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This facsimile of the first edition of "A History of the Pioneer Families of Missouri" is repro- duced from a copy obtained from the original publisher.
The introduction and index pre- pared by W. W. Elwang and published by Lucas Brothers, Columbia, Missouri.
1935
««wjM«-.^..,ui..... *■ 'REBECCA HC^'-'** **S.ThomaS HOV***-*-- '
A HISTORY
OF THE
PIONEEE FAMILIES
OF
MISSOUEI,
WITH NUMEROUS SKETCHES, ANECDOTES, ADVENTURES,
ETC., RELATING TO
EARLY DAYS IN MISSOURI.
ALSO THE LIVES OF
DANIEL BOONE
AND THE CELEBRATED INDIAN CHIEF
BLACK HAWK,
WITH NUMEROUS BIOGRAPHIES AND HISTORIES OF PRIMITIVE INSTITUTIONS.
BY WM. S. BRYAJ^ AND ROBERT ROSE.
BRYAN, BRAND & CO., ST. LOUIS, MO., 1876.
B91
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1876, by
WILLIAM S. BRYAN, In the ofQce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
._ PLANOORAPHID BY
JOHN S. SWIFT CO.. INC.
•T. LOUIS-CHICAOO'NCW VOIIK-INOIANAf>Oklt
PREFACE.
This book has been written in the midst of tribulation. When the authors began their work, two years ago, they had no ade- quate idea of the magnitude of the task which lay before them ; but they know very well now. The histories of more than eight hundred pioneer families of the five counties embraced in this work are given, with the names of their children, and other mat- ters of interest. We have endeavored to have every name and incident correct, but of course there are some errors. There are many obstacles in the way of obtaining information of this kind^ members of the same family frequently giving entirely different accounts of important events in their history. Mr. Rose has personally visited one or more members of each family whose history is given, and from his notes thus obtained the histories have been written. Where differences occurred in the statements of different members of the same family, we have carefully com- pared them and endeavored to sift the facts from each ; and we feel confident that this book is as near correct as it is possible for any work of the kind to be.
The delay in issuing the book has been unavoidable ; first owing to the time spent in gathering the materials, and then to numer- ous unavoidable delays in the printing oflSce. But the matter is just as fresh and entertaining as though it had been issued a year ago.
We do not expect the reader to believe all the remarkable yams related under "Anecdotes and Adventures." Some of them were given to us merely as caricatures of early times, and they can easily be distinguished from the real adventures.
INDEX.
PART I.
LITE or DANIEL BOONE, ..... 1-54
PART II.
Early Days ix Missouri, . . , . 55-81
Religious Matters, ..... 81-88
Affairs of Government, Etc., . . . 89-1)1
The Indian War, ...... !)1-116
New Madrid Earthquakes, . . . . llG-118
Some of Our Antiquities, ..... 118-120
PART III.
HISTORIES OF FAMILIES.
St. Charles County, , . . . . . 121-126
Families of St. Charles County, . . . 120-203
Warren County, ..... 204-206
Families of Warren County, .... 206-227
Montgomery County, .... 228-237
Families of Montgomery County, . . . 237-300
Callaway County, . . . - . . 301
Families of Callaway County, . , . . 301-385
Audrain County, ... ... 386-389
Families of Audrain County, .... 389-414
PART IV.
BIOGRAPHIES AND SKETCHES.
Life of Bishop Marvin, . . . . 415-422
History of the Methodist Church, , . . 423-426
Colonel J. F. Jones, ..... 426-428
Adventures of Francis Skinner, . . . 428-435
Francis Duquette, . . . . . ■ 435-437
Academy of the Sacred Heart, ... . . 437-440
Church of St. Charles Borromeo, . . 440-442
Maj. George Baughman, the Montgomery Co. Hermit, 443-445
The Slicker War, . . . . . . . 445-449
The German Immigration, .... 450-454
The Town of Troy, Lincoln County, . . . 454-455
The Black Hawk War, . . . . 455-457
Life of Black Hawk, ..... 457-497
PART V.
AliTECDOTES AND ADVENTURES, . . . 498-628
BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION
AM AFRAID our dcmocracy is only skin deep," said a Federal judge from the bench not long ago as he sentenced a genealogical racketeer to a prolonged va- cation behind the walls of a penitentiary. The evidence in the case has disclosed the interesting fact that the American people were fairly clamoring for family trees, coats-of-arms, and other heraldic devices, and to obtain them had paid this crook over $100,000 for genealogies and armorial designs that were nothing more than the ingenious fancies of an embezzler's brain. He had for some time received between 300 and 400 letters a day in response to his seductive advertisements.
^ 3|C 3|C 3)C
Now, the motives underlying this widespread desire for a long and worthy ancestry are, of course, quite varied. Too often it is the result of sheer vanity. But it is also true that an honest and wholesome, even though somewhat prideful. wish to treasure up the lineage and achievements of forebears is the basic motive of many of those who covet the distinction of belonging to old even though not distinguished families. With sincerity to serve this class is certainly a worthy purpose. Hence the re-issue, in this de luxe edition, of "Pioneer Families of Missouri." Copies of the original and only edition in 1876 have become very, very scarce, and correspondingly quite expensive, thus piutting them entirely beyond the reach of most of those who might be inter- ested in their contents.
* * * *
"Pioneer Families of Missouri" is a unique and invaluable work of its kind. Although three of the five "parts" into which it is divided are comparatively of little interest and less historical value, being composed almost entirely of matter quite extraneous to genealogy, parts I and HI are a veritable treasure trove. This is true of Part I because it contains a "Life of Daniel Boone" with important authoritative genealogical and historical data about the Boone and Bryan families by an ardent admirer of the great frontiersman. But it is true pre-eminently of Part HI which, within the compass of less than 275 pages, contains the more or less complete genealogical histories of more than 800
(v)
VI INTRODUCTION
families, of the families which, in the five contiguous counties of St. Charles, Montgomery, Warren, Audrain, and Callaway, laid the foundations upon which Missouri, the mother-state of the Great West, was builded.
jjs * * * Until quite recently the writer's interest in genealogical lore was meager enough. A confirmed democrat and proletarian. I have held to the conviction that what a man does here and now is of more commanding importance than what his ancestors were and did in the distant past, perhaps as "robber barons" on land or "pirates bold" on the seven seas. I have never, therefore, made any attempt to trace even my own ancestry, but chiefly, perhaps, because I feared to stumble upon too many bars-sinister to explain if not to excuse rny own lack of achievement. How- ever, when I became associated some years ago with the Missouri Store Company, in Columbia. Missouri, as manager of its Fine and Rare Book Department, my attention was quickly attracted to an extensive and persistent demand from all over the country for books of genealogy and, in Missouri, my native state, es- pecially for copies of "Pioneer Families." And when in the routine of business I sought to supply the demands of patrons for this latter work, my surprise was great to learn that it was an almost impossible task to find a single copy. The book was a "rare" one indeed, and the price for the very few specimens that came out of hiding from time to time was quite high. My interest gradually increased and I began, almost sub-consciously, to speculate about the origin of this mysterious book, about its authors, where and when they were born, married, and when they had died, as well as about what else they might have done in the making of books or other things. When, at a later date, the plans for this reproduction of the book in facsimile began to take shape, it became imperative to translate this hitherto rather vague interest into verifiable biographical and historical data.
* * sH * Here again my astonishment was great. Like most of the copies of their book, the authors themselves seemed to have entirely disappeared from human ken. Those from whom in- formation was sought, such as old newspaper men, county and other historians, collectors of Missouriana, historical societies, knew nothing about these men. But gradually by means of dili- gent correspondence, for much of which I am deeply indebted to my good friend, Mr. Floyd C. Shoemaker, the able Secretary
INTRODUCTION VU
of the State Historical Society, slight clues were picked up here and there and pieced together, until finally we were led to Nevada, Missouri, there to find, to our great astonishment and greater gratification, Mr. William S. Bryan himself, one of the co-authors of "Pioneers" and its financial sponsor and publisher. He is in his 89th year, but hale and hearty and still deeply im- mersed in literary labors. Our problem was solved !
* * * *
Mr. Bryan says that Robert Rose was responsible for the germinal idea of "Pioneer Families," but adds that the idea ap- pealed to him also. Rose seems to have been a good-natured fellow with a roving disposition. He had a habit of riding about the countryside on horseback, with a pair of saddlebags as his only impedimenta, and subsisting mainly upon the generous hos- pitality of the people. During these perambulations he took great delight in quizzing as many persons as possible, partic- ularly the "old timers," about their early days in Missouri, their ancestry, and the customs and adventures of those rugged and often dangerous days. The gleanings from these more or less fortuitous interviews he jotted down briefly on scraps of paper, which he then thrust higgledy-piggledy into the saddlebags. When he had accumulated a large quantity of such notes the brilliant idea occurred to him to make a book of them. As Mr. Bryan jestingly puts it, "by some unfortunate accident he located" and laid the proposition before him. Mr. Bryan was favorably impressed and agreed to furnish the necessary funds ; while Rose continued his itineraries and supplied sufficient "copy" for a book, in the meanwhile cherishing a secret, but as it proved, a forlorn hope that the sale of the book would make both himself and his partner in the enterprise rich. The more or less inchoate matter which he collected and hoarded in the saddlebags was at intervals turned over to Mr. Bryan to be sifted, arranged, written up, and finally printed and published. The first and only edition numbered 500 copies, and fell still-born from the press. About 200 copies were bound and either sold at $2.50 per copy or given away ; the remaining sheets were disposed of as so much waste paper. But though the material reward for the two years of labor and expense which it took to bring out the book was nil, it is not too much to say that the result otherwise was monu- mental and invaluable. During 1874-1876 many "old timers," both men and women, were yet alive, fourscore years and ten and more of age, with vivid recollections of the days when forests
Viil INTRODUCTION
had to be cleared and crops planted and harvested almost under the guns of hostile Indians ; when log forts dotted the land, and towns were laid out in the uncharted wilderness. These old people passed away rapidly very soon afterward, and with their passing their personal experiences of the early days in Missouri would have been lost forever had not our roving Rose garnered them on scraps of paper in his saddlebags. If the task had not been undertaken precisely at that time, and in the homely manner in which it was done, the priceless data now preserved between the covers of "Pioneer Families" would never have been col- lected at all.
* * * *
Of Robert Rose's career before and after he "located" I\Ir. Bryan, very little is known. Mr. Hughes Pegram, of Mont- gomery County, the son of James Pegram, one of the settlers of that county who knew Rose, describes him as about six feet in height, slender, dark complexioned, with a short beard. For a few months after the publication of "Pioneers" he seems to have tried peddling it from door to door in the region which he had combed over for its contents. The result was heart-breakingly disap- pointing and he died soon afterward, probably in 1878, in dire poverty, at about sixty-two years of age. He lies buried some- where in Montgomery County. Could there be a more vivid illustration of what is sometimes spoken of as the irony of history, that so little can be said about the man whose unre- munerated job it was to rescue thousands of his fellows from oblivion? Happily, it is quite otherwise of Mr. Bryan, of whom a quite fairly complete genealogy and life-sketch can be set down here, the latter supplied in part by himself and the former secured from other sources.
* * * *
William Smith Bryan is a descendant of a notable family, the history of which, in America, goes back to 1615, when another William Smith Bryan landed on these shores from Ireland. It appears that he had aroused the hostility of the British govern- ment by a too ardent Irish patriotism and had been deported as a rebellious subject. At thfs time this Bryan was supposed to be the onlv living lineal descendant of Brian Borou, one of the half mythical Kings of the Emerald Isle. It is recorded that he had quite a number of children, eleven in fact, but the record of only one, Francis, has come down to us. He accompanied his father to America, and in due time himself became the father
INTRODUCTION IX
of two sons, Morgan and William S., who were born in Denmark, whither their father had fled after an unsuccessful return to Ireland to regain his hereditary title and estate. His son Mor- gan, by some turn of Fortune's wheel, became a standard bearer for William of Orange and was present at the battle of the Boyne. He came to Pennsylvania in 1695 and married Martha Strode, whom he had met on the ship which brought him over. Their children were Joseph, Samuel, James, John, Morgan, Eleanor, Mary, William, Thomas, and Sarah. James married Mary Austin of South-east Missouri and of the family after whom Austin, Texas, is named. Their son, Jonathan, settled on Femme Osage Creek in St. Charles County in 1800. His son Elijah married Lydia Anne McClenny and became the father of W. S. Bryan, co-author and principal sponsor of "Pioneer Families of Missouri."
* * 5fS *
William Smith Bryan was born on a farm near Augusta, in St. Charles County, on January 8, 1846. He was educated at home by two sisters, who were school teachers. Later he grad- uated from Stewart's Commercial College in St. Louis. On November 25, 1875, he married Nancy Mildred North. The fruits of this union were two daughters and a son. The latter, William S., was a lieutenant of infantry in the U. S. Army during the World War, and was recently decorated for valor.
In 1865, aged nineteen, Mr. W. S. Bryan, Sr., went to Council Grove, Kansas, and learned to set type in the printing office of his brother James, who was then editing and publishing a small weekly paper. The next year he returned to his native state and established the St. Charles Nezvs in company with Joseph H. and William A. Pereau, whose family had settled in Missouri during the Spanish regime. Having sold the Neivs in 1873 he became for a short time editor of and contributor to a literary publication in St. Joseph. During 1873-75 he was the editor and publisher of the Montgomery, Mo., Standard. In 1880 he established the Historical Publishing Company in St. Louis, with branches In Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, Toronto, Chicago, and other important cities. The panic of 1893-96 put an end to this enterprise, which previously had been markedly successful. In 1898 he edited the Mississippi Valley Democrat in St. Louis. In 1906 he was the editor of the "United States Encyclopedia" and an assistant editor of the "Encyclopedia Americana."
Mr. Bryan is the author, among other works, of "Footprints of the World's History" (1893), "America's War for Human-
X INTRODUCTION
ity" (1898), "Our Islands and Their People" (1900). He also completed eight of the volumes of Ridpath's "History of the United States," which were left unfinished when that author was overtaken by death. In like manner he completed the last three volumes of the same historian's "Universal History." He is now busily at work on a book to be called "Episodes in the Life of Daniel Boone," which he hopes to publish in the near future.
* * * *
As was said above, "Pioneer Families" is a unique book. It is one of the most remarkable genealogical feats ever at- tempted. Here, indeed, the reader's disappointment will be great if he looks for "scientific" pedigree or radial charts, or expects to find evidence of learned fussing over musty town, state, or national records. There is no evidence here that the "old family Bible," or funeral sermons and historical orations had been sought for far and near and carefully conned. There is no reference to "family crests." Here we have only what is so mod- estly stated in the brief preface, that "Mr. Rose has personally visited one or more of each family whose history is given, and from notes thus obtained the histories have been written." These are mostly just a plain A begat B and B begat C. That there was a conscientious effort to avoid errors is evident from the further assertion that "Where differences occurred in the state- ments of different members of the same family, we have care- fully compared them and endeavored to sift the facts from each ; and we feel confident that this book is as near correct as it is possible for any work of the kind to be."
Here, furthermore, is no comparatively simple effort to trace a single lineage backward to some distant ancestor. Here is rather the much more ambitious and stupendous task to secure through personal interviews with the people chiefly concerned a reliable, even though only a skeleton record of over 800 fam- ilies scattered over five counties which sprawled over an area of 2890 square miles of territory that was quite innocent of what are now considered to be traversable roads. But there can be no doubt that it was precisely this intimate intercourse through- out two or more years between Rose and the people in whom he was interested that finally gave such a human, often such a poignant human touch to these pages. The diverting anecdotes, the serious and humorous stories, the historical incidents and dramatic events that so often interrupt the otherwise dry gene- alogies, the hilarious illustrations, are most entertaining and in- structive features. They often fairly r^ek of the soil and are an
INTRODUCTION Xl
important contribution to the sometimes recklessly mendacious folklore of those strenuous times. The passing of them from mouth to ear around the logfires in winter or under the rustling trees in summer must often have relaxed the over-strained nerves of the pioneers.
* * * * The "histories" are limited to those families which settled in the above named five counties, which lie almost entirely north of the Missouri River. Contemporary settlements in Pike, Boone, Howard and Cooper counties are scarcely mentioned, and then only casually. The very important French immigration (the so- called Creoles, the Chouteaus, Gratiots, Cabannes, Papins, Pauls, etc.) into St. Louis and its immediate vicinity is only lightly touched upon. In his "Creoles of St. Louis" (1893) Paul Beck- with does these full justice. The equally important though much later German immigration is briefly sketched under a separate heading. The very early influx into South-east Missouri is entirely ignored. This latter omission is all the more strange because as early as 1793 a Dr. Jesse Bryan, who had been a sur- geon in the Continental Army, and a rather important member of the Bryan clan, settled in what is now Ste. Genevieve County, where he died in 1843. Furthermore, Mr. W. S. Bryan's grand- father James got his wife, Mary Austin, from that region. Lack of time and means no doubt sufficiently explain these omissions. To have tried to compass the entire State would have been a Herculean task indeed for our two amateur genealogists. Let us be grateful for what they actually accomplished. However, it is clear that the title of their book was somewhat too am- bitious. "Some Pioneer Families of Missouri" would have been better. "Some American Pioneer Families of Missouri" would have defined its content yet more correctly. But, mayhap, this is carrying criticism a bit too far.
^ *l* I* I*
To justify what was said above about the very early influx into south-east Missouri, we briefly indicate here a few of the fam- ilies which settled in that region:
Aubuchon, Antoine, and his wife Ellen N., were natives of Ste. Genevieve County. Their son Francis was born there in 1812. He married Teressa Coleman, who bore him six chil- dren. Of these, Ferdinand married Luella Brooks. They had six children. After his first wife's death he married Annabella Brannon. His brother Peter married Eliza A. Brickley. They
Xii INTRODUCTION
had eleven children. Adrian, another brother, married Paulina Rouggly.
Cissell, Joseph, and his wife Mary Ann Miles, came from Kentucky and settled in what is now Perry County in 1803. They had five children. Their son Vincent married Carolina French. Eight children were the fruits of this union. Lewis, the second son, married Sarah Mattingly, who bore him nine children. John V. married Melissa Brewer, and, after her death, Theresa Brewer. Loretta married Wilfred Brewer. Leo F. first married Katie Frazier, and, after her death, Louisa Brewer. Emanuel married Emma Mattingly. Ezekiel married Louisa Rankin. Kendrick married Alice Brewer. Jane F, married William Difani.
DeLassus, Ceran E. and his wife Elenore Beauvais were natives of Ste. Genevieve county. They had eleven children, of whom Ceran F., the oldest, married Mattie E. Walton. They had sev- eral children. Joseph L. married Josephine Stewart, who pre- sented him with five children. Joseph R. married Elizabeth J. Shelby.
Hagan, Aquilla, and his wife Mary Tucker, came from Ken- tucky to Perry County in 1797. They had nine children. Of these Rebeccah Ann married John Brewer, whose family settled in Perry County in 1818. The Brewers had eight children. After Rebeccah Ann's death her husband married Cecelia Layton. She bore him ten children. Gregory, Rebeccah Ann's son, married Sarah Riney. They had nine sons and four daughters.
Kenner, Francis, settled in Ste. Genevieve County from Ten- nessee in 1802. He married Elizabeth Pillars in 1804. She bore him sixteen children. Their son, Housand, married Ophelia Duvall. They had six children.
Moore, James, came to Perry County in 1790. His son James J. married Cecelia Manning, who bore him ten children. Of these, Basil married Emma Burgee, and had by her six sons and a daughter.
Obuchon, Francis, was born in Ste. Genevieve County in 1791. In 1816 he married a widow Pratte. After her death he married Judith Calliot, who bore him five children. Louis, their oldest son, married Lucinda Perry. They had eight children.
Rozier (Rosier?), Ferdinand, was born in France in 1777, and settled in Ste. Genevieve about 1810. He married Con- stance Roy, of Illinois, in 1795. They had ten children. Firmin A. married Mary M. Valle. Felix married Louise Valle. Charles
INTRODUCTION XIU
C. married Emily La Grave. Francis C. married Zee Valle. Their son Henry L. was married twice, first to Mary A. Janis, and then to Sallie M. Carlisle. The former bore him three sons, the latter, two daughters. The Valles were connected by mar- riage with the Chouteaus of St. Louis.
St. Gem, John Baptiste, a French-Canadian, settled at Kas- kaskia, Illinois, during the last half of the eighteenth century. John B. Jr., and Vital, his sons, were among the earliest settlers west of the Mississippi. John B. Jr.'s son Augustus, born in Ste. Genevieve in 1791, married Felicite Desile Le Clerc in 1821, and by her had ten children. Of these, Gustavus married Eliza- beth Skewes. They had three children.
Howard, Henry, settled in Cape Girardeau County in 1799. His son, Hamilton B., married Sarah Daughtery. Their son H. W. married Mary P. Shaver. After her death he married Rachel G. Horrell. They had three children.
