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December, 1851.] |
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what comfortable but he is badly hurt. The weather being rather Labradorian I kept close quarters.
Monday, 8.--Mrs W. and I went over to see the invalid. Found him in considerable of misery. Dr. Doyle, his Physician was with him. Staid a couple of hours, and came home leaving Mrs W. there. Had a sick afternoon.
Tuesday, 23.--Mr and Mrs Dofflemeyer set out for Platte County. I envy not their ride on such a day as this.
Went to town and called upon Major Moseley. While there the Council sent for me and notified me of my election to [the] office of Clerk of the Council. I informed that Honorable body that I duly appreciated the honor done me by the voters of the Wyandott nation, but unfortunately I was ineligible. I held an appointment under the U. S. in the Indian department, that of U. S. Interpreter for the Wyandott nation, and had been sworn into office and also to support the Constitution of the U. S.; and the law of the Wyandott nation required the Clerk, before entering upon his duties, to take an oath of fealty to the Wyandott nation, thus requiring the same individual to serve two governments. But I would cheerfully serve them as Clerk provided they would dispense with the qualifying oath. The question was postponed.
Wednesday, 24.--Having employed Jacob Charloe to accompany me to Kansas, we set out at 12 o'clock on foot. Thawing and slavish walking.
B. Garrett and Kittie Ann (White) Garrett were: 1. Amanda, born June 15,1819, married ---- Roseberry, died at Bucyrus in 1845; 2. William W., born December 29, 1821, married Mary Ann Long, at Wyandotte, Kan., died July 5, 1867, of typhoid fever; 3. Wesley born September 26, 1823, married Sarah Spurlock, died at Lecompton, Kan., January 6, 1894, of la grippe.
Children of Charles B. Garrett and Maria (Walker) Garrett were: 1. Harriet P., born December 16, 1827, died August 1, 1830; 2. Russell, born September 29, 1829, married Miss Elizabeth J. Lane, May 18, 1860, lives in Ventura, Cal.; 3. Cyrus, born May 1, 1331, never married, died February 20, 1859, at St. Louis, of consumption; 4. Henry, born March 16, 1833, never married, died April 14, 1857, at Cincinnati, of scarlet fever; 5. Byron, born September 25, 1835, died September 1, 1842; 6. Jane, born April 26,1838, died October 20,1841; 7. Charles, born September 26, 1842, died September 8. 1843.
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[December, 1851. |
Settled up some business. Paid up my postage for the year. Came home at dark tired and fatigued.
Thursday, 25.--A merry Christmas to ye all! Cloudy and damp morning. 12 o'clock Mr Geo. Armstrong called and had a long conversation upon the subject of the appointment of Administrators on the Estate of Geo. Armstrong, dec.
Christmas closed without any thing strange or interesting occurring about our domicil.JANUARY, 1852. Thursday, 1.--A happy new year to all my friends--and enemies if any I have. To each of the former I send my kind greetings & "the compliments of the season."
Spent a few days in Kansas partly on business and partly in social intercourse with my acquaintances and friends.
Thursday, 15.--In the afternoon who should appear, but a strange apparition of the WEEPING PHILOSOPHER in the person of the Widow Graham in her weeds and tears and refusing to be comforted. It was enough to elongate the countenance of a Zany, to look upon her and hear her whinings and wailings.
Friday, 23.--A strange incident in our neighborhood.
Samuel Drummond formerly from Belmont County, Ohio, Assistant Blacksmith in the Public Shop, some time during the last week in December manifested some symptoms of aberration of the mind by his strange moodiness and taciturnity and a singular waywardness of conduct unusual for him; during which he suddenly disappeared. He was afterwards heard of in Parkville. From thence he went in the direction of Platte City. The next intelligence was, his calling at a House and offering all the money he had for lodging; but the man noticing his singular conduct, refused. He stated that "He was pursued by a gang of fellows from
January, 1852.] |
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Kansas and he was trying to escape from them." Samuel Rankin and perhaps some others went in pursuit of him. They traced him as far as Barrey, where he was last seen. From thence he launched out into an immense broad prairie, where they lost track of him. Poor fellow! we fear his stiffened corse is stretched upon some bleak prairie. It is now three weeks since he has been wandering about "knowing not whither he goeth" amidst bitter Labradorian weather.
