WILLIAM WALKER, 

Provisional Governor of Nebraska Territory. 



THE 

PROVISIONAL GOYERNMENT 



OF 



Nebraska Territory 



AND 



THE JOUE^ALS OF AVILLIAM WALKER 

Pbovisioxal Governor of Nebraska Territory 



EDITED BY 



WILLIAM E. 'CONNELLEY, 

Moinber Nebraska State Historical Society; Corresponding Memlier Kansas State His 

torical Society; Chairman Committee on American Ethnology, Western 

Historical Society, Kansas City, Missouri 



A SPECIAL PUBLICATION" 

OF 

THE Ts^EBEASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 



LINCOLN, NEB.: 

STATE JOURNAL COMPANY, PBINTKE3 
1899 



NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 



OFFICERS: CONSTITUTING BOARD OF MANAGERS. 

J. Sterling Morton, President, . . . Nebraska Cit}' 

KoBERT W. Furnas, First Vice-President, . Brownville. 

G. M. Lambertson, Second Vice-President, . Lineolu. 

Charles H. Gere, Treasurer, . . . Lincoln. 

Howard W. Caldwell, Secretary, . . . Lincoln. 

COMMITTEES. 

Publication — The Secretary, S. L. Geisthardt, S. D. Cox. 
Obituaries — R. W. Furnas, Geo. L. Miller, W. H. Eller. 
Program — The Secretary, J. L. Web^jter, J. M. Woolworth. 
Library — Jay Amos Barrett, Mrs. S. B. Pound, Prof. F. M. Fling 

Jay Amos Barrett, Assistant Secretary and Librarian. 



CONTENTS. 



VAGB 

Preface v 

The Wyandots 1 

The Walker Family 5 

The Provisional Government of Nebraska Ter- 
ritory 17 

Documents Relating to the Provisional Govern- 
ment OF Nebraska Territory 43 

A Brief Sketch of Abelard Guthrie 101 

The Journals of William Walker — First Book. . . 153 
The Journals of William Walker — Second Book. 299 
Index 407 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 

FACING 



PAGE 



Governor William Walker {Frontispiece). 

Map of the Wyandott Purchase 1 

Joel Walker 8 

Russell Garrett 16 

William Cecil Price 32 

Joel Walker Garrett 48 

Abelard Guthrie 96 

QuiNDARO Nancy Guthrie 112 

William Walker 153 

John W. Gray-Eyes 256 

Isaiah Walker 288 

Matthew R. Walker 304 



PREFACE. 



It is now almost twenty years since I commenced the col- 
lection of original documents delating to the early history oi' 
Nebraska Territory. Those published in this work are a 
portion of the collection which I have made. They were 
obtained principally from the Wyandots, now either dead or 
living in the Indian Territory; for few of them remain yet 
at the old home at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansiis 
Kivers. I found them anxious to have the-e })apers preserved ; 
for this purpose they gave tliem to me. I have been given 
all the assistance tliat the Wyandots could render as well in 
this as in all matters pertaining to their history, manners, 
customs, and ancient religious beliefs. It was my good for- 
tune to have the confidence of Matthias Splitlog, H. M. 
Northrup, Mrs. Lucy B. Armstrong, the Walkers, the Zanes, 
the Longs, and other prominent Wyandot f;imi!ies, for the 
whole time of my residence in the Wyandot Purchase at the 
mouth of the Kansas River. 

When there was nothing remaining to be learned on these 
subjects from one person or family I took up the work with 
another, and this led me to visit the Indian Territory to 
see and talk with the AVyandots on the Reservation at the 
Quapaw Agency. I was kindly received by the Wyandots 
there, and they assisted me to the full extent of their ability. 
I wish to mention particularly the services and aid that Mr. 
Alfred Mudeater and his excellent wife gave to this work. 
In addition to the generous hospitality which I enjoyed in 
their home, Mr. Mudeater was always ready to take me to 

(V) 



VI PREFACE. 

any part of the Wyandot Reserve that I desired to visit, or 
to send for and bring any Wyandot to his house that I de- 
sired to see and converse with. In the matter of recollec- 
tions of the customs, manners, and history of the Wyandots, 
I am more indebted to Mrs. Sarah Daojiiett than to any one 
else there; but Hon. Silas Armstrong was of great assistance 
to me. I have never asked a single Wyandot for informa- 
tion that was not freely given to the extent of his knowledge 
and ability. 

In addition to those mentioned above and in another part 
of this work, I desire to mention the following persons 
that have aided me in this work: William Walker McMul- 
lan, of Kansas City, Kansas, grandson of Governor AValker ; 
Miss Jessie S. McAl]3ine, granddaughter of Joel Walker; 
Miss Carrie Hamlin, granddaughter of Isaiah AValker; 
Jacob Guthrie, of Coffeyville, Kansas, and James Guthrie, 
of Chetopa, Kansas, and their wives ; Mr. Kussel B. Arm- 
strong^ and wife; Miss Mina Lane^; Mrs. Frank H. Betton^; 
M. T. Betton^; Miss Florence Betton^; Rev. C.W\ Backus^; 
Mrs. A. B. Northrup^; Kenneth L. Browne^; John A. Hale^; 
James S. Gibson^ ; J. B. Garrett^ (married Governor Walker's 
daughter Martha); John S. Stockton^; Mrs. Carrie Lof- 
land^; John R. Matney^; the Robitaille brothers, Wyandotte, 
Indian Territory; and William Bearskin. Eldredge H. 
Brown and his family were very obliging and gave me valu- 
able assistance. The Cotters, Zanes, and many other AVyan- 
dot families aided me. 

Hon. F. G. Adams, Secretary of the Kansas State Histori- 
cal Society, has been particularly helpful to me ; and I am 
indebted for aid to Hon. John Speer, President of the Society. 

Mordecai Oliver, one of the members of the Congressional 
Committee to investigate the Border Ruffian troubles, gave 

' Kansas City, Kan. 

* Seneca, Mn. 

' Argentine, Kan. 



PREFACE. vii 

me much valuable information of those incidents and trans- 
actions on the border that so aroused the whole country. 

Judge William Cecil Price, of Sprinojfield, Mo., gave me 
much very valuable information concerning the political con- 
ditions existing in Missouri during the period covered in 
this work. 

As to the historical value of the documents published 
herein I prefer to let them speak for themselves. That they 
supply a want in the history of Nebraska and Kansas which 
has been felt by all writers on the subject, will, I believe, 
be readily admitted. For some of them I searched unsuc- 
cessfully for fifteen years both in Wyandotte county, Kansas, 
and the Indian Territory. 

As a large part of this work is devoted to the Journals of 
Governor William Walker a few words here in relation to 
them may not be amiss. 

Governor Walker did not w-rite his Journals for publica- 
tion. While he would never have objected to having them 
made public he never once thought of their becoming valu- 
able historical documents and records. If he had, the record 
would have been written much more full and complete than 
it was. On the subject of preparing papers of this character 
for the press a very eminent authority says: 

"It would seem to be an editor's privilege (if, indeed, it is not his 
duty) to correct verbal and grammatical mistakes or inaccuracies, in 
bringing forth the letters of a person after death, written without any 
design of publication ; but, in doing this, great caution should be 
observed that the writer's meaning and purpose are not changed or 
affected." — C. W. Butterfield, in Preface to Washington- Irvine Letters. 

In preparing Governor Walker's Journ'als for the press I 
have made few corrections, by no means going to the limit 
allowed by the above conservative rule. I have: 

1. Corrected any errors that haste or inattention caused 



viii PREFACE. 

in orthography. These were rare. Governor Walker was 
a remarkably accurate writer in this respect. 

2. Supplied punctuation marks where they w^ere omitted, 
if, in so doing, Governor Walker's full meaning could be 
preserved. 

3. In some instances separated an entry into paragraphs 
other than those made by the writer. 

4. Occasionally supplied capital letters, but in no instance 
have I substituted small letters ior superfluous capitals used 
by the w^riter. In Governor Walker's day more capital 
letters were found in MSS. than at the pi-esent time. 

5. Enclosed in brackets words supplied to complete the 
evident meaning. 

6. Written the names of the days of the week in full. 
Sometimes Governor Walker abbreviated them. 

This is a special publication of the Nebraska State His- 
torical Society. 

At the request of H. W. Caldwell, Secretary, and Jay 
Amos Barrett, Assistant Secretary and Librarian, I attended 
the Annual Meeting of the Stnte Historical Society, at Lin- 
coln, January 12, 1898. I laid the papers published herein 
before the Society's meeting held in the evening of that day. 
The President of the Society, Hon. J. Sterling Morton, and 
all members wdio had opportunity to exiimine them recog- 
nized their historical value. The Society believed that in 
the interest of the history of the State the papers should be 
published. A committee was appointed to arrange for their 
publication. The committee is as follows: 

Ex-Governor Kobert W. Furnas, Vice-President of the 
Society. 

Prof H. W. Caldwell, Secretary. 

Mr. Jay Amos Barrett, Assistant Secretary and Librarian. 

Hon. C. H. Gere, Treasurer. 

Hon. A. J. Sawyer. 



PREFACE. IX 

An agreement to pub]ish the papers was readied. The 
committee have stood ready, willing, and anxious at all times 
to do anything possible to help me make the work all that 
it should be, and I have availed myself freely of their assist- 
ance. For their genei'ous aid, their kindness and courtesy, 
I here tender my grateful acknowledgment. 

It is fitting, too, that I mention the labor performed and 
the attention bestowed upon this work by my wife. She en- 
couraged me to persevere in the collection of the material 
for this volume. She also, with painstaking care, deciphered 
many a page of difficult manuscript and prepared it for the 
press. 

William E. Connelley. 

Beaxeice, Nkbeaska, May 7, 1898. 



fia]^- 




THE WYANDOTS. 



The Wyandots^ belong to the Iroquoian Family of North 
American Indians. They are the descendants of the Tion- 
nontates or Tobacco Nation of the Huron Confederacy. 
Their legends and folk-lore indicate that they are of extreme 
Northern origin as a tribe, and their history confirms this. 
The Hurons were visited by the Jesuits early in the seven- 
teenth century. They lived then between Lake Simcoe and 
the Geoi'gian Bay of Lake Huron, in what is now the prov- 
ince of Ontario, Canada. The Tionnontates lived a little 
more to the south and east, in the Blue Mountains, about the 
southern shores of the Bay of Nottawassaga. They were 
called Petuns, or the Tobacco Nation, by the French, because 
they cuhivated tobacco in sufficient amount to form a con- 
siderable commerce in its barter and exchange with other 
tribes. 

In 1649 the Iroquois destroyed the Huron Confederacy. 
Of all the Huron Nations, the Tionnontates alone retained 
a tribal organization after this catastrophe. The fragments 
of the broken tribes fled northward along the Great Lakes, 
and were for years wanderers in those dreary wastes. As 
they increased in strength and became blended into a single 
tribe or people with the name Wyandot, they gathered about 
Mackinaw, and from thence began slowly to descend the 
Great Lakes, and stopped at Detroit. Here they were Pon- 
tiac's best and bravest warriors. In the wars between the 

> Read Parkman's " The Jesuits in North America," for the early history of the Wy- 
andots and the Hurons. 

2 (1) 



2 THE WYANDOTS. 

British and Americans they were on the side of the English 
until the war of 1812, when about half the tribe sided with 
the Americans. At the close of the war that portion of the 
tribe that had adhered to Great Britain settled permanently 
in Canada, and those who had espoused the cause of the 
United States remained about the western end of Lake Erie, 
in what is now Ohio and Michigan. Their Ohio lands were 
in what is now Wyandot County. Here Methodism was in- 
troduced among them and a Mission established.^ On March 
17, 1842, they ceded their Ohio lands to the United States.^ 
They were the last of the tribes to relinquish their lands in 
Ohio. 

In July, 1843, the Wyandots followed in the steps of the 
other tribes and moved beyond the Mississippi.'^ Here in 
the "Indian Territory" they purchased the land in the fork 
of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers from the Delawares.* 
They brought with them from Ohio a well organized Meth- 

1 Jolin Stewart arrived in the Wyandot country in November, 1816. He was a 
Methodist, but had not been authorized by his Church to preach. He preached, how- 
ever, to the Wyandots with success through the winter of 1816-17. He went to Mari- 
etta, Ohio, in the following spring but returned, later. On August 7, 1819, Rev. J. B. 
Finley was appointed to an oversight of the work begun by Stewart, and the Mission 
was taken in charge by the Ohio Conference. 

Eead Finley's "History of the Wyandot Mission" (Cincinnati, 1840); and "History 
of American Missions" (Worcester, 1840), 540. 

' Eevision of Indian Treaties, 1017. 

' " The Wyandots left for the far West in July, 1843, and numbered at that time about 
700 souls." — Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio (Cincinnati, 1847), 549. 

* Among the many authorities confirming this, see " Laws of the United States of a 
Local or Temporary Character" (Washington, 1884), 849. The agreement between 
the Delawares and Wyandots is there set out. The Delawares donated to the Wyan- 
dots three sections of land and sold them thirty-six sections. For this land the 
Wyandots paid the Delawares $46,080.00. This agreement was sanctioned by Congress, 
July 25, 1848. The Wyandots had made a treaty with the Shawnees while yet in Ohio 
whereby they were to have a strip of land adjoining the State of Missouri running 
south from the mouth of the Kansas Eiver in the Shawnee Eeserve, but the Shawnees 
finally repudiated this treaty. The Wyandots complained that when the Shawnees 
and Delawares were homeless they had " spread a deer skin for them to sit down upon" 
and given them each a large tract of land — to the two tribes the greater portion of 
Ohio, in fact; and now that the Wyandots were without a home, the Shawnees would 
not even sell them one, and the Delawares exacted from them more than the true 
value of the land sold. I have the copy of the treaty retained by the Shawnees, but it is 
unsigned. It was given me by Charles Blue-Jacket, Head Chief of the Shawnees. 



THE WYANDOTS. 3 

odist Church, a Free Mason's Lodge, a civil government, and 
a code of written laws which provided for an elective Coun- 
cil of Chiefs, the punishment of crime and the maintenance 
of social and public order. 

In 1855 the Wyandots accepted the allotment of their 
lands in severalty, and dissolved their tribal relations.^ A 
part of the tribe was dissatisfied with this action, and re- 
sumed their tribal relations.^ They purchased a tract of 
land in the Indian Territory from the "Cowskin Senacas," 
and there re-established their own government.^ Those 
living on this reservation number about 300. As a tribe 
they are poor, but many individuals are quite well to do. 
They are intelligent and industrious and are all self-support- 
ing. The Government maintains a good school for them 
and it is well attended. 

The Wyandots were always brave and humane warriors.* 
They adopted persons captured in war;^ no instance is 
known of their burning and torturing a prisoner. The 
Wyandot tribe stood at the head of the Confederacy of the 
Northwestern tribes formed to oppose the settlement by 
white people of the Territory Northwest of the Ohio River. 
The tribes composing this Confederacy were all removed 

• Eevision of Indian Treaties, 1020. 
' Id., 844. 

» Id., 839. 

♦Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio (Cincinnati, 1847), 549: "The Wyandots 
were the bravest of Indian tribes, and had among their chiefs some men of high moral 
character. With all other tribes but the Wyandots, flight in battle, when meeting with 
unexpected resistance or obstacle, brought with it no disgrace. . . . With them, it 
was otherwise. Their youth were taught to consider anything that had the appear- 
ance of an acknowledgement of the superiority of the enemy as disgraceful. In the 
battle of the Miami Rapids, of thirteen chiefs of that tribe who were present, one only 
survived, and he badly wounded. Some time before this action, Gen. Wayne sent for 
Capt. Wells, and requested him to go to Sandusky and take a prisoner, for the purpose 
of obtaining information. Wells — who had been bred with the Indians, and was per- 
fectly acquainted with their character — answered that he could take a prisoner, but 
not from Sandusky, because Wyandots would not be taken alive." 

* The Walker, Hicks, Brown, Zane Armstrong, Driver, Mudeater, and other Wyan- 
dot families were all founded by captives who were adopted into the tribe. 



THE WYANDOTS. 



west of the Mississippi Kiver, In October, 1848, a great 
Congress of these tribes was held near Fort Leavenworth. 
The ancient Council-fire was re-kindled and the Wyandot 
tribe confirmed in the honorable position so long held by it.^ 



Governor Walker's Journal, Oct., 1848. 



THE WALKER FAMILY. 



WILLIAM WALKEK, SENIOR. 

"The subject of this brief sketch was born in 1770, in or near 
Green Brier, some of his relatives say, Rockbridge County, Va. He 
was captured by a war party of the Delawares in the early part of the 
summer of 1781, being then eleven years of age. There was in the 
neighborhood a small stockade or temporary fort, to which the in- 
habitants fled for safety whenever an alarm was raised. The settlers, 
at the time this attack was made, were entirely off their guard ; noth- 
ing calculated to excite their alarm had occurred for a long time, and 
all, old and young, male and female, were busily engaged in their 
fields. Young Walker and (I think) his Uncle were ploughing corn, 
the former riding the horse and the other holding the plough. When 
coming out at the ends of the rows and in the act of turning they were 
fired upon from behind the fence, wounding the man in both arms. 
The lad sprang from the horse and both fled towards the fort. He 
was captured before getting out of the field and the wounded man 
overtaken and killed within a few yards of the Fort. No attack was 
made upon the Fort, tho' there were only a few women and children 
in it. The invading party commenced a rapid retreat and after travel- 
ing four or five miles halted in a thick wood, from which a reconnoi- 
tering party returned to the invaded district. In the afternoon the 
party returned to the place of rendezvous laden with plunder and 
accompanied by another party of Delawares which the prisoner had 
not seen before, and to their mutual astonishment Aunt and nephew 
here met. Mrs. Cowan was captured in another part of the neigh- 
borhood by this second party. This was a distinct party, tho' they 
moved and travelled together. These two were the only prisoners 
they took. 

" Then commenced the return march, which was attended with much 
fatigue and suffering, and to add to their distress, notwithstanding the 
country abounded with game, yet the warriors w«re singularly unfor- 

(6) 



6 THE WALKER FAMILY. 

tunate in their hye hunts. They travelled several days on a very small 
allowance of dried meat, still urging their way as fast as they could 
consistently with the power of endurance of the prisoners; still fearing 
a pursuit and rescue. To their great joy the warriors killed a fat 
Buffiilo just as they were camping. 

"During their march to the Ohio River he availed himself of the 
opportunity of breaking to his aunt his intended attempt at an escape; 
but she promptly interposed her objections to so rash an act, which 
could not be otherwise than a failure, and which would, in all proba- 
bility, bring upon them fatal consequences ; pointing out to him the im- 
possibility of successfully eluding pursuit and recapture, and the cer- 
tainty of his perishing from hunger, even if he eluded recapture. 
Crossing the Ohio all hope of a rescue died within them. They 
ejaculated a long farewell to home, family, and dear friends; their 
hearts sickened and sank within them ; but their cup of anguish was 
not yet full, for here the two parties separated. The Aunt and nephew 
bade adieu to each other. It was the last sad adieu — they never met 
again. 

"The party having the young captive proceeded direct to the Indian 
settlements on the Sciota, where, resting a few days, proceeded to their 
villages on the Whetstone, now Delaware, Ohio, where he underwent 
the discipline of running the gauntlet; out of which, as he frequently 
stated, he came with very little bodily injury. He was then adopted 
into, as he said, 'a very good family and treated with kindness.' The 
clan to which he belonged seemed more inclined to the chase and other 
peaceful pursuits than ' following the war path.' How long he re- 
mained with his adopted relatives I am unable to determine, — four 
or five years, at least. While his party attended a council at Detroit, 
the subject under consideration being the treaty concluded at Fort 
Mcintosh the winter before, these Delawares there met with a large 
body of Wyandotts, among which was an adopted white man named 
Adam Brown, who, when a man grown, had been captured by the 
Wyandotts in Dunmore's war in Greenbrier County, adopted and was 
married, was influential and respected by the tribe. The youth at- 
tracted his attention and a conversation in English ensued, the latter 
not having entirely forgotten his native language. Brown, finding 
out where he was from, and knowing his family, determined upon 
ransoming him. Negotiations for this purpose were opened, but here 



THE WALKER FAMILY. 7 

an almost insurmountable obstacle presented itself. It was contrary 
to Indian customs and usages to sell an adopted person on account of 
the reputed ties of relationship. This, with the unwillingness of the 
family into which he was adopted to part with him, rendered the 
project a ho{)eless one. The influence of the Wyandott Chiefs and 
that of the Military Commandant were invoked. An official speech to 
be delivered to the Delawares by Skan-ho-nint (One bark canoe), was 
agreed upon. If this proved unavailing, the attempt was to be aban- 
doned as fruitless. The points taken may be thus briefly stated : 'We 
Wyandot ts are your uncles and you Delawares are our nephews. 
This you admit. Where, then, would be the violation of our law 
and custom if, all parties being agreed, an adopted nephew should 
choose to reside in the family of his uncle? This would be only an 
interchange of those social amenities which are proper among relations ; 
there would be no purchase in the case; your uncle would be loath, in- 
deed, to insult his nephews by an oifer to purchase their adopted son. 
Our father, the Commander, who joins with us, promises, as an earnest 
of his good will towards his Delaware children for their compliance 
with his and your uncle's wishes, to make your hearts glad (with Rum) 
and bestow upon you, and especially upon the immediate family of the 
youth, valuable presents out of the King's Store house, such as 
Blankets, Cloths, guns, ammunition, &cJ (Here the Com'dt con- 
firmed the promise.) After the delivery of the speech, time for de- 
liberation was asked for and granted. Whether the argument was 
deemed conclusive against the objections, or the promised presents acted 
as a salve to their consciences, it is sufficient to state that the Delaware* 
acceded to the proposition and next day the transfer was duly made. 
The subject of these negotiations knew but little about the details of 
these doings beyond the transfer, and being content to remain with 
his newly formed acquaintances, gave himself but little concern about 
tliem." ' 

THE EANKIN FAMILY. 

James Kankin was born in Tyrone, Ireland. At an early- 
age he engaged in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company, 

' This sketch is taken from Governor Walker's account of his father, in the William 
Walker Ciorrespondence in the Draper Manuscript Collection in the Library of the 
Wisconsin State Historical Society. 



8 THE WALKER FAMILY. 

and was for many years high in position with that great 
corporation. He had charge of many important branches of 
their extensive business in the fur trade of the North. Hav- 
ing mastered the intricate details of the Indian trade, and 
acquired a sufficient sum to enable him to do so, he embarked 
in the business for himself He was very successful in this 
venture, and in the course of time accumulated a large for- 
tune. For many years Detroit was the point from which he 
directed his business.^ 



THE MONTOUR FAMILY. 

"About the year 1667 a French gentleman named Montour settled 
in Canada. By a Huron Indian woman he had three children — one 
son and two daughters. The son, Montour, lived with the Indians, 
and was wounded in the French service, in a fight with some Mo- 
hawks, near Fort La Motte, on Lake Champlain, in 1694. He de- 
serted from the French, and lived with 'the farr Indians' — the 
Twightwees (Miamis) and Diondadies (Petuns or Wyandots). By 
his assistance Lord Cornbury prevailed on some of these tribes to visit 
and trade with the people of Albany in 1708. For his endeavors to 
alienate the 'upper nations' from the French, he was killed in 1709 
by the troops under Lieutenant le Sieur de Joncaire, by orders of the 
Marquis de Vaudreuil, Governor of Canada, who wrote that he would 
have had him hanged, had it been possible to capture him alive. 

"Of the two daughters of the Frenchman Montour, one became 
conspicuously known as Madame Montour. She was born in Canada 
about the year 1684, captured by some warriors of the Five Nations 
when she was but ten years old, taken to their country and brought 
up by them. It is probable that she lived with the Oneidas, as, on 
arriving at maturity, she was married to Carondawana, or the " Big 
Tree," otherwise Robert Hunter, a famous war-chief of that nation. 