Barks, Humteel, located in Cape Girardeau County in 1800. His son, Joseph, married Serena Parton. Their son Jonathon H. married Josephine Snider. After her death he married Narcissa Jones. George H., another son of Joseph, married Sarah New- kirk. After her death he married Mary A. ProfiFer.
Tucker, Peter, came to Perry County early in the nineteenth century. His son, Raymond, born in 1811, married Mary Mar- tina Cissell. Their son Nereus married Tresa Tucker.
Tucker, Josiah, was born in Perry County in the early years of the nineteenth century. He married Sarah Miles, by whom he had eleven children. Simeon L married Mary A. Cissell. They had five children. Leo P., another son of Josiah, married Elizabeth McBride.
Layton, Joseph, settled in Perry County in 1808. His son John B., married Elizabeth Hagan and by her had fifteen chil- dren. Three of his sons had forty-six children among them. Felix Layton married Melissa A. Layton. They had fifteen chil- dren.
Kinder, Adam, settled in Cape Girardeau County in 1800. His son, Joel, married Irene Thompson. After her death he married Sarena Thompson. By the former he had Levi J., who married Martha J. O'Neal. They had five children: Susan J., who married William J. Strong; Sarah E., who married John Hamilton ; William M. ; Mary, who married Daniel Lape ; Martha Ann, who married Jacob Thompson.
Beauvais, Joseph, and his wife Cecilia Obuchon, were natives
XIV INTRODUCTION
of St€. Genevieve County. His ancestors came from Canada to the western territory during the first half of the eighteenth cen- tury. They had two children, Eleanora and Peter. After the death of his first wife, Joseph married a widow DeLassus. By her he had two children, Matilda and Mary. His second wife having died, Joseph married a widow Struve. His son Peter, by his first wife, was born in 1815. He was twice married, first to Elizabeth Henderson, who left him three children. His second wife was Rachel Smith. Seven children blessed this union.
McCormick, Andrew, of Scotch-Irish descent, came to Amer- ica before the Revolution. In 1807 he settled in Washington County. His son, Joseph, married Jane Robinson. Of their six children, James R. married B. N. Nance, who bore him two children. Of these, Emmet C. was married twice. By his second wife, Susan E. Garner, he had one child, James E.
Oliver, Thomas, of Virginia, served in the Revolutionary war. His son, John, settled in Cape Girardeau County in 1819. He first married a Miss Cobb. After her death he married Margaret Sloan, and had four children: Louella, John F., R. B., and Henry C.
* * * *
Quite a number of what appear to be isolated individuals, both men and women, flit like ghosts across the pages of the "histories." Like Melchizedec, they have neither father nor mother. They stir the reader's curiosity. Whence came they? Whither did they go? The men folk of this transient company may have been restless, roving individuals who tarried here and there only long enough to "stake a claim" and to court and marry the women of their choice and then either moved still farther west into the unbroken wilderness, or returned to the eastward from whence they came. But that does not explain the transient women. Some of these came from Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia to be married to men to whom they had been previously engaged, and then moved on with their new husbands. Some of them, however, must have belonged to households on the ground but which were omitted from the "histories" because they had otherwise left no trace behind them. There were numerous families that "settled" just long enough to raise a crop or two, and then sought for pastures new, always hoping to do better somewhere else.
^ •I* *l* *P
But that there was no pressure of subsistence upon the popula- tion of those early days is abundantly demonstrated by the
INTRODUCTION
XV
enormous number of children per family frequently recorded in the "histories." Of the more than 800 families dealt with, in each of 244 there were more than ten children, or 3038 in all, which means roughly 12.05 oflfspring per family ! No birth con- trol then as now for, obviously, in the task of clearing the forests and sowing and reaping the crops, children were a highly de- sirable potential asset. But some of our pioneers seem to have been just a bit inclined to overdo the production of these assets, for no less than fifteen of the 244 families mentioned had among them a small army of 365 children, or twenty-four per family! One hardy and hearty pioneer had no less than twenty-nine sons and daughters by two wives, two in sequence, not at one time. Two each had twenty-eight by two wives. One had twenty-six by two wives. One had twenty-four by two wives. One had twenty-two by two wives. One had twenty-two by one wife. One had twenty-two by six wives. Two had twenty-one by two wives. One had twenty-one by three wives. One had twenty by one wife. One had twenty by two wives. One had twenty by three wives. Those were heroic days indeed!
* * * * Consider the names with which some of those children were burdened or adorned. Here is a list, picked at random:
|
Alcana |
Barsheba |
Ibby |
Original |
|
Aletha |
Behethler |
Icham |
Parthana |
|
Amazon |
Clemency |
Ithiel |
Penina |
|
Appalana |
Crescentia |
Kittura |
Pleasant |
|
Archa |
Delphi |
Mahala |
Rutia |
|
Arphaxad |
Devolia |
Martellus |
Sedreia |
|
Arsissa |
Ehilcinea |
Mecha |
Tocal |
|
Asap |
Eglantine |
Medora |
Torcai |
|
Assanith |
Emmarilla |
Mourning |
Urila |
|
Atha |
Erretta |
Ninian |
Usurdus |
|
Atossa |
Feminine |
Obedience |
Zarina |
|
Azal |
Fortunatus |
Orientha |
Zelpha |
And one poor girl whose surname was Money was baptized Cautious !
However, to do our pioneers full justice in this matter of nomenclature, it must be added that the great majority of the names which they gave their children were beautifully simple. They took them, for the most part, from the Bible, the book with which they were most familiar either from their own read- ing or because they heard it read and quoted by their missionary
xvi INTRODUCTION
preachers, often sons of the soil Uke themselves. A family roll call sometimes sounded like a roster of the Twelve Apostles. Every biblical name from Adam, through Melchizedec, to Zach- ariah (except Satan!) is repeatedly met with. Elizabeth, Mary, Rebeccah, and Sarah are in the majority for the girls, while John, James, Joseph, and Samuel predominate for the boys. Out- side of the Bible. Nancy and William are prime favorites.
* * * *
Just a glance at the illustrations in our volume. The two full- page plates on which are reproduced the likenesses of some of the more or less prominent pioneers, are lithographs made from old daguerreotypes and photographs which the indefatigable Rose collected during his peregrinations. The lithographing was done by Charles Juehne, a German, located at 414 Olive St., St. Louis. The picture of Daniel Boone was copied from Harding's portrait of the frontiersman. Mr. Bryan's father, who knew Boone well, used to say that it was a "speaking likeness" of the old hero, though a bit thinner than usual owing to the subject's illness just before the portrait was painted.
The crude woodcuts only too sparsely scattered here and there through the text, most of them so divertingly preposterous, were done by J. G. Harris & Co., also of St. Louis, and located at 416 North 2nd St. They are the artist's (?) quite original concep- tion of what is supposed to be related in the context which, by the way, he can not have conned very carefully. For example, on page 508 he depicts one Skilt's adventure with wild turkeys. Notice the enormous size of the two birds, which in the text are said to be "just going into the clouds," and then compare it with that of the woman standing on the ground. His idea of Linear Perspective seems to have been exactly the reverse of the ortho- dox theory ! Harris, the artist, claimed to be a pioneer himself and therefore quite familiar with the grotesque scenes which he reproduced. Comments Mr. Bryan to the writer: "I think he must have been" a pioneer, and "perhaps he was related to Dick- ens' famous Mrs. Harris in "Martin Chuzzlewit," the lady to whom Sarah Gamp appealed for confirmation of all her state- ments. And he adds: "I love them [the wood-cuts] so much that I dream about them at night."
*l* •!* I* •!*
Merely to keep the record straight, attention may be drawn to one or two historical statements that do not seem to be in accord with the facts. On page 55 it is said that "eighty-one
INTRODUCTION XVU
years ago there was not an American settlement west of Ken- tucky, and the Indians of Illinois, and all that vast territory lying to the north, west and south-west, were undisturbed in their hunting grounds." That is to say, of cqurse, that' this condition existed eighty-one years before the publication date of "Pioneer Families," which is 1876, therefore in 1795. But. as will be noted below, there were actual American settlers in what is now Mis- souri as early as 1787, and on the opposite side of the Mississippi, in Kaskaskia, one hundred Americans signed a contract, in 1787, with one Bartholomew Tardiveau, by which he engaged to be- come their lobbyist in Washington to obtain from Congress cer- tain grants of land.
On page 58 this statement occurs: "The first American settle- ments in the present limits of the State of Missouri were made in 1795, on Femme Osage creek, in what is now St. Charles County." But one John Dodge had settled in what is now Ste. Genevieve County as early as 1787, and Israel Dodge soon fol- lowed him. Israel's daughter Nancy, by the way, married John Sefton,. and their daughter Rebeccah married Auguste Rene Chouteau. John Moore came to what is now Perry County in 1790, and it is on record that a Baptist preacher ministered to the scattered Americans as early as 1794. It is a reasonable assumption that they had arrived there at least a year or two earlier. Dr. Jesse Bryan settled in Ste. Genevieve County in 1793.
* * * *
Finally, the reader's attention is called to the two very com- plete indexes that have been added to this edition of "Pioneer Families." They provide a long needed "open sesame" to the entire contents of the book, but more especially to the "histories of families." For the first time the seeker after the genealogical lore contained in these pages will be able, almost in a moment, to turn to practically every name that occurs in the "histories." It is needless to point out what an invaluable feature this is of the present edition. It transforms the work into a really serv- iceable handbook of early Missouri genealogical data.
W. W. Elwang. Columbia, Mo.
PAKT I.
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE.
One of the pioneers of Missouri, who is still living, in St. Charles county, in his 79th year, and who knew Daniel Boone intimately, as a youth knows an old man, thus describes his per- sonal appearance during the last nineteen years of his life :
"He was below the average height of men, being scarcely five feet eight inches, but was stout and heavy, and, until the last year or two of his life, inclined to corpulency. His eyes were deep blue, and very briUiant, and were always on the alert, passing quickly from object to object, a habit acquired, doubtless, during his hunting and Indian fighting experiences. His hair was gray, but had been originally light brown or flaxen, and was fine and soft. His movements were quick, active and lithe, his step soft and springy, like that of an Indian. He was nearly always hum- ming or whistUng some kind of a tune, in a low tone ; another habit of his lonely days in the woods. He was never boisterous or talkative, but always cool and collected, and, though he said but little, his words carried weight with them, and were respected and heeded by his hearers. I never saw him angry or disconcerted in the least, and his manners were so kind and gentle towards every one, that all who knew hirn loved him. During the last year or two of his life, he became feeble and emaciated, and could no more enjoy himself at his favorite pastime of hunting ; but his grand spirit never faltered or clouded, and, to the day of his death, he was the same serene, uncomplaining man he had always been. "
2 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOLKI
The historian Peck, who visited Boone in 1818, two j'ears be- fore his death, thus speaks of him :
" In boyhood I had read of Daniel Boone, the pioneer of Ken- tucky, the celebrated hunter and Indian-fighter ; and imagination had portrayed a rough, fierce-looking, uncouth specimen of hu- manitj', and, of course, at this period of life, a fretful and unat- tractive old man. But in every respect the reverse appeared. His high, bold forehead was slightly bald, and his silvered locks were combed smooth ; his countenance was ruddy and fair, and exhibited the simplicity of a child. His voice was soft and me- lodious. A smile frequently played over his features in conversa- tion. At repeated interviews, an irritable expression was never heard. His clothing was the coarse, plain manufacture of the family ; but everything about him denoted that kind of comfort, which was congenial to his habits and feelings, and evinced a happ}- old age.
" Eve rj- member of the household appeared to delight in ad- ministering to his comforts. He was sociable, communicative in replying to questions, but not in introducing incidents of his own history. He was intelligent, for he had treasured up the experi- ences and observations of more than fourscore years. • • • • The impression on the mind of the writer, before a personal acquaintance, that he was moody, unsocial, and desired to shun society and civilization, was entirely removed. He was the archetype of the better class Of western pioneers, benevolent, kind-hearted, liberal, and a true philanthropist. That he was I'igidly honest, aiKl one of nature's noblemen, need not be here said. It is seen in his whole life. He abhorred a mean action, and delighted in honesty and truth. • • • • He was strictly moral, temperate, and chaste."
Th^ portrait which we give as a frontispiece, is from a photograph of the painting made by Mr. Chester Harding, the distinguished artist of Boston, who came to Missouri in 1820, ■at the request of Revs. James E. Welch and John M. Peck, ex- pressly to paint the picture. Boone, at that time, was at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. Flanders Callaway, near the village of Marthasville, in Warren county. He was at first very much opposed to having his portrait paintea, being governed by feel- ings of modesty and a strong dislike to anything approaching display or public attention ; but he was finally prevailed upon by friends and relatives to sit for his picture. He was quite, feeble
LIFE OF DANIEL BOOXE 6
at the time, and was supported in his chair by Rev. Mr. Welch. He wore his buckskin hunting shirt, trimmed with otter's fur, and the knife that is seen in his belt, is the same that he carried with iiim from North Carolina on his first expedition to Kentucky.
This picture is pronounced by persons who knew Boone in- timately, to be a perfect likeness, and the following certiftcdte from Rev. James E. Welch, who is still living, at Wai-rensburg, Bio., may be of interest in this connection :
"I, James E. Welch, of Warrensburg, Johnson Co., Mo., here- by certify that I believe this portrait to be a correct cop}- of Hard- ing's picture of Col. Daniel Boone, which was painted in the summer of 1820. I stood b}^ and held the Colonel's head while the artist was painting it, and my impressions at the time were, that it was an excellent likeness of the old pioneer, which I believe was the onl}- picture ever taken of Col. Boone.
"Given under my hand, Mav 16, 1876.
"James E. Welch."
Daniel Boone was born in Bucks county, Penns3'lvania, October 22, 1734. His grandfather, George Boone, was a native of Eng- land, and resided at Brandwich, about eight miles from Exeter. In 1717 he emigrated to America, with his familj-, consisting of his wife and eleven children, two daughters and nine sons. Soon after his arrival in America he purchased a large tract of land in what is now Bucks county, Pennsylvania, settled upon it, and named it Exeter, after his native town. The township still bears that name.
The names of only three of the eleven children have come down to the present time, John, James, and Squire. The latter was the father of Daniel Boone. He had seven sons and four dau^h- ters, whose names are here given in the order of their births, from information furnished by the late Daniel Bryan, the celebrated gunsmith of Kentucky, who was a nephew of Daniel Boone : Israel, Sarah, Samuel, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Daxiel, Mary, (mother of Daniel Bryan), George, Edward, Squire, Jr., and Hannah. The maiden name of the mother of these children was Sarah Morgan.
When Daniel was a small boy, his father removed to Berks county, not far from Reading, which was then a frontier settle- ment, exposed to assaults from the Indians and abounding with game. Panthers, wild-cats, and other dangerous wild animals were numerous, and young Daniel, at a very early age, began to exhibit both skill and courage in hunting them.
4: PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
One day, while out hunting, in company with several other boys, a loud cry was heard ringing through the woods. They all knew too well that the sound proceeded from the throat of a fero- cious panther, and all except Boone fled in terror. He bravely stood his ground, and shot the panther dead just as it was in the act of springing upon him.
'This and other similar incidents soon gave him an enviable local reputation, which was a forerunner of his national celebrity at a later period.
Boone's school days were short, and his education, so far as book knowledge was concerned, imperfect. The school houses of that period (a few specimens of which are still to be seen in some of our frontier settlements) were built of rough, unhewn logs, notched together at the corners, and the spaces between them filled with mud and sticks. A large chimney, built of sticks and plastered with mud, supported at the back and sides, where the fire burned, with a wall of stones, stood at one end; a hole cut in the side, and closed with a frame of puncheons, or often with nothing more than a blanket or the skin of some wild animal, constituted the door, while a window was made on the opposite side by removing a log and covering the aperture with a pun- cheon, fastened to the log above "with hinges of raw hide, which admitted of its being raised or lowered as the weather and light permitted. No glass was used, as it could not be had. The earth formed the floor — rough clapboards, fastened with .wooden pins, or weighted down with poles and stones, the roof, and the seats were made by splitting saplings in the middle and setting them, with the flat side upward, on four pins for legs, two at each end. The only writing desk was an inclined puncheon, supported-on wooden pins that were driven into the logs.
It was in such a school house as this, surrounded by a dense forest that furnished fuel for the fire, and near a spring of spark- ling water that provided draughts for the thirsty, that Boone re- ceived his education, which embraced only a few easy lessons in spelling, reading, arithmetic and writing.
His school days came to a sudden and rather violent end. The teacher, a dissipated Irishman, kept his bottle of whisky hid ia a thicket near the school house, and visited it frequently dur- ing the day for refreshment and consolation. The boys "no- ticed that after these visits he was always crosser and used the rod more freely than at other times, but they did not suspect the
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 5
cause. One day, young Boone, while chasing a squirrel, came accidentally upon the teacher's bottle, and at the first opportunity informed his playmates of his discovery. They decided, upon consultation, to mix an emetic with the liquor, and await the re- sult. The emetic was procured that night, and promptly placed in the bottle next morning. A short time after school opened, the teacher retired for a few minutes, and when he came back he Avas very sick and very much out of humor. Daniel Boone was called up to recite his lesson in arithmetic, and upon his making a slight
DANIEL BOONE WHIPS THE SCHOOL MASTER.
mistake, the teacher began to flog him. The boy, smarting with pain, made known the secret of the whisky bottle, which so en- raged the school master that he laid on harder and faster than ever. Young Boone, being stout and athletic for his age, grap- pled with the teacher ; the children shouted and roared, and the scuffle continued until Boone knocked his antao^onist down on the floor, and fled out of the room.
Of course the story spread rapidly over the neighborhood, and the teacher was dismissed in disgrace. Daniel was rebuked by his parents ; and so ended his school days.
When Daniel was about eighteen years of age, his father moved
b PIONEER FAJIILIES OF MISSOURI
his family to North Carolina, and settled on the Yadkin river, in the north-western part of the State, about eight miles from Wilkesboro. Here game was abundant, and the young hunter spent much of his time in the pursuit of his favorite amusement.
He was often accompanied on his hunting expeditions by one or more of the sons of Mr. William Bryan, a well-to-do farmer, who lived near his father's, who was blessed with a number of stalwart sons and blooming daughters. Their association and mutual love of hunting soon begot a strong friendship, which last- ed through life ; and, being strengthened and cemented by inter- marriage and continued association, was transmitted through their children to future generations, and the two families are still closely allied by ties of blood and friendship.
But it was not fai'mer Bryan's sons, alone, that drew Daniel Boone so often to the house. There were other attractions there in the bright eyes of a daughter named Rebecca, and it soon be- came whispered about that Daniel was courting her. These whis- perings were at length confirmed by the announcement of the approaching wedding, which came off in due time, and was cele- brated in the most approved style of the times.
Rebecca Bryan was a very attractive, if not really a handsome young woman, and the love which she inspii^ed in the breast of young Boone never cooled or abated- during their long and event- ful married life. Each was devoted to the other, and the dangers and hardships through which they passed cemented their love and drew them more closely together. She was in every respect a fit companion and helpmeet for the daring pioneer.
Nine children resulted from this marriage, viz. : James, Israel,. Susanna, Jemima, Lavinia, Daniel M., Rebecca, Jesse, and Nathan.
James, the eldest son, was killed by the Indians, in his 16th year, while his father was making his first attempt to move his^ family from North Carolina to Kentucky. The particulars of this sad event will be given elsewhere.
Israel was killed at the battle of Blue Licks, in Kentucky, August 19, 1782, in his 24th year.
Susanna married William Hayes, an Irishman, and a weaver by trade. They lived in St. Charles county. Mo., and she died in? her 40th year.
Jemima married Flanders Callaway, and lived in what is now Warren county. Mo. She died in 1829, in her (wth year. While
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 7
the family were living in the fort at Boonesborough, Ky., she and two 3'oung fi'iends, Betty and Frances Callaway, daughters of Col. Richard Callaway, were captured by the Indians wliile gath- ering wild flowers on the opposite bank of the Kentucky river, which they had crossed in a canoe. They were pursued by Boone and Callaway and six other men, and recaptured the following day.
Lavinia married Joseph Scholl, and lived in Kentuck}'. She died in her 36th year.
Daniel M. married a jMiss Lewis, of Missouri, and died July 13, 1839, in his 72d year. He settled in Darst Bottom, St. Charles county, in 1797, but moved to Montgomery county in 1816. He held several important positions under the government, and during the Indian war was appointed Colonel of the militia. He made most of the early government surveys in the present counties of St. Charles, Warren, Moutgomeiy, and Lincoln. At the time of his death he was living in Jackson county. In person- al appearance he resembled his father more than any of the other children. He was below the medium height, and stoutly built had light hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, and his voice was like a woman's.