Tuesday, 27.--To-day the Council meets and I must attend, as some important matters come before that Honorable body.
Called upon Major Moseley on my way to the Council and found him still quite sick and unable to do business.
Last night the Widow Warpole departed this life. Heard at the same time that Captain Peter Buck and Miss Catharine Johnston died in the Seneca Country.
Another strange incident in our neighborhood.
On Thursday last Nicholas Williams was seen in Kansas and remained till late in the evening, when he set out for home. Thomas Coon-Hawk overtook him at Turkey Creek and finding him somewhat intoxicated kept with him till they came to the crossing of the Kansas when Williams objected to crossing on the ice where Thomas intended to cross, and started off, as he said, to cross below. It was then dark and [he] has never been seen nor heard of since.1
Wednesday, 28.--Harriet was taken sick on Monday. Sick all day and much worse at night.
Thursday, 29.--Sent Mr Nichols to Kansas for a Doctor to attend on Harriet, tho' she seems a little better this morning. At 1 o'clock P. M. Dr. Ridge arrived and prepared medicine for Harriet.
1 The father of Mrs. Mary Walker, widow of Isaiah Walker. It was supposed that the ice broke with him, and that he was drowned in the Kansas River.
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[January, 1852. |
No intelligence of Nicholas Williams. His fate remains a mystery.
Friday, 30.--Poor old Nicholas Williams is, given [up] for gone, as no trace can be found of him.
FEBRUARY, 1852. Monday, 2.--Heard of the death of Mr Wilson of Kansas.
Tuesday, 3.--Mr Nichols returned, and by him we learn that a Mr Jackson of Kansas died of Pneumonia on Saturday last. Got no mail "cause the Blue's up."
To-day the Council meets and I must attend.
Reported the written Statement on the Walker claim, which was adopted and signed, and placed in the hands of Major Moseley.
The following deaths have occurred in the Wyandott nation since the first day of January. Towara, Widow Warpole, Peter Buck, Catharine Johnston, Jacob Charloe's child, James Brown, Margaret Young's daughter, Sarah Hill, N. Williams [missing], Henry Warpole's wife.
Thursday, 5.--In the evening heard of the death of Black-Sheep's wife, who died on Tuesday evening. And also of the death of Curley-Head's wife. This turns out a mistake. She is not dead.
Friday, 6.--Mud. Such as I never saw in Missouri before. Heard by Jacob Charloe that it is a mistake about Curley-Head's wife being dead. She is in the Seneca country.
Learned from Major Moseley that the remains of Samuel Drummond were found within two miles of Liberty, a few days ago:--and that out of $155.00, he had still on his person $100.00 in gold. Just heard of the death of Mr Arms.
Thursday, 12.--Isaiah Walker1 called upon us and spent
1 Isaiah Walker was the son of Governor Walker's brother Isaac. He married Mary Williams. The wedding was at the house of Silas Armstrong. For an account of it see Governor Walker's Journal, under date of February A 1853. He moved to the
March, 1852.] |
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the day with us. Hauling stone. I greatly fear we shall have some rain.--" Heaven forfend"! Clear night, but very cold.
Friday, 13.--The Sheriff called to-day to summons me to attend a called session of the Council to quell a bloody quarrel between Adam Brown and Abelard Guthrie. I went down and found the two under arrest by the Sheriff.
Saturday, 14.--Jemmy and his hand having completed their job, [I] went to Kansas to pay them off,-- $7.
[I] remained there [at Kansas] several days.
Meantime a most murderous affair came off.* The murderer was Isaiah Zane and the murdered was John Kayrohoo. The offence having been committed over the line, i. e. in Jackson County, the former was committed to prison to stand his trial at the next session of the Circuit Court.
*Monday, 16.--The murder refer'd to took place on the afternoon of this date and the Court of Enquiry with the Inquest took place the next day, Tuesday.The Missouri river on the rise and full of thick ice floating down like an avalanche.
Saturday, 28.--Went with James Washington to the Agent's office on public business. Capt. Joseph Parks arrived on public business, also.