' This is the best account I have been able to make np from documents in possession 
of Mrs. Lillian Walker Hale of Kansas City, Kansas, and some letters written to the 
"Wyandotte Gazette" in 1870. I feel that more should be said, but I have been un- 
able, so far, to obtain the information necessary to make a more detailed statement. 
Mr. Eankin was a remarkable man in many respects, and was held in high esteem by 
the Wyandots. 




JOEL WALKER. 



THE WALKER FAMILY. 9 

He was killed in the wars between the Iroquois and Catawbas, in the 
Carolinas, about the year 1729." 

So great became the influence of Madame Montour with 
the Indian tribes, and so proficient was she in their various 
languages, that she was for many years in the pay of the 
Colony of New York, and her influence was ardently sought 
by the Government of Canada. No important Council be- 
tween the colonies and the Indian tribes was held without 
her being present. She lived at various places in the West, 
from the country of the Iroquois to that of the Miamis at the 
western extremity of Lake Erie. She had a sister, married 
to a Miami. Count Zinzendorf was the Bishop and head of 
the Moravian Church. In the fall of 1742 he visited the 
village of Madame Montour. "He preached there in French 
to large gatherings." It is said that she was deeply affected 
when she saw Zinzendorf and learned the object of his visit. 
" She ha'd entirely forgotten the truths of the Gospel, and, 
in common with the French Indians, believed the story orig- 
inated with the Jesuits, that the Saviour's birth-place was 
in France, and His crucifiers Englishmen." 

Many strange things are told of this remarkable woman. 
It was persistently maintained that she was the daughter of 
a former governor of Canada. There was never any governor 
of Canada named Montour, and her ancestry is well estab- 
lished. It is not certainly known how many children she 
had. We have definite accounts of three. Her daughter 
was known as " French Margaret." It is reasonably certain 
that she had another daughter, who was " one of the converts 
of the Moravian Mission, at New Salem, Ohio, * * * 
and that she was a living polyglot of the tongues of the West, 
speaking English, French and six Indian languages." Her 
two sons were Andrew, alias Henry, and Louis, Andrew 
Montour's work is a part of the history of the exploration 
and settlement of the Ohio Valley and the Great West, and 



10 THE WALKER FAMILY. 

SO important and extensive were his services that no account 
of them can be attempted here.^ 

I have been, as yet, unable to trace definitely the ancestry 
of Gov. William Walker to any particular descendant of the 
French gentleman, Montour. But that he is descended from 
this French gentleman there can scarcely be a question. 
This original Montour married a Huron woman, and his son 
lived with the "Diondadies" (Petuns or Wyandots). The 
Wyandots of history are the descendants of the Petuns, or 
" Tobacco Nation " of the Huron Confederacy. When the 
Wyandots lived in Wyandotte County, Kansas, there were 
still Montours belonging to and living with the tribe, and 
they were allotted their proportion of the land belonging to 
the Nation when the holdings were assigned in severalty. 
The name was erroneously written " Monture " by the allot- 
ting agent. 

James Rankin married Mary Montour. She belonged to 
the Big Turtle Clan of the Wyandot tribe. They were mar- 
ried at Detroit. There is reason to believe that Mary Mon-. 
tour was the descendant of Catherine, a granddaughter of 
Madame Montour. This accords with the best information 
I have been able to obtain from the old people of the Wy- 
andot tribe. By Indian law the child always belongs to the 
clan of the mother, and in the instance of so noted a name, 
it is more than probable that the name Montour was always 
retained by her children. 

Mary Montour was born in 1756. After their marriage 
James Rankin became a Wyandot by adoption, and he spent 
most of his life from that time, with the Indians ; but at the 
same time pushed forward his business of trader. He gave 
his children a good education, and for this purpose removed 
to Pennsylvania, in his last days, and there died. 

' The foregoing account of the Montours is taken and compiled from "Chriatopher 
Gist's Journals," by William M. Darlington. 



THE WALKER FAMILY. 11 

Mary Montour Rankin, like her ancestors, had great influ- 
ence in the Councils of her people. Many interesting ac- 
counts and traditions of her hospitality and influence in the 
tribes about Detroit are remembered to this day by her de- 
scendants. 

Of the children of James and Mary Montour Rankin I 
know of but two, James and Catherine, James came west 
with the Wyandols, and died in what is now Wyandotte 
County, Kansas. Catherine married William Walker, Sr. 

Catherine Rankin was born June 4, 1771. I have not 
been able to determine the date of the marriage of William 
Walker and Catherine Rankin, but their first child was born 
October 14, 1789. Walker had lived with Adam Brown 
until his marriage. He took the side of the Americans in 
the war of 1812, and rendered valuable service to his coun- 
try. Many of the Wyandots espoused the cause of Great 
Britain, and Walker was in constant danger of death. He 
was afterward Indian sub-agent for the Ohio tribes, and it 
was under his administration that Methodism was introduced 
into the Wyandot Nation. For an account of his valuable 
services in this work see the " History of American Missions; 
Worcester, 1840 "; and Finley's " History of the Wyandot 
Mission." He died at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, January 22, 
1824.^ His wife died at the same place, in December, 1844. 

WILLIAM WALKER. 

William Walker was the son of William and Catherine 
(Rankin) Walker. He was born in what is now Wayne 
County, Michigan, March 5, 1800.^ He belonged to the 

' Manuscript letter from Governor Walker to his mother. Now in my possession. 

2 There are two dates given. In the old family Bible of William Walker, Sr., now 
owned by Mrs. Mary Haff, the date is put down as March 5, 1799. This date is used 
by Mr. Lane in his obituary notice of Governor Walker's death. Governor Walker 
always says when writing of the matter that he was bom March 5, 1800. In his Jour- 



12 THE WALKER FAMILY. 

Big Turtle Clan of the Wyandot tribe.^ He had two In- 
dian names. The first was Hah-shah'-rehs, meaning " the 
stream over full"; the second was Sehs'-tah-roh, meaning 
" bright," and is taken from the brightness of the turtle's 
eye as seen in clear water.^ 

As much of his life will develop in this work, little need 
be said here. He was given a good education at a Metho- 
dist school at Worthington, Ohio. Besides the English, he 
read and spoke Greek, Latin and French. He spoke the 
Wyandot, Delaware, Shawnee, Miami, and Pottawatomie 
Indian languages. He was Head Chief of the Wyandot 
tribe while it was yet in Ohio,^ and was Postmaster of the 
town of Upper Sandusky, Ohio.* He was for a time a 
teacher in the Mission school there.^ He was twice mar- 
ried.^ His first marriage was to Miss Hannah Barrett, at 
Upper Sandusky ; she was at the time a student in the Mis- 
sion school. The date of this marriage is April 8, 1824. Of 
this marriage were born five children, two sons and three 
daughters. Hannah Walker died December 7, 1863. 

April 6, 1865, he was married at Dudley, Hardin County, 
Ohio, to Mrs. Evelina J. Barrett. She was the widow of a 

nals he mentions tliis date as his birtliday. He was certainly correctly informed in 
the matter of the date of his birth. The entries in the family Bible of William Walker, 
Sr., have the appearance of having been made all at the same time. K they were it is 
possible that an error was made in recording the date of Governor Walker's birth. 

' His mother belonged to the Big Turtle Clan. By Wyandot law the children be- 
long to the clan of the mother. Two persons belonging to the same clan are not per- 
mitted to marry. 

* I have not been able to find any record left by Governor Walker in which he had 
written his Indian names. But that they are correctly written here a hundred Wyan- 
dots or more have assured me. 

8 Governor Walker was a modest and retiring man. He left little of record that 
concerned himself, except as to his health. That he was Head Chief of the Wyandots 
in 1835-6 is established by Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio (Cincinnati, 1847), 445. 

* Manuscript letters of the late John Johnston, of Piqua, Ohio, for many years In- 
dian Agent for the Ohio Indians. These letters are now in my possession. 

* History of the Wyandot Mission — Finley. 

' His family Bible so states. It is owned by his grandson, William McMullan, Kan- 
sas City, Kansas. 



THE WALKER FAMILY. 13 

brother of his first wife. She died August 28, 1868. No 
children by this marriage.^ 

After the death of his father, William Walker was the 
most influential man in the Wyandot Nation. Intellectually 
he was one of the greatest men of that tribe of Indians, a 
tribe acknowledged strong in Council. 

He was an eloquent speaker, and as a forceful writer on 
political subjects he has been surpassed by few men. He 
wrote many valuable papers on passing eveuts from the 
time of his removal West to the beginning of the war ; these 
were published in the newspapers in Ohio and Missouri, and 
few of them can be found now. He wrote some excellent 
papers for literary publications. 

He was an ardent Democrat, and a slave holder. He 
hated abolitionism and contended for the rights of slavery 
as he understood those rights, to the commencement of the 
war. But he was never in favor, so far as I have been able 
to learn, of secession. I have a speech which he delivered 
on the 4th of July, 1864, in which he says that the war was 
uncalled for and without any justification. He was loyal to 
his country. He was elected a member of the Lecompton 
Constitutional Convention, and was present and participated 
in the proceedings.* 

Governor Walker was kind and gentle in his demeanor 
and bearing towards others. He was a lover of his home 
and was devoted to his family. He had the French love 
for company and conversation and all social enjoyments. 

Of his selection as Provisional Governor of Nebraska 
Territory it is unnecessary to speak here. The facts are set 
forth in another part of this work. 

* AU these facts were taken from his family Bible, except the statement : " She was 
the widow of a brother of his first wife." This I ascertained, by inquiry, from his and 
her relatives. 

* Wilder's Annals of Kansas, 127. He says so in his correspondence now in the 
Library of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. 



14 THE WALKER FAMILY. 

The last years of life were sad and sorrowful ones for 
Governor Walker. He had lost both his wives and all his 
children by death. There is little doubt that he welcomed 
death as a friend. He was heart-broken by the loss of his 
family. He speaks of himself as being "stricken with 
grief," and says, " and now I stand like a blasted oak in a 
desert, its top shivered by a bolt hurled from the armory of 
Jove." 

The poem "Oft in the Stilly Night" was a favorite one 
with all the Wyandots.^ One of the last entries ever made 
in his journal is a quotation from this poem, and is as follows : 

" Oft in the stilly night, 

E'er slumber's chain has bonnd me, 
Fond mem'ry brings the light 
Of other days around me : 

• The late Mrs. Lucy B. Armstrong's favorite stanza is as follows : 

3. Yet when I look above 

This mansion thus forsaken 
To that where God in love 
My friends so dear has taken, ' 

My doubts are quelled, 
My fears dispelled ; 
For faith's sweet pledge is given 
That those so dear 
Are hovering near 
To welcome me to Heaven. 
Chobtts. — Thus oft in the stilly night 

E'er slumber's chain hath bound me 
Eeligion pours her light 
Of heavenly joys around me. 

Below is the same stanza in the Wyandot language : 
3. Yah-rohn-yah'-yeh eh-mah-tih 

Noh-mah'-deh sah-yah-kah-quah, 
Hah-tsah-yooh-hooh-tah-dih 

Nohn-dih-yah yah-teh'-yeh-ah-hah. 
Dooh shah-tooh-rah't tah-yah-rah-nyeh-oha, 

Dih-yah zhooh-tih dah nyeh-ehn-tah-rih 
Dab kah'-tooh ah't ah-roh-mah-nyeh-oh, 
Nehn dih tah-kih-oh-yah-gyeh-ah'-tehs. 
Choeus. — Dooh-neh tah-wah'-rah-tah 

Tooh-reh-zhah-ih mehn-tsah'-yeh 
Yah-reh-weh-zhooh-stih neh 
Kweh-ah-yeh-ohs wah-tih ah-stih-eh-quahs. 



THE WALKER FAMILY. 15 

The smiles and tears 

Of boyhood's years, 
The words of love then spoken, 

The eye that shone, 

Now dimmed add gone. 
The cheerful heart now broken. 

When I remember all 

The friends so link'd together, 
I'ye seen around me fall 

Like leaves in wintry weather, 

I feel like one 

Who treads alone 
Some banquet-hall deserted. 

Whose lights are fled, 

Whose garlands dead, 
And all but he departed. 

Thus oft in the stilly night." 

Again he says : 

" It costs rae a pang to break up housekeeping, having kept house 

for forty-five years with so many pleasing associations 

Whatever fortune may betide me in the future, I will say — 

" 'Sweet vale of Wyandott, how calm conld I rest 
In thy bosom of shade with the friends I love best. 
When the storms which we feel in this cold world shall cease. 
Our hearts like thy waters shall mingle in peace.' " ^ 

The following is copied from the Wyandott Herald'^ of 
February 19, 1874: 

OBITUARY. 
Governor William Walker. 

The distinguished gentleman whose name heads this article was for 
many years as well known in Kansas as any citizen in the State. 

He was born at Gibralter, Michigan, March 5th, 1799, and died at 
the residence of Mr. H. H. Smalley in Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, 
the 13th inst., having accomplished seventy-five years of useful and 
eventful life. 

Governor Walker received a thorough education at Worthington, 
Ohio, under the immediate instruction of the venerable Bishop Chase. 

* From his Journal. 

» Hon. Vincent J. Lane established the Herald in 1872. He is still its editor and 
proprietor. 



16 THE WALKER FAMILY. 

After acquiring his education, William Walker entered almost at 
once upon an active life in behalf of the North American Indians in 
general, and of the Wyandott Nation in particular, among whom he 
became leader and counselor, devoting the best years of his life to 
their interests. 

As early as 1831 he visited the "Platte Purchase" as agent of the 
Wyandott Nation with a view to purchasing a new location for it. 
He was at the treaty of St, Marys and rendered efficient services to all 
contracting parties. 

He was for some years the private Secretary and friend of Gen. 
Lewis Cass, his secretaryship beginning after the close of the war of 
1812, and the friendship continuing until the death of the General. 

In 1843 William Walker came to Kansas with his tribe, where he 
has remained ever since, except when he was called away on business 
or for his health which for some years has been feeble. 

He acquired his title of Governor in 1853, when he was appointed 
Provisional Governor of Kansas Territory, 

With him died more Indian archaeological knowledge than has been 
preserved by any writer on the subject. Indian antiquity and history 
were his special study, and being an Indian hi^iself, highly educated 
and with a natural taste in that direction, his success was not surprising. 

He furnished Schoolcraft with a large amount of information con- 
tained in his works on the Indians of North America, and also gave 
General Butterfield many incidents contained in his new work on 
Crawford's campaign against Sandusky. 

Governor Walker wrote much himself for newspapers and periodi- 
cals but unfortunately has left none of the results of his deep research 
in a form to be used by the historian or antiquary. 

He was buried on Saturday last in Oak Grove Cemetery, with Ma- 
sonic honors, having been one of the Charter Members of Wyandott 
Lodge No. 3, and for many years an honorary member thereof. 

So has passed away one of our oldest and most valued citizens. 

He who first bore the title of Governor of that territory 
embraced within the present bounds of Kansas and Nebraska 
sleeps upon the banks of the Missouri River, at the mouth of 
the Kansas. To the shame of both States, be it said, no 
monument of any kind marks his last resting place. 




RUSSELL GARRETT. 



THE 

PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

OF 

NEBEASKA TEEEITOET. 



I. 

I commenced the collection of facts concerning this period of 
the history of Kansas and Nebraska more than fourteen 
years ago. Some of the persons from whom I obtained 
statements and with whom I consulted are named here: 
H. M. Northrup, Nicholas McAlpine (son-in-law of Joel 
Walker), Lucy B. Armstrong, R. W. Clark, H. T. Har- 
ris, H. C. Long, Matthias Splitlog, Michael Hummer, 
Mrs. Lillian Walker Hale, William McMullan, Hon. 
Frank H. Betton,^ Sanford Haff, Mrs. Mary Haff, E. 
F. Heisler, Hon. W. J. Buchan, S. S. Sharp, M. B. 
Newman, Stephen Perkins, W. H. H. Grinter, Hiram 
Malott, John G. Pratt, John C. Grinter, Geo. U. 8. 

' Frank Holyoke Betton was born in Derry, Eockingliam County, New Hampshire, 
August 1, 1835. He came to Kansas in 1856. He has been an active man, connected 
with various enterprises, the principal of which are the milling, lumber, and insurance 
business. He has been successful and has an elegant and commodious home at the little 
town of Pomeroy in Wyandotte County. He was appointed Commissioner of Labor for 
Kansas, which office he held many years, and was a faithful and capable official. He 
was married to Susanah Mudeater, daughter of Matthew Mudeater, March 8, 1860. Of 
this marriage were bom : 1. Silas, bom January, 1861, died September 13, 1873; 2. 
Florence, born September 8, 1862; 3. Frank Holyoke, Jr., bom November 17, 1863; 4. 
Cora Estelle, born August 18, 1868; 5. Matthew Thornton, born July 12,1870; 6. Susannah 
W. J., born December 5, 1871; 7. Ernest L., born July 13, 1881. All born in Wyandotte 
County, Kansas. 

3 (17) 



18 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Hovey, R. M. Gray, Ebenezer Zane, Rezia V^ilcoxen, 
and V. J. Lane, Editor of the Wyandott Herald, and 
for many years the personal and political friend of Gov- 
ernor Walker. George W. Martin, Editor of the Kansas 
City, Kansas, Gazette, furnished me valuable aid. In 
addition to these, and many others of Wyandotte County, 
Kansas, I have consulted Mrs. Sarah Dagnett, Alfred 
Mudeater, Mrs. Julia Mudeater, Eldredge H. Brown, 
Silas Armstrong, Smith Nichols, Mrs. W. H. Stannard, 
Henry Hicks, B. F. Johnson, Mrs. Mary Walker, Mrs. 
Margaret Pipe, John W. Gray-Eyes, Mrs. Carrie Lof- 
land, James Long, Benj. Mudeater, Allen Johnson, 
Allen Johnson, Jr., Head Chief of the Wyandots, John 
Barnett, George Wright, David DeShane, Mrs. Jack- 
son (supposed to be more than 100 years old), Charles 
Blue- Jacket,^ and many other intelligent and reliable 
Wyandots and Shawnees in the Indian Territory. 

» Charles Blue-Jacket was the son of a Shawnee Chief of the same name. He was 
bom in what is now the State of Michigan, on the banks of the River Huron, in 1816. 
His grandfather was Weh-yah-pih-ehr-sehn-wah' the famous Shawnee Chief who waa 
associated with Mih'-shih-kihn'-ah-kwah, or Little Turtle, the Chief of the Miamis, in 
the battle in which General Harmer was defeated by the Northwestern Confederacy of 
Indians, in 1790. In the battle in which Wayne defeated the Confederacy, Weh-yah-pih- 
ehr-sehn-wah' , or Blue-Jacket, or Captain Blue-Jacket, as he was called, commanded 
the allied Indian forces. The ancestors of the Blue-Jackets were war chiefe, but never 
village or civil chiefs until after the removal of the tribe to the West. 

When Charles Blue-Jacket was a child his parents moved to the Piqua Plains in Ohio. 
In 1832 they removed to that part of the Shawnee Eeservation in the West now in Wy- 
andotte County, Kansas. Here Charles Blue-Jacket lived with his tribe. He moved 
to the Indian Territory in 1871. His home was at the town of Blue-Jacket, named for 
him by the M., K. & T. Railroad Co. He was a Chief always after coming to Kansas. 
He was an honest man and much loved by the Shawnees, and greatly respected by the 
white people. He died in December, 1897, at his home, from the effects of a cold con- 
tracted while searching for the Shawnee Prophet's grave in Wyandotte County, Kansas, 
the previous summer. Mr. Blue-Jacket was well acquainted with Lah-uh' -leh-wah' -sih- 
kah', called after he became the Prophet, Tehn-skwah'-tah-wah, and sometimes Ehl- 
skwah'-tah-wah, and was present at his burial in 1836 in Shawnee Township, Wyandotte 
County, Kansas. Mr. Blue-Jacket was a Free Mason. He was married three times, 
and tweaty-three children were bom to him. His youngest child was born in 1889. 



OF NEBRASKA TEREITORY. 19 

Some of the statements were contradictory, and few of 
them agreed exactly in all details; but in all material 
matters there was substantial agreement. I have not 
relied entir ely upon oral evidence in an y case where 
there was a record. C. W. Butterfield, the well known 
author, rendered me valuable assistance. 



The territory embraced in Nebraska as bounded in the 
bills introduced in Congress (which uniformly failed of pas- 
sage), was obtained from France in the purchase from that 
country of the province of Louisiana. The treaty between 
France and the United States by which Louisiana was ceded 
to the latter was signed in Paris on the 30th day of April, 
1803.^ 

France delivered possession of Louisiana to the United 
States on the 20Lh day of December, 1803, at the City of New 
Orleans. Mr. Claiborne, Governor of the Territory of Mis- 
sissippi, represented the American Government upon this 
occasion, and M. Laussat represented the Government of 
France.^ 

But the authority of the United States Government in, and 
the exercise of power over that part of the "Louisiana Pur- 
chase" of which the original Nebraska was a part, dates from 
March 10th, 1804, when Amos Stoddard assumed the duties 
of Governor of Upper Louisiana.' 

On March 26th, 1804, Congress divided the territory ac- 
quired by the purchase of Louisiana into two parts. One of 
these was called the Territory of Orleans, and comprised that 
part of the country south of the north line of the present 
State of Louisiana. The other contained all the remainder 

* Andreas's History of Nebraska, 46. 
» Annals of tlie West (1850), 534. 

* Andreas's History of Nebraska, 46. 



20 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

of the vast province, and was named the District of Louis- 
iana. This District was attached to the Territory of Indiana 
for the purposes of government.^ 

On March 3d, 1805, Congress changed the name of the 
" District of Louisiana " to that of the " Territory of Lou- 
isiana," and detached it from the Territory of Indiana. It 
was erected into a Territory of the " second class," and 
James Wilkinson was appointed its Governor by President 
Jefferson.^ 

On June 4th, 1812, Congress changed the name of the 
"Territory of Louisiana" to that of the "Territory of Mis- 
souri," and provided a system of government for the new 
Territory. On January 19th, 1816, the Legislature made 
the common law of England the law of the Territory.^ 

The Territory of Arkansas had been created from terri- 
tory taken from the Territory of Missouri, in 1819. Mis- 
souri was admitted as a State in 1820-21. The "Platte 
Purchase " was added to Missouri by the adroit statesman- 
ship of Colonel Benton, in 1836. The territory compris- 
ing the States of Arkansas and Missouri as now consti- 
tuted was taken from the Territory of Missouri. All that 
area of Missouri Territory, except that portion taken for 
the States of Arkansas and Missouri, remained de facto as 
well as de jure Missouri Territory. It had no capital — no 
seat of government, it had very few white residents. It 
extended north to British America, and on the west it was 
bounded by the extreme limits of the " Louisiana Purchase." 

On June 30th, 1834, the old Territory of Missouri was 
divided. For the purposes of the Act, it was declared to be 
" Indian Country " — what it had always been, in fact, and 

' Andreas's History of Nebraska, 46. 

^ Andreas's History of Nebraska, 46. St. Louis was made tbe capital. Frederick 
Bates was appointed Secretary. Eeturn J. Meigs and John B. C. Lucas were appointed 
Judges. The Governor and Judges constituted the Legislature. 