Rebecca, the youngest of the four daughters, married Phillip Goe, and lived and died in Kentucky.
Jesse married Cloe Vanbibber, and settled in 3Iissouri in 1819. He had received a good education, and became a prominent and influential man before his death, which occurred in 1821, at St. Louis, while serving as a member of the first Missouri Legisla- ture. His children were, Alonzo, Albert G., James M., Van D., Harriet, Minerva, Pantha, and Emily.
Nathan Boone, the youngest child of Daniel Boone, came to Missouri in 1800. He married Olive Vanbibber, a sister of Jesse Boone's wife, and they had thirteen children, viz : James, How- ard, John, Delinda, Malinda, Mary, Susan, Xancy, Jemima, La- vinia, Olive, Melcina, and Mahaley. Nathan Boone was also a surveyor, and made a number of government sur\'eys. At the commencement of the Indian war of 1812-1815 he raised a com- pany of rangers, and received his commission as Cai)tain from President Madison in March, 1812. In August, 1833, he was commissioned Captain of dragoons by President Jackson, and during President Polk's administration he was promoted to JIajor of dragoons. In 1850 he was again promoted, and received his
8 PIOXEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
commission as Lieutenant-Colonel of dragoons from President Fillmore. He died October 16, 1856, in his 76th year; and his wife died November 12, 1858, in her 75th year.
Nathan and Jesse Boone were tall, square-shouldered, power- fully built men, with light hair and blue eyes, like their father.
For several years after his marriage, Boone followed the occu- pation of a farmer, going on an occasional hunt, when the loss of time would not interfere with the proper cultivation of his crops.
But as the population increased, his neighborhood began to fill up with a class of citizens who possessed considerable means, and were somewhat aristocratic in their habits, which, of course, did not suit Boone and his plain backwoods associates, who longed for the wild, free life of the frontier. Several companies were, at different times, organized and penetrated the wilderness along the head waters of the Tennessee river, in quest of game, and, finally, in 1764, Boone and a small party of hunters proceeded as far as Kock Castle, a branch of the Cumberland river, and within the present boundaries of Kentucky. This expedition was undertaken at the solicitation of a companj^ of land speculators, who employed Boone to ascertain and report concerning the country in that quarter. He was highly pleased with the country, climate, abun- dance of game, etc., but owing to his duties at home, he did not make another expedition to Kentucky until 1769.
In 1767 a hunter named John Finley, accompanied by two or three companions, proceeded as far as the Kentucky river, and spent a season in hunting and trading with the roving bands of Indians. To them the country seemed almost a paradise, and upon their return to North Carolina they gave such a glowing description of it that Boone and several of his neighbors decided to go on an excursion there ; but several months elapsed before their arrangements could be completed.
A party of six was formed, and Boone chosen their leadei-. His companions were John Finley, John Stewart, Joseph Holden, James Moncey, and "William Cool. They set out on their perilous journey May 1, 1769, and by the 17th of June they were in the heart of the Kentucky wilderness. They carried nothing with them except their rifles, tomahawks, knives and ammunition. They slept in the woods, without covering, and depended for food upon the game they killed each day. Their dress consisted of a loose, open frock, made of dressed deer skin, and called a hunting shirt ; leg- gins, made of the same material, covered their lower extremities,
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 9
to which was appended a pair of moccasins for the feet. A cap, made of beaver or raccoon skin, covered their heads, and the capes of tlieir hunting shii'ts and seams of their leggins were ornamented with leather fringe. Tlieir under-clothing, when they wore any, was made of coarse cotton.
Such a suit as this would stand almost any amount of wear and tear, and it was what the}- needed in climbing the rocky moun- tains and forcing their way through the dense thickets of under- growth and briars that lay in their course. No thorn or briar could penetrate the heavy deer skin, and they could tread upon the most venomous serpent with impunity, as its fangs could not reach their flesh.
Vast herds of buffalo roamed over the prairies and through the wilderness of Kentucky, at that time, and Boone and his com- panions spent the summer in hunting them, and examining the country. It is generally supposed that the scene of their sum- mer's operations lay in what is now Morgan county, on the waters of Red river, a branch of the Kentucky.
And here we must correct an error that has existed since the earliest settlement of Kentucky, in regard to the meaning of the name. Kain-tuck-ee is a Shawnee word, and signifies, "at the head of the river." The repeated statement that it meant "dark and bloody ground," is a fiction.
The habits of the buffalo are peculiar. In moving from one place to another they travel in vast herds, and always go in a stampede. The cows and calves, and old and decrepid ones are placed in front, while the stout and active ones bring up the rear. Nothing will stop or turn them, and woe to any that stumble and fall, for they are immediately trampled to death by those behind. "When a ravine, creek, or river comes in their way, they plunge in and swim across, the weak and timid ones being forced in by the strong. If any living thing gets in their way, death is the inevitable result.
On two occasions Boone and his companions came near being trampled to death in this way, and nothing but their presence of mind saved them. One time they sprang beh'nd trees, and as the buffaloes passed on either side, they coolly punched them with the breeches of their guns, and laughed to see them jump and bellow. The next time, however, they were in the open prairie, with no trees to protect them. Death seemed unavoidable, for the herd was so large that it extended a mile or moio on either side,
10 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
and the speed of the fleetest horse could not have carried them out of danger. To run, therefoi-e, was useless, and nothing ap- parently remained but to stand and meet their fate, terrible as it might be. Several of the party were unnerved by fright, and be- gan to bewail their fate in the incoherent language of terror. But Boone remained perfectly cool. "Now, boys," said he, "don't make fools of yourselves, for I will bring 3'ou out of this scrape yet. ' ' As the herd approached, he carefully examined the flint and priming of his gun, to see that all was right. By this time the buffaloes were within thirty yai'ds of him, when coolly raising his rifle to his shoulder, he glanced along the bright barrel, touched the trigger, and the sharp report rang out above the roar of the rushing bisons. A large bull in the front rank, plunged forward, and fell, mortally wounded and bellowing, at their very feet. As the herd came on they would snort and spring around their wounded companion, and thus a lane was opened through their ranks, and the hunters were saved.
In December they divided into two parties, for the greater con- venience of hunting, and that their observations might be extended over a lai-ger area of country. Boone and Stewart formed one party, and on the twent3'-seeond of December they were on the banks of the main Kentucky river. In the evening of that day, as they were descending a small hill near the river, a party of In- dians rushed out of a thick cane-brake, and made them prisoners. They offered no resistance, for they knew it would be useless, the odds being so great against them, but quietly handing their guns and accouterffients to their captors, they signified their willingness to obey whatever commands might be given to them. In fact, for the purpose of deceiving the Indians and throwing them off their guard, they pretended to be well pleased with their new as- sociates, and went along with them as cheerfully as if they were all out on a hunting expedition together.
So completely were the Indians deceived that they kept very little guard over their prisoners, but suffered them to do pretty much as they pleased, and treated tliem with marked hospitality. At night they all lay down and went to sleep, seeming to feel no apprehension that the white men might try to escape.
Thus the time passed until the seventh night, when Boone, hav- ing matured his plans, decided to make an attempt to escape. Great caution was necessary, lest the savages should awake and. discover them. Any attempt to run away, where kindness and
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 11
hospitality have been shown to a captive, is a mortal offense to an Indian, and can only be atoned for by the death of the offender.
Late at night, when the Indians were in their deepest slumbers, Boone gently awakened Stewart, and by signs and whispers made known his purpose. Securing their guns, knives, etc., the two hunters quietly stole away, and successfully made their escape.
They took their course as near as possible in the direction of their old hunting camp, and traveled all the balance of that night and the next day. But when they reached it they found it de- serted and plundered. No trace of their friends could be found. Boone and Stewart supposed they had become disheartened and returned to North Carolina, but in this they were mistaken ; and from that day to this no clue to the fate of the balance of the party has ever been discovered. The most probable conclusion is, that they were killed by the Indians, and their remains devoured by wild animals.
Boone and his companion continued their hunting, but with more caution, for their ammunition had begun to fail, and their late experience led them to be more vigilant in guarding against surprise by the Indians.
One day, early in January, 1770, while hunting in the woods, they discovered two men at some distance from them, and being in doubt as to whether they were white men or Indians, Boone and his companion grasped their rifles and sprang behind trees. The strangers discovered them at the same time, and began to ad- vance and make signs that they were friends. But this did not satisfy Boone, who very well knew that the Indians often resorted to such tricks to deceive their enemies and throw them off their guard. So he gave the challenge, "Halloe, strangers! who are you?" The answer came back, "White men, and friends."
Imagine Boone's surprise and delight upon discovering in one- of the strangers his brother. Squire Boone, who, in company with another adventurer, had come from North Carolina in search of his long absent brother, bringing news from his family, and fresh supplies of powder and lead. They had traced the white hunters by their camp fires and other signs, and only an hour before the meeting, had stumbled upon their camping place of the previous night.
This happy meeting infused new life and spirit into the entire party, and they continued their hunting with renewed energy and zeal.
12 I'lOXEER FAMILIES OK SIISSOURI
But only a few days elapsed before a sad misfortune befel them. Daniel Boone and Stewart while hunting in company, at some distance from their camp, were again attacked by a part}' of Indians. Stewart was shot and scalped, but Boone made his escape. Still another misfortue befel them shortly after this. The man who had come with Squire Boone from North Carolina, went into the woods one morning, and did not return. The two brothers supposed he was lost, but after several days of diligent search, they gave him up, supposing he had taken that method to desert them and make his way back to the settlements. But he ■was never seen alive again. Long afterward, a decayed skeleton and some fragments of clothing were discovered near a swamp, and these were supposed to be his remains. The manner of his death was never known, and by some unaccountable oversight his name was never made public.
The brothers were now entirely alone, but thej' were not de- spondent or indolent. They continued their hunting during the day, and sang and talked by their fires at night. The}' built a rough cabin to protect themselves from the weather, and, though surrounded by dangers on all sides, thej' were contented and happy.
As spring approached, their ammunition began to fail, and it was decided that Squire Boone should return to North Car- olina for fresh supplies.
On the 1st of May the brothers shook hands and separated. Squire took up the line of march for the settlements on the Yadkin river, more than five hundred miles distant, leaving Dan- iel alone in the wilderness.
For several days after the departure of his brother, he was op- pressed by a feeling of loneliness, and his philosophy and fortitude were put to a severe test. In order to relieve himself from this feeling, and to gain a. more extended knowledge of the countrj^ he made long tours of observation to the south-west, and explored the country along the waters of Salt and Green rivers.
The time for his brother's return having arrived, he retraced his steps to their old camp, and upon his arrival there discovered, by unmistakable signs, that it had been visited by Indians. His absence, therefore, had doubtless saved him fi'om capture, and perhaps death.
On the 27th of July his brother returned, and a joyful meeting ensued. He rode one horse, and led another heavily ladened with
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 13
the necessaries required. His brother's family he reported to be in good health and comfortable circumstances, which afforded great consolation and relief to the long absent husband.
Convinged that the portion of country they were now in was in- fested by bands of Indians, and that the horses would most like- ly excite their cupidity and lead to their capture, they decided to change their location. Acting upon this decision, they left their old camping ground, and proceeded to the country lying between Cumberland and Green rivers, which they thoroughly ex- plored. They found the surface broken and uneven, abounding in what are called sink holes, or round depressions in the earth, which are not unusual in cavernous limestone regions ; the timber was scattering and stunted ; the soil seemed thin and poor, and they soon became dissatisfied with that portion of the country.
In March, 1771, they returned by a north-eastern direction, to the Kentucky river, where the soil appeared more fertile, and the country more heavily timbered ; and here they resolved to fix the site of their projected settlement.
Having now completed their observations, they packed up as much peltry as their horses could carry, and departed for their homes on the Yadkin river, determined, as soon as possible, to return with their families and settle permanently in Kentucky.
It was a joyful meeting that took place between Daniel Boone and his family, for he had been absent two years, during which time he had seen no other human being except his travelling com- panions and the Indians who had taken him prisoner, and had tasted neither bread nor salt. And of the party of six who left the Yadkin two 3'ears before, he alone lived to return. Any one less enamored of frontier life, would have been disheartened at these trials, and satisfied to spend the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of a quiet domestic home. But he seemed to regard himself, during his entire life, as an instrument in the hands of Providence for opening and settling up the western wil- derness, and acted as much from a sense of duty as a love of adventure.
Notwithstanding Boone's anxiety to remove his family to the hunting grounds of Kentucky, more than two years elapsed be- fore he had completed his arrangements for so doing. He had no trouble in persuading his wife and family to accompany him, for they were willing and anxious to follow wherever he would lead. They had seen enough of frontier life to know its dangers,
14 PIOKEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
and realize the discomforts and inconveniences they would have to endure ; but these did not deter them, for the pioneer women of those days were as daring and self-sacrificing in their sphere as their husbands, sons and brothers. Moreover, they had bright dreams of vast plantations and future wealth for their children and descendants in the midst of the rich forests of Kentucky, where land could then be had for the occupation ; and these visions no doubt had their influence in nerving them to meet the perils of a pioneer life.
On the 25th of September, 1773, Daniel and Squire Boone, with their families, bade farewell to their friends on the Yadkin, and set out on their march for the distant land of Kentucky. A drove of pack-horses carried their provisions, clothing, bedding, ammunition, etc., and a number of milk cows, driven b}- the 3'oung men, supplied nourishment for the children.
At Powell's Valley, througii which their route lay, they received an accession to their party of five families and forty well armed men. This valuable reinforcement gave them new courage, and the}' proceeded on their way with lighter hearts and increased confidence. But they soon met with a misfortune that changed the whole aspect of affairs, and caused the expedition to be aban- doned for the time being.
Their route led them over Powell's, Wallen's, and Cumberland mountains, it having been marked out by the brothers on their return from their previous expedition. In the latter range, near the junction of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, there is a singular opening, now called "Cumberland Gap," and it was through this the party intended to pass. As they were approach- ing it, seven of the yoang men, who had charge of the cattle, and who had fallen some five or six miles in the rear of the main body, were suddenly and furiously attacked b}' a party of In- dians. Six were killed on tlie spot. The seventh, though vm- armed, made his escape, and the cattle were dispersed in the woods. Among the slain was James Boone, the eldest son of Daniel, who, in the opening promise of manhood, thus fell a victim to savage ferocity.
The rest of the party heard the firing, and hastily returned to the scene of the massacre, but too late to save their friends. The Indians were driven off, and the dead buried, in the midst of the lamentations and tears of their friends and relatives.
The emigrants were so disheartened and terrified by this ca-
I.IFK OF DANIEL BOON'E 15
lamity, that a retreat was resolved upon ; and they returned to the settlements on Clinch river, in the south-western part of Vir- ginia, forty miles from the scene of the massacre.
Here Boone remained until June, 1774, when a messenger from Governor Dunmore arrived in the settlement, with a request from hiin that Daniel -Boone would go immmediately into the wilder- ness of Kentucky and conduct from thence a party of surveyors, who were believed to be in great danger from the Indians. Boone was now in his fortieth year, with finely developed physical powers, and a mind well trained for the work that lay before him. He set out immediately, in company with another pioneer named Michael Stoner, and in sixty-two days they had performed the journey, accomplished their object, and returned home, having traveled in that time, eight hundred miles, on foot.
Among the partj- of surveyors which Boone and his compan- ion had thus rescued, were Thomas Bullet, Hancock Taylor, James Harrod, and James, Robert, and George McAfee, several of whom afterward settled in Kentucky, and established f^imilies that are still in existence in that State.
During Boone's absence in Kentucky, several tribes of Indians, whose country lay to the north-west of the Ohio river, commenc- ed open hostilities against the white settlers, and upon his return he was appointed to the command of three contiguous garrisons on the frontier, with the commission of captain. Several skir- mishes ensued at diffei-ent times, and the campaign finally ended with the battle of Point Pleasant, at the junction of the Great Kenhawa and Ohi6 rivers, in which the Indians were routed and dispersed, although their numbers greatlj- exceeded those of their opponents. The white troops consisted of eleven hundred men, in three regiments, commanded by General Andi-ew Lewis. The Indians were commanded by the celebrated chief Cornstalk, who led them with great courage and sagacity.
At the close of hostiUties, Boone returned to his family-, and spent the following winter in hunting.
Early in 1775, he was emplo3'ed bj' a companj' of land specula- tors, called the Transylvania Company, who had purchased large bodies of land in Kentucky, from the Indians, to explore the country and open a road from the settlements on the Holston to the Kentucky river. He was supplied with a company of well armed men, and proceeded at once to the task assigned him, which he found to be a very difficult one. Hills, mountains, and
16 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
rivers had to be crossed, thick cane-brakes and dense forests penetrated, and all in the face of a vigilant, wily, and treacher- ous Indian foe. On the 22d of March, 1775, when they had ar- rived within fifteen miles of the future site of Boonesborough, they were fired upon by the Indians, and two of the party were killed and two wounded. Three days afterward they were again fired upon, and two more men were killed and three wounded.
The following letter from Boone to Col. Richard Henderson, president of the land company by which he was employed, ex- plains these two afl"airs in his own language :
"April 1st, 1775. " Dear Colonel,
" After my compliments to you, I shall acquaint you with our misfortune. On March the 25th, a party of Indians fired on my company about half an hour before day, and killed Mr. Twit- ty and his negro, and wounded Mr. Walker very deeply, but I hope he will recover.
" On March the 28th, as we were hunting for provisions, we found Samuel Tate's son, who gave us an account that the Indians fired on their" camp on the 27th day. My brother and I went down and found two men killed and scalped, Thomas McDowell and Jeremiah McPeters. I have sent a man down to all the lower companies in order to gather them all to the mouth of Otter Creek. My advice to you. Sir, is, to come or send as soon as possible. Your company is desired greatly, for the people are very uneasy, but are willing to stay and venture their lives with you ; and now is the time to flusterate their (the Indians') intentions, and keep the country, whilst we are in it. If we give way to them now, it will ever be the case. This day we start from the battle ground, for the mouth of Otter Creek, where we shall immediately erect a fort, which will be done before you can come or send ; then we can send ten men to meet you, if you send for them.
" I am, Sir, your most obedient
"Daniel Boone.
" N. B. We stood on the ground and guarded our baggage till day, and lost nothing. We have about fifteen miles to Can- tuck, at Otter Creek. "
Boone having selected a site on the banks of the Kentucky riv- er, they began, on the Ist day of April, to erect a stockade fort, which was called Boonesborough. This was the first permanent settlement of whites within the limits of Kentucky.
During the building of the fort they were constantly hartassed by the Indians, who seemed stung to madness at the idea that white people should presume to erect houses on their hunting
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 17
grounds. But they could not prevent the work from progressing, and by the middle of June the fort was so far completed as to afford protection against their assaults.
This fort was built in the form of a parallelogram, about two hundred feet long, and one hundred and seventy-five broad. At the four corners there were projecting block-houses, built of hewn logs, fitted close together, and well supplied with port holes for rifles. The spaces immediately adjoining these block-houses were filled with stockades for a short distance, and the remaining spaces on the four sides, except tile gateways, were filled with rough log cabins, built close together, and likewise supplied with port holes for rifles. The two gates were placed on opposite sides, and were constructed of puncheons or split slabs, strongly barred together, and hung with heavy wooden hinges. The plan of this fort was followed in the construction of all the others that were subse^ quently erected, both in Kentucky and Missouri.
The fort having been completed, Boone left his men to guard it and prepare ground for a crop of corn and vegetables, while he returned to Clinch river for his family.
Nothing of importance occurred during this trip, or the return to Boonesborough, which they reached in safety. Mrs. Boone and her daughters were the first white women that ever stood on the banks of the Kentucky river, which are now in the midst of the blue-grass region, so famous for its beautiful and accomplish- ed women.
Shortly after the arrival of Boone and his family, three other" families joined them, viz : McGary, Ilogan, and Denton. These were soon joined by others, and the little settlement began to assume a flourishing aspect.
In the summer of 1775 other stations and settlements were es- tablished in the new territory ; and the strength and confidence of the whites increased daily. Harrod's and Bryan's Stations, and Logan's Fort were built about this time. Bryan's Station was besieged by the Indians several times, and a number of fights oc- curred at and near it ; so that it became one of the principal points among the white settlements. The city of Lexington was also established during the summer of 177.5. A party of hunters wliile encamped on the site of the future town, were joined by an emigrant, who brought news of the opening events of the revolu- tion, and the battle of Lexington. PlKcited by their patriotic
18 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
feelings, the hunters immediately decided to name their encamp- ment Lexington, in honor of the first battle for freedom.
The spring of 177(3 opened auspiciously for the new settlers. The Indians, though by no means friendly, made no direct at- tacks upon them, and being comparatively unmolested, they pro- ceeded to clear away the brush and ' ' deaden ' ' the timber around their stations and forts, preparatory to planting the summer's crops. In the mean time their food consisted of the game the}'' killed in the woods, and such supplies as they had brought with them from the older settlements.