Henry Norton selling his effects at public Auction and going to St. Louis to keep a Drug Store.MARCH, 1852. Monday, 15.--A most desperate rencounter took place in Kansas between Charles Hooker and a young man named Hilton, a discharged clerk who had been in the employ of the former. It appears that the Store of Mr H. had been robbed in the early part of the winter, of some[thing] near $400.00, in his absence, and Mr Hilton having charge of the
Indian Territory with the Wyandots. His home was near Seneca, Mo. He was drawing some water from a well in his stable yard when the board across the mouth of the well, on which he was standing, broke, letting him fall into the well. The injuries sustained in the fail caused his death.
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[March, 1852. |
Store at the time. Upon the return of Mr H[ooker] he dismissed Mr H[ilton] and at the same time charged him with the robbery, or [with] being accessory to it. Mr Hilton, smarting under the disgraceful imputation, sought satisfaction in various ways, but in vain. He then challenged Mr H[ooker] thro' Dr Gemundt, but [his challenge was] not accepted. He then determined upon summary chastisement. Armed with two Pistols, he sallied out into the street, and met Mr H[ooker]. Two shots were fired but without effect upon his opponent, while he received two horrid gashes in his abdomen, penetrating the viscera. The wounds are pronounced mortal.
Tuesday, 16.--Mr Hilton still alive.APRIL, 1852. Saturday, 10.--In the evening Rev. Mr Barker, Mr Scarritt's successor, called upon us and spent some time with us.
Sunday, 11.--Frosty morning. Went to Church and heard a good sermon from Mr B.
Wednesday, 14.--We planted a large quantity of top Onions: nearly enough to supply all Holland if they do well.
My execration upon our new public Black Smith for a triffling lying scamp. I cannot get him to do any work for me. This is the first time in 35 years that I have had occasion to complain seriously of our public smiths; but this fellow, Priestly, is enough to provoke the soul of a saint. Received a letter from Maj. Moseley on Public affairs.
Sunday, 18.--A clear frosty morning. I fear for the fruit. It would seem that I am doomed never to raise any peaches, -notwithstanding the great care and pains I have taken in their culture. My labor, care and pains must go unrewarded.
Just heard of the death of John M. Armstrong, who died
May, 1852.] |
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in Mansfield, Ohio, while on his way to Washington City. Poor fellow! he was intent on no good in his journey to that City. His business was with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. He was an agitator among the Indians and has heretofore created much trouble among his own people, and the surrounding tribes. Buried be his faults with him. He died on the 15th instant and was taken to Bellfontaine and buried by the side of his Mother.
Also, died last evening, at the residence of her mother, Mrs Hester Fish, of Wakalusa. She was first cousin to the above, J. M. Armstrong.
Went to Church and heard a sermon from Mr Dofflemeyer. Mrs W. went over to visit the distressed widow.
Tuesday, 20.--To-day the Council meets and as Major M. is to be over I must attend.
Attended the Council. Major Moseley came round by Muncie town and bro't down with him all the leading men of the Muncie tribe to answer to the Wyandott Chiefs for depradations committed by their people upon the property of the Wyandotts. They agreed to surrender the stolen property, or, if unable to do that, then surrender the thieves to the Wyandott Chiefs to be dealt with according to their laws.1MAY, 1852. Thursday, 6.--This morning my horse Draggon made his escape from the pasture. I pursued and recaptured him. Took my hand, Mr Oliver, and made some additional repairs to my pasture fence.
This day the OREGON COMPANY, Consisting of Mr McCowen and family, Mr Hunter and family, Mr Lynville and
1 The Muncies lived on the Delaware lands, and most of them lived in the vicinity of the present Postoffice of Muncie, in Wyandotte County, Kansas. They are a subtribe of the Delawares; the Delawares only permitted them to reside on their lands temporarily. They came West with the Stockbridges. Some Muncies and Stockbridges lived on the banks of the Missouri River, just below where Leavenworth City now is, and on the sites of the Soldiers' Home, and Mount Muncie Cemetery.
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[May, 1852. |
family, with various others, names unknown, set out on their long and lonesome journey. About bed time the sky clear and the Heavens bespangled with stars.
Friday, 7.--Notified of the meeting of the National Convention on to-morrow.