' Andreas's History of Nebraska, 46. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 21 

came to be called and spoken of as the " Indian Territory." 
The criminal laws of the United States were declared to be 
in force in any part of it within the exclnsive jurisdiction of 
the United States.-^ The crimes committed by one Indian 
against the person or property of another Indian were ex- 
cepted. The South division, including all that part of the 
" Indian Country " west of the Mississippi River that is 
bounded north by the line of lands assigned to the Osages 
produced east to the State of Missouri, west by the Mexican 
possessions, south by the Red River, and east by the west 
line of the State of Arkansas, was annexed to the State of 
Arkansas. The jurisdiction of the United States District 
Court of Missouri was extended over the remainder of the 
"Territory of Missouri."^ The "Annual Register of In- 
dian Affairs " for the year 1835 defined the boundaries of 
the "Indian Territory" as follows: "Beginning on Red 
River, east of the Mexican boundary and as far west of 
Arkansas Territory as the country is habitable, thence down 
Red River eastwardly to Arkansas Territory ; thence north- 
jvardly along the line of the Arkansas Territory to the 
State of Missouri, thence up Missouri River to Pimcah 
River; thence westwardly as far as the country is habitable, 
and thence southwardly to the beginning."^ 

In 1834 a considerable portion of the Territory of Mis- 
souri, on the North, was set off to the Territory of Michigan. 
What remained was still the Territory of Missouri, and so 
remained until the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 
May 30, 1854. Then the Territory of Missouri was extin- 
guisbed — wiped out — but not till then. Whether in its 

1 The term " Exclusive jurisdiction of tlie United States " was probably used on ac- 
count of the contention over the line or boundary between Louisiana and Texas, then 
a part of Mexico. A neutral ground between the two countries had been agreed upon 
— a beautiful arrangement for the pirates and free-booters then in the Gulf of Mexico 
in great numbers. 

2 Annals of the West (1850), 542. 

' History of American Missions (Worcester, 1840), 540. 



22 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

"pristine glory," or shorn of much of its extent, it had, 
through all this time (1820-1854), a government — one in 
fact and one in law ; but it was an exceedingly limited one 
in its powers. It came very near being no government at 
all. Its functions were all condensed into the dicta of the 
United States District Court of Missouri. There was no 
ordinary Territorial Government for what was then the 
" Indian Country " during all these years, except what was 
decreed by that Court ; for what was left of Missouri Terri- 
tory was "attached" by the act of Congress of 1834 to that 
tribunal " to be looked after." 

As much as ten years before the passage of the Kansas- 
Nebraska bill the want of a more effective government for the 
"Indian Territory " was recognized. In 1844, the Secre- 
tary of War recommended the organization of a Territorial 
Government ; and, acting on this ' recommendation, Mr. 
Douglas, of the House Committee on Territories, introduced 
a bill to establish the Territory of Nebraska, on the 17th of 
December, 1844. This bill was referred to the Committee 
on Territories ; an amendatory bill was reported on January 
7, 1845, which was referred to the Committee of the Whole 
on the State of the Union, and no further action was had 
thereon. 

The next effort for the organization of Nebraska Territory 
was made in 1848. Mr. Douglas had, in the meantime, been 
elected to the Senate, Here he introduced a bill, which, on 
the 24th of April, 1848, was made the order of the day for 
Monday, the 24th of the same month, but nothing further 
was done with the bill. 

On December 4th, 1848, Mr. Douglas gave notice that he 
would introduce another Nebraska bill. This bill was in- 
troduced and was referred to the Committee on Territories, 
December 20, 1848, and no further action was had thereon.^ 

' See the Statement of Abelard Guthrie, in this work, for an account of these bills. 



OF NEBRASELA. TERRITORY. 23 

This was the last effort of Congress to organize the Territory 
of Nebraska prior to the movement of the people of the 
Territory themselves for the establishment of a Territorial 
Government. 

In the years 1849 and 1850 thousands of people passed 
through "Nebraska Territory," as the country was beginning 
to be called, on their way to California. The emigrant tribes 
of Indians residing in the Territory had been removed from 
the country further east where they had lived near and had 
much intercourse with white people, and they possessed and 
enjoyed many of the institutions of civilization. These tribes 
were located on the borders of Missouri, with the inhabitants 
of which State they traded and bartered many commodities. 
The leading tribes were the Wyandots, the Delawares, the 
Shawnees, the Miamis and Kickapoos. In all these tribes 
were men of education and influence. They comprehended 
their condition and could plainly discern the tendencies of 
the times. It was obvious to them that they were occupy- 
ing the country through which the great highway to the 
Pacific Ocean must be built in the near future. Along this 
line of road must be settlers, and these settlers must live on 
land then belonging to the Indians. The Indian had had 
enough experience to know that the word "forever" written 
in his title to the soil was intended to mean "until the white 
man wants it." The pressure along the western line of 
Missouri was increasing, and white men looked across an 
arbitrary line and saw the Indian country "and behold it 
was very good," and they wanted it; and the Indian knew 
they wanted it. It was plain to the intelligent Indians that 
the tribes would soon be compelled to move. If they must 
sell their lands, they wanted as good a price as could be ob- 
tained. To enhance the value of their lands it was necessary 
that white men should have liberty to settle in their vicinity 
in numbers, and for the purpose of allowing them to do so 



24 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

the Indian tribes themselves moved for the organization of 
Nebraska Territory. Foremost in the movement was the 
W^yandot Nation, which occupied the land between the 
Kansas and Missouri Rivers, at the mouth of the Kansas. 
The emigrant tribes, adhering to their ancient customs, 
looked to the Wyandots to take the initiative. The Wyan- 
dots were the keepers of the Council fire of the Northwest- 
ern Confederacy of Indian tribes which opposed so long and 
so successfully the settlement of the Territory Northwest of 
the Ohio River. The great Council fire had been re-kindled 
in the West, at a Congress of the tribes held near Fort 
Leavenworth in October, 1848, and the position of the Wy- 
andot Nation, as the head of the Confederacy, confirmed and 
renewed. It was necessary that any movement among the 
Indians that would affect the interests of the tribes of the 
ancient Confederacy should originate with the Wyandot 
Nation, if it expected to receive consideration. 

During the first session of the Thirty-second Congress in 
the winter of 1 851-2 and the spring of 1852 these people 
petitioned Congress to establish a Territorial Government in 
the Territory of Nebraska. Little or no attention being 
given their petitions, they concluded to adopt a more effect- 
ive course — one which Congress could not so easily ignore. 
They decided to elect a delegate to the Thirty-second Con- 
gress and send him to attend the last session of that body, 
to be held in the winter of 1852-8. Those most active in 
this course were, William Walker, Matthew R. Walker,^ 

' Matthew R. Walker was a brother of Governor Walker. He was born June 17, 1810. 
He belonged to the Big Turtle Clan. His Indian name was Eah'-hahn-tah'-seh. It 
means "twisting the forest," i. e., as the wind twists the forest, and it refers to the 
willows and reeds along the streams as they are swayed by the breeze. He was one 
of the leading business men of the Wyandot Nation. Before the Wyandots removed 
from their home at Upper Sandusky he made a trip from Ohio to the Senecas, and to 
the Delawares and Shawnees, for the purpose of selecting a home in the West for his 
tribe. This was in 1841. Governor Walker had visited the country about the mouth 
of the Kansas River in 1833. On the reports of these and some others of the tribe, the 
Wyandots came to what is now Wyandotte County, Kansas, when they removed West. 
Matthew E. Walker lived on the banks of the Missouri where the mansion of Georg© 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 25 

Joel Walker/ Isaiah Walker, Abelard Guthrie, Francis A. 
Hicks, George I. Clark, Charles B. Garrett, Russell Garrett, 
Joel W. Garrett, Matthew Mudeater, Silas Armstrong and 
John W. Gray-Eyes. 

Fowler now stands, in Kansas City, Kansas. He married Lydia B. Ladd. One of their 
daughters is Mrs. Lillian Walker Hale, the well known writer. 

The first communication of a Masonic Lodge in what is now Kansas, was held in 
Matthew K. Walker's home, and Mrs. Walker acted as Tyler, there not being enough 
Masons present to fill all the official places. The Masons met informally at his house 
up to July, 1854, when a warrant was obtained from the Grand Lodge of Missouri au- 
thorizing J. M. Chivington, W. M., M. E. Walker, S. W., and Cyrus Garretr, J. W. to 
meet and work U. D. V. J. Lane says the first meeting under this dispensation was 
held August 11th, A. L. 5854, and a Lodge of Masons U. D. was duly organized. The 
officers of the Lodge were installed by Bro. Piper, D. Gr. M. of Missouri. 

In May, A. L. 5855, a charter was granted from the G. L. of Missouri to M. R. Walker, 
W. M., Eussell Grarrett, S. W., and Cyrus Garrett, J. W., authorizing them to meet and 
work, under the name of Kansas Lodge No. 153, A. F. & A. M. The first meeting 
under this charter was held July 27, A. L. 5855. On the 27th of December, A. L. 5855, 
a meeting of the Lodges of the Territory of Kansas was held in Leavenworth City, at 
which Wyandotte, Smithton, and Leavenworth Lodges were represented. At this 
meeting the G. L. of Kansas was organized. Matthew E. Walker was an officer of the 
Grand Lodge. In the by-laws of Wyandotte Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M., of Kansas 
City, Kansas (the oldest Lodge in the State), is tbe following : 

Wyandotte Lodge, No. 3. 

In Menrioriam. 

Matthew R. Walker, P. M. & P. S. G. W., 

Oct. 15th, I860. 

Matthew E. Walker was Probate Judge of Leavenworth County, Kansas, when it 
included what is now Wyandotte County. He is buried in the old Huron Place Ceme- 
tery in Kansas City, Kansas. On the monument over his grave is the following inscrip- 
tion: 

M. R. Walker 

Born 
Jan 17 1810 

Died 
Oct 14 1860 

' Joel Walker was also a brother of Governor Walker. He was born in Canada West. 
The three dates of his birth that I have found are all different. In the family Bible of 
his father the date is July 17, 1813. In Governor Walker's Journal the date is February 
18, 1813. On his monument it is February 17, 1813. His Indian name was Wah'-wahs 
(Way-wahs) and means "lost turtle" or "turtle in a lost place" and was given to com- 
memorate his birth which was on this wise : His mother, Catherine Walker, like all her 
maternal ancestors, was familiar with the languages of many of the tribes of the North- 
west, and she had great influence with them. Her presence was required at many of 
the Councils of consequence. At one time she was sent for to act as interpreter in an 
important meeting that would determine some question for some tribe, relating to the 
war of 1812. Her period of maternity was fulfilled, or nearly so, and she desired not to 
go. But as the Council could not proceed without her the warriors procured a wagon 
and team and having bundled her into this rough conveyance started away in the dark- 
ness, over rough roads. In the black darkness of the cloudy night the horses left the 



26 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

On the 12th day of October, 1852, the election for a Dele- 
gate to Congress was held in the Council House of the Wy- 
andot Nation. The entry in Governor Walker's Journal on 
that date says: "Attended the election for Delegate for Con- 
gress from Nebraska Territory. A. Guthrie received the 
entire vote polled." 

The officers of this election were : Judges, George I. Clark, 
Samuel Priestley and Matthew R. Walker ; Clerks, William 
Walker and Benjamin N. C. Anderson. The names of" the 
persons who voted at the election are as follows: Charles B. 
Garrett, Isaac Baker, Jose Antonio Pieto, Henry C. Norton, 
Abelard Guthrie, Henry C. Long, Cyrus Garrett, Francis 
Cotter, Edward B. Hand, Francis A. Hicks, Russell Garrett, 
Samuel Rankin, Nicholas Cotter, Joel W. Garrett, Isaac 
Long, Thomas Coon-Hawk, Jacob Charloe, Wm. Walker, 
George I. Clark, Benjamin N. C. Anderson, Matthew R. 
Walker, Samuel Priestley, Henry Garrett, Wm. Gibson, 
Presley Muir, Joel Walker, Isaac Brown, Jas. Long, Jno. 

way, and they were soon driving aimlessly about througli the dark woods. The result 
was as she had feared. She was seized with parturient pains and a son was born to her 
while she was lost in the forest. His name was to keep this event in memory. 

When Wyandott City (now Kansas City, Kansas) was laid out a street was named 
Wawas, for Joel Walker. Strangers called it " Wah'-wahs" street, but the proper pro- 
nunciation is "Wa'-wahs" (Way'-wahs). Some years ago a City Council, wholly ig- 
norant of the City's histoiy and the history of its founders, changed the name of the 
street to " Freeman Avenue,' because one Freeman built a fine residence on it. The 
old name should be restored. 

Joel Walker was married to Mary Ann Ladd (born July 1, 1819, died January 8, 1886) 
in Franklin County, Ohio, May 19, 1844. Their children were : 1. Florence, bom 
March 20, 1845, died Oct. 6, 1845; 2. Maria W., bom June 17, 1S47, died Feb'y 26, 1891; 
3. Justin, born April 6, 1849; 4. Ida E., born Feb'y 22, 1851, died Feb'y 16, 1866; 5. 
Everett, born August 27, 1853, died March 30, 1S88. Only Maria W. was married; she 
was married to Nicholas McAlpine (born in County Down, Ireland, April 5, 1835) June 
21, 1866. Their children are: 1. Eobert L., born May 8, 1867; 2. Jessie S., born July 
19, 1874; 3. Mary A., born January 24, 1882; 4. John W., born June 30, 1887. 
On the monument over his grave in the old Huron Place Cemetery is the following: 

In 

WIemoriam 

Joel Walker 

Born in Canada West 

Feb 17 1813 

Died in Wyandott Kansas 

Sept 8 1857. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 27 

Lynch,^ William Trowbridge, John W. Ladd,^ Daniel Mc- 
Neal,^ Edward Fifer, Peter D. Clark and Henry W. Porter.* 
The purpose to hold an election to elect a Delegate to Con- 
gress from Nebraska Territory met with much opposition from 
the representatives of the Government of the United States 
then in the " Indian Territory." Governor Walker says that 
even the discussion of the settlement of the country "attracted 
the attention of the Interior Department and drew forth of- 
ficial intimation that the government could not allow any 
portion of that Territory to be occupied by white people; and 
that the President was authorized to employ, if necessary, 
the military force of the United States in removing from the 
Indian Country all persons found there contrary to law." 
Mr. Guthrie says that "one Colonel Fauntleroy, Command- 
ing Officer at Fort Leavenworth (and now I believe of the 
rebel army), threatened to arrest me if I should attempt to 
hold the election." And in another communication (to the 
New York Tribune August 9, 1856), "I met with many 
difficulties, and on one occasion was threatened with impris- 
onment by the commanding officer of one of the military 
posts in the Territory, for my attempt at 'revolution,' as he 
called it." Notwithstanding the fact that the military au- 
thorities forbade the holding of the election, the people went 
forward with their purpose. Seeing both their threats and 
their commands disobeyed, the election held, and Mr. Guth- 
rie chosen, the opposition changed tactics, and called an 
election for Delegate at Fort Leavenworth. At this election 
a Mr. Banow was selected to oppose Mr. Guthrie. The in- 
tention was to choose Banow and defeat Guthrie at the sub- 

' Often spoken of in Governor Walker's Journals, and sometimes called "Jonny O' 
Bludgeon." 

= John Wanton Ladd, bom in Warrick, E. I., Angnst 10, 1793, died in Wyandotte, 
Kansas, Sept. 25, 1865. Buried in Huron Place Cemetery. He was the father-in-law 
of Matthew R., and Joel Walker. 

' Was a " hired man " in the " Nation." Worked for Governor Walker. 

* He is the " Old Connecticut " mentioned in Governor Walker's Journal. 



28 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

sequeut election, and send Banow forward for the purpose of 
preventing Mr. Guthrie from obtaining his seat, or to contest 
the seat if the Territory was organized and Mr. Guthrie ad- 
mitted as Delegate. This action of the military was inspired 
by Senator Atchison of Missouri. 

The people however, wanted the Territory organized, and 
refused to become a party to this movement for delay, polit- 
ical advantage, and confusion. Mr. Guthrie defeated Banow 
at this subsequent election by a vote of 54 to 16. 

The opposition to Territorial organization was next felt in 
Washington. At that time there were two opposing and 
bitterly hostile factions in the Democratic party in the State 
of Missouri. One faction stood for moderation and the rights 
of slavery under existing laws without effort to extend it by 
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and was in favor of 
the organization of Nebraska Territory. This faction was 
led by Colonel Thomas H. Benton, Willard P. Hall, Frank 
P. Blair, Jr., and to some extent by the St. Louis Republi- 
can, the principal Democratic newspaper of the State. The 
other faction was radical, aggressive and extreme in favor of 
all matters and measures put forward by the slave power of 
the South. The real leader and the inspiring genius of this 
faction was William Cecil Price,^ of S^^ringfield. Senator 

* William Cecil Price was born in Tazewell County, Virginia, and is a direct descend- 
ant of Lord Baltimore, who settled Mai-yland. He came with his parents to Green 
County, Missouri, in 1828. Was prominent in politics of the State until the war. Was 
an able lawyer, and was elected Probate Judge, Circuit Judge, District Attorney, Mem- 
ber of the Legislature, State Senator, Member of Congress, and held other positions of 
honor and trust. Organized and carried to a successful issue the fight on Colonel 
Thomas H. Benton, but in doing so divided the Democratic party of Missouri. Was 
Treasurer of the United States under President Buchanan. Was an advocate of seces- 
sion, and selected Claiborn Jackson to be the candidate of the Democratic party of Mis- 
souri for Governor. Joined the Confederate army. Was captured at Wilson's Creek 
and for a long time confined in the military prison at Alton, Ills. He is one of the old 
school Southern gentlemen. He had a keen sense of humor. A friend once intro- 
duced him to a stranger, and remarked "Judge Price was in the United States Treasury 
under President Buchanan." " Yes," said the Judge, "and in the penitentiary under 
President Lincoln." 
Judge Price was the leader in Missouri of the extreme and radical element of the 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 29 

Atchison, Sterling Price and others were his able Lieuten- 
ants. All the outrages of the Border Ruffians were com- 
mitted at the dictation of this faction, which was bitterly 
opposed to the organization of Nebraska Territory unless 
slavery could be expressly made one of its fundamental in- 
stitutions. Mr. Guthrie set out for Washington, November 
20th. On December 1st he wrote to Governor Walker, from 
Cincinnati, that he had traveled from St. Louis to Cincin- 
nati with the Missouri Senators, Atchison and Geyer, and 
that no assistance from them could be expected.^ 

When Mr. Guthrie arrived in Washington he set to work 
with great energy to accomplish the purpose for which he 
had been sent. On December 9th he wrote Governor Walker 
that Willard P. Hall, member of the House, had prepared a 
bill and would introduce it the following week.^ The bill 
provided for the organization of the Territory of the Platte 
with the following boundaries : On the south, the thirty-sixth 
degree and thirty minutes; on the north, the forty-third 
degree; on the west, the summit of the Kocky Mountains; 
on the east, by Missouri. So effective were Mr. Guthrie's 
efforts that the Chairman of the Committee on Territories 
assured him that if Mr. Hall did not introduce his bill, the 
Committee would introduce one for the same purpose. Mr. 
Hall introduced his bill on the 13th of December, and it was 
referred to the Committee on Territories. Hall's bill was 
never reported by the Committee, but in lieu thereof William 
A. Pichardson, of Illinois, from the Committee, reported a 
bill on February 2, 1853, providing for the organization of 
Nebraska Territory, with boundaries identical with those in 
Hall's bill. In the Committee of the Whole the bill met 

Democracy until the war, but since then has not been active in politics. He insists yet 
that slavery is right, and that it was a blessing to the negro. Sterling Price was his 
cousin. 

' See letter published in this work, page 76, 
' This letter is published herein, page 78. 



30 THE PKOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

with strong opposition from Southern members and was 
reported back to the House with a recommendation for its 
rejection, but on February 10, 1853, it passed the House by 
a vote of 98 to 43. On the following day it was sent to the 
Senate where it was referred to the Committee on Territories,, 
of which Stephen A. Douglas was Chairman. On February 
17th, Mr. Douglas reported the bill without amendment. 
Several unsuccessful efforts were made to have it taken up. 
The Congressional term would expire by limitation March 
4, and Mr. Guthrie was anxious to have it taken up as long 
before that date as possible. In the expiring hours of the 
session (March 3) it was taken up and by a vote of 23 to 17, 
laid on the table. Mr. Guthrie believed he had a majority 
for it in the Senate, and could it have been brought to a vote 
at an earlier date it is probable th^t it would have passed the 
Senate. Mr. Guthrie says in his letter to the New York 
Tribune that the bill was not brought to vote, but in this 
he is in error. 

Although he failed in securing the passage of his bill, Mr. 
Guthrie virtually accomplished the object sought in his elec- 
tion. He forced a consideration of the question of the organ- 
ization of Nebraska Territory. The passage of the bill for 
that purpose through the House and the close vote upon it in 
the Senate convinced the slave power that the question would 
have to be settled at the coming session of Congress. 

II. 

It was determined by the Wyandots that a Territorial 
Convention for the purpose of organizing a Provisional Gov- 
ernment for Nebraska Territory should be held on the day 
appointed for their national festival, the Green Corn Feast. 
Their annual National election was often held on this ancient 
anniversary. In the year 1853 it was fixed to fall upon 
Tuesday, August 9th. The other emigrant tribes were noti- 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 81 

fied of this intention, and asked to send delegates; and all 
white men then resident in the Territory among the emigrant 
tribes were requested to be present and participate in the 
work. Kussell Garrett says these notices were written. 
Only such white persons as were then in the service of the 
Government in the capacity of Agents, Missionaries, Agency- 
farmers, Agency-blacksmiths, and Agency-carpenters, and 
the licensed Indian traders were permitted to live in the 
"Indian Territory." Colonel Benton was advised of this 
conclusion of the Wyandots, and he approved it, if, indeed, 
he had not urged it. 

Another factor was entering into the movement for Terri- 
torial Government for Nebraska. This was the fixing of 
the location of the line of the railroad soon to be built be- 
tween the Pacific Ocean and the Missouri River. Iowa 
wanted the initial point of this road on her western border, 
and Missouri contended that the valley of the Kansas River 
was the logical, most central, and most practicable route. 
Ever since the enormous and phenomenal emigration to 
California, the initial point of this " great national highway," 
as it had been called by Colonel Benton, had been a matter 
of contention between the people of Iowa and Missouri, and, 
to a certain extent, of the country at large. The North, 
generally, favored Council Bluffs as the starting point, and 
insisted that the valley of the Platte was the route of greatest 
utility, from a national standpoint. The South contended 
that the mouth of the Kansas River was the better location 
from which to start.^ The controversy followed the old line 
drawn between the North and the South by the question of 
the extension of slavery, and was the one matter upon which 
the factions of the Missouri Democracy could unite. 

In 1850, Colonel Benton had introduced in the Senate 

' A fair statement of the contention in this matter is given in the paper of Hadley 
D. Johnson, a portion of which is printed in this work, page 83. 



32 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

his bill for the location and construction of this " great na- 
tional highway," and explained its leading features. ^ From 
that time the matter was one of general discussion, and op- 
posing forces were seeking to fix the line of the road where 
it would best subserve their interests. A meeting in the in- 
terest of the Missouri or central route was appointed for 
July 26, 1853, in that part of the " Indian Country " or 
" Nebraska Territory " immediately west of Missouri. The 
Benton Democracy, for some reason unknown as yet, de- 
termined upon the organization of the Provisional Govern- 
ment of Nebraska Territory at this meeting.^ It is known 
that Colonel Benton believed that the point at the mouth of 
the Kansas Biver would at some time in the near future be- 
come a great commercial center. He had been defeated for 
Senator in 1850-1 in the Missouri Legislature. Senator 
Atchison denounced his attempt to organize Nebraska Ter- 
ritory and charged him with the intention of removing his 
residence to the mouth of the Kansas Biver for the purpose 
of being elected United States Senator for Nebraska when 
it should be admitted as a State.^ V^illiam Cecil Price has 
often asserted to me that this ambition was the cause of Col. 
Benton's efforts to organize Nebraska Territory at this time. 
The determination to organize the Provisional Govern- 
ment of Nebraska at the Convention in the interest of the 
"Central Boute " made it necessary that this meeting should 
be held in the Council House^ of the Wyandot Nation. 

* See his remarks on the bill, made when he introduced it, published in this work, 
page 88. 

* I have been unable to determine the cause of this. Judge Price does not think it 
could have been because the opposing faction of the Democratic party was intending to 
attempt to organize a Provisional Government in Nebraska Territory. To the best of 
his recollection, no such intention was ever entertained. But he admitted that Colonel 
Benton may have believed this, and that his belief may have hastened his actions. 