Thus the time passed quietly away until the 14th day of July, 1776, when the whole country was thrown into a state of excite- ment and anxiety by the capture of Jemima Boone and Betsy and Frances Callaway, daughters of Col. Eichard Callaway, who had moved to Kentucky early that spring. Tlie girls were about fourteen years of age, were devoted friends, and spent most of their time together. On the evening of their capture they were amusing themselves by rowing along the river in -a canoe, which they handled with great dexterity. Anticipating no danger, and, being governed bj' the desire that possesses all human beings, to know what lies beyond tliem, they crossed over to the opposite shore. Here the attention of the girls was caught by a cluster of •wild flowers, and desiring to possess them, they turned the prow of the canoe toward the shore. The trees and shrubs were thick, and extended down to the water's edge, affording a safe shelter for a band of Indians who lay concealed there. Just as one of the girls was in the act of grasping the flowers, an Indian slid stealth- ily down the bank into the water, and seizing the rope that hung at the bow of the canoe, turned its course up stream, in a direc- tion to be hidden from the view of the fort by a projecting point. At the same time four other Indians appeared with drawn toma- hawks and knives, and intimated to the girls by signs and mo- tions that if they caused any alarm they would be killed on the spot. But, terrified at their sudden and unexpected capture, the girls shrieked for help. Their cries were heard at the fort, but too late for their rescue. The canoe was the only means the gar- rison had of crossing the river, and that was now on the opposite side and in possession of the enemy. None dared to swim the stream, fearing that a large body of Indians were concealed in the woods on the opposite bank.
Boone and Callaway were both absent, and night set in before
LIFE OF DANIKL BOONE 19
tkeir return, and arrangements could be made for pursuit. The following account of the pursuit and recapture of the girls is given by Col. Floyd, who was one of the pursuing party :
"Next morning by daylight we were on the track, but found they had totally prevented our following them, by walking some distance apart through .the thickest canes they could find. We observed their course, and on which side we had left their sign, and traveled upwards of thirty miles. We then imagined that they would be less cautious in traveling, and made a turn in order to cross their trace, and had gone but a few miles before we found their tracks in a buffalo path ; pursued and overtook them on going about ten miles, just as they were kindling a fire to cook. Our study had been more to get the prisoners, without giving the Indians time to murder them after they discovered us, than to kill them.
"We discovered each other nearly at the same time. Four of us fired, and all rushed on them, which prevented them from car- rying away &uy thing except one shot gun without ammunition. Mr. Boone and myself had a pretty fair shot, just as they began to move off. I am well convinced I shot one through, and the one he shot dropped his gun ; mine had none. The place was very thick with canes, and being so much elated on recovering the three little broken-hearted girls, prevented our making fur- ther search. We sent them off without their moccasins, and not one of them with so much as a knife or a tomahawk."
As stated elsewhere, Jemima Boone afterward married Flan- ders Callaway, a son of Col. Richard Callaway, and brother to her young friends with whom She was captured.
After this incident the settlers were more cautious, being con- vinced that the country was infested by bands of hostile Indians, who were watching each station for the purpose of picking up any stragglers that might come in their way. Guards were therefore placed around the corn fields where the men worked, and these were relieved from time to time by the laborers in the fields, who, in their turn, stood guard.
During the remainder of the Summer of 1776 they were greatly harrassed by the Indians, jyho hardly suffered a day or night to pass without making some kind of demonstration against one or more of the stations ; and when fall came, they had produced so great a panic among the whites that many of them left in conster- nation, and returned to their old homes. It required all the ad- dress and persuasion of the oldest and bravest of the pioneers to prevent the settlements from being entirely deserted.
20 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
The following year, 1777, was a dai*k one for those who remain- ed, and many of the bravest became discouraged. The stations were frequently assailed by large bodies of Indians ; individuals were shot and scalped by a concealed foe, and most of the cattle and horses were destroyed or driven away.
The forts and stations at that time were very weakly manned, and they could easily have been captured by a concentrated movement of the savages. The entire effective force did not ex- ceed one hundred men, and these were divided between some three or four stations.
During these trying times Boone was not idle. As dangers thickened and appearances grew more alarming, he became more silent and thoughtful than usual ; and as the pioneei's, with their loaded rifles in their hands, sat around their fires in the evening and related tales of hair-breadth escapes from the Indians. Boone would sit silently by, apparently unheeding their conversa- tion, and busily engaged in mending rents in his hunting shirt and leggins, moulding bullets, or cleaning his rifle. But he was their undisputed leader in everything, and no enterprise of importance was undertaken without first consulting him. Often, with one or two trusted companions, but more frequently alone, he would steal away into the woods as night approached, to reconnoitre the surrounding forests, and see if he could find any signs of the presence of an enemy. During the day, when not otherwise em- ployed, he would range the country in the double capacity of hunter and scout, and supply the garrison with fresh game, while he kept himself fully informed as to the movements of the savage foe. On these excursions, which often extended a long distance from the fort, he would frequently meet new settlers, and con- duct them in safety to the stations. Entirely unselfish, he was always more ready to assist others, and to aid in all public enter- prises, than to attend to his own interests, and it was this char- acteristic that left him a poor man when he died.
During the winter of 1777-78 the people began to suffer greatly for salt, the cost of bringing so heavy an article across the moun- tains on horseback, being so great that but few of them could aflford to use it. Theriefore, after considering the -matter, it was decided that thirty men,'headed by Captain Boone, should take such kettles as could be spared, and proceed to the Lower Blue Licks, on Licking river, and there manufacture salt. They com- menced operations on new year's da,y, 1778.
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 21
Boone filled the three positions of commander, hunter, and scout, and kept the men supplied with meat while he guarded against surprise by the Indians. They proceeded with their work without being molested, until the 7th of February, when Boone^ who was hunting at some distance from the Lick, was surprised by a party of more than one hundred Indians, accompanied by two Canadians. He attempted to make his escape, but was soon over- taken by some of their swiftest runners, and captured.
This party was on a winter's campaign (an unusual thing with the Indians, and therefore unlooked for by the whites), to attack Boonesbdrough. This information Boone obtained soon after his capture, and "knowing that the weak and unsuspecting garrison could not withstand an assault from so large a force, he was filled with apprehension for their safety, and began to devise some means to prevent the attack. He well understood the Indian character, and knew how to manage them.
Pretending to be pleased with their company, he soon gaihcd their confidence, and then made favorable terms with them for his men at the Lick, assured that their capture would prevent an at- tack upon the fort, and thus save the women and children. On approaching the Lick, he advanced in front of his captors, and made signs to the salt-makers to offer no resistance. They, hav- ing perfect confidence in their leader, and knowing he had obtained favorable terms for them, did as directed, and quietly surrendered. The result proved Boone's sagacity. The expedi- tion against Boonesborough was immediately abandoned, and the Indians, with their prisoners, set out at once for their own country. The generous usage promised before the capitulation was fully complied with, and the prisoners were treated with all the hospitality that could be expected from savages. They ar- rived at Old Chillicothe, the principal Indian town on the Little Miami, On the 18th of February, where most of them were sub- sequently ransomed by the British authorities, and returned to their friends.
Boone was afterward court-martialed for his conduct in this and subsequent afl"airs, but upon investigation he was not only honor- ably acquitted, but promoted for liis sagacity and foresight
On the 10th of March, 1780, Boone and ten of his companions were conducted by forty Indians to Detroit, where they arrived on the 30th, and were treated with great humanity by Governor Hamilton, the British commander at that post. The fame of the
22 riONEEU FAMILIKS OK MISSOUKI
distinguished pioneer had preceded him, and this no doubt had much to do with tlie generous treatment of himself and men. The latter were ransomed and paroled, but the Indians refused a ransom of one hundred pounds sterling which the Governor of- fered for lioone. They professed a deep affection for him, and declared their intention to take him back to their own country and adopt him as one of their warriors. His reputation as a hunter and fighter naturally led them to believe that he would be a valu- able acquisition to any of their tribes.
This decision on their part greatly annoyed him, for he was exceedingly anxious to return to his family in Kentucky, and he now realized that it would be a long time before he would have an opportunity of doing so.
But he was too shi'ewd to manifest any disappointment or vex- ation in the presence of the Indians, for anything of the kind, or the slightest attempt to escape, would have added tenfold to their vigilance over him. So he pretended to be well pleased with their determination, and expressed a desire to accompany them as soon as the}'^ were ready.
They returned to Chillicothe in April, where he was adopted by Blackfish, a distinguished Shawnee chief, after the Indiar» fashion, to supply the place of a deceased son and warrior.
After his adoption he was regarded with great affection by his Indian father and mother, .and was treated on all occasions with marked attention as a distinguished hunter and mighty brave. He took care to encourage their affection for him, and treated all his fellow-warriors in the most familiar and friendly manner. He joined them in their rifle and musket shooting games, and gained great applause by his skill as a marksman ; but was careful not to excel them too frequently, as nothing will so soon excite the envy and hatred of an Indian as to be beaten at anything in which he takes pride.
Afler he had been with them some time he was permitted to go alone into the woods in quest of game, but his powder was always measured to him and his balls counted, and when he returned he was required to account in game for all the ammunition he could not produce. But by using small charges of powder, and cutting balls in halves, with which he could kill squirrels and other small game, he managed to save a few charges of powder and ball for use in case he should find an opportunity to escape.
One evening early in June, he was alarmed, upon returning
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 23
from his day's hunt, to see a large body of four hundred and fifty warriors collected in the town, painted and armed for the war-path. His alarm was greatly increased a few minutes later, by learning that their destination was Boonesborough.
He at once decided to lose no more time, but make his escape immediately, and proceed as rapidly as possible to the settlements in Kentucky, and alarm the people in time to save them from a general massacre.
That night he secreted about his person some jerked venison, to sustain him during his long journey ; and early the next morn- ing he left the Indian village, with his gun on his shoulder, as if he were going into the woods for his usual day's hunt. But after wandering about for some time, as if in quest of game, in order to allay the suspicions of any spies that might follow him, and having placed several miles between himself and the town, he suddienly changed his course in the direction of Boonesborough, and set off with all his might for his beloved home. The distance exceeded one hundred and sixty miles, which he traveled in less than five days, eating but one regular meal, which was a turkey that he shot after crossing the Ohio river.
Until he left that stream behind him, his anxiety was very great, for he knew that he would be followed, and being but an indiffer- ent swimmer he anticipated trouble in crossing the river. But he was rejoiced upon reaching its banks to find an old canoe that had floated into the brush and lodged. There was a hole in one end of it, but this he contrived to stop, and the frail vessel bore him safely to the Kentucky shore.
His appearance at Boonesborough was almost like one risen from the dead, and he was received by the garrison with joyful shouts of welcome. His capture and journey to Detroit were known by reports of prisoners who had escaped, but his friends did not expect ever to see him again. His wife, despairing of his retui'n; had conveyed herself and some of the children, on pack-horses, to her father's home in North Carolina, and he keen- ly felt the disappointment at not meeting her. The tongue of calumny, too, ever ready to stir up strife, endeavored to bring about a permanent separation of these two devoted people, but without success, though it cost them both much trouble and an- guish. This is a period of Boone's life that he never mentioned to his most intimate friends, and justice indicates that the histo- rian should also cover it with the mantle of silence. •
24 PIONEER FAMILIES OK MISSOURI
The garrison of the fort had become careless in their duties ; had dispersed over the neighborhood in the pursuit of their vari- ous occupations, and had suffered the works to get out of repair. But the intelligence brought by Boone of the threatened invasion, aroused them to a sense of their danger, and great activity at once prevailed in making the necessary repairs and strengthening the fortifications. Information soon reached them, however, that on account of Boone's escape, the expedition had been aban- doned for the present.
This gave them a short breathing spell, and Capt. Boone de- cided to improve it to the best advantage. Early in August, with a company of nineteen men,, he made an excursion into the In- dian country, for the purpose of frightening them, and to send out the impression that the whites were no longer so weak that they needed to stand entirely upon the defensive.
When within a short distance of an Indian village on Paint Creek, a branch of the Scioto, they met a party of thirty warriors on their march for Kentucky. A battle ensued, in which one Indian was killed and two wounded ; when the rest gave way and fled. Three horses and all their baggage were captured, while the Kentuckians maintained no loss whatever.
Learning that a large body of Indians, under the celebrated chief Blackfish, who was Boone's adopted father while in captiv- ity', supported by a few Canadians, commanded by Captain Duquesne, were on the march for Boonesborough, the heroic little band immediately started on their return to Kentucky. The army of Indians and Canadians lay between them and their des- tination, but they adroitly spied out their position, passed them in safety, and reached Boonesborough in time to give the alarm.
On the 7th of September this formidable ami}' appeared before the fort, and demanded its surrender "in the name of his Bri tannic Majesty," with assurances of liberal treatment if the demand were complied with. It was a critical moment, for the garrison consisted of only from sixty to seventy men, with a large number of women and children. If they offered resistance, and were defeated, which seemed to be a foregone conclusion, in view of the overpowering numbers of the enemy, all alike would fall victims to the tomahawk and scalping knife ; but if they accepted the terms offered, and surrendered, there was a possibility that they would be saved.
In ttie mean time a dispatch had been sent to Col. Campbell,
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 25
on the Holston, for reinforcements, and if they could by any means delay the attack until these were within reach, they would be safe. At this critical juncture, Boone had recoui'se to stratagem, in order to gain time. He requested that the gar- rison be allowed two days to consider the proposition to surrender, and his request being granted, the time was employed in collect- ing the cattle and horses within the walls of the fort, and filling every vessel with water from the spring, which was outside the palisades. (By a singular oversight, the springs, both at Boones- borough and Bryan's Station, were not enclosed within the walls of the fortifications, and on several occasions, during the different sieges that occurred, they were greatly pressed for water.) These duties were performed by the women and girls, in order that the enemy might have no opportunity to learn the real weakness of the gariisou.
The arrangements having been completed. Captain Boone, toward the close of the second da}', ascended one of the bastions iind announced to Duquesne that tlie garrison had decided not to surrender, and added: "We laugh at your formidable prepara- tions, but thank you for giving notice and time to prepare for denfence."
He expected an immediate assault, and the men were prepared for it, but on the contrary, Duciucsne came forward with another proposition for a surrender. He declared that his orders were to take the garrison captives, and treat them as prisoners of war, instead of murdering tliem ; and that tliey were prepared with horses to convey the women and those who could not travel on foot, to the British possessions. He further proposed that the garrison depute nine men to come within their lines and agree upon the terms of a treaty.
Boone and his companions very well understood that these fair promises had a sinister motive at the bottom, and meant treach- ery ; but they wanted to gain time, and were willing to consent to almost any conditions that would cause delay. So they signified their acceptance of the last proposition, and appointed t!ie place of meeting on the open plat of ground in front of the fort.
Ever ready to sacrifice himself for the good of others, Boonto decided to lead the part}' on this hazardous adventure, and called for eight additional volunteers. Every man in the fort stepped forward in answer to this call, and eight of the shrewdest and stoutest were selected. The names of four of these have
2G PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
been preserved. They were, Flanders Callaway, Stephen Han- cock, William Hancock, and Squire Boone.
Before leaving the fort, twenty men with loaded rifles were stationed so as to command a full view of the proceedings, with orders to fire on the Indians in case treachery should be manifested.
The terms offered by Duquesne were exceedingly liberal ; so liberal, in fact, that Boone and his companions knew they did not come from honest hearts ; but in order to gain time, they humor- ed the whims of the enemy and held a long conference with them. At its close, the Indians proposed that, in order to make the terms more binding, and to revive an ancient custom on this great occasion, two Indians should shake hands with one white man, and thus manifest tlieir friendliness. Even to this proposi- tion, which they knew would end in an attempt at their capture, Boone and his party acceded. They were, entirely unarmed, as it would have been regarded as a breach of confidence to have appeared upon the treaty ground with arms in their hands ; but each man felt able to cope with two of his savage foes. When the latter approached, each grasped a hand and arm of the white men, and a scuffle immediately ensued, for the Indiams attempted to drag them off as prisoners. But at this critical moment, the guard in the fort fired upon the Indians and threw them into confusion, and Boone and his companions knocked down or tripped their antagonists, and fled into the fort. Squire Boone was the only one of the party who was hurt, and he received only a slight wound.
The main body of Indians, who were prepared for the turn affairs had taken, now rushed forward and made a furious assault upon the fort. But they met with a warm reception, and were soon glad to withdraw to the cover of the woods again.
After the first assault they remained at a respectful distance, for they had a wholesome dread of the rifles of the Kentuckians, which would shoot further and with much greater accuracy than their old smooth-bore muskets. Most of their balls were spent before they reached the fort, and fell harmlessly back from the tough oaken palisades.
Finding they could not carry the fort by assault, they attempt- ed to set it on fire, by throwing combustibles upon the roofs ; and for a time this new mode of attack seemed about to prove suc- cessful. But a daring young man climbed to the roof in the midst
LIFE OP DANIEL BOONE 27
of a shower of balls, and remained there with buckets of water until the fire was extinguished.
Failing in this attempt, the Indians, under directions from the Canadians, resorted to another experiment, and tried to enter the fort by means of a mine. The fort stood about sixty yards from the river, and they began an excavation under the bank, which concealed them from view. But their project was detected by the muddy water seen at a little distance below, and it was defeated by the Kentuckians, who began a countermine within the fort, and threw the dirt over the palisades. While the men were engaged in digging this mine. Captain Boone con- structed a wooden cannon, which was loaded with powder, balls, old nails, pieces of iron, etc. It was his intention to place this instrument at the head of the mine, and as the Indians entered, fire it into their midst. But on the 20th of the month they raised the siege and departed for their own country, having lost thirty- seven warriors killed, and many more wounded. The Kentuck- ians had two men killed, and four wounded. After the departure of the Indians, one hundred and twenty-five pounds of musket balls were picked up around the fort, besides those that penetrat- ed and were made fast in the logs.
During the siege the women and girls moulded bullets, loaded the rifles, and carried ammunition to their husbands, fathers, and brothers ; besides preparing refreshments, nursing the wounded, and assisting in various other ways. Jemima Boone, while car- rying ammunition to her father, received a contusion in her hip from a spent musket ball, which caused a painful, though bj" no means dangerous wound.
While the parley was in progress between Boone and the In- dians, previous to the first attack, a worthless negro deserted and went over to the enemy, carrying with him a large, long-range rifle. He crossed the river, and stationed himself in. a tree, so that by raising his head above a fork, he could fire directly down into the fort. He had killed one man and wounded another, when Boone discovered his head peering above the fork for an- other shot. " You black scoundrel!" said the old pioneer, as he raised his rifie to his shoulder, " I Ml fix your flint for you," and quickly running his eye along the bright barrel of his rifle, he fired. The negro fell, and at the close of the battle was found at the roots of the tree with a bullet hole in the center of his fore- head. The distance was one hundred and seventy-five yards.
28 PIOXEER FAMILIKS OF MISSOURI
Shortly after the siege of Boonesborough, Captain Boone was tried l)y a court-martial, under several charges, the principal of which were the surrender of his men at Blue Licks while they were making salt, and friendliness toward the Indians while a prisoner among them.
Mr. Peck says the charges were preferred by Col. Richard Cal- laway, aided by Col. Benjamin Logan. But so far as Calla- way was concerned, this is a mistake, as we learn from old pio- neers still living, who were well acquainted with both Boone and Callaway, and who often heard them relate the history of those stirring times. The strongest friendship and utmost confidence always existed between Boone and Callaway, and their families after them ; and neither Callaway, or any of Boone's friends, ever thought there was the least shadow of an exciuse for the trumped up charges that were made against him. The trial re- sulted in tlie complete vindication of Boone, and his promotion to the rank of Major.
In the autumn of 1778, Major Boone went to North Carolina for his wife and family, who were greatly rejoiced to see him alive and well once more. But he did not remove them to Kentucky until two 3'^ears later.
In 177'J, the government of Virginia estaVjlished a Court of Commissioners, to hear and determine all disputes relative to land claims in Kentucky, and to grant certificates of settlement and pre-emption to those who were entitled to them. This brought out a large number of families and single persons who were interested in these claims, and for a time the Commissioners were overrun with applications. Most of the titles obtained at this time were afterward declared invalid, through want of com- pliance with law and the indefinite location of many of the claims, and heavy losses and great distress were occasioned there- by. Major Boone sold all his property, and invested nearl}' everything he possessed in land warrants. He was also entrusted with large sums of monej' by friends and acquaintances who deputed him to make their entries for them, and while on his way from Kentucky to Richmond with this money, amounting to about $20,000, he was robbed of every cent, and left worse than penni- less. Most of those who lost money by this misfortune readily gave up all claims against Boone, and freely exonerated him from any blame in the affair ; but a few charged him with their losses, alleging that he was robbed through his own carelessness, and
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 29
these held him to account for the money they had placed in hia hands. Several years after his removal to Missouri, the venerable old pioneer returned to Kentucky and paid every cent of these claims.
