolation is found of wearing garments well done up by the fairest fingers, and knowing that the proceeds are well appropriated."
The first circus that visited St. Joseph was Howes & Mabie, in May, 1846.
The first daguerrean artist was A. C. Partridge, who came in July, 1846.
About this date, there were in St. Joseph and vicinity quite a num- ber of Mormons, whose presence here was not desired by a few of the citi- zens, as the following will show :
NOTICE.
The Mormons now in St. Joseph may do well to leave as early as possible, as there is considerable excitement now existing against them, and to save trouble I advise them to seek some other home.
SAMUEL C. HALL.
Among the advertisements which we find in the Gazette of 1846, is one entitled " Big Saddle Poetry." Being a novel, as well as an ingen- ious, production, we here insert it :
"BIG SADDLE POETRY."
If a good saddle you would find,
One that's just suited to your mind,
You need not to St. Louis go,
For you can get one in St. Joe. If in that town you chance to be,
Call in at Landis' factory. You'll know it if you chance to spy
That great big saddle hanging high ;
The very same on which was found
The Sparta Rooster, snugly bound ; Which, though it happened long ago, Can still give forth as shrill a crow As when, on that eventful night, He challenged Landis to a fight. If this direction's not enough, From Somerville's go six doors south ;
And when you're there if you can't see it,
Just cross the street to Todd's for physic ; If then your sight should not be good, Go three doors north of Dr. Wood ; And when you're there just take a hint, And walk straight up to Dr. Flint. Should you to Sparta chance to go, On your return stop at St. Joe ; For Landis is the man, they say, To furnish saddles night and day.
27
430
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
CENSUS OF ST. JOSEPH.
On the 18th and 19th of December, 1846, the census of St. Joseph was taken with the following result :
Males under 10 years of age 142
between 10 and 21 8I
21 and 45 257
.. over 45 years. 30
Females under 10 years of age
124
.. between 10 and 21 85
over 20 years. 175 Male slaves 27
Female slaves 43
Free negroes-I male and I female
2
Total
967
We note the following :
PREACHING.
The Rev. Joshua Wilson will preach in St. Joseph this evening. (January 28, 1847,) at early candle lighting, in the house now occupied by the Methodists as a church.
April 16, 1847, the Gazette, speaking of St. Joseph, says :
"This town, as exhibited at present, seems to answer the expecta- tions of those who have been the most hopeful of its advancement and prosperity. Many persons long doubted whether St. Joseph would, like the "thousand and one" towns that spring up along navigable streams, flourish for a while and then dwindle into insignificance, or would take and maintain a permanent stand as a place for the transaction of busi- ness and ultimately fill the dimensions of a large town.
"The observation of the place now will effectually drive away all such doubts and establish the fact that we will at no distant day exist in the midst of a populous and important city.
"Several additional mercantile houses have been established here, many of the older firms have enlarged their business very much, and it is generally conceded that all of them are selling and will sell a vast amount of goods. The mechanics of every description have an abun- dance of work to do, for improvements are being made in every section of the town. More buildings are in process of being erected at this time than during any preceding season, and those buildings are generally of a better quality. Many of the farmers from a distance are now seen dealing with our merchants, who formerly carried their produce to other towns on the river, and bought their goods there. Take it all in all, we
43I
IHISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
have never known St. Joseph to present such an animated and business- like appearance as is now exhibited, nor have the indications ever been so decidedly in favor of its permanent prosperity.
"Heretofore many difficulties have intervened to retard the progress of improvement here, some of which have been entirely overcome, and others only in part. We have had to contend with the jealous influences of other places, which knew that St. Joseph would soon become their successful rival. The character of this place has not been fully estab- lished abroad as the most elegible starting point for Oregon and Califor- nia, notwithstanding all or very nearly all who have actual knowledge of the matter give the preference to St. Joseph. The great emigration to California, Oregon and Texas, tended to keep back this county and town in point of population and improvement, and the almost boundless extent of the lands in those countries which may generally be acquired by bare settlement, has conduced to diminish the price of real estate here. Furthermore, hemp, grain and pork, the staple products of this country, have until recently commanded a very low price, and the navigation of our river has been unusually difficult, on account of low water and snags.
"What progress this place and the surrounding country have made has been effected in spite of all these difficulties, but when these obstruc- tions shall have disappeared, as all of them must do at some early period, the older settler here who has witnessed the town of his choice in all its stages, will feel his bosom swell with emotions of pride and exultation at the observation of her prosperity and beauty.