Saturday, 8.--Attended the Convention above alluded to. The Principal Chief presided. The object of the meeting having been stated: that of authorizing the Council to take measures for the ratification of that part of the Treaty of April, 1850, which was suspended by the President and Senate. After an animated discussion of some four hours, a vote was taken and the measure was carried by two thirds majority. The next question was voting money to defray the expenses of a delegation to go to Washington. Carried. Convention adjourned.
Thursday, 13.--Burning our log heaps to-day. High winds.
Heard yesterday that there were cases of Cholera in Westport, and one death. John Lynch called here to-day. He complained of bad health: "Be me troth and its meself that's had the chill every day and och! but I'm after getting very wake intirely, so I is."
Friday, 14.--A young Doctor Rice, brother of Dr. Rice of Kansas, called to-day and spent the day with us.
The Cholera is in our land--several deaths near and in Westport. It is awfully destructive among the Mormon emigrants. The Shawnee Chief, Jackson, died yesterday of this complaint.
Saturday, 15.--M. Mudeater called to-day for despatches for Major Moseley, composed of triplicate receipts for Mr Isaac Baker and myself for our quarter's pay. The former as Assistant Blacksmith, and myself as ----- so and so. Also for the school fund for the first half year of 1852.
At about 4 o'clock P. M. we had an awful rain accom-
May, 1852.] |
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panied with hail, which lasted about two hours and a half. For the first time my cellar was inundated with water five inches deep.
Dr. Gemundt fled from the storm and took up quarters with us for the night.
Sunday, 16.--Mr Garrett found a horse with a woman's saddle on, which was recognized as belonging to the Widow [of] Robert Coon, and shortly afterwards a child was found in Jersey Creek, drowned. Immediate search was made for the mother and [she was] found some distance below in the creek, her clothing having become entangled in a snag. The child was bro't to our house and our women dressed it and laid [it] out. When the mother was found, the corpse was taken to the Council house. There is no doubt but she attempted to cross Jersey Creek on Saturday evening after the storm, when it was at its highest; for it rose in a short time 10 or 11 feet.
Monday, 17.--John Bigsinew died yesterday of Cholera or, what is more probable, [of] Delirium Tremans.
Tuesday, 18.--This being a Council day, I must attend, as Major Moseley has sent word over that he would be here. There is every appearance of a clear day, but whether it will be a warm day is somewhat doubtful.
Went to the Council to meet Major Moseley. Done up some public business. Wrote out the instructions for the deputation going to Washington. Major M. returned home, and I did the same.
Previous to leaving, a gang of Muncies were arraigned for Horse stealing from some of our Wyandotts. They are a great set of Scamps.
Tuesday, 25.--11 o'clock A. M., still raining. No more ploughing to-day"So lay by the shovel and the hoe
And hang up the fiddle and bow-"
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[May, 1852. |
We are doomed to be without fruit this year.
12 o'clock M., Raining still. Shall the rains forever devour?
I wish Thompson, the Scotch Poet, and author of "THE SEASONS" had flourished in this day and resided in this country,--I mean Upper Missouri, and was now writing his Seasons. I think it would afford some amusement to read his descriptions of Missouri Seasons. I fancy he would, in a short time, hie back to his Caledonian Hills and bid an eternal adieu to this Humid, murky, rainy, stormy, inconstant, dismal, Labradorian climate.
Wednesday, 26.--About 8 o'clock A. M. the shining face of Old Sol was seen thro' the misty clouds, but a repulsive frown from old Boreas soon caused him to withdraw behind a dark cloud. Raining.
Wm. Mulkey called and spent an hour, and returned.
Doctor Gemundt called to see Mrs W. for whom he is prescribing.
Yesterday the Wyandott delegation for Washington set out on board the Elvira.
Thursday, 27.--Mr Muir is to be united to Miss Mary Rankin this evening.
Rec'd a letter from my Attorney, F. Hereford, informing me that my A | c against the Estate of C. Graham, dec, was allowed by the County Court, minus $2.50 for "Wintering a Steer."
Friday, 28.--In the afternoon the girls came home from the party at the Union Hotel, accompanied by W. Mulkey and a Mr King from Georgia.
Sunday, 30.--Went to Church and heard a sermon by Mr Dofflemeyer. Heard of the death of Mr Preston Knight, late P. M. in Kansas.JUNE, 1852. Tuesday, 8.--My execration upon my neighbors' swine. They commenced taking up my Corn. I will have one of
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