The following extract from a letter written by Col. Thomas Hart, of Lexington, in 1780, to Captain Nathaniel Hart, is a fine tribute to the character of Boone under the trying ordeal through which he was at that time passing :
" I observe what you say respecting our losses by Daniel Boone. I had heard of the misfortune soon after it happened, but not of my being a partaker before now. I feel for the poor people, who, perhaps, are to lose even their pre-emptions ; but I must say I feel more for Boone, whose character, I am told, suffers by it. Much degenerated must the people of this age be, when amongst them are to be found men to censure and blast the reputation of a person so just and upright, and in whose breast is tlie seat of virtue, too pure to admit of a thought so base and dishonorable. I have known Boone in times of old, when poverty and distress held him fast by the hand ; and in these wretched circumstances I have ever found him of a noble and generous soul, despising every thing mean; and therefore I will freely grant him a dis- charge for whatever sums of mine he might have been possessed of at that time."
As previously stated, Major Boone returned to Kentucky with his family in 1780. In October of that year, he and his brother,. Squire Boone, went to the Blue Licks on a hunting expedition, and as they were returning home they wei'e fired upon by a party of Indians in ambush. Squire Boone was killed and scalped, and the Major was pursued several miles by the aid of an Indian dog; but he shot the dog and escaped. This calamity made a deep impression upon the old pioneer, and for a long time it preyed heavily upon his mind. His attachment to his brother was natu- rally very strong, and it had been increased and strengthened by fellowship in wanderings, sufferings and dangers for many years.
About this time Kentucky was divided into three counties, by the Legislature of Virginia, and a civil and military government organized. Each county formed a regiment, and John Toddy an estimable and popular man, was elected Colonel for one of the counties (Lincoln), with Boone as Lieutenant-Colonel. Colonel Clark was commissioned Brigadier-General and placed in com- luand of the three regiments. With this military organization, and their augmented numbers, the settlers began to feel secure, and did not anticipate any more serious trouble with the Indians,
30 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
But in this they were disappointed, for late in the autumn the savages again began to commit depredations upon the outposts and exposed settlements, and' did considerable damage, besides creating a great deal of alarm. Boonesborough, however, was not molested, being now in the interior and surrounded by other forts and station^.
On the morning of the 14th of August, 1782, Bryan's Station, situated about five miles northeast of Lexington, \^as attacked by a large force of Indians under the notorious Simon Girty. The garrison numbered only about fifty men, and the station was not in the best condition to withstand a siege. Early in the morning of the 14th they were aroused by the hooting and yelling of sav- ages, and hastily gathering into the block-houses, they saw a small l)arty of Indians near the woods on one side of the station, yell- ing and dancing and gesticulating, and now and then firing a shot toward the fort. This party was so small, and appeared so con- temptible, that some of the younger men wanted to rush out and whip them immediately ; but fortunately there were older heads in the fort, and experienced Indian fighters, who knew that this was merely a ruse to entice them out of their fortifications, when they would be attacked by the main body, which they felt assured was concealed at no great distance. Runners were immediately' dispatched to Lexington and other points for assistance, who, se- cretly making their way out of the station and passing through the corn fields, reached their destinations in safety. Busy prepara- tions were then commenced to get everything ready for a siege, when the startling discovery was made that they were out of water. The spring was outside of the palisades, and water had to be conveyed from it in buckets. The question now arose as to how the}^ should get the water. It would not do for the men to go after it, for that would bring on the attack at once ; so it was proposed that the women and girls should be the water car- riers this time. The proposition was directly made known to them, but they did not receive it with favor. Some murmured, and said that the men evidently thought very little of their wives and daughters, if they were willing to send them where they were afraid to go themselves, and that if they were too badly scared to go to the spring, they had better hand their rifles over to the women and let them defend the fort. " We are not afraid," said the spokesman, "to go to the spring; but we know that if the m2n leave the fort we shall immediately be attacked by the entire
LIFE OK DANIKL BOONE 81
force of the enemy, while you can go without exciting any suspicion or being in any danger, as the Indians know it is customary for you to bring the water." Finally, an old lady arose, got a couple of buckets, and started to the springs saying that she was no better than a man, anyhow, and was not much afraid of the red-skins either. Her example was silently followed by the rest, and they soon returned with their buckets filled with water. But some of the younger ones manifested a good deal of haste on their return, and as they entered the gate of the fort their eyes were very wide open, while much of the water in their buckets was spattered over their dresses and on the ground. The danger they had faced was indeed very great; for in the brush around the spring there lay concealed more than four hundred painted warriors, who could almost have grasped them by their dresses if they had been so disposed.
As soon as these preparations were completed, thirteen daring young men were selected and sent out to attack and pursue^ the small party of Indians that were in view, while the balance of the men, with loaded rifles in their hands, were placed on the oppo- site side of the fort. The stratagem was successful. The small party of Indians retreated to the woods, pursued by the thirteen young men. Girty heard the firing, and supposing the main body to have left the fort, gave the signal yell, "and instantly the woods and undergrowth around the spring seemed alive with yelling savages. Firing a heavy volley at the fort, they rushed furiously, with Girty at their head^ against the nearest gate. But the Kentuckians were prepared for them, and their unerring rifles scattered death and destruction among their ranks. So deadly was the fire that they were seized with consternation, and fled precipitately into the woods. Here they were rallied by Girt}' and their chiefs, and with renewed yells came on to the second assault. But the leaden hail of tiie Kentucky rifles rained upon them again, and again they fled in consternation. After this an irregular fight was kept up for several hours, in which but little damage was done to either side.
About two o'clocK in the afternoon a reinforcement of fifty men, on horseback and on foot, arrived from Lexington for the relief of the garrison. The Indians were aware of their ap- proach, and lay in ambush for them. The horsemen rushed through without the loss of a man ; but the footmen were not so fortunate. They first entered a cornfield, through which they
32 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
should have passed to the fort, concealed as they were from the enemy ; but, eager to get a shot at the redskins, they emerged into the road again, fell into the ambuscade, and lost six men.
The Indians, alarmed at this reinforcement, and expecting the arrival of other parties soon, were in favor of an immediate retreat to their own country. But Girty, furious at being foiled in hia attempt to subdue the station by force, and smarting from a slight wound received in the morning, resorted to stratagem with the hope of gaining his purpose. He crawled to a stump, near one of the bastions, and demanded a parle}'. Commending their manly defence and bravery, he urged that further resistance was useless, alluded to the large number and fierceness of his follow- ers, and asserted that he had a large reinforcement near at hand, with several pieces of artillery. He warned them that if they con- tinued to resist, and were finally captured by force, they would all be massacred; but assured them, "upon his honor," that if they would surrender then, they should be treated as prisoners of war. The commander of the station would not d6ign to pay the least attention to him, but he was answered in a taunting and pungent manner by a young man named Reynolds, who told him that he had a worthless dog, to which he had given the name of Simon Girty, in consequence of his striking resemblance to the man who bore that name ; that if he had artillery' and reinforce- ments he might bring them on, but if he or any of the naked ras- cals with him found their way into the fort, they would disdain to use their guns against them, but would drive them out with whips, of which they had collected a large number for that purpose. When he ceased speaking, some of the young men began to call out, "Shoot the scoundrel!" "Kill the renegade!" etc., and Gir- ty, seeing that his position was no longer safe, crawled back, crest- fallen, to the camp of his followers, and next morning the}' had disappeared.
Information of the attack on Bryan's Station had spread with great rapidity all over the country, and reinforcements came pour- ing in from every direction. Colonel Boone and his son Israel and brother Samuel, headed a strong party from Boonesborough ; Colonel Stephen Trigg brought up the forces from Harroosburg, and Colonel John Todd came with the militia from Lexington. Among the latter were Majors Harlan, McGary, McBridei, and Levi Todd. Colonel Benjamin Logan, who resided at a greater distance, raised a large force, but did not arrive in time to par-
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 33
ticipate in the pursuit and the disastrous battle which followed.
A council of the officers was held to decide upon what course should be followed. A large majority were eager for a fight, and favored immediate pursuit; but Colonel Boone, knowing the strength of the enemy, and realizing how hard it would be, in the midst of a battle with the Indians, to successfully control a body of raw militia, hastily collected together, without organization or drill, deemed it advisable to await the arrival of Colonel Logan and his force.
But his wise counsels were not heeded. Colonel Todd was heard to say that Boone was a coward, and if they wanted the glory of a victory they should press forward immediately.
The opinions of the majority prevailed, and the men were marched out to follow the trail. Boone and the more experienced ones soon became convinced that the Indians wanted to be fol- lowed, for instead of trying to hide their trail, as usual, they had taken pains to make it as plain as possible. The trees were marked with their tomahawks, the ground was much trodden, and their camp-fires were few, showing a design to mask their numbers.
But no Indians were seen until the Kentuckians reached the bluffs of the Licking, opposite the Lower Blue Licks, when a few were discovered leisurely mai'ching over a ridge on the opposite side of the river.
Colonel Todd now ordered a halt, for further consultation be- fore crossing the river, and, notwithstanding his intemperate lan- guage of the morning, especially solicited the views of Colonel Boone. He was still of the opinion that they had better await the arrival of Colonel Logan, for the Indians were very strong, and he had no doubt were well posted in ambush on the opposite side of the river. But in the event of a determination to proceed, he advised that the troops be divided into two parties, one of which should proceed above the bend of the river and cross in the rear of the enemy, while the other, crossing at the ford, where they then were, should proceed along the ti*ail and attack them in front.
The position selected by the Indians was a strong one. The river, by making an abrupt curve to tlie north, or opposite side from the army, encircled a ridge for a mile or more in extent. Near the top of this ridge, on opposite sides, two ravines headed and ran down to the water's edge. They were filled with 3
34 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
brushwood and trees, forming an admirable hiding place for the five hundred warriors who lay concealed there. The army, in fol- lowing the trail, would be enclosed, as if in a net, by these two ravines, and exposed to a raking fire on all sides, while the enemy was completely sheltered from their fire and hidden from view.
While Boone and Todd were still consulting as to what course should be pursued. Major McGary, who was a warm friend of Boone, and who had become incensed at the intemperate language used by Colonel Todd, in the morning, in reference to him, raised the war whoop, spurred his horse into the river, and called out, " All who are not cowards, follow me, and I will show you where the Indians are." On the impulse of the moment, nearly the en- tire army followed him, yelling and whooping, to the opposite shore ; and the rest, with Boone and Todd, soon followed. The latter rode up to Major McGary and demanded,' in an excited manner, what he meant by his rash conduct, when McGary re- plied, "You wanted to fight, and, by g — d, I thought I would give you a chance."
Colonel Boone now advised that some scouts be sent forward to examine the ground, and, if the enemy were present, ascertain his position. Those who had been eager for the fray in the morn- ing, were now, in the presence of the enemy, willing to heed the advice of the old pioneer, who still remained as cool and collected as if UDthing unusual were Iranspiring.
Two bold and experienced scouts were selected and sent for- ward, but, though they proceeded half a mile beyond the ravines, no Indians were discovered.
Orders were now given to march, and the army advanced. Col- onel Todd commanding the center, Trigg the right, and Boone the left.
They proceeded to within forty yards of the ravines, when sud- denly the entire body of Indians poured a destructive fire into their ranks, from both sides of the ridge. The dead and w6unded fell thick at the first discharge, but the brave Kentuckians stood their ground like heroes,* notwithstanding they were greatly out- numbered and fought at such a disadvantage. Colonel Trigg fell at the first fire, and with him a large number of the Harrodsburg troops. Major Harland's advance guard maintained their ground until three men only remained, their commander having fallen covered with wounds. Colonel Todd was mortally wounded near the commencement of the battle, and when last seen he was
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 85
reeling on his horse, with the blood streaming from his wounds. Major McGary fought like a tiger, but escaped unhurt. Colonel Boone was as cool as if he were merely on a hunting expedition, and gallantly led his men into the thickest of the fight.
The army having been thrown into confusion, the Indians rush- ed upon the men with hideous yells and drawn tomahawks, and the retreat commenced at once. The fugitives rushed down the slope of the ridge to the river, and plunging in, waded or swam across, followed closely by the Indians. Many of them would have been killed in the river except for the presence of mind of a man named Netherland, who on former occasions had been called a coward, but in this instance acted like a hero. Being mounted on a spirited horse, he had outrun the main body of his retreating comrades, and had safely reached the opposite bank of the river. Looking back, he saw the Indians rushing into the river to kill those who were struggling with the current, and wheeling his horse, he called out to some ten or a dozen men who were near him, "Halt! fire on the Indians, and protect the men in the river." His loud, stern command had the desired effect, and a volley from a dozen rifles checked the savages and gave the men an opportunity to cross in safety.
Many of the Indians swam the river above and below the ford, and continued the pursuit for more than twenty miles, killing some, and taking a few prisoners. The defeated army never halted un- til it reached Bryan's Station, thirty-six miles distant.
Colonel Boone was one of the very last to leave the battle field, and when he saw that the rout was hopeless, he directed all his energies to the preservation of as many lives as possible. Just as he was leaving the field, he came upon his son, mortally wounded. For a moment he was overcome by the feelings of a tender and loving father, and, with tears streaming from his eyes, raised the dying form of his boy in his arms, and made his way toward a place of safety near the river, below the curve and the ravine, where he knew he could easily cross the current.
He had proceeded' but a few steps when a powerful Indian, with raised tomahawk, sprang before him ; but in a moment the con- tents of Boone's gun entered his body, and he fell lifeless to the ground. Before he reached the bank of the river, his son expired in his arms, when, straining him to his bosom as he took a last look at the beloved face, he laid the still and lifeless form gently on the ground, and made his escape.
36 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOL'KI
This event made so deep an impression on the mind of the old pioneer, that, to the day of his death, he could not mention it without shedding tears. His brother, Samuel was severely wounded, but escaped.
Of the one hundred and eighty-two persons who went into battle, about one-third were killed, twelve wounded, and seA'en carried off prisoners. These were put to death by torture after they reached the Indian towns.
This disastrous battle covered Kentucky with mourning, for nearly every family in the little settlements had a relative or friend killed.
The following report of the battle, made by Colonel Boone to
Gov. Harrison, of Virginia, will be read with interest, as being
one of the few ofUcial documents that remain from, his pen :
"Booxk's Station, Fayettk Cot'ntv, "1 "Aiiyust, 30th, 1782. /
"SiK,
" Present circumstances of affairs cause me to write to your P2xcellency as follows. On the IGth instant, a large number of Indians, with some white men, attacked one of our frontier sta- tions, known by the name of Biyan's Station. The siege contin- ued from about sunrise till about ten o'clock the next day, when they marched off. Notice being given to the neighboring sta- tions, we immediate!}' raised one hundrecV and eighty-one horse- men, commanded by Colonel John Totid, including some of the Lincoln county militia, and ptu'sued al)0Ut forty miles.
" On the l!)th instant, we discovered the enemy lying in wait for us. On this discover}'', we formed our columns into one single line, and marched up in their front within about forty yards before there was a gun fired. Colonel Trigg commanded on the right, mj'self on the left, and INIajor McGary in the centre, and Major Ilarland the advanced party in front. From the manner in which we had formed, it fell to my lot to bring on the attack. This was done with a very heav}' lire on both sides, and extended back of the line to Colonel Trigg, where the enemy was so strong they rushed up and broke the right wing at the first fire. Thus the enemy got in our rear, with tlie loss of seventy- seven of our men, and twelve wounded. Afterwards we were reinforced by Colonel Logan, which made our force four hundred and sixty men. We marched again to the battle ground; but, finding the enemy had gone, we proceeded to- bury the dead.
" We found forty- three on the ground, and many lay about, which we could not stay to find, hungry and weary as we were, and somewhat dubious that the enemy might not have gone off quite. By the sign, we thought that the Indians had exceeded
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 37
four hundred ; while the whole of this militia of the county does not amount to more than one hundred and thirty. From these facts your Excellency may form an idea of our situation.
" I know that your own circumstances are critical ; but are we to be wholly forgotten ? I hope not. I trust about five hundred men may be sdnt to our assistance immediately. If these shall be stationed as our county lieutenants shall deem necessary, it may be the means of saving our part of the country ; but if they are placed under the direction of General Clark, they will be of little or no service to our settlement. The Falls lie one hundred miles west of us, and the Indians northeast ; while our men are frequently called to protect them. I have encouraged the people in this county all that I could ; but I can no longer justify them or myself to risk our lives here under such extraor- dinary hazards. The inhabitants of this county are very ruuch alarmed at the thoughts of the Indians bringing another cam- paign into our country this fall. If this should be the case, it will break up these settlements. I hope, therefore, your Excel- lency will take this matter into your coafcideration, and send us some relief as quick as possible.
'•These are my sentiments, without consulting any person. Colonel Logan will, I expect, immediately send you an express, by whom I humbl}^ request your Excellencj^'s answer. In the meanwhile, I remain, &c.
"Danikl Boone."
The day after the little urmy of one hundred and eighty-two had left Bryan's Station, Colonel Logan arrived there at the head four hundred and fifty men. Fearful of some disaster, he imme- diately ordered a forced march, and set out on the old trail. They had proceeded only a few miles when they met the first party of fugitives, who, as usual in such cases, could give only an excited and unsatisfactory account of the affair. Colonel Logan now decided to return to the station and await the arrival of more of the survivors, in oi'der that he might obtain additional information, and know better how to proceed. By night they were all in, and the true story became known.
Late that night, Colonel Loga.n, accompanied by Colonel Boone and a few of the survivors, started for the battle-ground, which they reached at noon the next day. The Indians were gone, but the sight was horrible. Dead and mutilated bodies were strewn through the timber, submerged in the river, and spread over the rocky ridge. Immense flocks of vultures we«"e hovering in the air, perched in the trees, or feeding on the bodies of the slain. The savages had mangled and scalped many, the
38 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
wolves had torn others, and the oppressive heat of August had so disfigured tlieir faces that in many cases their friends could recognize them only by their clothing. They were buried as de- cently as circumstances would admit, and Logan and his men re- turned to Bryan's Station.
As soon as the intelligence of the defeat at Blue Licks reached General Clark at Louisville, he began to make arrangements for a formidable expedition into the Indian country, and, with his- usual energy and determination, was soon on the march at the head of a large force. Colonel Boone went along as a volunteer scout, preferring that position to any command that could be given him.
The march was conducted so rapidly and with so much secrecy^ that the army came within half a mile of Girty and his party, on their return from Kentucky, before they were aware of its pres- ence, or that such a force was even in existence. Two Indians, loitering in the rear, discovered the Kentuckians, and hastily fleeing to their companions gave the alarming intelligence that a mighty army was close upon them.
They instantly evacuated their camp and fled, dispatching run- ners to all the surrounding towns to give the alarm. The towns were abandoned, and when General Clark and his men entered them they found nothing but deserted lodges. Upon entering Old Chillicothe they found fires -still burning and provisions in process of cooking.
Of this expedition Colonel Boone said:
"The savages fled in the utmost disorder, evacuating their towns, and reluctfintly left their territory to our mercy. We im- mediately took possession of the town of Old Chillicothe without opposition, it being deserted by its inhabitants In this expedi- tion we took seven prisoners and five scalps, with the loss of only four men, two of whom were accidentally killed by our owu army."
The troops desti'oyed four other towns, cut the standing corn in the fields, and desolated the whole country. The destruction of their towns and property paralyzed the Indians more than a de- feat or battle would haA'e done, and the expedition, by teaching them the superiorty of the white people, both in numbers and means of carrying on war, put an end to their raids and depreda- tions, and the people of Kentucky, except in some of the frontier settlements, which were visited occasionally bj' small parties of Indians, were allowed to enjoy the blessed fruits of peace.
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 39
Colonel Boone, with his receipts for military services, and the proceeds of his own industry, was enabled to pay for several tracts of land, on one of which he built a comfortable log cabin, and cleared a farm, where he expected to spend the remainder of his days. For several years he cultivated his crops, and, during the hunting season, amused himself at his favorite occupation.
His last encounter with the Indians in Kentucky was of an amusing rather tlian a dangerous character, and was in substance as follows, as related bj' himself:
Boone never used tobacco, but he had raised about one hundred and fifty hiils of the weed, on his farm, for the use of his neighbors. When it was ripe and ready to be housed, he built a pen of fence rails, about twelve feet high, and covered it with cane and grass ; and in this enclosure the tobacco was hung in three tiers, one above the other, to dry and " cure." In a abort time it was so drj' and crisp that it would crumble into powder upon being rubbed or roughly handled.