"Again, the spirit of internal improvement is abroad, our people are determined not only to improve the transporting facilities now had, but to add others, which will place us on terms more nearly equal with other parts of the world. Then all the advantages we have in soil and climate will become available ; then a new impetus will have been given to the industrious farmer ; then the call upon the merchant for the nec- essaries and comforts of life will have been vastly increased ; then health and prosperity will everywhere greet the eye of the beholder; then ours shall be a town and county in which the wealthy, industrious and edu- cated of the other and older states will love to settle, and the situation of our town and the surrounding scenery, which are now surpassingly lovely, will be enhanced by the touch of art, and the citizen or visitor of cultivated or refined taste will love to contemplate their beauty."
The above article was written in the spring of 1847, and is doubtless a faithful and correct representation of St. Joseph and her business pros- pects at that time. Four years had elapsed from the laying out of the town, and the inferences drawn from the editorial are that notwithstand- ing many difficulties had theretofore intervened, such as the jealousies of rival towns, imperfect navigation facilities, and other hindrances, the town had continued to prosper.
432
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
At that date, several additional mercantile houses had just been established here, and many of the older firms had enlarged their busi- ness, and it was conceded that they were selling a vast amount of goods. Another evidence (always unerring), of the substantial prosperity of the town, was that the mechanics and laborers of all classes were then busy. Improvements were being made not only in one locality, or upon one street, but "in every section of the town." Not only a greater number of buildings were in process of erection, but they were generally of a better character.
Had the editor been a little more specific, and gone a little more into detail, and given the names of the parties making these improve- ments, and located these buildings, it would have been more satisfac- tory to the reader of to-day.
WESTERN MAILS.
Thirty-five years ago, in this western country, mails were very irreg- ular, sometimes several weeks intervening between times. Like all other extreme western towns, St. Joseph was frequently inconvenienced by the non-arrival at the proper time of the mail. In reference to the mail, the Gazette of April, 1847, says :
"We have not received a mail here for three weeks, nor do we know when we shall get one. Why does not the Postmaster at St. Louis make some arrangement to forward the mails by the river to this place as well as Glasgow ? Is it because we are too high up, or does the Postmaster General think that we can do without the mails? If it be true that authority has been given to the Postmaster at St. Louis to make contracts for carrying the mails to Glasgow, why does he not make a contract with the boats that are coming direct to this place ? We could then have a mail once a week. The inconveniences that are felt and the loss that is sustained by the people from the outrages and intolerable irregularity now experienced, we hope will soon be rem- edied."
We note the following items :
PUBLIC MEETING.
A public meeting of the citizens of St. Joseph and vicinity will be held at the office of B. F. Loan, on Tuesday next, at 2 o'clock, P. M., to take into consideration the propriety of authorizing the corporation of St. Joseph to borrow money for the improvement of Blacksnake Creek, and such other matters as may come before the meeting. A general attendance is requested, particularly of the property holders in the town.
June 24, 1847.
MANY CITIZENS.
NERY ALBRECHT & HUBER.
BANIY
யா ய்
LA.N. SCHUSTER
VELYECLO
CLOTHING.
OCARS
SALOON
IS SALG
J.W. HAINES.S. JOE.TWOWWII
FELIX STREET, ST. JOSEPH, IN 1873, SHOWING A PORTION OF THE OLD MARKET HOUSE.
434
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPHI.
COMMODORE STOCKTON.
October 27, 1847, St. Joseph had a distinguished guest in the per- son of Commodore Stockton, of the United States Navy. At a public meeting of the citizens of the town, a committee was appointed to arrange for his reception, who forwarded to him the following letter :
ST. JOSEPH, MO., October 26, 1847.
COM. STOCKTON :
Sir :- The undersigned have been directed to forward you the fol- lowing resolutions, adopted unanimously at a public meeting held in this place on the 25th inst., the object of which was to formally receive and tender to you the hospitalities of the town, and also invite you to par- ticipate with the citizens in a public dinner. In the performance of this duty, it affords us pleasure to be made the medium through which to convey the warm manifestations of regard, as well as the high esteem entertained for you as an eminent and brave officer, whose life has been spent in aiding to elevate the naval force of our country to that proud station it now occupies in the eyes of the civilized world, as also for the · efforts of that genius that has so materially contributed to render it effective.