^ Many of the old time Democrats of Missouri have told me this, among them Judge 
Price, General Shelby, and Judge Oliver. 

* The Council House stood in the center of what is now Fourth Street in Kansas 
City, Kansas, at the point where it is crossed by Nebraska Avenue. It is thus de- 
Bcribed by Mrs. Sarah Dagnett : "I can't tell the size. It had three windows on each 




JUDGE WILLIAM C. PKICE. 



OF NEBEASKA TERRITORY. 33 

Abelard Guthrie was, perhaps, the only Wyandot notified 
in advance, of this change in the programme. Governor 
Walker in his " Notes " says : " In the summer of 1853, a 
Territorial Convention was held pursuant to previous notice 
to be held in Wyandot. The Convention met on the 26th 
of July ." This statement does not say that the no- 
tice was that the Convention should meet on the 26th of 
July. In Governor Walker's entry in his Journal, describ- 
ing the Convention and its proceedings, he states that he 
did not attend this meeting until noon and then only after 
he had, Cincinnatus-like, been sent for. It is more than 
probable that he did not know of the change in the order of 
events until he arrived at the Council House. The series of 
Resolutions adopted by the Convention and which served 
the Provisional Government as a Constitution bears only 
one resolution in his hand-writing. And it was not his in- 
tention to accept the position of Provisional Governor. 
Public office had no attractions for him. He intended that 
one of his brothers, Matthew R. Walker or Joel Walker, 
splendid business men of great energy, and both possessing 
fine executive ability, and several years younger than him- 
self, should be selected as the Provisional Governor of Ne- 
braska Territory. 

Among the delegates to the Convention were the follow- 
ing persons : William Walker, Russell Garrett,-^ Silas 

side and two in the east end and two in tlie west end — with the door between those in 
the west end. I remember it stood that way — east and west. It was a frame building 
and plastered. Always had a large box stove, as we had only wood to burn those days. 
The furnishings were of the most common kind — benches and common chairs, with 
one large square table. I can remember the table well, because they used to keep the 
money — gold and silver — stacked up on it during a payment time. The bulk of the 
money was kept at the Agency building across the street. Once during a payment a 
box containing $1,000.00 was stolen, they supposed — never was found — so we were short 
that much." 

' Eussell G^arrett lives at the present time in Ventura, California. He is the only 
Delegate to the Convention known to be now living. He wrote his recollections of this 
Convention for me. The following is taken from his letters : 

" The building in which the Convention was held was a little, one-stoi-y, frame build- 

4 



34 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Armstrong, W. F. Dyer,^ Isaac Munday,^ James Findley,' 

Grover,* William Gilpin^ (afterwards Governor of 

Colorado), Thomas Johnson, George I. Clark, Joel Walker, 
Joel W. Garrett, Charles B. Garrett, Matthias Sj^litlog,^ 

ing, built and used for a school house and Council House. It stood on what is notv the 
center of Nebraska Avenue and Fourth Street. It was a clear and pleasant day. You 
ask how delegates were chosen. By sending invitations to those who were interested 
in the formation of a Territorial Government to come and meet with us. There wore 
about forty met with us. I think they all voted in the Convention." 
The forty were exclusive of the Wyandots. 

^ W. F. Dyer "lived and kept a store on Grasshopper Eiver at the Military Crossing 
on the road leading from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Eiley," Eussell Garrett writes me. 
He was afterwards County Treasurer of Jefferson County, Kansas. See Kansas His- 
torical Collections, Vol. 3, 305. 

^ Isaac Munday was a blacksmith for the Delawares and lived at the "Delaware 
Crossing." This was the point where the Military Eoad from Fort Leavenworth to 
Fort Scott crossed the Kansas Eiver. This was only a very short distance above the 
point where the S. W. Corner of the "Wyandot Purchase" was fixed on the Kansas 
Eiver. His house is marked on one of the old maps of the " Wyandot Purchase," al- 
though it was on Delaware land. Eussell -Garrett says: "I remember Isaac Munday 
very well. He was a blacksmith for the Delawares. He had a shop and lived at what 
was called at tnat time the Military Ferry. It crossed the Kansas Eiver on the Mili- 
tary Eoad leading from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Scott. He lived at Westport, Mo., 
before he was appointed blacksmith for the Delaware Indians. I now remember that 
he was a Delegate to the Convention. I do not remember where he went to when the 
Delawares got through with him, if I ever heard." 

'James Findley was an Indian Trader at that time and lived at the "Delaware 
Crossing." He traded with the Delawares and Shawnees. I have this information 
from many persons yet living in the Indian Territory, and from Major John G. Pratt. 
Eussell Garrett says: "James Findley lived at the Military Ferry. He was an Indian 
Trader. He kept a variety store and traded with the Delawares. He lived there 
with his family, as did Munday the blacksmith." 

* Grover was the son of a Missionary to the Delawares. I have not been 

able to learn his given name. He was either D. A. N. Grover or Charles H. Grover. 
These were brothers, sons of a Missionary from some Church in Kentucky, to the Dela- 
wares. They were both in the Council of the Legislature of 1855, D. A. N. as a member 
and Charles H. as Assistant Clerk. From the quotations from their speeches given by 
Wilder, I should think that Charles H. was with the Delawares at the time, and if he 
was, he is the one that attended this Convention. They were lawyers. I find this in 
Eussell Garrett's letters to me : "I knew a Mr. Grover and he was there, but I do not 
know where he lived or what he did. But his father was a Missionary among the In- 
dians and was shifted around from pillar to post, so I cannot tell where he lived at that 
time. It may be that his son lived with him. I do not remember where they went to." 

* William Gilpin was at that time editor of some newspaper published at Independ- 
ence, Mo.; or if not editor, in some way connected with it. He addressed the Conven- 
tion. So says Mr. Garrett. 

• Matthias Splitlog was a Cayuga-Seneca by descent, his ancestors having been from 
each of those tribes. His immediate ancestors married into the Wyandots and furn- 
ished them some of their bravest warriors and chiefs. He was born in Canada in 1816, 
he has often told me. He married Eliza Charloe, a Wyandot, and came West with the- 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 35 

Tauromee, Abelard Guthrie, Matthew R. Walker, Francis 

A. Hicks, John W. Gray-Eyes, Irvin P. Long, H. C. Long, 
Captain Bull-Head, Baptiste Peoria, the Blue-Jackets and 
other Shawnees. 

The only written account of the Convention and the pro- 
ceedings that I have been able to find is that in Governor 
Walker's Journal, and which is as follows : 

"Monday, July 25, 1853. — Cool and cloudy morning. Resumed 
cutting my grass. Warm thro' the day. Sent Harriet to Kansas 
for some medicines for Mr. C. who has every other day a chill. In 
the evening three gentlemen rode up and enquired if W. W. resided 
here. Upon being assured in the affirmative they stated they wished 
to stay all night. I sent them to C. B. G's. They said they were 
delegates to the Rail Road meeting in Nebraska on the 26th inst. I 
would gladly have entertained them, but owing to family sickness I 
was compelled to send them where I did. 

"Tuesday, July 26, 1853. — Very cool and clear. Went over to C. 

B. G's and got my scythe ground. Warm day. 

"On yesterday morning ^ One- Hundred- Snakes' Standingstone died 
of Mania a potu. 

"At noon a messenger was sent for me to attend the Rail Road 
Convention. I saddled my horse and rode up to the Wyandott Council 
House, where I found a large collection of the habitans of Nebraska. 

"The meeting was called to order and organized by the appoint- 
ment of Wm. P. Birney' of Delaware, President, and Wm. Walker, 

Wyandot Nation. His home was in what is now Connelley's Addition to Kansas City, 
Kansas. Here, at an early day, he built a horse-mill for grinding corn, but was of so 
eccentric a disposition that he often refused to "grind." He had a large family of 
children and much land was allotted to him for them when the Wyandots accepted their 
lands in severalty. These lands increased enormously in value and made him the fam- 
ous " Millionaire Indian." Unprincipled white men swindled him out of much of his 
money. He built and equipped a railroad from Neosho, Mo., to the Arkansas State line. 
This road is now a part of the Pittsburg & Gulf main line. He was an ingenious man 
and could copy and construct almost any piece of machinery that he had opportunity to 
examine thoroughly. It was by taking advantage of his love for machinery that scoun- 
drels interested him in schemes for the purpose of robbing him. He made his home in 
the Seneca country when the Wyandots moved to the Indian Territory. Here he 
erected a fine house and a fine church-building. He died there late in 1896. 

' William P. Birney was an Indian Trader at Delaware in the Delaware Eeserve, 
near the present village of White Church, Wyandotte County, Kansas. I have been 
able to learn but little of him. He remained in Wyandotte County, Kansas, at least 



36 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Secy. A Committee was then appointed to prepare resolutions ex- 
pressive of the sense of the meeting. James Findley, Dyer and 

Silas Armstrong were appointed. 

" In accordance with the resolutions adopted, the following officers 
were elected as a provisional government for the Territory : For pro- 
visional Governor, Wm. Walker; Sec'y of the Territory, G. I. Clark; 
Councilmen, R. C. Miller, Isaac Mundy, and M. R. Walker. 

" Resolutions were adopted expressive of the Convention's prefer- 
ence of the Great Central Rail Road Rout. 

A. Guthrie, late delegate was nominated as the Candidate for re- 
election. Adjourned." 

While uo boundaries were fixed for the Territory for 
which the Provisional Government was organized it was 
taken as a matter granted that the Territory included the 
same area as defined in the Hall and Richardson bills. 

The organization of the Provisional Government of Ne- 
braska Territory gave general satisfaction to the people of 
Missouri. Each faction of the Missouri Democracy became 
now intent on securing the Delegate to Congress to be elected 
in the following October. In this contest the Price- Atchi- 
son faction had a tremendous advantage as they controlled 
the patronage of the Indian Bureau of the Department of 
the Interior, while Mr. Guthrie, Benton's representative, 
could only depend upon his own personal efforts and the 
personal efforts of his friends. 

Hand-bills were printed containing the record of the pro- 
ceedings of the Convention. These were distributed, and 
were copied into the newspapers of Missouri. In Governor 
Walker's Journal mention is made of this fact: 

"Thursday, July 28, 1853.— 

"A. Guthrie called upon and dined with us to-day. 

" Rec'd the printed proceedings of the Nebraska Territorial Con- 

until the commencement of the war. He is frequently mentioned in Abelard Guth- 
rie's Journals, and on the 13th of January, 1860, Guthrie's Journal speaks of him as 
living at that time in Quindaro City, or of his owning houses there. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 37 

vention. Great credit is due the Proprietors of the " Industrial Lu- 
minary" in Parkville for their promptitude in publishing the pro- 
ceedings in hand-bills in so short a time." 

III. 

TLe first duty of the new Government was to call the 
election for Delegate, as directed by the resolutions of the 
Convention. Governor Walker's mention of this event is 
as follows : 

"Saturday, July 30, 1853.— 

" Well, by action of the Convention of Tuesday last I was elected 
Provisional Governor of this Territory. The first executive act de- 
volving on me is, to issue a Proclamation ordering an election to be 
held in the different precincts of one delegate to the 33rd Congress. 

" Monday, August 1, 1853. — Issued my proclamation for holding 
an election in the different precincts in the territory on the second 
Tuesday in October, for one delegate to the 33rd Congress." 

This proclamation was printed and distributed throughout 
the Territory; and in all probability it was printed in most 
of the newspapers of Missouri.^ Their preparation for dis- 
tribution is mentioned by Governor Walker: 

"Monday, August 8, 1853.— Geo. I. Clark, Sec'y of the Territory, 
called this morning and delivered the printed Proclamation {SOO 
copies) for circulation." 

It had been the hope of Colonel Benton and Mr. Guthrie 
that no candidate would be put forward to stand for election 
against the regular nominee of the Territorial Convention. 
While the leaders of the Price- Atchison Democracy of Mis- 
souri had opposed the organization of a Provisional Govern- 
ment and believed that the slave power could prevent the 
admission of Nebraska Territory and the recognition of its 
Provisional Government, it still believed it best to partici- 
pate in the election for Delegate to Congress. A strong man 

* See Hadley D. Johnson's statement, page 83. 



38 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

in thorough, syripathy with the extremists of the slave power 
of the South was sought for and found in the person of Rev. 
Thomas Johnson, Missionary of the M. E. Church, South, 
to the Shawnees. Mr. Johnson resided near Westport, Mis- 
souri, in the Shawnee country. The Shawnee and Kickapoo 
tribes are closely related by blood, and Mr. Johnson's nomi- 
nation was made in the country of the latter tribe. Governor 
V^^alker says : " A few days after the adjournment of this 
Convention another rather informally was called at Kicka- 
poo, at which Mr. Johnson was nominated as Candidate for 
Delegate. The latter then yielded to the wishes of his friends 
and became a candidate in opposition to the regular nomi- 
nee." 

Having secured a strong candidate the Price-Atchison 
Democracy brought to bear every influence at their com- 
mand to secure his election. The Commissioner of Indian 
affairs came to the Territory where he remained more than 
a month to influence personally the emigrant tribes (and 
perhaps the other tribes) to vote for Mr. Johnson. Governor 
Walker leaves us enough evidence to confirm this. 

"Tuesday, September 6, 1853. — Mr. Commissioner Manypenny 
came over in company with Rev. Thos. Johnson to pay the Wyan- 
dotts a visit. The Council being in session I introduced him to the 
Council. To which body he made a short address." 

"Thursday, October 6, 1853.— 

"Received a letter from Maj. Robinson informing me that Com. 
Manypenny wished to have an interview with the Council to-morrow." 

"Friday, October 7, 1853.— 

"Attended a Council called by the Com. of Indian Affairs. 
Speeches were passed between the parties on the subject of the Terri- 
torial organization, [and] selling out to the gov't." 

"Tuesday, October 11, 1853. — Attended the election for delegate 
to Congress, for Wyandott precinct. Fifty-one votes only were polled. 
A. Guthrie 33. 

Tom Johnson 18. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 39 

" The priesthood of the M. E. Church made unusual exertions to 
•obtain a majority for their holy brother. Amidst the exertions of thei( 
obsequious tools it was apparent it was an up-hill piece of business in 
Wyaudott. 

" Executed a commission to J. B. Nones as Commissioner and No- 
iary Public for Nebraska Territory." 

"Monday, October 31, 1853.— 

" I suppose we may safely set down Thomas Johnston's election for 
delegate as certain. It is not at all surprising, when we look at the 
fearful odds between the opposing Candidates. Mr. Guthrie had only 
his personal friends to support him with their votes and influence, 
while the former had the whole power of the Federal government, 
the presence and active support of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
the military, the Indian Agents, Missionaries, Indian Traders, &c. 
A combined power that is irresistible." 

The Territorial Council canvassed the returns of the elec- 
tion at the Wyandot Council House Nov. 7, 1853, and issued 
a Certificate of election to Mr. Johnson on Nov. 8th. Gov- 
ernor Walker notes these transactions in his Journal : 

"Monday, November 7, 1853. — Attended at the Council House at 
an early hour, tho' in poor health. ...... 

"The Territorial Council, Sec'y and Governor, then proceeded to 
open the returns of the Territorial Election. After canvassing the 
Returns it appeared that Thomas Johnson' had received the highest 
number of votes and was declared elected delegate to the 33rd Con- 
gress. 

' Eev. Thomas Johnson was horn in Virginia, July 11, 1802. He was assassinated in 
his own home in Kansas, near Westport, Mo., January 2, 1865. 

He was sent by the M. E. Church to preach to the Shawnees in the " Indian Terri- 
tory," in 1829. After laboring here for some time, he was compelled to abandon his 
work on account of poor health, and he then moved to Fayette, Mo. In 1847 he was 
prevailed upon to resume his work in the Shawnee Mission Schools. From this time 
until his death he was prominent in the councils of the Price-Atchison Democracy of 
Missouri in their eflorts to introduce slavery into Nebraska and Kansas. He was elected 
President of the first Territorial Council of Kansas Territoi-y, in 1855. This was the 
"Upper House" of the Legislature that enacted the "Bogus Laws." The laws fill a 
large volume. Many of them are infamous. 

Mr. Johnson was a good man. The cause which he believed a holy one was in fact 
a bad one and was hastened to destruction by the madness of its advocates. His firm 
belief in its righteousness is not surprising, for it had been instilled into his mind froia 



40 THE PEO VISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

"Tuesday, November 8, 1853. — J. W. Garrett' deputy Secretary, 
attended at my House and we issued the certificate of election to 
Thomas Johnston delegate elect to the 33rd Congress." 

The Wyandots felt outraged by the action of the Commis- 
sioner of Indian Affairs but as their interests were so largely 
in his hands they could do nothing else than submit without 
protest, and this they all did, except Mr. Guthrie. He filed 
a contest for the seat of Delegate and vigorously attacked 
the Commissioner of Indian affairs in the public prints. He 
spent a portion of the winter in Washington and labored 
for the Territorial Government of Nebraska until he was 
convinced that the slave power would organize two Territo- 
ries, and endeavor to make one slave, and permit the other 
to come into the Union, free. In relation to Mr. Guthrie's 
attacks on the Commissioner of Indian Affairs Governor 
Walker says: 

"Saturday, November 12, 1853.— 

"Mr. Guthrie called and examined the election returns for dele- 
gate, and intends taking copies of them. 

"Thursday November 24, 1853.— 

"Wrote a communication to Col. Manypenny, Commissioner of 
Indian Affairs, correcting an error in a communication published in 
the Missouri Democrat by Mr. A. Guthrie in relation to a speech 
delivered by the former to the Wyandott Council. 

"Thursday, January 12, 1854.— 

"Rec. two letters from A. Guthrie. In trouble again. Wants cer- 

infancy. He did what he believed to be right. He was a true and humble Christian 
and an eloquent and earnest minister of the Gospel. There is an excellent biography 
of Mr. Johnson in Andreas's History of Kansas, page 300. It was prepared by his 
friend, Eev. Nathan Scarritt, of Kansas City, Mo. 

* Joel Walker Garrett was the son of George Garrett, who died February 17, 1846, 
aged 46 years. George Grarrett was the brother of Charles B. Garrett. He married 
Nancy Walker, sister of Governor Walker. Joel Walker Garrett was their oldest child. 
He was born June 18, 1826. He married Jennie Ayers. Their daughter Nina lives yet 
in Kansas City, Kansas. 

Joel Walker Garrett was appointed Deputy Secretary of State for Nebraska Territory, 
and he seems to have performed most of the labor attached to the Secretary's Office. 
He died August 25, 1862. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 41 

tificates to prove his charges against Commissioner Manypenny. I 
can't help him much. 

"Saturday, January 28, 1854. — . , 

"Rec'd an "Ohio State Journal." This is the amount of my mail. 
Guthrie out on Col. Manypenny again. The former, I fear, will come 
off second best. He is imprudent and rash." 

But bitter as the fight became between Johnson and 
Guthrie, they were not the only candidates voted for at this 
election. Governor Walker says : 

"Upon canvassing the returns it was found that a third candidate 
was voted for in the Bellevue precinct, in the person of Hadley D. 
Johnston, Esq., who rec'd 358 votes. 

"From information derived from that precinct it appeared that Mr. 
Johnston was an actual resident of Iowa, and at that time a member 
of the Legislature of that State; and an additional circumstance 
tending to vitiate the election in this precinct, was that a large ma- 
jority of the voters were actual residents of that State. The officers 
were compelled to reject these returns." 

Mr. Johnson's statement will be found in another part of 
this work. His credentials consisted only of the Certificate 
of the judges and clerks of the election stating the fact that 
he received a certain number of votes in the election held 
in the Bellevue precinct. The poll-books must have been 
sent to the Provisional Government as the returns were can- 
vassed there; and it is more than probable that Mr. John- 
son's certificate was not written until after it was known 
that the votes of the Bellevue precinct had been rejected by 
the Territorial Council. 

Governor Walker's Journal says on March 27, 1854, 
"Heard that Hon. Thomas Johnson, Delegate elect from 
this Territory, returned from Washington yesterday." 



42 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

IV. 

The cause of the failure of the Provisional Government 
of Nebraska Territory to secure recognition from the Gov- 
ernment of the United States was the division of the Terri- 
tory it represented into two separate Territories by the 
Kansas-Nebraska bill. Governor Walker says in his Notes 
that "the provisional government of Nebraska continued in 
existence till after the organization by Congress of the two 
Territories and the arrival of A. H. Reeder, the first Gov- 
ernor of Kansas." 

V. 

What did this movement for the organization of Ne- 
braska Territory accomplish? It forced the Thirty-third 
Congress to action. This action and its consequences are 
matters of history. The results which Mr. Guthrie claims 
for himself in his statement to Congress are justly the re- 
sults of this whole movement. The claim that these results 
were due to the organization and efforts of the Provisional 
Government of Nebraska Territory is certainly entitled to 
consideration, at least. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 43 



DOOUMEI^TS RELATING 

TO 

THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

OF 

I^EBRASKA TEERITORT. 



PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.' 

Adopted July 26, 1853, in the Council House of the 
Wyandot Nation, in what is now Wyandotte County, Kan- 
sas, but at that time in what was known and spoken of as 
Nebraska Territory; said Convention being held for the pur- 
pose of selecting provisional officers and organizing a Pro- 
Tisional Government for Nebraska Territory. This is the 
Constitution of the Provisional Government of Nebraska 
Territory — the first State Paper of Nebraska and Kansas. 

' These resolutions are copied from the original now in my possession. It was given 
to me by Mrs. Margaret Pipe, a Wyandot, now living in the Wyandot Eeserve in the 
Indian Territory. Governor Walker spent much time, when in the Indian Territory, 
at the home of Irvin P. Long, and as he had no home at that time, he carried all his 
important papers to the Wyandot Eeserve with him. He gave Mr. Long this and other 
papers. Mrs. Pipe cared for Mr. Long's household during the last years of his life and 
her daughter was adopted by Mr. Long and made his heir by will. She did not know 
the historical value of these papers, and in house cleaning burned large quantities of 
them, as useless rubbish, so she said. Some of his papers he carried to Ohio with him 
a short time before his death, and he gave some of his Journals and many of his papers 
to some one in Columbus to keep long enough to copy certain portions of them. I am 
confident this was a Mr. Geo. W. Hill. None of them were ever returned to him. 
Governor Walker died at the house of Mr. Henry Smalley, now of Springfield, Mo. 
Mrs. Smalley says that after his death some one representing a Historical Society came 
and got some of his books and papers. So, to date, these invaluable papers are scattered 
abroad. Mr. H. M. Northrup and Nicholas McAlpine both told me that the mice de- 
stroyed many of his papers, including his History of the Wyandots. 

I searched for this paper for many years. I looked through hundreds of receptacles 
for old papers in the public offices of Wyandotte County, Kansas, with the hope of 
finding it. 



44 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Whereas it appears to be the will of the people of the United 
States that the Mississippi Valley and Pacific Ocean shall be con- 
nected by railroad to be built at the national expense and for the na- 
tional benefit; it becomes the duty of the people to make known their 
will in relation to the location of said road and the means to be em- 
ployed in its construction. In selecting a route "the greatest good to 
the greatest number" should be the first consideration and economy 
in the construction and in protecting the road should be the second 

In estimating the 'greatest good to the greatest number,' present 
population alone should not govern, but the capability of the regions 
to be traversed by the road, for sustaining population should be con- 
sidered 

Economy in the construction will be best secured by the cultivation 
of a productive soil, where materials for the road exist, along and 
contiguous to the line of road whereby provisions, labor and materials 
can be obtained at low rates. "Then the farmers with their teeming 
fields will ever be in advance of the railroad laborer to furnish him 
with abundance of wholesome food at prices which free competition 
always reduces to a reasonable standard. At the same time they will 
be a defense to the work and the workman against savage malice 
without the expense of keeping up armies and military posts. These 
too will be the surest and safest protectors of the road when finished 
and without expense to the Government. But should the road be 
constructed through barren wastes and arid mountains and upon the 
frontier of a foreign and jealous and hostile people an immense and 
expensive military power must be erected to protect it — a power ever 
dangerous to freedom and desirable only to despots. In view of these 
facts therefore be it 

Resolved That from personal knowledge of the country and from 
reliable information derived from those who have traveled over it we 
feel entire confidence in the eligibility of the Central Route as em- 
bracing within itself all the advantages and affording all the facilities 
necessary to the successful prosecution of this great enterprise. 