One day while removing the sticks of tobacco from the lower tier to the up])er ones, and while standing with his feet on the poles of the lower tier, he was startled to hear the gruff Indian salutation of "How!" immediately under him. Looking down, he saw four Indians, with guns in their hands, who had entered by the low door, and were now looking up at him. Seeing that he observed them, they addressed him as follows: "Now, Boone, we got you. You no get away any more. We carry you off to Chillicothe this time. You no cheat us any more. Damn!" Boone recognized them as some of his old friends who had cap- tured him at the Blue Licks in 1778, and addressing them pleas- antly, he said, "Ah! old friends! Glad to sec yon. Just wait one moment, and I'll come down." He parleyed with them for some time, asking about old acquaintances, and pretending to be pleased with the opportunity of going with them ; until, having diverted their attention from him, he gathered a bundle of drj- to- bacco and threw it down upon their upturned faces, at the same time jumping upon them with as much of tlie tobacco as he could gather in his arms. Their mouths, eyes, and noses were filled with the pungent dust, which blinded them and set them to sneez- ing violently ; and in the midst of their discomfiture Boone rushed out and made his way to his cabin, where he had the means of de- fence. But notwiths^^anding his narrow escape, he could not withstand the temptation to look back and see the result of his
40 PIOXEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
achievement. The Indians were groping about with outstretched hands, feeling their way out of the pen, calling him by name, and cursing him for a rogue, and themselves for fools.
In 1792 Kentucky was admitted into the Union as a State. As courts of justice were established in every community, litigation increased, and was carried to a distressing extent. Many of the old pioneers, who had cleared farms in the midst of the wilder- ness, and were prepared to spend the remainder of their days surrounded by peace and plenty, had their homes wrested from them, through lack of legal titles, bj^ greedy and avaricious spec- ulators, and were cast adrift in their old age, to again fight the battle of existence. Colonel Boone was among the suflferers. Every foot of his land was taken from him, and he wrs left pen- niless. His recorded descriptions of location and boundary were defective, and shrewd speculators had the adroitness to secure legal titles by more accurate and better defined entries.
Disgusted with legal quibbles and technicalities, and disheart- ened at his misfortunes, Boone decided to once more seek a home in the wilderness. About the year 1790 he removed to the Kenhawa Valley, in Virginia, and settled near Point Pleasant, where he remained until 1795, when he removed to Missouri, or Upper Louisiana, as it was then called. His son, Daniel M. Boone, had already settled in that country, and gave such glow- ing accounts of the climate, soil, game, etc., that the old pioneer's imagination was captivated. About the same time he received an invitation from the Spanish Lieutenant-Governor, Zenon Trudeau, to remove there, offering as an inducement a large grant of land. He at once decided to accept the invitation. Accordingly, gathering up such articles as were convenient to carry, and with his trusty rifle, "Old Cheelicker," on his shoul- der, his chattels, and a portion of his family on pack-horses, he started on his journey to the new land of promise. All his family subsequently followed him, except his two daughters, Lavinia and Rebecca, who, as previously stated, lived and died in Ken- tucky. His son Jesse remained in the Kenhawa Valley, where he had married, until 1819, when he too came to Missouri,
For several j'-ears after Colonel Boone's removal. Upper Louisi- ana remained under Spanish rule, and the promise of the Lieuten- ant-Governor was faithfully fulfilled. On the 24th of January, 1798, he received a concession of 1,000 arpents of land, situated inf emme Osage District. He afterward made an agreement with
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 41
the Spanish authorities to bring one hundred families from Ken- tucky and Virginia to Upper Louisiana, for which lie was to re ceive 10,000 arpents of land. The agreement was fulfilled on both sides ; but in order to confirm his title to this grant, it was necessary to obtain the signature of the direct representative of the crown, who resided in Ne<v Orleans. Colonel Boone neglect- ed this requirement, and his title was declared invalid when the country came into the possession of the United States.
His title to the first grant of 1,000 arpents was also declared in- valid, but was subsequently confirmed b}'^ special act of Congress. Both the Spanish and American governments required actual set- tlement of lands granted in the ordinary way, to confirm the titL ; but in 1800 Boone received the appointment of Commandant of Femme Osage District, and was informed by Don Charles D. Delassus, who had succeeded Don Zenon Trudeau as Lieuten- ant-Governor, that as his duties as Cojamandant woald require a considerable portion of his time, the Spanish government would dispense with his actual settlement of the laad ia order to confirm his title. Relying upon this promise, he neglected to have the proper entries made upon the records, and when the United States government purchased Upper Louisiana there was nothing to show that Boone had fulfilled the requirements,, and his claim was declared invalid.
He subsequently petitioned Congress to have his title confirm- ed, and the petition was granted. The following is a copy of his petition, with the rejjort of the committee to whom it was re- ferred, as given in the American iHtate Papers, vol. 2, page 10:
To the Senate and Representatives of the United States in Congress assem- bled. The petition of Daniel Boone, at present an inhabitant of the terri- tory of Loui-iiana, respectfully sfioweth :
That, your petitioner has spent a long life in exploring the wilds of north America ; and has, by his own personal exertions, been greatly instrumental in opening the road to civilization in the im- mense territories now attached to the United States, and, in some instahces, matured into independent States.
An ardent thirst for discovery, united witli a desire to benefit a rising family, has impelled him to encounter the numerous h: d- ships, privations, dilliculties, and dangers to which he has un- avoidably been exposed. How far his desire for discovery has been extended, and what consequences have resulted from his labors, are, at this time, unnecessary to be stated.
But, while your ])etitioner has thus opened the way to thou- sands, to countries posse^sul of every natural advantage, and
42 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
although he may have gratified his thirst for discovery, he has to lament that he has not derived those personal advantages which his exertions would seem to have merited. He has secured but a scanty portion of that immeasurable territory over which his dis- coveries have extended, and his famil}' have reason to regret that their interest had not been more the great object of his discov- eries.
Your petitioner has nothing to demand from the justice of his country, but he respectfully suggests, that it might be deemed an act of grateful benevolence, if his country, amidst their bounties, would so far gratify his last wish, as to grant him some reasona- ble portion of land within the territory of Louisiana.
He is the more induced to this request, as the favorite pittance of soil to which he considered he had acquired a title under the Spanish government, has been wrested from him by a con- struction of the existing laws not in his contemplation, and be- yond his foresight. Your petitioner is not disposed to murmur or complain ; but conscious of the value and extent of his services, he solicits some evidence of their liberality.
He approaches the august assemblage of his fellow-citizens with a confidence inspired by that spirit which has led him so often to the deep recesses of the wilds of America ; and he flatters himself that he, with his family, will be induced to acknowledge that the United States knows how to appreciate and encourage the efforts of her citizens, in enterprises of magnitude, from which proportion- ate public good maybe derived.
Daniel Boone.
The following is the report of the committee to which the peti- tion was referred, as presented to the Senate, January' 12, 1810:
That, at a period antecedent to the revolutionary war, Daniel Boone, the petitioner, possessing an ardent desire for the explo- ration of the (then) Western wilderness of the United States, af- ter traversing a length of mountainous and uninhabited country, discovered, and, with a few bold and enterprising fellows, estab- lished, vith a perilous hardihood, the first settlement of civilized population in the (now) State of Kentucky. That, in maintain- ing the possession of that country until the peace of 1783, he ex- perienced all the vicissitudes of a war with enemies the most dar- ing, insidious, and cruel, and which were aided by Canadians from the British provinces of Upper Canada ; and that during that contest he lost several children by the hands of the savages.
That it appears to the committee, that although the petitioner was not officially emx>loyed by the government of the United States, yet that he was actually engaged against their enemies, through the whole of Ih3 war of the revolution.
That in the exploring, settling, and defending of that country, lie eminently contributed to the early march of the American
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 43
Western population, and which has redounded to the benefit of the United States. That your petitioner is old, infirm, and, though dependent on agriculture, by adverse and unpropitious circumstances, possesses not one acre of that immeasurable terri- tory which he so well defended, after having been the pioneer of its settlement. The petitioner disclaiming all idea of a demand upon the justice of his country, yet requests, as a grateful benev- olence, that Congress would grant him some reasonable portion of land in the territory of Louisiana. Tlie committee, upon the whole circumstance of the merit and situation of the petitioner, beg leave to report the bill without amendment.
Notwithstanding this favorable report, and the justice of the petition, the Board of Land Commissioners reported adversely to the grant, and it was not until three years after (December 24, 1813,) that Boone was confirmed in his title to the 1,000 arpents of land conceded to him by the Spanish government.
The territory of Louisiana was at that time overrun with greedy land speculators, who would resort to perjury, forgery, and even murder, to obtain their object ; and it was very essen- tial that the Land Commissioners should be careful in grant- ing titles. Hence the difficulty Boone encountered in securing meager justice.
In every community there were drunken, worthless fellows who acted as standing witnesses for these speculators, and would sign any paper, or swear to any statement that was require;d of them. One of these characters, Simon Toiton, by name, gave the follow- ing evidence in a case tried at Kaskaskia, in August, 1807:
"I, Simon Toiton, being in my sober senses, having taken no drink, and after mature reflection, having been apprised thdt I had given a great number of depositions relating to land titles, as well those derived from donations as from improvements ; that, by means of those depositions, great quantities of lands have been confirmed to different persons in whose favor I have given> these depositions; I do consequently declare, as I. have already declared to several persons, that I am ignorant of the number I may have given, since I was drunk when I gave them, a failing to which I am unfortunately addicted ; and that, when I am in that state, any one, by complying with my demands, may do what they please with me If this work had been proposed to me when in my senses — [Here something has been omitted.] I de- clare that i recollect that, on the last day of November, 180G, I was sent for; before setting out, I drank a quart of liquor; and that there might ])e no want of it, I took it again on my arrival ; before beginning the certificates, I took another quart, and this
44 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
continued until midnight nearly. I recollect at that time to have given twenty-two or twenty-three depositions ; that is to say, I copied them from models, to which I made them conform ; ob- serving to those persons that what I did could be of no validity. They told me not to mind that, that it would be of service to those for whom I gave them ; and that I aught not to fear any- thing, or make myself uneasy. I declare solemnly that all these last depositions are false, as well as those I had given previously to that time, no matter in whose favor I may have given them ; because, to my knowledge, I have never given any except when I was in liquor, and not in my sober senses. I furthermore declare that I am not acquainted with any improvements in this country."
Is it any wonder, in view of the above, that it was hard for the gallant old pioneer to secure a title to a small portion of the lands which he justly owned, or that he lost the greater portion of those which had been granted him by the liberality of the Spanish gov- ernment? More than one-half of the applications for titles to lands, made at that period, were rejected ; and against the names of most of the disappointed applicants the significant words, "For- gery," "Perjury," etc., are written in the records of the land •office at Washington. Among the names are some that stood high in public affairs, and have come down to posterity as disin- terested patriots and honest pioneers.
Colonel Boone and his family were the first Americans that set- tled within the present limits of the State of Missouri. The French had established trading posts at several points, and had formed a village of four or five hundred inhabitants at St. Louis, but there ■were no regular settlements beyond these.
Louisiana was discovered, settled and held in possession by the French until 1762, when, by a secret treaty, it was transferred to Spain. The few inhabitants at the different trading posts knew nothing of this treaty for several years afterward, and when it became known it was a source of great sorrow to them. But the new rule was so mild that they soon ceased to regard it as a misfortune.
It was the policy of the Spanish authorities to encourage emi- gration from the United States. Fears were entertained of an in- vasion of the country by the British and Indians from Canada, and the American people, being regarded as the natural adversa- ries of the British, it was supposed they would readily fight to re- pel an invasion. In 1781 St. Louis was attacked by a small army of British and Indians, as a retaliation for the part the king of
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE 45
Spain had taken in favor of the independence of the United States. Fifteen hundred Indians, and a small party of British soldiers, con- stituted the invading force, which came down tlie Mississippi. In the battle that ensued, more than sixty of the inhabitants were kill- ed, and about thirty taken prisoners. At this crisis. Gen. George R. Clark, who was at Kaskaskia with several hundred men, besides the Illinois militia, appeared on the opposite side of the river. The British immediately raised the siege and retreated, and the In- dians, declaring that they had no hostile intentions against the Spanish government, but had been deceived by the British, dis- persed to their villages.
This event caused the Spanish authorities to increase their ef- forts for the encouragement of American immigration, and the most liberal offers were made and disseminated throughout the Western settlements. The result was that the American popula- tion increased rapidly, and when the country was transferred to the United States in 1804 more than three-fifths of the population were Americans.
During the Spanish administration, no religious sect was tolerat- ed except the Roman Catholic. Each emigrant was required to be a Catholic, but this requirement was evaded by a pious fiction in the examination of the Americans ; and Protestant families of all denominations settled in the province, obtained land grants, and were undisturbed in their religious beliefs. Protestant ministers came over from Illinois and preached in the cabins of the settlers, unmolested by the Spanish officers ; although, for the sake of keeping up a show of authority, they were occasionally threatened with imprisonment in the calabozo at St, Louis,
The late Reverend John Clark, a devoutly pious, but rather eccentric preacher, whose residence was in Illinois, made monthly excursions to the Spanish territory, and preached in the houses of the religious emigrants. He was a man of great sim- plicity of character, and much respected and beloved by all who knew him, amongst whom was ]\I. Trudcau, the gentlemanh' Commandant at St. Louis.- M, Trudeau would delay till he knew Mr, Clark's tour for that occasion was nearly finish- ed, and then send a threatening message, that if Monsieur Clark did not leave the Spanish country in three days, he would put him in prison. This was repeated so often, as to furnish a pleas- ant joke with the preacher and his friends.
During these times, Mr. Abraham Musick, who was a Baptist.
46 PIONEEK FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
and well acquainted with the Commandant, and who likewise knew his religious principles, presented a petition for leave to hold meetings at his house, and for permission for Mr. Clark to preach there. The Commandant, inclined to favor the American settlers secretly, yet compelled to reject all such petitions official- ly, replied promptly that such a petition could not be granted. It was in violation of the laws of the country. " I mean," said the accomodating officer, "you must not put a bell on your house, and call it a church, nor suffer any person to christen your children but the parish priest. But if any of your friends choose to meet at your house, sing, pray, and talk about religion, you will not be molested, provided you continue, as I suppose you are, un bon Catholique." He well knew, that, as Baptists, they could dispense with the rite of infant baptism, and that plain, fi'ontier people, as they were, could find the way to their meetings without the sound of the " church-going bell."
As early as the year 1800, the population of Femme Osage District had increased so much that some sort of. a local govern- ment was required, and on the 11th of June of that year Colonel Boone was appointed Commandant of the District. The powers of his office were both civil and military, and were almost abso- lute, if he had possessed either the means or the desire to make them so. His decision of all questions was final, except those in regard to land titles, which could only be decided by the crown or its direct representative.
But few crimes or misdemeanors were committed, and then summary justice was dealt out to the offender. Whipping on the bare back was generally the punishment, and so just and equita- ble were Boone's sentences that the most abandoned characters never thought of raising objections to them or harboring resent- ment afterward.
In 1801 the territory of Upper Louisiana was qeded back to France by Spain, and in 1803 the country was purchased from France by the United States. During that interval the French did not again assume the government of the province, but the. Spanish laws remained in force. The formal transfer of the coun- try to the United States was made in March, 1804, and one year later the territory of Louisiana was regularly organized by act of Congress. As a temporary arrangement, th6 Spanish laws re-^ mained in force for a short time, and Colonel Boone continued to exercise the authority of his office. In fact, during the remainder
LIFK OF OAKIKL liOOXE 47
of his life he had more to do with tlie government of his settle- ment than the laws, or the officers elected and appointed under them. The people had such unbounded confidence in his wisdom and justice that they preferred to submit their disputed questions to his arbitration, rather than to the uncertain issues of law.
During the first few years of their residence in Upper Louisiana, Colonel Boone and his wife lived with their son, Daniel .M., who had built a house in Darst's Bottom, adjoining the tract of 1,000 arpents of land granted to his father by the Spanish government. This entire tract, with the exception of 181 acres, was sold l)y Daniel M. Boone, who had charge of his father's business, to pay the old Colonel's debts in Kentucky, of which he had left quite a number upon his removal to the Spanish dominions, and although his creditors never would have made any demands upon him, yet he could not rest easy until they were paid. All his earnings, which he derived from peltries obtained in his hunting excursions. were carefully saved, and at length having made a. successful hunt and obtained a valuable supply of peltry, he turned it all into cash, and visited Kentucky for the purpose of paying his debt?. He had kept no book accounts, and knew not how much he owed, nor to whom he was indebted, but, in the honest simplicity. of his nature, he went to all with whom he had had dealings, and paid whatever was demanded. When he returned to his family he had half a dollar left. " But," said he to his family and a .circle of friends who had called to see him, "now I am ready and willing to die. I have paid all my debts, and nobody can say, when I am gone, 'Boone was a dishonest man.' "
There is only one deed on the records in St. Charles signed by Daniel Boone, and that is for 181 acres of land (being a portion of the 1,000 arpents) sold to Wm. Coshow, August G, 1815, for $315, The witnesses were D. M. Boone and John B. Callaway.
Colonel Boone and his son laid off a town on the Missouri river, and called it Missouriton, in honor of the then territory of Mis- souri. They built a horse mill there, which was a great thing for those early days, and for a while the town flourished and prom- ised well. At one time an effort was made to locate the capital of the territory there, but it failed, and the town soon decUned. The place where it stood has since been washed away by the riv- er, and no trace of it now remains. There is still a post-office in the neighborhood, called Missouriton, but the town no longer exists.
48 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
The settlers did not experience much trouble with the Indians until after the commencement of the war of 1812, and the settle- ments rapidly extended over a portion of the present counties of St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, Montgomery, and Callaway ; and in 1808, a settlement was formed in (now) Howard county, near the salt springs, called Boone's Lick.
Salt was very scarce among the first settlers, and it was so ex- pensive that but little was used. It had to be transported on horseback from Kentucky, or shipped in keel-boats and barges from New Orleans up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, from whence it was distributed through the settlements by traders, who charged enormous profits.
Sometime early in the commencement of the present century. Colonel Boone, while on a hunting expedition, discovered the salt springs in Howard county; and during the summer of 1807 his sons, Daniel M. and Nathan, with Messrs. Baldridge and Manly, transported kettles there and made salt, which, they floated down the river that fall in canoes made of hollow sycamore logs, daubed at the ends with clay.
The making of salt at these springs subsequently became a regular and paying business, and, assisted by the tide of immigra- tion that began to flow there, led to the opening of the Booneslick road, which for years afterward was the great thoroughfare of Western emigration.
The remaining incidents of Colonel Boone's life, of interest to the public, are so closely connected with the events of the Indian war of 1812-15, that we cannot give them without going into a histoiy of those times, and as that would interfere with the ar- rangement of this work, we must now bring this sketch to a close.
On the 18th of March, 1813, Colonel Boone experienced the saddest atttictioii of his life, in the death of his aged and beloved wife. She had been the companion of his toils, dangers, sorrows and pleasures for more than half a century, participating in the same generous and heroic nature as himself. He loved her devo- tedly, and their long and intimate association had so closely knit- ted their hearts together that he seemed hardly able to exist with- out her, and her death was to him an irrepai-able loss.
She was buried on the summit of a beautiful knoll, in the south- ern part of (now) Warren county, about one mile southeast of the little town of Marthasville. A small stream, called Teuque
LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE
49
creek, flows by the foot of this knoll, and pursues its tortuous course to where it empties into the Missouri river, a few miles to the southeast. Her grave overlooked the Missouri bottoms, which are here about two miles in width, and now, since the tim- ber has been cleared away, a fine view of the river can be ob- tained from that spot.
Soon after the death of his wife, the old pioneer marked a place by her side for his own grave, and had a coffin made of black walnut for himself. He kept this coffin under his bed for
several years, and would ^ often draw it out and lie down in it, "just to see how it would fit." But finally a stranger died in the com- munity, and the old man,, governed by the same liberal ■motives that had been hi& -guide through life, gave his coffin to the stranger. He afterward had another made of cherry, which was also placed under his bed, and remained there until it received his body for burial.
The closing years of his life were devoted to the society of his neighbors, and his children and grandchildren, of whom he was very fond. After the death of his wife, wishing to be near her grave, he removed from his son Nathan's, on Femme Osage creek, where they had lived for several yeai's previously,, and made his home with his eldest daughter, Mrs. Flanders Calla^ way, who lived with her husband and family on Teuque creek,, near the place where Mrs. Boone was buried. Flanders Callaway removed from Kentucky to Missouri shortly before the purchase of the territory by the United States, and received a grant of land from the Spanish government.
Frequent visits were made by the old pioneer to the homes of his other children, and his coming was always made the occasion of an ovation to "grandfather Boone," as he was affectionately called. Wherever he was, his time was always employed at some useful occupation. He made powder-horns for his grandchildren and neighbors, carving and ornamenting many of them with
DANIEL BOONE TRIES HIS COFFIN.