We are, most respectfully, your obedient servants, J. M. BASSETT, WM. RIDENBAUGH, JOHN CORBY, LEWIS TRACY, SILAS MCDONALD, JOSEPH ROBIDOUX, J. LAWRENCE PAGE.
Committee.
In answer to the foregoing, Commodore Stockton forwarded by Lieutenant Thompson, the following reply :
ST. JOSEPH, Mo., October 27, 1847. To J. M. Bassett, John Corby, Lewis Tracy, Silas McDonald, Wm. Ridenbaugh, Joseph Robidoux and J. Lawrence Page.
Gentlemen :- I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of yesterday, enclosing to me a copy of the resolutions passed at a public meeting, held at St. Joseph, and to express to you my thanks for the kind manner in which you have seen fit to communicate them.
My stay at St. Joseph will probably be too short to permit me to accept the invitation to a public dinner, but I will do myself the honor to meet the citizens of St. Joseph at any hour to-day which they may ap- point.
Faithfully, your obedient servant, R. F. STOCKTON.
On the afternoon of the same day, Commodore Stockton, accom- panied by Major Gillespie, of the United States Marines, Lieutenant
435
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPHI.
Wm. H. Thompson, of the United States Navy, and J. C. Norris, the Commodore's private Secretary, arrived at the landing, where a large crowd of people had assembled to greet them. From the river, he and his brave officers were accompanied by the committee and citizens, in procession, to the Mansion House, on the balcony of which a great num- ber of ladies had assembled.
Dr. J. Lawrence Page, then, on behalf of the citizens, addressed Commodore Stockton in a brief and appropriate manner. The Commo- dore replied in a well digested and able address. He spoke of the in- juries he had received in Mexico and characterized the war with that nation as just, and said that he would be glad to see the Star Spangled Banner float in triumph over every foot of Mexican soil.
After spending the afternoon in a pleasant manner, and taking by the hand the citizens of St. Joseph generally, the gallant old hero took his departure for St. Louis.
TEMPERANCE DISCUSSION.
November 19, 1847.
The following question "Are temperance associations on the total abstinence principle beneficial to the community ?" will be discussed at the court house next Thursday evening, at early candle light, by the following disputants :
AFFIRMATIVE -- Henry M. Vories, Wm. Bunting.
NEGATIVE-Dr. January, Jas. B. Gardenhire.
The citizens are very respectfully invited to attend.
Our town is now entirely clear of the small pox, the person afflicted having recovered and gone. As there is no danger now, we hope that persons who have been trading in our town will continue to do so, and not listen to the idle trash of a few interested persons who would glory in the downfall of St. Joseph.
There were 1,861 votes cast for Governor in Buchanan County in 1848. At the November election of that year, General Cass received 357 majority in the county over General Taylor.
THOMAS H. BENTON.
On the 9th day of August, 1849, Colonel Thomas H. Benton addressed the people of St. Joseph upon the history of the Platte Pur- chase, the Missouri Resolutions and the great Pacific Railroad. It was a memorable day in the history of Buchanan County. At an early hour, the streets of St. Joseph were thronged with her own citizens and the people from the county and other neighboring counties, who nad come to hear the great man speak. The place of meeting had been adver- tised to be the Presbyterian Church, but owing to the immense con-
436
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH.
course of citizens, not more than one-fourth of whom the church could accommodate, the meeting was held in a grove near the town. At the hour of two o'clock, P. M., Colonel Benton took the stand, where the crowd had already gathered, eager to hear the great expounder of Dem- ocratic principles. For three hours he was listened to by the vast assem- blage with the closest attention.
Every one present seemed to be on the tiptoe to hear and catch every word that fell from his lips. Although his auditors had to stand on their feet, jammed together, and the greater portion of them under the rays of a hot sun, shining directly upon their heads, yet there was no confusion, no changing of places, no talking and nothing to mar the feelings of the speaker, or to interrupt him in his masterly defense of the Constitution of the United States.
GENERAL DAVID R. ATCHISON.
On Monday, the 24th day of September following, General David R. Atchison addressed the people of St. Joseph on the subjects involved in Colonel Benton's speech of August 9th. He was treated with the utmost courtesy by the citizens, a large number of whom were present. Gen- eral Atchison was an anti-Benton man, and severely criticized the Col- onel's political career, and especially many of his votes upon important questions in the United States Senate, denouncing them as "Abolition votes."
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.