Resolved That grants of large bodies of the public lands to corpo- 
rate companies for the purpose of building railroads, telegraph lines 
or for any purpose whatever are detrimental to the public interests, 
that they prevent settlement, are oppressive and unjust to the pioneer 
settler and retard the growth and prosperity of the country in which 
they lie. 



OF nebrase:a territory. 45 

Resolved That we cordially approve of the plan for the construction 
of a railroad to connect the Mississippi valley and Pacific Ocean re- 
cently submitted to the public by the Hon. Thomas H. Benton whereby 
the settlement and prosperity of the vast country between Missouri 
and California will be promoted and the construction of that great work 
be rendered much cheaper, more expeditious, and more universally 
useful.* 

Resolved That it was with profound regret that we heard of the fail- 
ure of the bill to organize a government for Nebraska Territory ; that 
justice and sound policy alike demand the consummation of this meas- 
ure and we therefore respectfully but earnestly recommend it to the 
favorable consideration of Congress and ask for it the earliest possible 
passage.'' 

Resolved That the people of Nebraska cherish a profound sense of 
obligation to the Hon. Thomas H. Benton and to the Hon. Willard 
p. Hall of Missouri for their generous and patriotic exertions in sup- 
port of the rights and interests of our territory and that we hereby 
express to them our grateful acknowledgements.' 

Whereas it is a fundamental principle in the theory and practice of 
our government that there shall be no taxation without representation 
and the citizens of Nebraska being subject to the same laws for the 
collection of revenue for the support of government as other citizens 
of the United States it is but right that they shall be represented in 
Congress, therefore be it^ 

Resolved That the citizens of Nebraska Territory will meet in their 
respective precincts on the second Tuesday of October next and elect 
one delegate to represent them in the thirty third Congress. 

Resolved That this Convention do appoint a provisional Governor, 
a provisional Secretary of State and a Council of three persons, and 
that all election returns shall be made to the Secretary of State and 
be by him opened and the votes counted in the presence of the Gov- 
ernor and Council on the second Tuesday of November next and that 

* See in another part of this work this plan, and Colonel Benton's remarks to the 
United States Senate when he brought ia his bill, page 88. 

» The Hall-Eichardson bill. 

' If there remained any question as to who inspired the movement to action at this 
particular time, this Resolution would settle it. 

* This preamble is crossed out, in the original document, by drawing the pen diago- 
nally through it each way. 



46 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

a certificate of election shall be issued by them to the person having- 
the largest number of votes.' 

Resolved that while we earnestly desire to see this territory organ- 
ized, and become the home of the white man, we as earnestly disclaim 
all intention or desire to infringe upon the rights of the Indians hold- 
ing lands within the boundaries of said territory' 

Resolved that the people of Nebraska territory are not unmindful of 
the services rendered by our late Delegate in Congress the Hon Abel- 
ard Guthrie, and we hereby tender him our sincere thanks and pro- 
found gratitude for the same 

Resolved that this Convention nominate a suitable person to repre- 
sent Nebraska territory in the 33rd Cougress 

Resolved that Editors of Newspapers throughout the country fav- 
orable to the Organization of Nebraska Territory and to the Central 
Route, to the Pacific Ocean are requested to publish the proceedings- 
of this Convention' 

Resolved That the Editors of newspapers throughout the country 
who are favorable to the organization of Nebraska Territory and to 
the Central Route to the Pacific Ocean are requested to publish the 
proceedings of this Convention* 

Endorsed on the back are these words : 

Preamble and resolutions to be submitted to the Nebraska Conven- 
tion to meet on the 26th July 1853' 

* To this point the Eesolutions are in the same handwriting, a small, rather heavy, 
running hand, having some appearance of having been written with a quill pen. The 
ink is a deep black. I feel confident that they were written by Mr. Dyer, as he was 
the Chairman, of the Committee on Eesolutions, appointed by the Convention. 

' This Resolution is in the handwriting of Governor Walker. The ink used was of a 
poorer quality than that used by Mr. Dyer. 

' This and the two preceding Eesolutions are in the handwriting of Abelard Guthrie. 
The ink used was a dark blue. Mr. Guthrie must have carried a bottle of this ink with 
him. He seems to have used no other kind for some years. 

* This Eesolution is in Mr. Dyer's handwriting, and must have been written before 
the meeting of the Convention, at the same time the other Eesolutions in Dyer's hand- 
writing were prepared, probably some days before the Convention. Guthrie evidently 
overlooked the fact that this Eesolution was already written, as his last one is almost 
exactly like it. 

" This indicates that the Resolutions were drawn up some considerable time before 
the Convention met. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 47 

PROCLAMATION.' 

In pursuance of the sixth Resolution adopted in the general Con- 
vention of the citizens of Nebraska Territory to organize a provisional 
govt and other purposes held in Wyandott City on the 26th ultimo, 
embraced in the following words, viz: "Resolved: That the citizens 
of Nebraska Territory will meet in their respective precincts on the 
second Tuesday of October next, and elect one delegate to represent 
them in the thirty third Congress of the United States ": 

I, William Walker, by virtue of authority in me vested as Pro- 
visional Governor of Nebraska Territory, do issue this my Proclama- 
tion, notifying the legal voters in the said Territory to meet in their 
respective precincts on the second Tuesday in October next ensuing, 
then and there to elect one delegate to represent this Territory in the 
33rd Congress of the United States, under such rules and regulations 
as the Territorial Council may prescribe. 

Given under my hand [and] seal at Wyandott City, Ne- 
braska Territory, this the 1st day of Aug, Anno Domini 
1853 and of the Independence of the United States the sev- 
enty seventh year W^ Walker 

Provisional Governor of the Territory of Nebraska 
G. I. Clark' 

Secy of the Territory 

Endorsed on back : 

" The Industrial Luminary '* 



Nebraska 



' This Proclamation is a model in brevity, strength of language, and the absence of 
unnecessary, official tautology. 

' G«orge I. Clark was the son of Clark who married Brown, daughter of 

Adam Brown, the adopted white man who was Chief of the Wyandots, and who pur- 
chased William Walker, St., from the Delawares. See sketch of the Walker fam- 
ily, in this work. George I. Clark was bom June 10, 1802. He was a man of influence 
in the Wyandot Nation, and was elected Head Chief. He was a good man. Abelard 
Guthrie says in his Journal : "I mourn his loss with tears — the first that have moist- 
ened my eyes for years." He belonged to that faction of his people that favored the 
old Church and opposed slavery. He and J. M. Armstrong maintained that slavery was 
wholly foreign to ancient Wyandot customs and usage. They said, with entire truth, 
that any member of the tribe must necessarily be as free as any other member of it. 
That the tribe in ancient times either killed or adopted all prisoners of war. If adopted. 



48 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

EULES FOR CONDUCTING THE ELECTION. 

Rales adopted by the Territorial Council of Nebraska, prescribing 
the manner of conducting the election of Delegate to the 33rd Con- 
gress of the United States : 

First. On the 11th day of Oct next ensuing, the voters in each 
precinct will assemble at the hour of 10 o'clock A. M. and shall pro- 
ceed to appoint three Judges of election and one Clerk ; who shall, 
previously to entering upon their respective duties, be sworn to act 
faithfully, fairly and impartially in conducting the election. The 
oath to be administered by the Seignior Judge, then by a Junior 
Judge to him. 

Second. The seignior Judge shall then proclaim publicly the open- 
ing of the polls and add, " Voters prepare your ballots." 

Third. The voters shall vote by ballot printed or written, and the 
seignior Judge shall receive the ballots and announce the names of 
the voters, the Clerk recording the names of such voters in the appro- 
priate column of the Poll book ; the Judge then depositing the bal- 
lots in a Box or some other suitable receptacle. 

Foui'th. The Polls shall be kept open from 11 o'clock A. M. till 
the hour of 4 o'clock P. M., when the Judge shall publicly proclaim 
"the Polls closed''. 

Fifth. To insure a full vote from all the voters present, at J past 
3 P. M. the Seignior Judge shall publicly proclaim that in " one half 
hour more, the Polls will be closed ". 

Sixth. The Judges and Clerk shall then proceed to canvass the 
votes and as each ballot is read aloud, the clerk shall enter in the 
column under the name of each candidate the ballot so cast for each 

they were entitled to all tlie privileges of those born into the tribe. He and the wife 
of Abelard Guthiie were cousins, and he seems uniformly to have supported Guthrie. 

He married Catherine . They had three children : 1. EichardW.; 2. Harriet W.; 

and 3. Mary J. They are buried in Huron Place Cemetery. The following is copied 
from the stone at the head of George I. Clark's grave: 

(Square and Compass.) 

George I. Clark 

Head Chief of the 

Wyandott Nation 

Born 

June lO 1802 

Died 

June 25 1858 

Aged 56 Yrs 

7 Mo 8 Ds. 




JOEL WALKER GARRETT. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 



49 



respectively. The Clerk shall then under supervision of the J[udge8] 
add up the votes cast for each Candidate and enter the aggregate at 
the foot of each column. The Seignior Judge shall then publicly an- 
nounce the result. 

Seventh. The Judges shall then append a certificate at the bottom 
of the Poll book officially signed by them and countersigned by the 
Clerk — Fold up and seal and forward the same by some safe convey- 
ance to the address of — 

"George I. Clark 

Secretary of the Territory of Nebraska 

Wyandott City". — 
Endorsed, Poll Book 

for Preciact 

Nebraska Territory 
Si[x]th Unnaturalized citizens or foreigners are excluded from 
participating in the election the same as in the States. 
Adopted Sept 10, 1853. 
Geo I. Clark 

Secretary of the Territory 

Approved : 

W^ Walker 

Provi^ Governor. 



FORM. 

Return of the election held in the precinct of 

Nebraska Territory for Delegate to the 33d Congress of the United 
States on the second Teusday in Oct 1853 : 



Voters Names 


Candidates' Names. 


A. B. 


C. D. 


E. F. 


V. D. Hale 


1 

1 

1 


1 
1 

1 
1 




J. L. H 




J. L. S 


1 


ThoO. s ;... 




D. A. L 




W. M. O 

P. S 


1 


T. P 




L. G 









50 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Precinct Nebraska Territory Oct 1853. 

We the undersigned Judges of the election for this precinct, certify 
that the above is a correct account of the votes polled in this precinct 
for delegate to the 33rd Congress of the U. S. and that C. D. reed a 
majority (or plurality as the case may be) of all the votes cast 



POLL BOOK OF THE PRECINCT OF OLD FORT KEAR- 
NEY, NEBRASKA TERRITORY/ 

I Certify that pursuant to a Call for an election to be held on the 
2d Mondey of Oct 1853 at Old fort Kea[r]ney Commencing at 12 M. 
and closing at 4 O.Clock P. M. for a Del[e]gate to Congres[s] for 
Nebra[s]k[a] Ter[r]it[or]y 

No. 1 H. P. Downs 

2 Thomas Helvey 

3 John. B. Boulwane 

4 Wm. C. Folkes 

5 Joel. Helvey 

6 Isham Holland 

I Certify this is a Correct Statement of an elettion held this the 
10th day of October 1853 given unde[r] my hand as above Stated 

Joel Helvey 
H. P. Downs' Judg\_e] of an electian 

Clerk of an election 

• This poll book is, I believe, entitled to tbe distinction of complete originality. I 
have studied it deeply and have failed to find even an intimation or suggestion in it as 
to whom the six votes it records as having participated in the election were cast for. 

' The following is from Eev. William H. Good's " Outposts of Zion (Cincinnati, 1864), 
page 264. Mr. Good was at Old Fort Kearney in August, 1854, reaching the house of 
Major Downs on the first : 

" Eeturning to Oregon, I again took stage early on the morning of August 1st, and 
about midnight, crossing the State line, reached Sidney, Iowa. Here I again left the 
stage, obtained a horse, and set off with a guide for the Territory, about fifteen miles 
distant. Eeaching the Missouri Eiver opposite Old Fort Kearney, I was surprised to 
find a fine steam ferry-boat. The enterprising proprietors of the two young cities just 
laid out at the site of the old fort, determining to 'take time by the forelock,' had 
made provision for an anticipated amount of travel and emigration, and consequent 
ferry patronage, which has never been realized. My first crossing at this point was 
under pleasant auspices. But this was of short duration, and many weary hours have 
I since lingered and shivered, or sweated upon the shore, waiting the slow movements 
of one of the most dilatory flat-boat transits upon the river. Many of the early im- 
provements in this country, especially in the vicinity of contemplated cities, were 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 51 

POI.L BOOK OF THE PRECINCT OF MIAMI, NEBRASKA 

TERRITORY. 

At an Election held at Miami, in the Osage River Agency, on 
Tuesday, the 11th day of October 1853 for the purpose of Electing 

ahead of the times, and were compelled to take a step back till the actual wauts of the 
country should call for their reappearance. 

" Old Fort Kearney was an evacuated military post, the name and the troops having 
been transferred to a new post about two hundred miles up the Platte Elver. A sub- 
stantial block-house, one old log dwelling, and the remains of a set of rude, temporary 
barracks, were all that was there to be seen of the old fort. Squatters had taken pos- 
session of the lands, and the two rivals, Nebraska City and Kearney City, had been 
laid off, the one above and the other below the mouth of South Table Creek. The site 
of the old fort, now of Nebraska City, is bold and fine. I found a single frame shanty 
erected, in which were a few goods, and a single settler in the old fort cabin in the 
person of Major Downs. The Major had served through the Mexican war, accompanied 
by his heroic wife; afterward was a sergeant among the troops at the garrison, and, on 
its evacuation, had been left in charge of the government property. Being on the ground 
and in actual possession at the passage of the organizing act, he laid his ' claim ' upon 
the land on which the fort stood, and became the original proprietor of Nebraska City. 
I found him to be a frank, generous hearted soldier, possessing some noble traits of 
character, with some unfortunate remains of army habits. He took me to his house, 
treated me kindly and generously, exhibited quite an interest in my mission, took 
down his city plat, and, in my presence, marked off certain lots, since risen to a value 
equal to five times the outlay and expenses of my whole trip, which he then and there 
donated to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Major D. has since served one term in 
the Nebraska Legislature, and has been appointed Major-General of the militia of the 
Territory. Others became interested witli him in the proprietorship of the city, and 
in the result he reaped but little pecuniary benefit from his early occupancy. But in 
my reminiscences of Nebraska pioneers I shall never forget Major Downs and his ami- 
able lady. Their house has always been open for personal accommodation or for public 
religious service, and his large heart has always stood out in generous actions. They 
have both for some time been seeking for a higher life. I hope to meet them above."* 

Early in the following winter Mr. Good again visited Old Fort Kearney and he leaves 
us this record of the event (see page 319): 

"After a laborious week's travel, I succeeded, on Saturday afternoon, in reaching the 
ferry opposite Old Fort Kearney, alias Nebraska City. But the steam ferry-boat was 
gone, and slender substitutes were left. The ice was running in large quantities, and 
the prospect gloomy of reaching my intended point for the Sabbath, though now in 
sight. Ordinary ferrying was suspended. Finding, however, a bold, skillful man — 
whose kind services I have repeatedly since had in time of need — about to cross, we 
tied ourselves on to his fortunes, entered the skiff, and made our way through the vast 
field of floating ice to the opposite shore. 

"Again in Nebraska City, I called on my friend Major Downs, who, meantime, had 
erected a large frame hotel. His house was crowded to its utmost capacity, and the 
weather severe. He ofiered to take me in, but the prospect was forbidding. I 
inquired for the preacher, whom I understood to be on the ground, and was pointed 
to a cabin on the opposite side of Table Creek, at quite a distance, where he was 

* Major D. has since served honorably in his country's cause as Lieutenant-Colonel of 
Nebraska Volunteers. — 1863. 



62 



THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 



a Delegate to represent Nebraska Territory in the next Congress of 
the United States the following is the result 



Voters Names. 



James Chenault 

David Lykins 

Joseph Jebo 

William A. Heiskell 

Luther Paschal 

John Paschal 

Tliomas I. Hedges.... 

Baptiste Peoria* 

Andrew Kaskaskia .. 

Mitchell 

Peter Cloud 

Chin. gwa. ke. 
Kah. a. sha.... 



ah. 



o 




.2 


03 03 


n-! 


mm 


c3 a 


i. 


^ 


2-g 


a 


"S 


i^ 


<v 


O 


H 


< 




1 






2 






3 






4 






5 






6 






/ 






8 






9 






10 






1 






2 






3 







supposed to be boarding. Dark was about setting in, when, leaving my young com- 
panion to the chances of the hotel, and taking my course, I set out on foot for the 
place. The creek intervened, with a thicket of timber and brushwood, and the 
cabin was lost from my view. It grew darker and darker as I crossed the creek and 
ascended the opposite hill, till I found myself entangled in the brushwood, and 
bewildered in my course. For a time I wandered and called, but met no response. 
The lights in the city were yet to be seen. Wishing to take an observation while I 
could, I drew out my pocket-compass, lighted a match, and took the course; then 
started again, traveling as I could, and calling aloud. At length, through an opening 
cabin-door, I espied a light, and heard a female voice in response. Seldom has a gentle 
voice fallen more gratefully upon my ear. I made way to the place, and was invited 
in. The preacher was not there, the husband was absent, and the lady was alone with 
her little children. I told her who and what I was. Late and dark as it was, I ac- 
cepted her kind invitation for the night, was well entertained, and formed an ac- 
quaintance with a worthy Christian lady. The husband returned soon, and I made 
the brushwood cabin my home during my stay. 

" On the day following, being the Sabbath, Major D. tendered a room of his hotel for 
public service, and I occupied it for preaching. The day was cold; men kept within 
doors; some rudely running up and down stairs; a group of shivering Indians stood 
and looked curiously on; but there was a goodly number of attentive and solemn hear- 
ers, and I trust the seed was not sown in vain. The Major would have me dine with 
liim, but, to secure the object, had to take me in privately and seat me before the rush 
of hungry men in waiting was let in, for frontier' s-men are proverbial for appettte, and 
not always very deferential to the appetites or the positions of others. 

" This was all of the first quarterly meeting for Old Fort Kearney mission." 
' Baptiste Peoria was the leading man of the Peoria tribe. I have been unable to 
obtain material for even a brief sketch of his life. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 



53 



Voters Names. 



Pe. si. ah 

Joe Peoria 

Battiste Basure 

Chal. U. lie 

Ken. ge tali no sah 

Jack Boys 

Go. to. kah. poo. ah 

Se pah. ka. ah 

Pah. kon. ge. ah 

Kish. e. wan. e. sah 

Tah. wah. kwah. ke. naw. gah. 
Pe. tah. nah. ke. kah. poo. ah.. 

O. zar. ah. ke. yow. gah 

Mah. kon. sah 

Kah. ke. Ian. gwau. gah 

Wah. pah. koo. se. ah 

Chah. pen. doo. ce. ah 

Bazie Boye 

Lewis Deq nine 

Capt. Big Legs 

Sam Delaware 

Little Doctor , 

Kil. son. sah 

Wan. sah. pe. ah 

Wah. pan. e. kah. poo. ah 

Nap. shin, gah 

Nah. wan. ge. ah 

Kil. son. sah 

Ke. no. zan. yah 

Go. to. kahs. pco. ah,. 

Wap. shin, gah 

Lewis Peckham 

Elie Geboe 

Old Beaver 

Yellow Beaver 

Wilson... 

Kish e kon. sah 




9 
20 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 



9 
30 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
40 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
50 

60' 



00 



' There is a certain uniformity and a noticeable sameness in the vote of this precinct 
that must have struck Mr. Guthrie as being remarkable, at least. 



54 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Endorsed on back : 

Messrs. Munday, Miller <fe Grover 
Delaware 

Miami Polls. ^- ^^ 



CERTIFICATE OP ELECTION. 

Whereas at the late general Convention of delegates which assem- 
bled in Wyandott City, Nebraska Territory, on the 26th day of July, 
1853, among the Acts of the said Convention, was the adoption of the 
two followiDg Resolutions, viz: "6 Resolved. That the citizens of 
"Nebraska Territory will meet in their respective precincts on the 
" second Tuesday in October next, and elect one delegate to the 33rd 
" Congress. 

" 7. Resolved. That this Convention do appoint a provisional Gov- 
" ernor, a provisional Secretary of the Territory and a Council of three 
" persons, and that all election returns shall be made to the Secretary 
" of the Territory and be by him opened and counted in the presence 
" of the Governor and Council on the second Tuesday in November 
" next, and that a certificate shall be issued by them to the person having 
" the highest number of votes" — And Whereas in pursuance of the 
above Resolutions, elections were helu, ^cturns were made to the Secre- 
tary and by his deputy "opened and counted in the presence of the 
Governor and Council," and it appearing that Thomas Johnston having 
received the highest number of votes is, by virtue of authority in me 
vested, declared duly elected delegate to represent Nebraska Territory 
in the 33rd Congress of the United States.* 

Given under my [hand] at Wyandott City this the 8th 
day of November A. D. one thousand eight hundred and 
fifty three and of the Independence of the United States the 

seventy seventh year— 

Wm Walker 

Joel. W. Garrett Provisional Governor 

Deputy provisional Secretary of the Territory — 

' Thomas Johnson must have carried the original certificate of election to Washing- 
ton with him. But the original from which this is copied is in my possession, and while 
it may have been intended for the first draft of the certificate it is well executed and is 
in Governor Walker's handwriting. It is most probable that the certificate was issued 
in duplicate, one copy being retained by the Provisional Goverment; the other given 
to Mr. Johnson. 



OF NEBEASKA TERRITORY. 55 

APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER 

OF DEEDS. 

Richmond Va Febj 25th 1854. 
Dear Sir: 

I will be much obliged to you, if you will confer upon me the 
appointment of Commissioner of Deeds, &c for the territory of Ne- 
braska. Below are the signatures of members of Congress to whom I 
beg leave to refer you as to ray ciiaracter and qualifications* 
Very Respectfully, 

Your Ob* Seyt- 

Abel Upshur Mayo. 
2h His Excellency 

The Governor of Nebraska. 

J. M. Masox \ ^7 tt g g * 
M.T.HuA^TER/'^^-U-S-^^°^tors. 

J. S. Caskie 1 ,, 

J. Letcher. / ^^' Representatives 

P. S. I am authorized to refer also to Senators Thomas J. Rusk 
and Samuel Houston of Texas. 

Respy. 

A. U. Mayo. 



LETTER FROM O. H. BROWNE TO GOVERNOR 
WALKER. 

Millersville 

Anne Arundel Co., 

Maryland 

Oct. 17th 1853 
His Excellency 

William Walker 

Prov.. Governor &c. 
Sir 

I have taken the liberty of enclosing the 
Maryland State Capitol Gazette, a leading Democratic paper, contain- 
ing a notice of Nebraska, which I hope will meet your approbation. 

' The signatures are genuine autographs and not a list of names furnished by Mr. 
Mayo for Governor Walker to write to if he so desired. 



56 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

If I can be of service to you personally, or to the Territory, let me 
know in what manner, and your wishes shall be imperative with me 

Allow me to subscribe myself personally and politically and sin- 
cerely^ 

Your Friend 

O. H. Browne 



LETTER FROM GOVERNOR WALKER TO O. H. 
BROWNE. 

[The following letter, it is believed, is a letter to O. H. 
Browne, Esq., the writer of the foregoing letter. It is evi- 
dently not an answer to the foregoing, but one of a corre- 
spondence of which it was the commencement. This 
correspondence resulted in Mr. Browne's coming to Kansas 
to live, as suggested in the following letter. He settled in 
Osage County and engaged in farming, and was elected to 
the Legislature in 1865 ; he was then 45 years old ; his Post- 
office was Bidgeway. He died in Bice County, July 22, 
1874, aged 59 years.] 