50 I'lONEKU KAMILIKS OF MISSOUUI
much taste. He repaired rilles, and performed various descrip- tions of iiandicraft witli neatness and finisli.
Twice a year he would malie an excursion to some remote hunting ground, accompanied by a negro boy, wlio attended to the camp, sliinned and cleaned the game, and took care of his aged master. While on one of these expeditions, the Osage Indians attempted to rob him, but they met with such prompt and determined resistance from Boone and his negro boy, that they fled in haste, and molested them no more.
One winter he went on a hunting and trapping exeursior. up the Grand river, a stream that rises in the southern part of Iowa and empties into the Missouri river between Carroll and Kay counties. lie was alone this time. He paddled his canoe up the Missouri and then up the Grand river, until he found a retired place for his camp in a cave among the bluffs. He then proceeded to make the necessary preparations for trapping beaver, after which he laid in his winter's supi)ly of venison, turkey, and bear's meat.
E.ach morning he visited his traps to secure his prey, i-eturn- ing to his camp in such a manner as to avoid discovery by any prowling bands of Indians that might be in the vicinity. But one morning he had the mortification to discover a large en- fampment of Indians near his traps, engaged in hunting. He re- treated to his camp and remained there all da}', and fortunately that night a deep snow fell and securely covered his traps. He fontinucd in his camp for twenty days, until the Indians depart- ed ; and during that time he had no fire except in the middle of the night, when he cooked his food. He was afraid to kindle a fire at auy other time, lest the smoke or light should discover his hiding i)lacc to the savages. When the snow melted away, the Indians departed, and left him to himself.
On another occasion he took pack-horses and went to the coun- try on the Osage river, accompanied b}' his negro boy. Soon after he had prepared his camp he was taken sick, and lay for a long time in a dangerous condition. The weatiier was stormy and disagreeable, which had a depressing effect both ujjon the old Colonel and his servant boy. Finally the weather cleared up, and there came a pleasant and delightful day. Boone felt that it would do him good to walk out, and, with the assistance of his staff and the bo}', he made his way to the summit of a small emi- nence. Here he marked out the ground in the shai)e and size of a grave, and told the boy that in case he should die he wanted to
LIKE OF DANIEL 1500NE 51
be buried there, at the same time giving full instructions as to the manner of his l)urial. lie directed the boy, in case of liis death, to wash and lay his body straight, wrai)i)ed in one of the cleanest blankets. He was then to construct a kind of shovel, and with that instrument and the hatchet, to dig a grave, exactly as he had marked out. Then he was to drag the bodj'^ to the spot and push it in the grave, after which he was to cover it, placing posts at the head and foot. Poles were to be placed tiround and over the surface, to prevent the grave from being •opened by wild beasts ; the trees were to be marked, so the place could be found hy his friends, and then the boy was to get the horses, pack up the skins, guns, camp utensils, etc., and re- turn home, where he was to deliver certain messages to the family. All these instructions were given with entire calmness, as if he were directing his ordinary business affairs.
In December, 1818, Boone was visited by the historian. Rev. John M. Peck, who was deeply and favorably impressed by the venerable appearance of the aged pioneer. Mr. Peck had written his biography, and expected to obtain some additional notes from him, but w&s so overcome by veneration and wonder, that he asked only a few questions. If he had carried out his first inten- tion he would no doubt have given us a perfectly correct account of the life of this remarkable man, but as it was, a number of mis- takes crept into his work, and many events of interest that occur- red during the last few years of Boone's life were lost forever.
In the latter part of the summer of 1820, Boone had a severe attack of fever, at his homeat Flanders Callaway's. But he re- covered sufficiently to make a visit to the house of his son. Major Nathan Boone, on Femme Osage creek. The children had heard of his sickness, and were delighted to see grandfather again, and everything was done that could be to make him comfortable. For a few days he was happy in their society, and by his genial disposition and pleasant manners diffused joy and gladness throughout the entire household.
One day a nice dish of sweet potatoes — a vegetable of which he was very fond — was prepared for him. He ate heartily, and soon after had an attack from which he never recovered. He grad- ually sank, and, after three days' illness, expired, on the 26th of September, 1820, in the SGth year of his age.
He died calmly and peacefully, having no fear of death or the future state of existence. He had never made any profession of
52
riOXEKR FAMILIES OF MISSOUHI
religion, or united with any church, but his entire life was a l>eau- tiful example of the Golden Rule — " do unto others as yon would that they should do unto you." In a letter to one of his sisters, written a short time before his death, he said that he had alwaj-s tried to live as an honest and conscientious man should, and was perfectly willing to surrender his soul to the discretion of a just God. His mind was not such as could lean upon simple faith or mere belief, but it required a well considered reason for everj'thing, and he died the death of a philosopher rather than that of a Christian. His death was like the sleep of an infant — quiet, peaceful and serene.
t'«RRI5 £ CC. tun. CI LUlUS,
THK HOISK IS WHICH DANIEL BOONE DIED. (Tlie ilrst stone (Iwelling-house erected in JlissDuri.)
We present on this page a picture of the house in which Daniel lioone died. At the time of his death he occupied the front room on the first floor, to the right of the hall as you enter.
It has been stated in many of his "lives" that he died at a deer "lick," with his gun in his hands, watching for deer. In others, that he died, as he had lived, in a log cabin. But on the contra- ry, the house was, and is — for it is still standing, just as repre- sented in the picture — a neat, substantial, and comfortable stone building.
LIFE OF DANIKL BOONE 53
The remains of the departed pioneer were sorrowfully placed in the coffin he had prepared, and conveyed, the next day, to the home of Mr. Flanders Callaway. The news of his decease had spread rapidly, and a vast concourse of people collected on the day of the funeral to pay their last respects to the distinguished and beloved dead.
The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. James Craig, a son-in- law of Major Nathan Boone ; and the house being too small to ac- commodate the immense concourse of people, the coffin was carried to the large barn near the house, into which the people crowded to listen to the funeral services. At their close the coffin was borne to the cemetery and sadly deposited in the grave that had been prepared for it, close by the side of Mrs. Boone.
At the time of Boone's death the Constitutional Convention of Missouri was in session at St. Louis, and upon receipt of the intel- ligence a resolution was offered by Hon. Benjamin P^mmons, of St. Charles, that the members wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, in respect to the memory of the deceased, and ad- journ for one day. The resolution was unanimously adopted.
The Boone family were noted for longevity. George Boone, a brother of Daniel, died in Shelby county, Ky., in November, 1820, at the age of eighty-three ; Samuel, another brother, died at the age of eighty-eight ; Jonathan at eighty-six ; Mr&. Wilcox, a sis- ter, at ninety-one ; Mrs. Grant, another sister, at eighty-four, and Mrs. Smith, a third sister, at eighty-four. There is no record of the deaths of the rest of Boone's brothers and sisters, except those given heretofore, but they all lived to be old men and women.
AVhen Colonel Boone made choice of a place of burial for him- self and famil3% and was so particular to enjoin his friends, if he died from home, to remove his remains to the hill near Teuque, he did not anticipate an event which occurred a quarter of a cen- tury after his death, and which resulted in the remains of himself and wife finding their last resting place on the banks of the Ken- tucky river, in the land he loved so well.
The citizens of Frankfort had prepared a tasteful rural ceme- tery, and, at a public meeting, decided that the most appropriate consecration of the ground would be the removal of the remains of Daniel Boone and his wife. The consent of the surviving rel- atives was obtained, and in the summer of 1845, a deputation of citizens, consisting of Hon. John J. Crittenden, Mr. William Boone and Mr. Swaggat, came to jNIissouri on the steamer Daniel
54 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
Boone, for the purpose of exhuming the relies and conveying- them back to Kentucky.
The graves were situated on land belonging to Mr. Harvey Griswold, who at first objected to the removal, as he intended to build a monument over thi^m, and beautify the place. Mr. Gris- wold was supported in his objections by a number of influential citizens, who claimed that Missouri had as much right to the remains of Daniel Boone as Kentucky, especially as the old pioneer had selected the location of his grave, and had gixexi such particular instructions in regard to his being buried there.
The gentlemen from Kentucky finally carried their point, how- ever, and on the 17th of July, 1845, the remains of Daniel Boone- and his wife were removed from their graves. The work was done by King Bryan, Henry Angbert and Jeff. Callaway, col- ored. Mrs. Boone's coffin was found to be perfectly sound, and the workmen had but little difficulty in removing it ; but Colonel Boone's coffin was entirely decayed, and the remains had to b& picked out of the dirt by which they were surrounded. One or two of the smaller bones were found afterward, and kept by Mr. Griswold as relics.
The remains were placed in new coffins prepared for their re- ception, and conveyed to Kentucky, where they were re-interred, with appropriate ceremonies, in the cemetery at Frankfort, on the 20th of August, 1845. A vast concourse of people from all parts- of the State had collected to witness the ceremonies. An oratiott was delivered by Hon. John J. Crittenden, and Mr. Joseph B.. Wells, of Missouri, made an appropriate address.
The graves on the hill near Teuque creek were never refilled, but remain to-day as they were left by the workmen, except that the rains have partly filled them with dirt, and they are over- grown with weeds and briars. Rough head stones had been carved by Mr. Jonathan Bryan, and placed at the heads of the graves. These were thrown back on the ground, and are still lying there. Recently, pieces of the these stones have been, chipped off and sent to Kentucky as mementoes.
PAET II.
EARLY DAYS IN MISSOURI.
One hundred years ago the territory west of the Mississippi river was as unknown to the civilized races of mankind as tlie wilds of Central Africa are to-day. p]ighty-one years ago there was not an American settlement west of Kentucky, and the In- dians of Illinois, part of Ohio, and all that vast territory lying to the north, west and south-west, were undisturbed in their hunting grounds. There were doubtless tribes in the remote West who had never heard of white men, or of the coming of a superior race that was to drive them, finally, into the Pacific Ocean. Now this immense continent is dotted with large cities, thriving vil- lages, and neat farm houses ; in every valley is heard the puffing of the iron horse ; and there is hardly a foot of ground that has not been trod, time and again, by the feet of white men. School houses and workshops have pushed the smoky wigwams aside, and leviathan steamboats plow and churn the waters over which the stealthy canoe once glided. There are places which we call old, and view with reverence as the abode of our ancestors, that have not yet seen a century ! We talk of antiquities, and proudly point out to strangers our "old landmarks," and yet there are men and women still living who remember when Daniel Boone came to — Upper Louisiana, or New Spain. St. Louis was then an insignificant French village — now it is the third city of the United States and the metropolis of the Mississippi Valley ! The Mis- sissippi Valley ! A continent within itself, that numbers its pop- ulation by millions! St, Charles was an Indian trading post, and
56 PIONEKK FAMILIES OF MI.SSOLKI
the country twenty miles west of it had been visited by onl}' a few bold hunters. When Daniel Boone came, he went away out into the wilderness, among the Indians and wild animals — twenty miles west of St. Charles! and there he settled. When the grandfather of the writer arrived in St. Louis, seventy-six j'ears ago, the Spanish commandant would not give him a permit to settle near the present town of Cap-au-Gris, in Lincoln county, because it was too far out on the frontier, and exposed to attacks from the Indians !
No one can view the astonishing growth of this great country without amazement. It has sprung up as if by the conjuration of some might}' magician, and one who lives in this good year of 187G can hardlj^ realize what Missouri and the West were eightj'- one years ago.
In 1764 a company of French merchants settled Avhere tlic great city of St. Louis now stands. They had received from the Director-General of Louisiana an exclusive license to trade with the Indian nations on the Missouri, and they called their settle- ment, or encampment, St. Louis, in honor of their sovereign, the king of France. In the autumn of the previous year (1763) a French settlement had been established at Ste. Genevieve ; and as early as 1720 Fort Chartres, in Illinois, had been built by the French. In 1762 the territory west of the Mississippi was ceded to Spain, but the little band of merchants at St. Louis did not hear of the treaty until three years after. Communication be- tween the old and the new world was not so rapid then as now.
In 1705 a party of French traders and explorers ascended the Missouri to the Kansas river, on the now extreme western bound- ary of the State of Missouri. They found the Indians friendly, and glad of the opportunity to trade with them. The French have always been very fortunate in their intercourse with the red men.
For many years after its discovery, America was supposed to abound in gold and silver, and most of the early expeditions were undertaken for the purpose of seeking those precious metals. In 1711) the Sieur de Lochon was sent out from France, by the Company of the West, to seek for precious metals within the present limits of Missouri. lie commenced digging on the Meramec, and drew up a large (quantity of ore, from which he ob- tained, according to his account, two drachms of silver ; but his statement was generally disbelieved. He subsequently obtained a
KAllKY DAYS I\ MISSOURI 57
small amount of lead, and then returned to France. Other expe- ditions were sent out at different times, but their success was not gratifying. In 1719 Sieur Renault, one of the directors of a private company, left France with two hundred artificers and miners, provided with tools, and whatever else was necessary for carrying the object of the company into effect. In his passage he touched at the island of St. Domingo, and purchased five hundred slaves to work in the mines. Entering the Mississippi, he pur- sued his voyage up that river to New Orleans, which he reached some time in 1720, and soon afterward proceeded on his wa3' to Kaskaskia, in Illinois. Establishing himself near that place, he sent out mining and exploring expeditions into different parts of Illinois and Louisiana. These parties were headed cither by himself or M, La Motte, an agent, who was well versed in the knowledge of minerals, and whom he had brought with him from France. In one of these expeditions, La Motte discovered the lead mines in St. Francois, which still bear his name ; and Renault discovered the extensive mines north of Potosi, which are still called after the discoverer. Numerous other mines were discovered and extensively worked, and the remains of their antique works, overgrown with brush and trees, are still to be found. The lead was conveyed from tl«e interior on pack-horses, and sent to New Orleans, from whence it was shipped to France: The war between France and Spain, which commenced in 1719, extended to the territory of Louisiana, and agents of the rival governments were constantly at work among the Indians, each endeavoring to stir up their animosity against the other. Some time between 1720 and 1724, the French sent an expedition up the Missouri river, which landed on an island a considerable dis- tance above the mouth of the Osage. Here a fort was built, which they called Fort Orleans. On the arrival of this force, the different tribes of Indians in the vicinity were engaged in a bloody war, which greatly diminished the trade and rendered intercourse with them extremely hazardous. The French, there- fore, desired to bring about a general peace, and commenced negotiations for that purpose. Their efforts 'were crowned with the desired success in 1724. Soon after this event, however, Fort Orleans was attacked and totally destroyed, and all the gar- rison massacred. It was never known by whom this bloody work was done.
The French now began to ex[)erience trouble with the Indians,
'j8 PIONEEK families of MISSOURI
and for sixteen years a desultory warfare was kept up. Renault, however, remained in the colony, and continued to work the lead mines until 1742, when he returned to France.
Four years after the treaty of 1762, Spain made an attempt to take possession of her newly acquired territory, but there was so much opposition on the part of the inhabitants, that the Spanish Governor and his troops were compellied to abandon their design and return to Havana. The government continued to be admin- istered in the name of the French King until 1769, when it was peaceably transferred to the Spanish government, the people hav- ing become reconciled to the change, from a conviction that it was inevitable. Louisiana was re-ceded to France in 1800, and three years afterward it was ceded by France to the United States. Its substantial growth may be dated from that period. The be- neficent laws and institutions of our republic, united with an un- surpassed climate, a soil exhaustless in its fertility, and a i^eople distinguished for their intelligence and enterprise, could not fail to produce a great and prosperous country. Its progress, how- ever, has been more rapid than the wildest enthusiast could have imagined, and, though less than a century old, our institutions rank with those of the oldest and most progressive nations of the world. Having accomplished so much in two-thirds of the first century of our existence, what may we not hope and expect of the century which is to follow?
FIRST AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS.
The first American settlements within the present limits of the State of Missouri, were made in 1795, on Femme Osage creek, in what is now St. Charles county. From that time they rapidly extended in all directions, except during a period of three years, while the Indian war lasted, when every- thinor remained at a stand-still. The first American settlements in the present counties of Warren, Montgomery, and Callaway were made from 1800 to 1815.
When Daniel Boone came to Missouri (which was then called Upper Louisiana or New Spain), in 1795, there was a French vil- lage and Indian trading post at St. Charles, at that time the most
EARLY DATS IN MISSOVUI 59
remote settlement of white people on the continent of North Amer- ica. The place was then called Les Petite Cotes (little hills), which was afterward changed to Village des Cotes (the village of the hills), which names were applied to it on account of its beau- tiful, elevated location. When the Anjericans began to settle there and in th€ vicinity, they found the name hard to pronounce and understand, and it was changed to St. Charles, but by whom or when is not positively known.
The foundation of this town is shrouded in some degree of mys- tery, as well as romance. Widely different dates are given as to its first settlement, by equally reliable authorities, and the exact date will probably never be known. Several authorities give 1780 as the year of its settlement ; others 1762 ; others again place it at 1766 and 1769. One of the two latter dates is doubtless correct, and we incline to the belief that 1766 is the one. This belief is strengthened by a dim tradition among old citizens of that vicini- ty, that 1766 was the year in which the village was founded. In this connection we give the following highly colored and very im- probable romance, from "Hopewell's Legends of the Missouri and Mississippi," stating in advance, however, that we put no reli- ance in it, from the fact that it is written in the dime novel style. and is full of improbabilities and absurdities from first to last. IJut it will doubtless interest some of the readers of this unpreten- tious book, and we therefore present it as we found it. Here fol- the romance :
In the year 1765, a daring Frenchman, called Blanchette Chas- seur, animated by that love of adventure which characterizes all who have lived a roving and restless life, ascended the Missouri, with a few followers, for the purpose of forming a settlement in the then remote wilderness.
He was one of those who encountered perils dhd endured, pri- vations, not from necessity, but from choice ; for he had been born- to affluence, and had every indulgence consistent with wealth and station, but from a boy had spurned, with Spartan prejudice, every effeminate trait, and had accomplished himself in ever}' hardy and manly exercise. When he had attained his majority, he sailed for America, then the El Dorado of all the visionary, roving and restless spirits of the age. He loved the Indian and the wilderness, and after a sojourn in the wilds for some months, the attractions of La Belle France were forgotten, and Blanchette Chasseur became the leader of the hardy pioneers of civilization at that early period. So assimilated had he become to the scenes in which he lived and mingled, that he forgot his caste.^ and con-
60 PIONEER FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
descended to mingle his noble blood with that of the aborigines of the country, by taking as partners of his itinerant wigwams young squaws of the tribes which were in the vicinity of his wan- derings.
At the period which we have mentioned, Blanchette Chasseur had but three followers — two Canadian hunters, and a half-breed Indian. It was near sunset one afternoon in October, when they rowed up the swift-running current of the muddy Missouri, The vast forests skirting the river had that rich golden hue found only in America, and the tops of the trees, flooded with the dazzling glory of the sunbeams, looked gorgeous beyond description. There were several small hills at a little distance, and from one of these they saw the smoke ascending from a camp-fire.
Blanchette Chasseur, feeling confident that he was in the vicini- ty of a party of Indians, with that fearlessness and curiosity which made up, so largely, a portion of his character, determined to see and learn, if possible, their business in the neighborhood and to what tribe they belonged. He landed his little boat where some bushes grew thick upon the banks, and, armed with his rifle, pro- ceeded alone toward the encampment. When he was within a hundred yards of the camp-fire, seeing that he was discovered by the Indians, he stopped in his course, and taking a soiled piece of cloth from his pocket, tied it to the end of his gun, and waved it in token of friendly intentions.
At this signal of friendship from Blanchette Chasseur, an old Indian, of low stature but herculean build, came towards him. He was followed by a band of warriors, who as well as he, were begrimed with paint ; but the old Indian, from his rich display of beads and the plumage of birds, together with the deference paid to him by the band, was evidently the chief. The whole party had been on the war-path, for several fresh scalps dangled from the belts of some of the warriors ; and the cincture of the old chief, through its whole circumference, was frizzled with the hair of the enemies subdued in man}' conflicts, but was totally un- like the fabled girdle. of the Paphian goddess, which gave to its possessor transcendent loveliness — for the old chief was as hid- eous in his features as the veiled prophet of Korassan.
Blanchette Chasseur, with his ever-glowing courage, felt some slight chilling sensations glide through his frame, as he looked upon such a number of war-like Indians, besmeared with paint, with their reeking trophies of savage prowess. Nevertheless, he addressed them in an Indian tongue with which he was familiar, tell- ing them he was a white man ascending the Missouri, and that he loved the Indian. The old chief gazed upon him with a full, attentive smile, and mollifying somewhat his rugged features, told him he was welcome, and to call his followers, whom Blanchette had left with the canoe.