My dear Sir — 

Your favor of the reached me while confined to my bed 

with a violent attack of Pneumonia, from which I am now slowly re- 
covering. I am not sure that "gin horse prudence" would, as the 
Scottish poet would say if consulted, sanction this attempt at clerical 
labor, while so enfeebled in body and depressed with mental embecil- 
ity and weakness: — certain I am, my worthy physician would inter- 
pose his earnest remonstrance against any such premature labors. 

But it is my desire, if I can do nothing more, to tender to you my 
warm thanks for your favor and the slip enclosed containing yonr 

letter addressed to the p . Accuse me not, my dear sir, with 

fulsome flattery when I say that I listened to its reading with ad- 
miration and delight, and mentally exclaimed, This is just what is 
so much needed at the present juncture — -facts and figures that are in- 
controvertible. 

' In his Journal Governor Walker mentions writing to Mr. Browne. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 57 

I must be brief. I wish here to state a fact that you may not be 
aware of, that slavery has existed in what is now called " Kansas Ter- 
ritory," and still exists, both among Indians and whites regardless of 
the exploded Mo Com. Some of the slaves are held by the former by 
virtue of their own laws and usages, and some by regular bills of sale 
from citizens of Mo. How will this description of Indian " prop- 
erty " be protected if the change in D's bill, so clamorously called for, 
be made? Will that clause in the First section which provides " That 
notliing in this act contained shall be construed to impair the rights 
of person or property now pertaining to the Indians in the said Terri- 
tory" protect them in their right to this kind of property? To my 
mind this is not so clear. 

Be pleased to accept of the thanks of the Officers of the Prov gov't 
for your able defence of them. 

For your information, which you may use hereafter should occasion 
arise, I will state that there is not one of these men intermarried with 
the Indians. Of the members of the Territorial Council [torn away 
here] R. C. M. [R. C. Miller] a native, I believe of the Ancient Do- 
minion is a licensed trader among the Pot[tawatomie] Indians. M"^ I. 
M. [Isaac Mundy] a native of Ky is the Gov't B S [blacksmith] 
among the Dr [Delaware] Indians. M. R. Walker a Quadroon 
Wy and G. I. Clark Secy is a native of Canada, and your hum- 
ble servt another Quadroon and a native of Michigan. My colleagues, 
as you say, justly "are all the right kind of men, and eminently 
worthy of the distinguished positions assigned them by their fellow 
citizens " 

In your application for an appointment in the judiciary by all means 

choose one in this Territory. It is in every respect superior to N 

in climate soil and icdeed all the elements promotive of general thrift 
and prosperity. The other will, in climate prove, I am sure, too 
Labradorian for you. It is a sterile, cold and uninviting region when 
compared to this. Lying between the parellels of 40 & 49°. This 
Territory will be the Cynosure of the enterprising emigrant and will 
fill up more rapidly than the other, 

[No signature.] 



58 THE PKO VISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

GOVERNOR WALKER'S NOTES ON THE EARLY HIS- 
TORY OF NEBRASKA. 

NOTES ON THE EARLY HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.* 

[In] The year 1852, public attention, especially in the West, was 
drawn to the occupation of those large tracts of land held by the 
United States for the use of such Indians as may still emigrate from 
the States East of the Mississippi, at that time vacant. And consid- 
ering also the fact that, except the Six Nations of N. Y. there were 
no more Indian tribes to be removed to these parts; and conpidering 
also that these large bodies of surplus land must, if the Govt policy 
be adhered to, remain unoccupied in all time to come. Independently 
of this, another grave question presented itself furnishing matter for 
serious and sober reflection. A guarrantee was made to all the Emi- 
grating tribes that in the Country assigned them West, no territorial 
government shall ever be formed over them, nor become subject to any 
State authority. 

These questions were discussed at public meetings, in private circles 
and in the public Journals with considerable earnestness. These dis- 
cussions attracted the attention of the Interior Department and drew 
forth official intimations that th« government could not allow any por- 
tion of that territory to be occupied or settled by white people; and 
that the president was authorized to employ, if necessary, the military 
force of the U. S. in removing from the Indian Country all persons 
found therein contrary to law. 

But unfortunately for the government, it turned out that it was the 
Indians, not the indigenous, but the Emigrant Indians themselves 
especially the Wyandotts that warmly favored the occupation by white 
people of the vacant lands and ultimate organization of the territory. 
They foresaw that the pressure Westward and from the Pacific slope 
Eastward of emigration would ere long force the government to aban- 
don its restrictive policy. The Wyandotts and such whites as were 
within their [tribe] took the initiatory step, by holding an election for 
a Delegate to Congress in the fall of 1852, and elected M'^A. G." a 
gentleman every way qualified to represent this [Territory in Con- 
gress] . 

' This MS. is unsigned, but it is in Governor Walker's handwriting. I obtained it 
with the resolutions or " Constitution " of the Provisional Government. 
^ Abelard Guthrie. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 59 

The Missouri delegation in Congress were, with the exception of Col. 
Benton and Hon W. P. Hall, opposed to the measure, and nothing 
was aeconiplislied, but an increased interest excited and public atten- 
tion aroused to the importance of this novel measure inaugurated 
by two parties, in which the Indians and the ever restless and 
erratic whites coalesced and opposed the very policy intended for the 
protection of the former. 

In the summer of 1853, a Territorial Convention was held pursu- 
ant to previous notice to be held at Wyaudott. Tiie Convention met 
on the 26th of July when the following proceedings took place: 
(See "Industrial Luminary" herewith sent)* 

A proclamation was issued in pursuance of the 10th Resolution 
ordering an election for a Delegate to the 33rd Congress on the 2nd 
Tuesday in Oct. and designating the precincts at which the polls 
should be opened. 

A few days after the adjournment of this Convention another 
rather informally was called at Kickapoo, at which JVP Thomas John- 
son was nominated as Candidate for Delegate. The latter then 
yielded to the wishes of his friends and became a Candidate in oppo- 
sition to the regular nominee. The election was held accordingly. 
Upon canvassing the returns it was found that a third candidate was 
voted for in the Bellevue precinct, in the person of Hadley D. John- 
ston Esq who reed 358 votes.* 

From information derived from that precinct it appeared that M' 
Johnston was an actual resident of Iowa, and at that time a member 
of the Legislature of that State; and an addititional circumstance 
tending to vitiate the election in this precinct, was that a large ma- 
jority of the voters were actual residents of that State. The officers 
were compelled to reject these returns.' Upon canvassing the returns 
it was found that Thomas Johnson of Shawnee had received a ma- 
jority of all the votes cast and was declared duly elected. Many 
politicians and Editors of public Journals whose standard of political 
morals was of the straitest kind viewed these proceedings with de- 
cided aversion and regarded them as revolutionary &c mobocratic law 

' These "Notes" were evidently intended for publication in some newspaper, most 
probably the Ohio State Journal. This is the rough draft of what the communcation 
was when rewritten. 

* This is the same number of votes given in Mr. Johnson's certificate of election. 

' See Mr. Johnson's statement in another part of this work. 



60 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

defying, unprecedented, illegal ; forgetting the several provisional 
govts of California, Oregon, New Mexico &c.* 

It is here worthy of remark that in each of the emigrant tribes of 
Indians elections were held and they voluntarily and freely participated 
in them; showing clearly that they anticipated and were prepared for 
the change in their political condition which they saw would soon be 
wrought out. As was the case with M'^ G who was elected Delegate 
the year previous, Congress being averse to a departure from "the 
line of sav[f]e precedent", by admitting delegates from unorganized 
territories, refused to admit M^ Johnson to a seat in that body. The 
provisional government of Nebraska continued in existence till after 
the organization by Congress of the two Territories and the arrival of 
A. H. Reeder the first Governor of Kansas. Of all the remarkable 
events that transpired subsequently, "are they not written in the 
book of Chronicles " of Kansas Territory ? 



NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 

[The document of which the following is a copy is in the 
handwriting of Governor Walker. The paper is not com- 
plete, it being only a portion of the first draft of an article 
for some periodical. It has no date.] 



NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 

The first movement looking to an organization of this Territory 
was made in 1845. Senator Douglas then Chairman on Territories 
reported a Bill for that purpose; but the measure not meeting with 
much favor with the Senate, was laid aside and but little more said 
about the measure till the summer of 1852, when a few daring and 
resolute spirits in the Wyandott nation determined upon making a 
demonstration in favor of its organization, by concerting measures 
for holding an election for a delegate to Congress. But a serious 
question at hand had to be solved : Who would go, if elected, and run 
the risk of having to pay his own expenses to, at and from Washington, 
as it was extremly doubtful whether the delegate so elected would be 

* Especially the papers of the South, and many of the Democratic papers of the 
North. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 61 

admitted to a seat. M"" A. G. a man of talents and some experience 
in public life, having "done the State some service" in other responsi- 
ble positions, ofiered his services & was duly elected amidst the oppo- 
sition of Government officials, the military esjiecially. 

There being no existing provisional government in the Territory 
to give official evidence to M^ G. of his election, he took with him 
the Poll Books as prima facia evidence of his election. 

As was feared, he was not admitted to a seat in the House, tho' his 
election was admitted, yet he did good service "on his own charges" 
in the character of a " Lobby member." As evidence of this it will 
be recollected that the Committee on Territories in the House reported 
a Bill for the organization, which finally passed the House by a vote 
of 98 to 43 ! 

Upon the Senate, especially the Chairman of the Com. on Territo- 
ries (]VP D.) rests the responsibility of its failure in that body. The 
metes and bounds of the Territory as fixed in the bill, are as follows: 
The 43 degree of North latitude on the Missouri river, thence run- 
ning West to the base of the Rocky Mountains — thence South fol- 
lowing the meanderings of said base to latitude 36° 30 minutes, 
thence East till it intersects the N. W. corner of Arkansas, thence 
following the Missouri State line North to the place of beginning. 

The bill was so framed as not to violate any of the j3oIitical or 
property rights secured to the Indians holding lands in the territory, 
secured to them by treaty stipulations. A clause in the first section 
of the Bill provides "that nothing in this Act contained shall be con- 
strued to impair the rights of person or property now pertaining to 
the Indians in said territory, or to include any territory which, by 
treaty with any Indian tribe, is not, without the consent of said 
tribe, to be included within the territorial limits or jurisdiction of any 
State or Territory" — The above clause was supposed to be amply 
sufficient to guard all the rights of the Indians and to preclude the 
possibility ol any violation of treaty stipulations with the latter. — 



STATEMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE. 

[The document of which the following is a copy is in the 
handwriting of Governor Walker. It is from the archives 



62 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

of the Wyandot Nation, and is a record of the official views 
of the Legislative Committee, the highest tribunal of the 
government. It is a legal document, and was probably 
handed to the Council of Chiefs during a joint session of the 
two bodies. As all parties were present it is possible that it 
was not considered necessary to have the paper signed by 
the members of the Legislative Committee. While it is not 
dated, it is evident that it was written during the time when 
the Wyandots were working for the organization of a Terri- 
torial Government for Nebraska. And it would seem that 
this document conclusively shows that the Government of 
the Wyandot Nation was then taking part in this move- 
ment. 

The paper was given to me by Hon. Allen Johnson, Jr., 
Head Chief of the Wyandot Nation in the Indian Terri- 
tory.] 



The Legislative Committee previous to adjournment deemed it 
necessary to make some formal and official expression of its views upon 
our Indian relations as they now exist, and upon our relation with the 
United States in the present aspect of affairs. 

First, then, it is well known that for the last hundred years a league 
has existed between the following tribes, viz: Wyandott, Delaware, 
Chippewa, Ottawa, Pottawottomie, Sliawnee and Miami. This League 
unanimously elected the Wyandott the Keeper of the Council fire, 
where all diplomatic and other important matters involving the in- 
terests of the several tribes composing this league were to be discussed. 
Whether in peace or War this league maintained a unity of mind and 
action in all important measures. On the happening of any impor- 
tant event interesting to them, it appears from past history, that the 
Keeper of the Council fire was the member whose duty it was to ap- 
prise the members by a confidential runner bearing the ojicial wampum, 
of the nature of the information received. 

In pursuance of this understanding mutually entered into, the tribes 
composing this Confederacy naturally looked to the Wyandott for all 
official information of importance to them. Thus the principles of 



OF NEBRASKA TEREITORY. 60 

this compact were kept up till By the action of the U. S. Gov't 
the tribes composing this Confederacy removed from the North and 
East to the west of the Mississippi. This caused some derangement 
in our intercourse with each other — caused an interruption of the usual 
interchange of friendly ine-sages. Thus matters continued till the 
autumn (Oct) of 1848, when the members of the league assembled 
for the first time in the West and demanded " Where is the Council 
fire"f The Keeper promptly responded : " When I rose from my seat 
in the East with my face to the West, I snatched the only fire brand 
yet burning in the Council fire and bro't it with me ; and here my 
brethren I rekindle it in the West. Light the pipe and scour up my 
dish and Camp kettle again." At this first session West, all the 
former arrangements of the league were solemnly renewed and two 
other tribes joined us and agreed to incur the responsibilities and abide 
by the regulations and joint acts of the league, viz : the Kickapoos 
and Kansas. It is well known the Sacs and Foxes played an un- 
manly part on this occasion and we have had no explanation.* The 
Wyandott being thus formally re-appointed the Keeper of the Council 
fire in the West, the obligation still rests upon him to discharge faith- 
fully those obligations he incurred when originally invested with this 
mark of distinction. 

Second. Our relations with the U. S. Gov't. It would seem from 
present indications that the present Indian policy is about to undergo 
an important, and to us emigrant tribes, vital change. Heretofore 
the general policy has been to purchase the domain of the Red men 
little by little and confining him to narrower limits with the view, as 
the Gov't said, of compelling him by the extinction of game, to re- 
sort to agricultural and civilized pursuits. This not working well, 
or rather it was the excuse, the injurious and demoralizing effects of 

'This incident is mentioned by Clarke in his "Traditional History of the Wyan- 
dotts," page 132. 

"A group of Fox Indians were noticed to be rather reserved and distant at this gen- 
eral Council, and who knew of a certain dark bead belt then in the hands of the Wy- 
andotts with the shape of a tomahawk of a red colour on it, indicating some contem- 
plated warfare whenever it was exhibited in a general Council. They knew, too, of 
the hostile incursions their forefathers used to make against the Wyandotts and other 
tribes about Detroit, over a century ago ; how they were chastised by them at different 
times, and that they never made peace with each other. 

"The group of Fox Indians watched the Wyandotts with an eagle eye, and no sooner 
than they observed the crimson tomahawk exhibited than they were off to their homes 
on their ponies, followed by wolfish-looking dogs." 



64 THE PROVISION^AL GOVERNMENT 

being surrounded by a dense white population being so palpable, in- 
duced the government again to change the whole policy to that of 
colonizing the E-ed race in a new country West, to be assigned them 
by the Gov't and to be theirs "as long as grass grows and water 
runs." Where they could have their choice of pursuits, either the 
chase or agricultural and where they and their descendants would be 
free from the trammels of State or territorial laws, and be governed 
by their own laws, usages and customs. And in order to this the 
government threw around the emigrant tribes its strong protecting 
arm. This change in its policy took place about twenty two years 
ago. The next and present apprehended change is that of purchas- 
ing of us emigrant tribes the lands assigned, or rather sold to us to 
be our perpetual home. This presents to us a new question. If we 
submissively fall into this new line of policy, what is to become of 
us? further west w^ can not go — nor indeed to any other point of the 
compass, as the Gov't has no more rich-soiled, timbered and watered 
territory on this continent to bestow upon the Red man. What are 
the emigrant tribes to do? In this exigency the Committee would 
respectfully suggest to the Executive Council the propriety of send- 
ing the messenger loith the Wampum to the tribes composing the Con- 
federacy and such other tribes as emigrated from the East as we may 
be upon friendly terms with, apprising them of this apprehended 
change with a view to a consultation upon the propriety of uncover- 
ing the great Council fire, and devising the measures necessary to be 
adopted in this new case. 



LETTER FROM GOVERNOR WALKER TO SOME UN- 
KNOWN PERSON IN OHIO. 

West Jersey,' Nebraska, Jan 19, '54. 
Dear Sir — 

Your letter dated the 4th inst was rec'd yesterday, and although 
pretty well over run with similar letters, some yet unanswered, yet I 

' Governor Walker bestowed the name "Jersey" upon the creek running through 
Kansas City, Kansas, into the Missouri Eiver. He named his homestead " West Jersey," 
why, I do not know; his home in Ohio may have been " Jersey." Governor Walker's 
house stood on what are now lots 4, 5, 6 and 7, in block 4, Sunnyside Addition to Kansas 
City, Kansas. The grounds and garden enclosed with the house included the remain- 
der of block 4, the south half of block 3, the north half of block 6, lots 1 to 25 inclusive 
in block 5, and all streets and alleys included in these bounds. His house had been the 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITOHY. 65 

feel bound to give precedence to enquiries from the "Buckeye State." 
I will endeavor to give you such information in regard to the charac- 
ter of this frontier and this Territory as I can command. My travels 
in the Territory have been chiefly through the Southern portion; 
therefore, cannot give you much from personal observation in regard 
to other parts but must rely upon information derived from other 
sources for a general description. 

Then fancy me Chief Magistrate of this wild and untamed terri- 
tory, seated upon a bleak boundless prairie, with a furious wind from 
the mountains whirling snow, leaves, grass &c in circling eddies 
round my head, with an icicle pendant from my proboscis, as long as 
a 10*^ nail, with my saddle on my lap for a writing desk, pouring my 
warm breath into my pen to thaw the congealing ink — anon thrash- 
ing my arms round my body to quicken circulation in my chilled fin- 
gers, while my company, composed of Wyandotts Shawnees Dela- 
wares and a quadroon Frenchman as Fort man, are attending to our 
animals. The devil and Phoenix bitters! how can I write in this 
fix? O here's a mitigant. Antoine appor [part of this sentence torn 
away at this point] id voire Boutielle de eau de vie et um cruche aus- 
sitot. Your good health, Sir. Ahem, Tres bien. Taut mieux. But 
stop. I forget myself. I am not on an exploring tour, taking notes 
of observation. Sure enough I'm in my own domicile, at my own 
comfortable fire side. Yes, I faix, there's M^^ W. seated cosily in her 
arm chair and the girls one reading the latest Novel (sorry to say it, 
but 'tis true) and the other gleaning political news from the National 
Intelligencer and your humble servant at the writing table. My 
negro domestic enters and announces "the Thermomaker 10° below 
Nero." But I'm wandering from the matter on hand — no more di- 
gres^iions episodes &c, but to the point. Nebraska Ter extends to 
the 43rd parallel of N. lattitude and running S. to the parallel of 36° 

old Delaware pay-house, where the Delawares came to receive their annuities from the 
agents. Governor Walker improved it and built additions to it until it was two stories 
high and contained ten or twelve large rooms. The building and most of the additions 
were of logs, but it was weather-boarded, and was a comfortable, roomy, delightful old 
home. Nothing remains of it now except a few stones of one corner of the foundation. 
The heavy door which had a square hole cut in it, through which the agent passed out 
the money to the Delawares, was always retained in use by Governor Walker. It was 
a rough, rude piece of workmanship, and Mrs. Walker wished to replace it with a more 
respectable looking one, but the Governor would not suflTer this to be done. 

6 



66 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

30", bounded on the E. by Mo & Iowa and on the west by the upurs 
of the E-ocky Mountains. 

It is a rich champaign country : beautifully undulating and well 
watered & generally well supplied with stone and I have no doubt 
but time will develop large and rich pits of coal. The chief deficiency 
is the want of good building timber. The timbered lands are confined 
to the streams. These wending their ways to their points of debouch- 
ment are fringed with timber. There are exceptions to this rule. 
There are some high rolling ridges timbered with a somewhat stunted 
growth of Bur Oak & Hickory, but these are valueless except for 
fuel. These immense praries are doubtless produced by the annual 
conflagrations of the tall grasses, weeds and undergrowth of wild 
shrubbery, rendering it impossible for a young growth of timber to 
survive these fearful' ravages produced by the brand of the wild and 
tame incendiary; as often by the latter as the former. This scarcity 
of timber will always be a drawback — indeed an insurmountable ob- 
stacle to a compact settlement. But there are to be found, as will be 
more abundantly proved, whenever a geological survey shall be made, 
all the elements provided by the god of nature, to supply these defici- 
ences, such as an abundance of stone for building houses and fences, 
added for the latter purpose Osage thorn, Stone coal for fuel. There 
is every variety of soil. The high rolling lands after a crop or two 
of corn yield fine wheat. Rye and Oats crops. The lower lands for 
corn, Hemp, Tobacco &c and the soil [is] inexhaustible. There is one 
important item that I cannot omit mentioning which operates seriously 
against the durability of the soil, especially in hilly or broken lands. 
There being the want of substantial clay or marl basis and the upper 
soil being [of] a light loamy character, the heavy rains peculiar to 
this country, sweep away, when tilled, the soil to the bottoms, rivers 
or ravines, presenting in a few years an unseemly sight of sterile 
knobs, fissures <fe gutters. This obj does not apply to the slightly un- 
dulating or level lands. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 67 

to™s?ioSf'^'''} HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. {gr?:"^ 

ABELARD GUTHRIE. 
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 381] 



Mr. Loomis, from the Committee of Elections, made the following 

REPORT. 



April 3, 1862. — Ordered to be printed. 



The Committee of Elections, to whom was referred the memorial of Abe- 
lard Guthrie, praying to be allowed mileage and per diem as dele- 
gate from Nebraska to the thirty-second Congress, have had the 
same under consideration and respectfully report : 

On the second Tuesday of October, A. D. 1852, the people of Ne- 
braska, (then an unorganized Territory,) desiring to secure a territorial 
government, elected the memorialist as their delegate to the thirty- 
second Congress. 

In pursuance of this election he came to Washington, and on the 
17th day of December, 1852, presented his memorial to the House of 
Representatives, asking to be admitted as a delegate. This memorial 
was duly referred, and a report was made thereon and ordered to be 
printed, but no further action was had upon it. But a bill was im- 
mediately introduced for the organization of a government for that 
Territory, which passed the House ot Representatives on the 18th day 
of February, 1853, by a vote 98 yeas to 43 nays. The bill was sent 
to the Senate, and there received the approval of the Committee on 
Territories, but as the ses>^ion terminated on the 4th of March follow- 
ing it failed to become a law, and the memorialist was never admitted 
as a delegate, nor was any compensation ever allowed him for coming 
and remaining here for the purposes aforesaid. 

The memorial now under consideration asks for the usual per diem 
and mileage, as before allowed in similar cases. This claim has long 
been pending before Congress. 

On the 19th of July, 1856, the Hon. Israel Washburn, as chair- 
man of the Committee of Elections, made a report in favor of the 
claim, accompanied with a bill granting the memorialist mileage not 



68 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

to exceed two thousand dollars, and his per diem of five dollars per 
day from the time of presenting his memorial at the 2d session, 32d 
Congress, to the close thereof, but no further action was had thereon. 

Your committee find that several claims similar to the one now 
under consideration have received the sanction of both houses of 
Congress. 

In 1850 Hugh N. Smith petitioned the House to admit him as 
delegate from New Mexico, and A. W. Babbitt made application to 
be admitted as delegate from Utah. To these applications it was ob- 
jected, among other things, that the Territories which they claimed to 
represent were unorganized, and that their boundaries had never been 
defined ; and, further, that these gentlemen were appointed by dele- 
gates to territorial conventions or assemblies, and not chosen by the 
people in their primary meetings. The decision of the House was 
adverse to the claimants, but Congress passed an act to pay them 
mileage and per diem. 

These cases are similar in principle to that of the memorialist, or, 
if there be any difference, it is in favor of the latter, as he was desig- 
nated or elected by the people themselves in their primary assemblies. 

Your committee believe that it was important to have an organ- 
ized government for Nebraska at the time the people of that Terri- 
tory sent the memorialist here as their delegate. 

In the years 1849 and 1850 it is estimated that more than one hun- 
dred thousand emigrants passed through that Territory on their way 
to California, Utah, New Mexico, and Oregon. 

The memorialist came here in good faith and with good reason to 
believe that the Territory would be organized, and he admitted as a 
delegate. The vote of the House before mentioned recognized in a 
most emphatic manner the propriety of its organization, and must 
have made the memoralist feel confident that he would be admitted 
to his seat as a delegate before the close of the ses-^ion. 

Your committee, therefore, recommend the passage of the accom- 
panying bill. 

A. 

To the House of Representatives of the United States now in session: 

Gentlemen : Your memoralist begs leave to represent to your hon- 
orable body that he was elected by the people of Nebraska Territory 



OF NEBEASKA TERRITORY. 69 

as their delegate to the second session of the 32d Congress; that he ac- 
cepted the trust, came to Washington, presented his credentials and 
exerted his best abilities to serve his constituents, but was not ad- 
mitted to a seat in the House, for the reason that there had been no 
Territorial government for Nebraska established, and therefore the 
election was unauthorized by law. A bill, however, was immediately 
introduced into the House for the organization of a government for 
Nebraska, and passed the House of Representatives, but was lost in 
the Senate. 

It was confidently believed by the friends of the measure that the 
bill would pass the Senate, and that I would then be immediately ad- 
mitted to a seat in the House as delegate, and this confidence continued 
up to the last day of the session, when it was too late, amidst the gen- 
eral press of business, to take the necessary steps to obtain an appro- 
priation for my per diem and mileage; and since that time a long 
and painful illness has made it impossible for me to bring the matter 
to your notice. I am fully aware that there is no law authorizing 
payment in such cases, and therefore I throw myself upon the gener- 
osity of Congress, as did the delegates irom Utah and New Mexico, 
who came here under similar circumstances, before goveriiments were 
organized for those Territories, and were paid. And I respectfully 
ask to be treated with the same liberality. 

Very respectfully, 

Abelard Guthrie. 

Washington City, D. C, June 14, 1856. 



B. 

Personally appeared before me, Thomas J. Williams, a justice of 
the peace for the District of Columbia and county of Washington, 
Abelard Guthrie, who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that, in 
pursuance of public notice, an election was held in the Territory of 
Nebraska on the second Tuesday of October, 1852, for a delegate to 
represent the said Territory in the Congress of the United States, and 
that at the said election he received a majority of all the votes given, 
and was declared duly elected. That the evidences of his election, 
consisting of the poll-books and tally-lists of each precinct, or certified 
copies thereof, were handed, together with a memorial setting forth the 



70 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

facts of said election and praying to be allowed a seat in Congress, to 
the Hon. M"" Phelps, of Missouri, to be presented to the House; and 
that M'" Phelps afterwards told him that he had presented them, 
which he believes to be the fact, for in subsequent conversations with 
the Hon. M' Ashe, then chairman of the Committee of Elections, he 
alluded to them as being before his committee. The deponent further 
states that he has caused search to be made for these papers in the 
office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and they cannot 
be found. 

Given under my hand and seal this 2nd day of July, 1856. 

Thos. J. Williams, [L. S.] 

JiLstice of the Peace. 

C. 

Washington City, D. C, June 30, 1856. 
Sir: I called upon Mr. Buck, who made a search for my papers, 
but they can nowhere be found. The following is an extract from the 
journal of the House of Representatives, second session of the thirty- 
second Congress : 

"Friday, December 17, 1852. 

"By M"^ Phelps: The petition of Abelard Guthrie, praying to be 
admitted to a seat in this House as a delegate from the Territory of 
Nebraska; which was referred to the Committee of Elections." 

This record does not state, as it should have done, that my creden- 
tials were with the memorial. The committee to whom they were re- 
ferred did not, I believe, make a report, for the reason, as I stated in 
my former letter, that I desired it kept back until the bill organizing 
the Territory should have passed both houses. 

I was in Washington a short time during the latter part of the winter 
of 1854, when I memorialized Congress for my pay and per diem, but 
left soon after, and no action was had upon my application. In the 
journal of the House of Representatives, first session thirty-third 
Congress, is the following entry : 

"Thursday, February 23, 1854. 

"By M^ Edgerton: The memorial of Abelard Guthrie, to be al- 
lowed mileage and per diem as delegate from Nebraska Territory, 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 71 

Ordered that said petitions, letters and memorial be referred to the 
Committee on the Judiciary." 

I think it quite probable that among these " said petitions, letter, 
and memorial" were the original evidences of my election presented 
by M^ Phelps on the 17th December, 1852. They were, however, 
referred to the wrong committee. I was told when I started home 
that they would, if opportunity oifered, be reported back to the House 
and be referred to the Committee of Elections. This was probably 
never done, and yet they are not on file with the papers of the Judi- 
ciary Committee. 

There was evidently culpable neglect in some quarter, but I do not 
know who was to blame. But I do not think it reasonable or right 
that I should lose my claim from this cause. The records of the 
House present facts enough, I think, to justify the hope that you will 
grant the relief I ask. 

My credentials consisted of one of the poll-books and tally-list 
from each precinct, or certified copies thereof; I am not certain now 
which. These, under the circumstances, were thought to be the best 
evidences of election that I could present. They, and my memorial 
accompanying them, were, I believe, all the papers submitted to the 
House on the occasion of my asking a seat as a delegate from Ne- 
braska. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, 

Abelaed Guthrie. 
Hon Israel Washburn, 

Chairman Committee of Elections. 
P. S. — Enclosed herewith is an affidavit setting forth the facts of 
my election. 

D. 

"Washington City, D. C, June 26, 1856. 
Sir : I desire to say a few words explanatory of the circumstances 
connected with my application for mileage and per diem as delegate 
to Congress from Nebraska Territory, showing the necessity of send- 
ing a delegate to Congress at the time I was elected, in doing which I 
will quote from a speech delivered in the House of Representatives 
on the 16th May, 1854, (see Appendix to Congressional Globe, p. 
715,) by the Hon. S. Mayall, of Maine. M'^ Mayall says: 



72 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

"In accordance with the recommendations of the Secretary of War, 
M' Douglas, of the House Committee on Territories, gave notice on 
the 11th December, 1844, of a bill, and the 17th of the same month 
introduced the same, (H. R. 444,) to establish the Territory of Ne- 
braska, and it was referred to the Committee on Territories. M"^ 
Aaron V. Brown, on the 7th of January, 1845, reported back an 
amendatory bill, and it was referred to the Committee of the Whole 
on the state of the Union, and no further action was had thereon. 

" The next movement in favor of Nebraska was made by M"^ Doug- 
las, in the Senate, by the introduction of a bill, (No. 170,) which, on 
the 20th April, 1848, was made the order of the day for Monday, 
the 24th of the same month, but no further action was had thereon. 

"In the Senate, December 4, 1848, M^ Douglas gave notice of 
another Nebraska bill, and also a bill for Minnesota and New Mexico ; 
and on the 20th of the same month the Minnesota and Nebraska bills 
were referred to the Committee on Territories of that body, when 
another opiate was administered to Nebraska. Four years of dead 
silence on the part of Congress in relation to Nebraska now ensued. 

"In October, 1852, the people of Nebraska elected a delegate, 
(M"" Guthrie,) who came to this capital, and, as all know who were 
members of the last Congress, urged with great zeal the organization 
of a government for that Territory. A bill was reported, and on the 
18th of February, 1853, it passed the House of Representatives, by a 
vote of 98 to 43. It went to the Senate, received the sanction of the 
Committee on Territories, but was never brought to vote, but on the 
morning of the 4th of March was consigned to its grave." 

Thus it will be seen that four years had elapsed since the last abor- 
tive attempt to organize a government for Nebraska, and the people of 
that Territory had but little reason to believe their interests would be 
attended to until they sent a delegate to urge them upon the consid- 
eration of Congress. They had observed that this course had been 
pursued by the people of Oregon, of Utah, of New Mexico, and of 
Minnesota, with success. 

Under these circumstances, and with these examples before them, 
the people of Nebraska held an election, and I was chosen delegate. 
At Fort Leavenworth, however, (where the largest body of citizens 
resided,) the officer in command of the post forbade an election. Sub- 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 73 

sequently however, certain persons proposed holding another election, 
to overturn the first. This election was held at Fort Leavenworth, 
(the commanding officer having abandoned his opposition,) and re- 
sulted in a large majority for me — I think 54 to 16. 

This second election I gave no attention to, knowing that it was 
contrary to all law and usage regulating popular elections; but my 
friends at the fort, (not soldiers,) having been prevented from voting 
at the first election, determined to remove all shadow of a right of my 
opponent to contest my claim to a seat in Congress, by giving me a 
very decided majority at this election also. But the judges never sent 
me the returns; nor would I have presented them had they done so, 
for the reason already given. I was now universally admitted to be 
the rightfully elected delegate, and met with no further opposition. 

The number of votes given at my election was not large, for the 
reason I have already staled. Besides, the citizen population of the 
Territory was very small, and could not increase under the restrictions 
of the law of 1834, "regulating trade and intercourse among the In- 
dians," which, you will remember, formed the ground of opposition 
to the passage of the Nebraska bill, on the 18th of February, 1853, 
but which was satisfactorily answered by the friends of the bill on that 
occasion. 

In addition to what I stated in my memorial, I will add, that, 
anxious to get my mileage and per diem, I went to Judge Douglas on 
the last night of the session, when the "civil and diplomatic bill" was 
before that body, and asked him if the appropriation could not be put 
on the bill. To which he replied, that if the House Territorial com- 
mittee would recommend it, he would try to get it on, adding some 
reasons why it should come from the House. I immediately went to 
the chairman of that committee. Colonel Richardson, and stated the 
facts to him, and he and all the other members of the committee then 
in the House, (a majority of the whole,) signed the recommendation, 
and I took it to Judge Douglas, who showed it to the members of the 
Senate committee; but some of these objecting, on the ground that the 
appropriation should be made in the House, the judge thought it bet- 
ter to let it drop for the present; and nothing more was said about it. 

I have spent much money in obtaining a government for Nebraska, 
and that, too, from the best motives, and thougli evil has grown out 
of it, both for myself and the country, it was not my desire it should 



74 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

be so; and I think I am entitled to the same remuneration that other 
informal delegates received, and I ask nothing more, but would re- 
spectfully urge that, should your committee favor my application, the 
most speedy course will be pursued to enable me to get the money. 
I am, sir, with great respect, yours, 

Abelard Guthrie. 
Hon. Israel Washburn, 

Chairman Committee of Elections. 



E. 

Washington City, D. C, July 20, 1861. 
Mr. Chairman: Understanding your committee have doubts of 
the propriety and necessity of a government for Nebraska, (now Kan- 
sas,) at the time I came here as its delegate, I desire to say a few words 
on the subject. I need not remind you that this Territory lies im- 
mediately west and south of the State of Missouri, but it may be well 
to call your attention to the fact that the vast emigration to California, 
Oregon, Utah, and New Mexico had to pass through its whole length. 
At that time the usual landing for emigrants starting from the states 
by water was at Kansas City, about one mile from the northeast 
corner of Nebraska, (Kansas,) and, although many went across the 
States by land, they all directed their course to this point or neighbor- 
hood. Here the overland journey commenced, and the sudden change 
from the comforts of civilized life to the exposures of such a journey 
produced much sickness which, from the fatigues of travel and 
the want of care, generally ended in death, for the country was unin- 
habited, except very sparsely, by Indians, and the journey of more 
than two thousand miles, to be performed by ox teams before the fall 
of the early mountain snows, admonished the emigrants of the dangers 
of delays, even to nurse their sick. This great thoroughfare was 
strewn with their graves. Only those familiar with the hardships 
and dangers of such a journey can form a just conception of the em- 
barrassments and fatal consequences of this condition of things. By 
the organization of this Territory it was opened to settlement, and 
soon the hospitable door of the pioneer was opened along the route for 
a distance of two hundred miles, where the invalid could enter and be 
eared for. Had the Territory been organized several years earlier, as 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 75 

it should have been, I think I may safely say thousands of human 
lives would have been saved and a vast amount of human suffering 
prevented. For you will remember that during the years 1849 and 
1850 more than one hundred thousand emigrants crossed this Terri- 
tory on their way to California, Utah, Oregon, and New Mexico, and 
yet not one word was said in Congress about establishing a govern- 
ment for it or even opening it to settlement. Was not this silence 
significant? Under such circumstances, is it reasonable to urge that 
it was not time to move in this matter? Has there, in the history of 
this country, been a more urgent case of the kind ? Congress was evi- 
dently impressed with its importance ; for in the House the bill for 
the organization, after a violent but brief struggle, passed by a vote of 
nearly two to one, and even in the Senate there was an ascertained 
majority in its favor. It may not be improper here to state, that of 
the southern members who voted for the measure, I think less than 
half a dozen were returned to Congress. 

Allow me also, if you please, to submit the following propositions: 

If your committee have any sufficient evidence, or can obtain any, 
that it was the intention of the party then in power, or any other 
party, to organize this Territory within any reasonable or definite 
period, I will abandon my claim. 

If the committee have any sufficient evidence, or can procure any, 
that there was any other course as likely to succeed in securing an 
organization as that of sending to Congress a man acquainted with 
the condition, wants, soil, climate, and resources of the Territory, I 
will give up my claim. 

If the committee have any sufficient evidence, or can get any, that 
it was not the design of the slave power to secure this Territory, by 
quiet and stealthy legislation and colonization, for the benefit of its 
favorite institution, I will abandon my claim. But here I wish you 
to examine the law of 30th June, 1834, annexing this Territory to 
the State of Missouri for judicial purposes; and the law of 1836, an- 
nexing to the same State forever and for all purposes the very large 
aud fertile portion of this Territory lying between the Iowa State 
line and the Missouri river, cutting us off entirely from contiguous 
free Territory, the effects of which were disastrously felt during our 
civil troubles, and to the present day; and also to the several abortive 
attempts of the late M"^ Douglas to organize this Territory. 



76 THE PKOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

If the committee have any suflBcient evidence, or can obtain any, 
that this Territory would not eventually have been received into the 
Union as a slave State under the skillful management and well ma- 
tured plans of southern statesmen and their northern friends, I will 
abandon my claim. 

If the committee have any evidence, or can get any, that my move- 
ment for a government for Nebraska did not frustrate this design, I 
will abandon my claim. 

If your committee have any sufficient evidence, or can obtain any, 
that the republican party would have been in existence but for this very 
act of mine in forcing upon the consideration of Congress the policy of 
erecting a territorial government over this magnificent region, (which 
the slave power had already practically grasped, and was guarding 
with jealous care,) I will abandon all claim to per diem and mileage. 

In this connection it is proper I should state that I am not a can- 
didate for any office whatever, as my senators and representatives will 
bear me witness. But when I get the money I ask at your hands, 
and to which I think myself justly, though not legally, entitled, I 
will return to the cultivation of my grapes and gooseberries. 

I will only add that I am fully aware of the apparent extravagance 
of the pretensions I have here put forth, but I am also fully pursuaded 
of their entire justice, and that the humbleness of the instrument em- 
ployed is the weightiest objection that can be urged against them. 

Abelard Guthrie. 

Hon. Henry L. Dawes, 

Cliairman Committee of Elections, U. S. House of Representativei. 



LETTER FROM ABELARD GUTHRIE TO GOVERNOR 

WALKER. 

Cincinnati, Ohio, December let 1852. 
William Walker, Esq. 
Dear Sir, 

Having a little leisure I drop you a line to tell you how I am 
getting along. Tiius far I have traveled faster than I expected and 
if I had felt well enough I could have taken the cars this morning 
and have arrived in Washington City tomorrow night — suet are the 
wonderful facilities for travelling from this point eastward. From St. 
Louis I travelled in company with Senators Geyer and Atchison of 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 77 

Mo. and Representatives Richardson and Bissil of Ills. I am sorry 
to say our Missouri Senators are by no means favorable to our Terri- 
torial projects. The slavery question is the cause of this opposition. 
I regret that it should interfere — it ought not. Mr. Atchison thinks 
the slaves in Nebraska* are already free by the operation of the Mis- 
souri Compromise Act, and asks a repeal of that act before any thing 
shall be done for Nebraska ; this would put us back till doomsday 
for no Congress as our Government now stands will ever repeal that 
act.' But for myself I do not consider it binding upon the people in 
moulding their State institutions. However since the South take a 
different view of it we must fight it out. I foresee the struggle will 
be a fierce one but it will be short and tiierefore not dangerous. I 
did not expect to accomplish this object without trouble; and I feel 
prej)ared for it. One incentive to determined perseverance is the fact 
that I beat Banow at his own election, so Mr. Atchison informs me. 
I shall certainly endeavor to merit the good opinion my friends have 
formed of me. I am full of hope and confidence as I have been from 
the start. I called to see Col. Benton but he had gone to Washing- 
ton, this is fortunate for he is our friend and can do us great service. 
The measure mil succeed! short as the time is, and with an opposition 
where we ought to have support. I think you, Garret, Matthew and 
Isaiah Walker should locate your sections very soon,^ for after the 
Territorial organization I apprehend they will not be recognized — 
there will be no land set apart for Indian purposes as now. I will 
tell you in confidence (hat no treaty with the Wyandots can be con- 
firmed until the Territory be organized. You need not tell this to 
any one because the folks in that country are so jealous of me that 
they would attribute the declaration to unfriendly feeling when God 
knows that I have been but too warmly their friend and still am. I 
want you to write to me soon and often. I shall be in Washington 
about Sunday. My respects to Mrs. Walker. 

Very respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant. 

Abelard Guthrie 

' Governor Walker, Matthew R. Walker, Francis A. Hicks, the Garretts, and other 
Wyandots owned slaves. There may have been slaves held in other emigrant tribes, 
but I do not know whether there were or not. 

^ How he was mistaken! In less than three years from that time Congress repealed 
the Missouri Compromise. 

' This refers to land guaranteed to many individuals of the Wyandot Nation by the 
treaty by which they ceded their lands in Ohio. 
% 



78 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

LETTER FROM ABELARD GUTHRIE TO GOVERNOR 

WALKER. 

Washington City 9th Dec. 1852. 
Wm. Walker, Esq. 

My Dear Sir, Although I have but little to communicate I feel 
very much like trying to say something if only to drive away the blues. 
There is no business that tries a man's patience and good nature so 
much as trying to do business with men who feel that their self inter- 
ests are not intimately connected with your projects. I have ascer- 
tained almost to a certainty that I shall not get my seat. But that is 
a small matter. I never expected it and am not disappointed, but my 
faith is still strong that much will be effected. M7 Hall has proposed 
a Bill organizing one' Territory, he has given it the name of Platte 
which I don't like but don't care much about the name though I 
shall try to have the old name retained. His bill has not yet been 
introduced but it is already and I think will be presented next week; 
if not another will be introduced by the Committee on Territories. 
The Chairman of that Committee has given me assurances to that 
effect. M'" Hall's bill says nothing about slavery but leaves un- 
touched the Missouri Compromise. The Territory it is pretty confi- 
dently believed will be free. Another measure highly beneficial to 
our interests will be the appropriation of one hundred thousand dol- 
lars to enable the President to negotiate with the different tribes for 
their surplus lands aad other purposes. You will therefore have 
Commissioners authorized to treat early in the spring. This is im- 
portant and you may regard it as a "fixed fact." I forgot to state to 
you the boundaries prescribed for our Territory by M' Hall's bill; 
they are these : On the South thirty sixth degree and thirty minutes 
on the north the forty third degree on the west by the summit of the 
rocky mountains east by Missouri these are ample boundaries and 
just what we want. 

I have paid so little attention to politics since I came here that I 
am entirely in the dark about the distribution of offices after the 

fourth of March and indeed it is [a] thing I care d d little about. 

Nebraska and its interests are the all absorbing topics with me. I am 
already housed. I wish you would write to me very soon and I 

^ There had been discussion at this early date of organizing two or more Territories- 
from the "Indian Country" or "Indian Territory." 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 79 

would be glad if you would take a little pains to let [me] hear how 
my family are and how they are getting along.' 

I shall write to you presently again and may then try to entertain 
you with a little gossip. 

My best respects to M" Walker 

Believe me 

I am truly your friend 

Abelard Guthrie. 
I arrived here the day before the opening of the session being 
eleven days after leaving home.^ The weather is mild as June. 
How is it in Wyandot? 

A. G. 



ABELARD GUTHRIE'S ADDRESS. 

(Wyandotte Gazette, Oct. 4, 1862.) 

Tiie following is an extract from an Address to the voters 
of the Congressional District. He was at that time an In- 
dependent candidate for Congress. The whole address is 
printed in the Gazette; the following is the only portion of 
it which has any reference to historical matters: 

" Eighteen years ago I became a resident of what is now the State 
of Kansas. Ten years ago 'solitary and alone' I proposed to the 
people of the then Territory to make an effort to secure a Territorial 
Government.' Tliis was the first act in that great national drama in 
which the whole American people are now actors, and the whole civ- 
ilized world intensely interested spectators. 

" The Republican party owes its existence to this movement. My 
proposition met with much opposition from Government officials and 
others. One of them, Col. Fauntleroy,* commanding officer at Fort 
Leavenworth (and now I believe of the rebel army) threatened to ar- 
rest me if I should attempt to hold the election. However an elec- 

* Mr. Guthrie seems always to have been devoted to his family. His wife was a very 
intelligent and spirited woman. 

' Rapid traveling for those times. 

' This statement was framed to influence votes at the time. I think the expression 
"solitary and alone" can scarcely be accepted as describing the inception of the move- 
ment. 

* T. T. Fauntleroy, Colonel of First Dragoons. Wilder's Annals of Kansas, 30. 



80 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

tion for Delegate to represent the Territory in Congress was held on 
the 2nd Tuesday of October, 1852, and I was chosen Delegate. We 
christened our new Territory "Nebraska," for as yet it had no legal 
name.' I proceeded to Washington and had my petition and evi- 
dence of the election presented to Congress, and virtually succeeded 
in my mission by getting a bill for organization passed by the House 
of Representatives, and a favorable report from the Committee on 
Territories of the Senate.* But the opposition to the measure had 
been very violent and obstinate throughout, and the organization was 
not perfected until the next session of Congress. 

"The South had already taken possession of this territory, had 
planted its favorite institution within it, and believed itself secure in 
its stolen acquisition. Kansas (then Nebraska) was the arbiter of the 
destinies of the Republic. This was well understood by the South. 
Hence the desperate struggle so familiar to us all to secure it. Had 
she succeeded, the slave power would have been omnipotent, for the 
Pacific States were already strongly imbued with the Southern senti- 
ment, and Kansas was the only link needed to perfect the chain which 
would unite those regions to a common destiny. I am assuming nothing 
more than the facts will warrant, when I say that my agency in call- 
ing public attention to this Territory, and impressing the claims upon 
the consideration of Congress, defeated the crafty and ambitious de- 
signs of the slave power, and opened this beautiful and fertile country 
to free men and free labor.' Kansas owes her civil existence to my 
efforts in her behalf. I have never before appealed to her people for 
any acknowledgment of the services I have rendered. But the pres- 
ent seems a fitting opportunity to do so. . . . 

"Abelard Guthrie. 
"Quindaro, Kansas 8th Sept. 1862." 



THE ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS AND NEBRASKA. 

(Copied from N. Y. Tribune, Aug. 9, 1856.) 

To the editor of the New York Tribune. 

Sir : In your remarks on the vote on Governor Reeder's claims to 
a seat in the House of Representatives as delegate irora Kansas, you 

" "Nebraska" had been proposed as the name, in the Douglas bills for organizing 
the Territory. It is from the Pawnee word Ne-brath-ka — shallow river. 

* It was defeated in the Senate, March 3, 1853. 