EARLY DAYS IN MISSOURI 61
The half-breed Indian, from the departure of Blanchette, had commenced to show symptoms of alarm, and when he saw the painted warriors, with their bows and arrows, their tomahawks and scalp-locks, some of which were still gory, his philosophy for- sook him, and, darting from the canoe, and with almost the fleet- ness of a deer, endeavored to place as much distance as possible between himself and the supposed enemies. The old chief told his warriors to give chase, and capture without injuring him. With a yell that rang loud and echoing through the solitude, the fleet-footed warriors started after the fugitive, and, in a short time, the poor half-breed, more dead than alive, was brought to the encampment. His swarthy face looked pale with excessive fright ; he kept one hand upon the crown of his head, as if he ex- pected every moment that an attack would be made upon his scalp, and made such horrible grimaces, that the old chief shook with excess of laughter. Blanchette Chasseur, pitying his follower — who, though a coward, was faithful — calmed his fright by telling him that his scalp was as safe upon his head as the crown upon the imperial monarch of France.
All excitement being allayed, the old chief and warriors, and Blanchette Chasseur and followers, then sat, side by side, at a large fire, and smoked the pipe of peace — an essential proceeding among the Indians, as significant of friendship. Blanchette Chas- seur then told one of his men to go to the boat, and bring, from beneath a seat, a jug well filled with the fluid which causes the tongue to rattle, the heart to expand, and the reason to sleep.
At the sight of the jug, the old chief rose quickly to his feet, seized it in his large hands, extracted the cork in a twinkling — and placed his nose to the aperture. He then gave vent to the most extravagant rapture. He cut a caper in the air that would have been creditable to an equestrian clown, embraced Blanchette Chasseur with the ardor of a newly accepted lover; and, spread- ing wide his short legs, so as to have a secure base, placed the large jug to his lips, and took a long suck of its contents. He then took a little pewter mug, that Blanchette Chasseur had in his hands, and dealt a sparing allowance to the warriors, and, after serving all with thq diligence, if not the grace of a Ganymede, he threw aside the cup, and, again fortifying himself like a Colossus of Rhodes, he drank long and deeply ; then drawing a long breath, he said, turning to Blanchette, " &est bon; fen ai assez," (it is good ; I have enough.)
Both Blanchette Chasseur and the old chief had a good supply of dried provisions, and all were soon in the humor to do justice to a supper. During the repast, the desirable jug was several times called upon to contribute freely, and such was the potency of its power over the usually cold stoicism of the savages, that, in a short time, they commenced to laugh and boast of their re-
62 PIONEEK FAMILIES OK MISSOURI
cent exploits, and became on the most familiar terms with their new friends.
The old chief, seeing everything on the most friendly footing, with his stomach overflowing with whisky and dried beef, became Tery garrulous and familiar. Blanchette manifesting some sur- prise at his readiness in speaking the French language, he told iiim, if he were not too sleepy, he would relate to him some of the stirring incidents of an eventful life.
Blanchette signifying a wish to hear the narrative, the old war- rior thus began :
THE NARRATIVE OF BERNARD GUILLET, THE CHIEF OP THE BAKOTAHS.
" My good friend, the first thing I have to tell you is, that I Jim a Frenchman, and not an Indian. I was born near Marseilles, in the southern part of France, of poor, but respectable parents, who died within three months of each other, when I had attained eleven years of age. My mother died last, and a few hours be- fore her death, with a feeble effort, she took a rosary which she kept constantly suspended from her neck, and hung it upon mine, murmuring some indistinct words. I have thought of them often «ince, and I know that they were blessings. After losing my parents my troubles commenced. It is not worth my while to dwell upon trivial incidents ; let it suffice to say that four months iifter I lost my parents, I was, by the authorities, apprenticed to a tanner. I was worked hard and almost starved ; and, from the wrongs that I had continually heaped upon me, I date the change in my disposition, which was naturally gentle, into fierce and vindictive elements. I was kicked about much more than a sorry cur we had in the establishment, named Carlo. However, I looked upon Carlo as my only friend, and he loved me in return. We were bedfellows. Things continued in this way until I became seventeen years of age, at which time my mind became sufficient- ly developed to comprehend, to its fullest extent, the unjust treat- ment I received from my master, who still continued to beat me as usual for every trivial fault or fancied omission. My blood often boiled during the chastisements, and I felt ready to exterminate the wretch upon the spot. One evening, in a paroxysm of rage, I killed him. Working hours were over, and as usual I was looking over some books that I had gradually collected together, so as to improve my mind. My rosary was in my hand, and the current of my thoughts had floated from my book to the by-gone days, with which was associated the image of my mother. My master came in, and seeing me with the beads, snatched them from my hands and gave me a buff upon the cheek, saying, I was a good- for-nothing, lazy fellow. I entreated him to return the rosary, telling him it was the last gift of a deceased mother.
"'Your mother, you vagabond?' replied he; 'who was she but a strumpet?'
KAKLY DAYS IX MI8S0UKI 63
" Blood swam before m}- eyes — ray heart was on fiie, and the voices of all the devils whispered vengeance ! I sprang at his throat with a yell of rage, and clenched it like a vice ! When I released the hold he was dead, and I, Bernard Guillet, was a murderer!
"I fled that night to Marseilles, where a vessel was just leav- ing for the new world. I ottered myself as a common sailor, and as the captain was short of hands, I was taken without any inquiries. We were soon out of the harbor, and I was compara- tively safe from pursuit.
"After a voyage of three months, we reached the shores of America, and fearing that I might be pursued for the murder of my master, I went far into the interior of Canada, and engaged with a man who traded for furs with the Indians. Somehow or other, I became attached to the vagabond life I led. I soon learned to speak the tongues of several of the Indian tribes ; en- gaged in business on my own account ; hunted with the hunters ; and, took to wife one of the daughters of a chief of the Senecas. After thus linking myself by a new tie to the Indians, I threw off the few civilized habits which still clung to me, and adopted all the wild independence of my new relations. I still visited, how- ever, yearly, the trading posts of the whites, chiefly for the purpose of gaining powder and lead, and a good proportion of whisky. We were engaged in several wars with the neighboring tribes, and I became a distinguished warrior. In all probability, I had passed m^- life with the Senecas. had not my wife died in ■childbed. I sincerely mourned her loss ; not that I can say that I really loved her ; but I had lived with her for seven years, and she was obedient to m}- slightest wisii. She had borne me four children, all of whom died.
"After the death of mj' wife, I became desirous of change, and determined to go far into the West, and lead the life of a trapper and hunter. One evening, unknown to anyone, about nightfall, I took my tomahawk, rifle, a good supply of ammunition, and departed upon my long journey. I easily subsisted upon the proceeds of the chase, for then game was everywhere. I traveled through many regions, and followed the course of many rivers, yet always keeping towards the setting sun ; sometimes, tarrying in a place two or three v.eeks, so as to try effectually what it would yield in the way of furs and peltries.
" On the banks of the Muskingum river, I was nearly losing my life. It was a warm day ; and, being somewhat fatigued and drowsy, about midday-, I lay beneath a large maple, which offered a fine shade, that I miglit take a comfortable nap. I know not how long I lay there ; but I felt a dead, heavy weight upon my breast that nearl3- mashed me. I thought I had the niglitmare, and tried to struggle with the witch that was riding me, when the
(54 PIONEEK FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
effort awoke me, and I found a lar£,e red skin bestriding my bodvt and another commencing to bind me witli thongs. I was then under thirty, and as strong as a buffalo.
" With a sudden effort, I threw the red devil who was making a pack-horse of me, and gaining my feet, struck the other a blow with my fist that made him whirl as a top. I then had time to draw my knife, as the Indian I had thrown from iny breast gained his feet. He was soon finished ; but the other had seized Nancy (a name I had given my rifle, in honor of my mother), and had it pointed, with sure aim, at my heart. Sacre Dieu ! how funny I felt when I was thinking of the ball that was coming through me ; but Nancy snapped — I don't know whether from accident or not ; but I have always thought that the name of my mother had some- thing to do with it. You may smile ; but it does me good to think that her spirit can now and then come near me. I killed the In- dian with a blow of my tomahawk, and took the scalps of them both. They were of the Miamis.
" I still kept westward," said the old chief, taking another pull from the bottle ; " and, after some fifteen months, came to the banks of the Mississippi. Then I got so far from civilizatian that I determined to give up all idea of trading with whites, for a time, and to find some locality to pack furs for a few years ; by which time I calculated that plenty of trading posts would be established in those parts. I coursed along the Mississippi for a few days, and, seeing a large river flowing into it, I crossed over in a canoe I found hidden on the bank of a river, and ascended it by cours- ing along its banks, until I reached the neighborhood in which we now are. That was, as near as I can guess, about twenty or twenty-five years ago. Here I found plenty of deer and beaver, and determined to stop. So I built a little hut and commenced trapping beaver and muskrats. I was very successful during the first year, when, all of a sudden, I found that my luck had stopped. I soon suspicioned the cause — my traps had been robbed. I de- termined to find out the thief. One night I lay near one of mj" most successful traps, and about daylight, or a little before, I saw the outlines of an Indian going to the spot where my trap was. He had a beaver in his hand, which he had taken from one of my other traps. I leveled Nancy, and he fell dead. After scalping him, I let him lie.
"A few days afterward, walking by the spot, I discovered that his body had been removed. I was much alarmed, for I knew the Indians had been there, and had taken away the dead body of their comrade. I fortified my little cabin as well as pos- sible, and went out but seldom. About two months afterward, I was surprised one morning, before sunrise, by the sound of a war- whoop in front of my cabin, accompanied by efforts to break open the door. I thought that my hour had come, but 1 determined to
EARLY DAYS IN MISSOURI 65
die game. I seized Nancy, put my rosary into my bosom in case I fell, that I might call on the Virgin for grace from the Son, and jumped to a loop-hole I had prepared before. There were ten savages, and they used no precaution, thinking that the mere sight of their numbei's would make me surrender. One fell dead at the call of Nancy, then another, and, in the space of an hour, a third. They then became cautious, and, surrounding my cabin at all points, succeeded in firing it. Tonnerre de Di w, how it burned! I stood it some time, and, when I was almost roasted, I jumped from the blazing roof. I had no chance. Directly I touched the ground I was overpowered and bound.
" I felt as if my doom was sealed, for I was a captive in the hands of the Dakotas, who had come a long distance to take my scalp for killing one of their tribe — him who had robbed my traps. I was destined to a terrible death, and I knew it by their conver- sation on the journey. My skin peeled from my limbs, leaving a mass of raw flesh, so severely was I burned, but I was compelled to journey in my sufferings. After many days' travel we came to the chief village, and warriors, old men, women, and children, came to meet us. They all commenced abusing me, spitting upon me, and beating me. It was horrible to feel that I was all alone among the savages, sick and weak from the burns I had received. My only consolation was thinking of my mother.
"A council of the old men and chiefs of the nation was held, and, as I had expected, I was doomed to the fire-death. For two days there were great preparations for barbecuing me ; and, when all was complete, I was delivered to the executioners. I was stripped perfectly naked, and my feet unbound. I had first to run a gauntlet. A row of boys and women were on each side of the way I had to run, and, when I started for the goal, flaming firebrands were thrust in my skin ; spears and arrows pierced my flesh, and blows from clubs came in showers upon my defenceless body. I gained the goal, and fainted as I gained it.
" When I recovered consciousness, I found myself tied to a tree, and the Indian boys preparing to shoot at me for a target. The arrows stuck in my body in all directions, but did not touch any vital part, the object being not to kill but torture me. I tried by sudden efl^orts to twist my body so as to disappoint their aim, that I might be killed, but I was too tightly bound and had to suflFer. After amusing themselves until I was a mass of bleeding wounds, it was determined to end the scene by placing me at the stake. I was bound to a post around which were piles of resinous wood. The torch was ready to be applied, and my last thoughts were on meeting my mother, when an Indian woman rushed to the stake, and claimed me as her husband, in place of one she had lost. No one disputed her claim, and I was led to her lodge, and my rifle, and all other property that the Indians 5
66 riONKER FAMILIES OV MISSOURI
had brought from my hut, were restored to me. She bestowed every attention on me, and I slowly recovered. I was formally adopted by the nation and became a great favorite, doing them great service in their wars against the Pawnees and Chippewas. The chief of the tribe gave me his only daughter for a wife, and he dying I was made chief of the nation, and am so still."
Blanchette Chasseur thanked the chief for his interesting his- tory, and after drinking each other's health from the jug, which effectually exhausted its contents, they lay down, and were soon following the example of their snoring followers.
Next morning, Bernard Guillet, the chief of the Dakotas, invited Blanchette Chasseur to visit him in his remote home, say- ing that he would never get as far east again, as he was advancing in years, and was tired of taking scalps.
"Bernard," said Blanchette Chasseur to the old chief, before his departure, "when you lived here did you give any name to your home ? ' '
"I called the place ' Les Petites Cotes,'" replied Bernard, " from the sides of the hills that you see."
" By that name shall it be called," said Blanchette Chasseur,, "for it is the echo of nature — beautiful from its simplicity."
The two friends then separated. The chief of the Dakotaa with his warriors wended their way back to their tribe, and Blan- chette Chasseur again descended the Missouri, determined in a short time to return to Les Petites Cotes, and there form a settle- ment. He did so. In 1769 (four years after) he formed a settle- ment, and called the town that he laid out, " Les Petites Cotes." It soon grew to a thriving village, and many years afterward was changed to St. Charles.
Femme Osage creek derived its name from the drowning of an Osage squaw. Many years prior to the date of the first Ameri- can settlements, some Indians of that tribe were hunting in that part of the country, and one of their squaws, having been on an errand somewhere, was returning to her people. The stream was swollen from recent rains, and in attempting to cross it on her pony, the current swept them away from the ford, and she was drowned. The Indians, therefore, called the stream Femme Osage, or Osage woman's creek.
Most of the pioneers of Missouri were from the States of Kentucky and Virginia, with a few from North and South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
They were a hardy, honest, friendly class of people, addicted to hospitality and neighborly intercourse. Most of them came to the West because they wanted to be free — free from the restraints and shams of society, and the domineering influence of
EARLY DAYS IN MISSOURI 67
money and aristocracy. A few came to evade the penalty of tlie laws which they had violated at home, but there wgre not many of this class, and their standing and character being soon found out, they were shunned by the better class of people.
With the exception of the Boone families, their relations and friends, most of the pioneers were strangers to each other ; but every newly arrived stranger met a hearty welcome, and was treated as an old friend, merely because he had come, probabh^ from the same State in the East or South. It was enough to know that he had come from the liome State, and at once he was treated like an old acquaintance and friend. Or, if he happened to be a stray sheep, from some of the outside States, he was still treated as a friend — because they all wanted to be friendly.
Rev. Timothy Flint, an educated Presbyterian minister of New England, who lived in St. Charles for several years during the first part of the present century, thus wrote of the people and some of their habits :
" In approaching the country, I heard a thousand stories of "gougings," and robberies, and shooting down with the rifle. I have traveled in these regions thousands of miles under all cir- cumstances of exposure and danger. I have traveled alone, or in company only with such as needed protection, instead of being able to impart it ; and this, too, in many instances, where I was not known as a minister, or where such knowledge would have had no influence in protecting me. I never have carried the slightest weapon of defence. I scarcely remember to have, experienced anything that resembled insult, or to have felt myself in danger from the people. I have often seen men that had lost an eye. Instances of murder, numerous and horrible in their circumstances, have occurred in my vicinity. But they were such lawless rencounters as terminate in murdel* everywhere, and in which the drunkenness, brutality and violence were mutual. They were catastrophes, in which quiet and sober men would not be involved. * * * xhe first Sabbath that I preached in St. Charles [about 1816], before morning worship, directly opposite where worship was to take place, there was a horse-race. The horses received the signal to start just as I rode to the door. « * * I5ut J cannot forbear to relate that
six years after, when I left the place, it was after a communion, where services had been performed in a decent brick church, in which forty communicants had received communion."
The same gentleman, speaking more directly of the people whom he found here at that early period, said:
The backwoodsman of the West, as I have seen him, is
11
68 riONEEK FAMILIES OF MISSOURI
generally an amiable and virtuous man. His general motive for coming here is to be a freeholder, to have plenty of rich land, and to be able to settle his childi'en about him. I fully believe that nine in ten of the emigrants have come here with no other motive. You find, in truth, that he has vices and barbarisms, peculiar to his situation. His manners are rough. He wears, it may be, a long beard. He has a great quantity of bear or deer skins wrought into his household establishment, his furniture and dress. He carries a knife, or a dirk, in his bosom, and when in the woods has a rifle on his back, and a pack of dogs at his heels ; but remember that his rifle and his dogs are among his chief means of support and profit. Remember that all his first days here were spent in dread of savages. Remember that he still encounters theni, still meets bears and panthers. Enter his door, and tell him you are benighted, and wish the shelter of his cabin for the night. The welcome is, indeed, seemingly ungracious: 'I reckon you can sta}',' or, ' I suppose we must let you stay.' But this apparent ungraciousness is the harbinger of every kind- ness that he can bestow, and every comfort that his cabin can afford. Good coffee, corn bread and butter, venison, pork, wild and tame fowls, are set before you. His wife, timid, silent, re- served, but constantly attentive to your comfort, does not sit at the table with j'ou, but like the wives of the patriarchs, stands and attends on you. You are shown the best bed which the house can afford. When this kind of hospitality has been afford- ed you as long as you choose to stay, and when you depart, and speak about your bill, you arc most commonly told with some slight mark of resentment, that they do not keep tavern. Even the flaxen-headed urchins will run away from your money."
To such a degree was this spirit of hospitality carried that one who kept a tavern and charged for his accommodations, was look- ed down upon by his neighbors as not the right sort of a man to associate with.
In those days there were no railroads or steamboats, nor even stage coaches, to convey passengers from place to place, and the earl}' settlers had to depend upon their own resources. Some built flat-boats and keel-boots, into which they loaded their goods and families, and floated down the Ohio and its tributaries to the Mississippi, and then toiled up that stream to the Missouri, and up the latter to their destination, dragging their clumsy boats by tow-lines, or forcing them along with oars and poles. Others packed their goods, and wives, and children on horses, and came through the wilderness, supplying themselves with meat from the wild game which the}' killed with their rifles as they came along. And still others, too poor either to own horses or build boats,
EARLY DAYS IN MISSOURI 69
shouldered what few articles of worldly goods they possessed, and came on foot.
They all located in the woods, near the water courses, and built their houses adjoining some nice, cool, bubbling spring. The idea of settling on the rich prairies never occurred to them. They imagined that the prairies never could be cultivated, be- cause there was no water on them, and no timber to fence them. They did not know, then, that water could be had by digging ponds and cisterns, or that fences could be made by hedging and ditching, or by hauling rails from the adjoining timber. Now the prairies are more valuable than the timbered lands, because they are easier to cultivate, and it requires comparatively little labor to put them in a condition to be cultivated.
Their houses were built of rough logs, with puncheon floors, clapboard roofs, and great, broad, flaring chimneys, composed of sticks and mud. Sometimes they had no floors in their houses, except the ground, beaten smooth and hard, and swept clean every day. Iron nails were not to be had, and the boards of their roofs were fastened with wooden pins, or weighted with poles and stones. One of these old-fashioned houses — two stories high, however, and built of hewn logs — still stood, within one hundred yards of where Daniel Boone and his wife were buried, no longer than five years ago.
A house-raising was a great event, and the people would go ten, fifteen, and even twenty and thirty miles, to assist on these occasions. The women and girls went, too, and cooked I'ousing dinners of venison, turkey, bear's meat, corn bread, etc. These were relished with fresh honey, taken from trees in the woods, and washed down with clear water from the spring ; or, occasionally, with pure, unadulterated whisky. The luxuries of tea and coffee were almost unknown, except among a few of the old ladies, who had become accustomed to them in former times and could not very well do without them. Some of these old ladies would walk to St. Charles or St. Louis, a journey of four or five days, to buy a little tea and coffee, so great was their de- sire for these luxuries. Others contented themselves with sassa- fras tea, sweetened with honey, or coffee made of parched rye or corn, which had the name and color, and imagination supplied the rest. The woods were full of bee trees, and honey was abun- dant. They kept it stored away in cellar-pits and spring-houses by the barrel, where it would grain and become so thick that
70 PIOXEEU FAMII^IE.-i Ol' MlSSOLltl
it could be cut out in slices with a knife — sweeter and more de- licious than the nicest candy that was ever made. An old pioneer, still living, often laughs and tells how his mother went to the spring-house once, and found a favorite cat smothered to death in a barrel of honey. The cat and a portion of the honey around it were dipped out, and they tried to eat the rest, but it always re- mained on the table untasted, and it was finally thrown away.
Milk and butter were in the greatest abundance, and the latter was sent to market at St. Charles — after that place became large enough to aflPord a market — by the barrel. Only a few were able to own churns, and those who did not possess that useful do- mestic article, used large bottles or gourds instead. The milk was placed in the bottle or gourd and shaken until the butter "came." A few, more progressive than the others, resorted to the expedient of saddling a mule or