* This is a good statement of the facts. 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITOEY. 81 

say, "Cases are frequent of the election of such delegates in the most 
informal and unauthorized manner. We are confident the first dele- 
gate from Kansas, (then called Nebraska), the Rev. Thomas Johnson, 
was 80 elected." This is a mistake, but one I should pass unnoticed, 
were it not for the injustice it does myself. 

I was the first delegate elected to Congress "from Kansas (then 
called Nebraska)." I was elected by a spontaneous movement of the 
people,' and I came to Washington in accordance with their expressed 
will, presented my evidences of election, and, though not admitted 
to a seat in the House, I pressed the interests of my Territory upon 
the consideration of Congress with such success that a bill for its 
organization passed the House of Representatives by a large majority, 
and would have passed the Senate had it been brought to a vote at 
that session ; but unfortunately for the country and myself, this was 
not done.* 

I was elected for the second session of the 32nd Congress. [Met 
Dec. 6, 1852] In the autumn of the succeeding year, 1853, a con- 
vention of the people of the Territory assembled at Wyandotte, and 
established a provisional government — a measure first suggested and 
the plan proposed by myself. At this convention I was nominated 
for re-el ectiou. But a portion of the convention voted and another 
convention was called at which M^ Thomas Johnson was nominated 
as my competitor. The Chief of the Indian Bureau at Washington 
sided, both by money and personal influence, with my opponent. 
This I can prove. The repeal of the Missouri compromise was now 
first agitated, and it was thought important to success that the Terri- 
tory should be represented by one favorable to that measure. Hence 
the interference. And as all the Indian agents were under the control 
of the Government, they obtained a very large Indian vote — persons 
who were not citizens of the United States, nor willing to become such, 
and who voted against me, because these agents told them "if they 
did not do so I would be elected and bring them under the white man's 
laws." But a majority of actual citizens voted for me, yet the certifi- 
cate of election was given to my competitor by the provisional gov- 
ernor. I contested the election, but the committee on elections, to 

" This is more in accordance witli the facts than his expression "solitary and 
alone." 

^ Mr. Guthrie seems to have forgotten, or never to have known, that the Senate 
voted on his hill. 

7 



82 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

whom the subject was referred, never came to any decision thereon. 
M^ Johnson obtained lucrative employment in the Indian Department 
and through the instrumentality of Indian treaties made himself rich, 
and I was taken sick and have been on the verge of the grave most 
of the time since. 

It was not the policy of the pro-slavery party to have the country 
north of 36°, 30 minutes, known as Nebraska, opeued for settlement 
at all; and for that reason it was set apart for Indian colonization, 
and its settlement by white men was forbidden by law under heavy 
penalties. The few whites there were there by sufferance and by li- 
cense. But circumstances, which it is not necessary for me here to 
relate, impelled me to urge upon the people of the Territory the neces- 
sity of a territorial organization. I met with many difficulties, and 
on one occasion was threatened with imprisonment by the command- 
ing officer of one of the military posts in the Territory, for my attempt 
at "revolution," as he called it. 

But to give a history of my early struggles in behalf of Nebraska, 
then including Kansas, would take more time than I have inclination 
to spare. Yet I can say, without fear of refutation, that but for my 
efforts there would not be either Kansas or Nebraska open to the 
settlement of the white man. I have sacrificed much money and more 
time than any other living man in the cause of Kansas, and have never 
received one cent in return — not even the usual mileage and per diem 
hitherto paid to informal delegates. Then do not, I beg of you, de- 
prive me of the honor to which I am entitled. I have paid dearly 
enough for it, and think I should have full credit for what I have 
done. In your almanac of the current year you have done me similar 
injustice, and I trust you will make the correction in both cases. 

In regard to Gov. Reeder, I entirely agree with you. He ought to 
have been admitted, and I so urged whenever I had a Congressman's 
ear, without reference to the man, I mean Reeder, who to tell the 
truth, is very far from being without sin, although, had he even done 
his duty as Governor of Kansas, the present condition of affairs could 
hardly have been averted — it was a foregone conclusion. 

Yours respectfully, 

(Signed) Abelard Guthrie. 

Washington, D. C, Aug. 6, 1856. 



OF I^EBKASKA TERRITORY. 83 

ABELARD GUTHRIE — THOMAS JOHNSON — DELE- 
GATE TO CONGRESS— KANSAS TERRITORY. 

(From Wilder'a Annals, under date of July 28, 1S53.) 

In 1855, a correspondent to the Chicago Press, made the statement 
that a convention was held at Wyandotte July 28, 1853, a territorial 
government organized, and a delegate to Congress nominated. Abe- 
lard Guthrie was put forward by a friend of Thomas H. Benton, and 
Rev. Thomas Johnson by the friends of D. R. Atchison. Guthrie 
received the nomination. Late in the fall, Thomas Johnson was 
brought out as a candidate, and was elected by Indian votes. He 
went to Washington, but the Territory was not organized, and he 
was not received as a delegate. The Washington Union spoke of 
him as "The Rev. Thomas Johnson, a noble specimen of a western 
man." In the New York Tribune of August 9, 1856, M"^ Guthrie 
gives his account of this " provisional government." 



HADLEY D. JOHNSON^S STATEMENT. 

(Excerpt from a paper read before the meeting of the Nebraska State Historical 
Society, January 11, 1887, by Hon. Hadley D. Johnson. Taken from the 
Transactions and Reports of the Nebraska State Historical Society, Vol. 2, 
page 85 and following.) 

"As early as 1848, the subject of the organization of a new territory 
west of the Missouri river was mentioned, and in congress I think a 
bill was introduced in that year, but did not become a law, and in 
1852 the subject having been long discussed, a bill was introduced, but 
again without result. In 1852, however, the railroad question hav- 
ing been agitated more generally during the preceding year, during 
the session of 1852-3, a bill was reported to congress providing for 
the organization of the Territory of Nebraska, within the boundaries, 
substantially I believe, now embraced in the states of Kansas and 
Nebraska. Prior to this, however, some of the citizens of western 
Missouri, and a few persons residing or staying temporarily in the 
Indian country west of the Missouri river, took steps to hold an in- 
formal election of a delegate who should attend the coming session of 
congress and urge the passage of the territorial bill. This election, 
though not sanctioned by any law, and informal, was ordered to be 



84 THE PEO VISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

held by a meeting of a number of persons held in the Indian country 
south of the Platte river, who fixed a day on which the election was 
to be held, and designated certain places at which votes would be re- 
ceived. Among the places named, appeared Bellevue or Traders' 
Point. A newspaper printed somewhere in Missouri, containing a 
notice of this election, accidentally came into my possession a few days 
prior to the date fixed for the election. On reading this announce- 
ment, I immediately communicated the news to prominent citizens of 
Council Bluffs, and it was at once decided that Iowa should compete 
for the empty honors connected with the delegateship. An election 
at Sarpy's was determined on ; arrangements made with the owners 
of the ferry-boat at that point to transport the impromptu emigrants 
to their new homes, and they were accordingly landed on the west 
shore of the Missouri river a few hundred yards above Sarpy's trad- 
ing house, where, on the day appointed, an election was held, the re- 
sult of which may be learned from the original certificate hereto an- 
nexed, a copy of which was sent to the Honorable Bernhart Henn, 
the member of the house of representatives from Iowa, by him sub- 
mitted to the house, and referred to the committee on elections, but 
for reasons obvious to the reader of the proceedings of congress imme- 
diately following, no report was ever made by that committee in the 
case.* 

" I may remark here that I consented with much reluctance to the 
use of my name in this connection, and for several reasons: I was 
poor and could not well afford to neglect my business and spend a 
winter at Washington; the expenses of the trip I knew would be a 
heavy drain upon my limited exchequer; besides I had so lately neg- 
lected my private affairs by my service at Iowa City. However, I 

' Belview, Nebeaska Teeeitoey, Oct. 11, 1853. 
Be it known that at in pursuance of Eesolutions heretofore adopted an election was 
held at this place on this the Eleventh day of October 1853 being the second Tuesday 
in raid month for delegate to Congress for the Territory of Nebraska at which the un- 
dersigned were duly appointed Judges and Clerks. 

And we do hereby certify that the number of votes cast at said election was three 
Hundred fifty-eight Votes of which Hadley D. Johnson received Three Hundred fifty- 
eight votes. 

Makshall Finley 

E. P. Snow 

MuNSON H. Clark Judges 

Franklin Hall 

Jefferson P. Cassady ClerJcs 






I 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 85 

finally yielded to the earnest request of a number of my personal 
friends, who were also ardent friends of the new scheme, and con- 
sented to the use of my name, at the same time pledging my word 
that I would proceed to Washington if chosen and do the best I could 
to advance the cause we had in hand. In addition to the ballots cast 
for me for delegate at this election, the Rev. William Hamilton re- 
ceived 304 votes for provisional Governor ; Dr. Monson H. Clark re- 
ceived 295 for Secretary, and H. P. Downs 283 for Treasurer. 

"These proceedings at Sarpy's lauding were followed by various 
public meetings in Iowa, (and also in Missouri) at which resolu- 
tions were adopted, urging the organization of Nebraska territory. 
Amongst others, meetings were held at Council Bluffs, St. Mary's, 
Glenwood, and Sidney, at which the actions at Sarpy's were endorsed. 
Earnest and eloquent speeches were made by such leading citizens as 
Hon. W. C. Means and Judge Snyder of Page county. Judge Green- 
wood, Hiram P. Bennett, Wm. McEwen, Col. J. L. Sharp, Hon. A. 
A. Bradford, L. Lingenfelter, C. W. McKissick, Hon. Benjamin 

Rector, Charles W. Pierce, Dan. H. Solomon, Downs, I. M. 

Dews, George Hepner, Wm. G. English, Geo. P. Stiles, Marshal 
Turley, Dr. M. H. Clark, and others. 

" In the month of November, Council Bluffs was visited by Hon. 
Augustus C. Dodge, Col. Samuel H. Curtis, and other distinguished 
citizens of other states, who attended and addressed meetings of the 
people of the town, warmly advocating the construction of our con- 
templated railroads, and the organization of Nebraska territory. In 
its issue of December 14, 1853, the Council Bluffs Bugle announced 
that ' H. D. Johnson, delegate elect from Nebraska, passed through 
our place on his way to Washington last week.' 

"In compliance with my agreement, I set about making arrange- 
ments to visit the national capital, which, as you may suppose, was 
not easily accomplished. Before starting, however, a number of our 
citizens who took such a deep interest in the organization of a terri- 
tory west of Iowa, had on due thought and consultation agreed upon 
a plan which I had formed, which was the organization of two terri- 
tories west of the Missouri river, instead of one as had heretofore been 
contemplated, and I had traced on a map hanging in the oflBce of 
Johnson & Cassady a line which I hoped would be the southern 
boundary of Nebraska, which it finally did become, and so continues 
to the present time. 



86 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

"In starting out upon this second pilgrimage, I again faced the 
drearj desolate prairies of the then sparsely settled Iowa, but not as a 
year before, solitary and alone. B. R. Pegrara, then a young and 
enterprising merchant of Council Bluffs, being about to visit St. Louis, 
it was agreed that we should travel in company to Keokuk, he with a 
horse and buggy, I with a horse and saddle. The trip was accom- 
plished in safety, and on arriving at Keokuk, we took a steamer for 
St. Louis, shipping the horses and buggy. 

"On arriving at St. Louis, I tried in vain to sell my horse for a 
satisfactory price, and leaving him with a friend to be sold afterwards, 
I took a steamer bound for Cincinnati, whence I boarded a railroad 
train for Washington. (I remark in parenthesis that my horse was 
not sold, but subsequently died, to my great grief and considerable 
loss.) 

"On my arrival at Washington (early in January, 1854,) I found 
that a bill had already been introduced in the senate, and I think re- 
ferred to the committee on territories, of which the Hon. Stephen A. 
Douglas was chairman. This bill provided for the organization of 
the territory of Nebraska, including what is now Kansas and Ne- 
braska, or substantially so. I also found, seated at a desk, in the House 
of Representatives, a portly, dignified, elderly gentleman, who was 
introduced to me as the Reverend Thomas Johnson. He was an old 
Virginian ; a slave holder, and a Methodist preacher. This gentle- 
man had also been a candidate for delegate at the informal election, 
and was credited with having received 337 votes. He had preceded 
me to Washington, and together with his friends, ignoring our Sarpy 
election, had, through some influence sub rosa, been installed in a seat 
at a desk aforesaid, where being duly served with stationery, etc., he 
seemed to be a member of the house. 

"Previous to this time, in one or two instances, persons visiting 
Washington, as representatives of the settlers in unorganized territory, 
and seeking admission as legal territories, had been recognized un- 
officially, and after admission had been paid the usual per diem allow- 
ance as well as mileage, and in the present case I think ray namesake 
had looked for such a result in his own case, but for my part I had 
no such expectation. 

"On being introduced to M' Johnson, who seemed somewhat stiff 
and reserved, I alluded to the manner of my appointment to the pres- 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 87 

€nt mission, which, like his own, was without legal sanction, but was 
for a purpose ; told him there was no occasion for a contest between 
us for a seat to which neither of us had a claim; that I came there to 
suggest and work for the organization of two territories instead of 
one; that if he saw proper to second ray efforts, I believed that we 
could succeed in the objects for which we each had come. 

"After this explanation the old gentleman thawed out a little, and 
we consulted together upon the common subject. 

"Hon. A. C. Dodge, senator from Iowa, who had from the first 
been an ardent friend and advocate of my plan, introduced me to Judge 
Douglas, to whom I unfolded my plan, and asked him to adopt it, which, 
after mature consideration, he decided to do, and he agreed that, as 
chairman of the committee on territories, he would report a substitute 
for the pending bill, which he afterwards did do, aud this substitute 
became the celebrated ' Nebraska Bill,' and provided, as you know, 
for the organization of the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. 

" The Hon. Bernhart Henn, at that time the only member of the 
house from Iowa, who also was my friend and warmly advocated our 
territorial scheme, finding that the Rev. Thomas Johnson was seated 
in the house and posing as a member and not wishing to see him 
more honorably seated than myself, interceded, I presume with one of 
the doorkeepers, who admitted me into the house and seated me at a 
desk beside my friend, the minister, wlio it afterwards appeared was, 
like myself, surreptitiously admitted to the seat occupied by him, un- 
known to the speaker, or perhaps to the chief doorkeeper. 

"The fates decreed, however, that we were not to hold our seats a 
great while, for one day the principal doorkeeper approached me as I 
sat in my seat, and politely inquired who I was, and by what right I 
occupied the seat; and being by me answered according to the facts, 
he informed me that as complaint had been made to the speaker, he 
was under the necessity of respectfully asking me to vacate the seat, 
as such was the order of the speaker. I replied to him, that of course 
I would do so, but, I added, as my neighbor on the left occupied his 
seat by a right similar to my own, I felt it to be my privilege to en- 
quire why I should be ousted while he was permitted to remain. On 
this the doorkeeper turned to M' Johnson, who corroborated my state- 
ment, whereupon the 'two Johnsons,' as we were called, were incon- 
tinently bounced and relegated to the galleries. 



88 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

"I never learned, nor did I care to know, whether I was removed 
at the instance of the friends of M"" Johnson, or whether a M^ Guthrie, 
who had also been a candidate for delegate, had fired a shot at his 
adversary, the Rev. Thomas. If the latter was the case, in firing he 
hit two birds. I did not feel hurt by this event, but believe that the 
dignity of the other Johnson was seriously touched, and himself 
mortified. 

"I ought perhaps to mention the fact, that in our negotiations as to 
the dividing line between Kansas and Nebraska, a good deal of trouble 
was encountered, M'^ Johnson and his Missouri friends being very 
anxious that the Platte river should constitute the line, which obvi- 
ously would not suit the people of Iowa, especially as I believe it was 
a plan of the American Fur Company to colonize the Indians north 
of the Platte river. As this plan did not meet with the approbation 
of my friends or myself, I firmly resolved that this line should not be 
adopted. Judge Douglas was kind enough to leave that question to 
me, and I offered to M^ Johnson the choice of two lines, first, the 
present line, or second, an imaginary line traversing that divide be- 
tween the Platte and the Kaw. After considerable parleying and 
M' Johnson not being willing to accept either line, I finally offered 
the two alternatives — the fortieth degree of north latitude, or the de- 
feat of the whole bill, for that session at least. After consulting with 
his friends, I presume, M^ Johnson very reluctantly consented to the 
fortieth degree as the dividing line between the two territories, where- 
upon Judge Douglas prepared and introduced the substitute in a re- 
port as chairman of the committee on territories, and immediately, 
probably the hardest war of words known in American history com- 
menced." 



HIGHWAY TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 

In the Senate of the United States, December 16, 1850. 

Agreeably to notice, Mr. BENTON asked leave to bring in a bill 
for the location and construction of a great central national highway 
from St. Louis, on the Mississippi, to the Bay of San Francisco, on 
the Pacific ocean; and said that, not being of the committee to which 
the consideration of the bill might be referred, he took occasion to ex- 
plain its leading features before it was referred, so that its object 



OF NEBRASKA TEERITORY. 89 

might the better be understood in the committee. It conforms, he 
said, to all the ideas of a national highway. 

First centrality. I deem this a cardinal idea in every conception of 
a national road; and my bill conforms to it. It is central under all 
aspects. It is to begin and to end between the parallels 38° and 39° 
of north latitude, and, with slight deflections, to follow these latitudes 
from the Mississippi to the Pacific. These are the middle latitudes 
of the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They cover 
the central parts of the Atlantic States, the centre of the valley of the 
Mississippi, cut the centre of all the territory west of the Mississippi, 
and strike the Pacific coast both at the central point of our posses- 
sions, and that of the whole North American coast. Beginning and 
ending between these latitudes, and following, with little variation, 
the route which the bill proposes fulfills with rigorous exactitude the 
essential condition to every national highway — that of centrality. 

Secondly. It is to be national in its form and use, consisting not 
of a single road adapted to a single kind of transportation, but of a 
system of roads adapted to all kinds of traveling, and of all kinds of 
carrying, free from monopoly and private interests, and free from 
tolls. It proposes a railroad and a common road, to be begun at 
once, and the common road finished next summer; with such other 
roads, either macadamized, plank, or additional tracks of railroad; 
and a margin for lines of magnetic telegraphs, all running parallel to 
each other, and at sufficient distances apart to avoid interference, and 
yet near enough together to admit of easy transition from one to the 
other. This fulfills another requisite of nationality; for a nation 
must contain people of all conditions, rich and poor; and of all tastes 
and tempers, and addicted to all the modes of traveling. Some, to 
whom time is everything and money nothing, and who demand rapid- 
ity, without regard to cost. Others, to whom money is an object, 
and time a subordinate consideration, and who want a cheap convey- 
ance, no matter how slow. Others, again, who may choose to carry 
themselves, going on a horse, or in a vehicle, or on foot. All these 
will be accommodated, and without crowding or jostling; a mile wide 
for the whole, and an ample track for each, gives room for all. 

Thirdly. Accommodation to the different parts of a nation is an- 
other requisite of nationality. This projected highway fulfills that 
condition. It accommodates all the populations west of the Missis- 



90 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

sippi. Its straight line would accommodate California and Utah, and 
the Territories hereafter to be formed on the Kansas and Arkansas. 
A short branch at or near Bent's Fort would lead to Santa Fe; an- 
other branch would lead to the Mormon settlements on the Great Salt 
Lake, if the main way does not pass it; and a branch, still lower 
down in the Great Basin, would lead to Oregon. Thus, a straight 
line, and two or three branches, will accommodate all our populations 
west of the Mississippi — California, Oregon, New Mexico, and 
Utah — and also the valuable Territories which may soon be formed 
on the Kansas and Arkansas. 

Fourthly. Nationality requires the work to be done by the Na- 
tional Government, and owned by it when it is done: and so the bill 
provides. The construction and the jurisdiction of the highway are 
both to be in the hands of the General Government; and these are 
the hands in which every public and national consideration would re- 
quire them to be. The means are to come from the public resources; 
and, what amounts to a particular propriety in this case, they are to 
come from the places where the roads are to go; they are to come 
from beyond the Mississippi — from beyond the frontier of Missouri — 
so as to leave untouched all the present sources of revenue, now 
needed for the payment of the principal and interest of the new na- 
tional debt. The means proposed in my bill are: 1. A strip of land 
from the frontiers of Missouri to the Bay of San Francisco, one hun- 
dred miles wide and sixteen hundred long, for the main highway. 
2. A strip fifty miles wide and about two hundred long, from a point 
on the main road, on the upper Arkansas, to Santa Fe, for the New 
Mexican branch. 3. A strip fifty miles wide and about five hundred 
long from some point on the main highway in the great basin to the 
mouth of the Columbia, for the Oregon branch. 4. The income 
from the customs and the sales of the public lands in California, Ore- 
gon, New Mexico, and Utah, over and above the expenditures in 
those places. 5. Loans in anticipation of these resources, founded 
upon their hypothecation. 

In these strips, a breadth of one mile wide is to be reserved for the 
main, leading highway in the reservation of one hundred miles wide; 
and one thousand feet each is to be reserved for the branch roads in 
the reservations of fifty miles wide. 

These are the resources for constructing this great national highway 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 91 

— all of them national — all tq be derived from the new countries to 
which the highways are to go — and amply sufficient in my opinion 
for the speedy accomplishment of the work. The lands set apart in 
the three slips will be about one hundred and fifty millions of acres, 
or the one tenth part of the public lands belonging to the Federal 
Government; in which, after deducting for the tracts of the highways, 
and for donations to first settlers, and for private claims, and gold 
mines, and for that which may be unfit for sale, it is probable that one 
third, or fifty millions of acres, may be made available at the present 
minimum price for constructing the roads. That would be about 
sixty millions of dollars. The income from the customs would be 
considerable and immediate. San Francisco alone would probably 
yield $2,000,000 the ensuing fiscal year; and increase forever. The 
public lands to be sold in California and the three Territories, after 
all deductions for liberal donations to first settlers, will still be large, 
amounting in a few years to some millions of dollars per annum. The 
proceeds of the whole — the reserved slips, the custom-house revenue, 
and the income from the land sales — will soon be eight or ten millions 
per annum; which, with loans in anticipation of these avails, will 
yield enough to have the system of roads commenced at all points — 
both ends and the middle, and all along — at the same time; and with 
men enough at work upon every flection to finish the whole in as short 
a time as any one section of it could be finished. 

These are the leading features of the bill, every one fulfilling the 
condition of nationality, and preserving to this highway the exalted, 
beneficent, and disinterested character of a public work. No tolls, or 
local jurisdictions, or private interests to debase or injure it; none such 
should ever be allowed to degrade the character, impede the use, or 
diminish the utility of such a work. 

Practicability, and upon the parallels indicated, is the only ques- 
tion ; and that the concurrent voice of experienced men enables me to 
answer. The men of the mountains — the men who have spent their 
fifteen, twenty, or thirty years in the region of the Rocky Mountains, 
and in the regions beyond — they answer the question, and say that 
the loaded wagon can now go upon that route, with a little assistance 
at a few points — some axes and pickaxes — to remove some obstruc- 
tions. These men say there is a way for a straight road across the 
continent; and they can show it, and mark it out, and that about as 



92 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

fast as a horse can trot. There is an idea become current of late — a 
new-born idea — that none but a man of science, bred in a school, can 
lay off a road. That is a mistake. There is a class of topographical 
engineers older than the schools, and more unerring than the mathe- 
matics. They are the wild animals — buffalo, elk, deer, antelope, 
bears, which traverse the forest, not by compass, but by an instinct 
which leads them always the right way — to the lowest passes in the 
mountains, the shallowest fords in the rivers, the richest pastures in 
the forests, the best salt springs, and the shortest practicable lines be- 
tween remote points. They travel thousands of miles, have their 
annual migrations backwards and forwards, and never miss the best 
and shortest route. These are the first engineers to lay out a road in 
a new country; the Indians follow them, and hence a buffalo road 
becomes a war-path. The first white hunters follow the same trails 
in pursuing their game; and after that the buffalo road becomes the 
wagon road of the white man, and finally the macadamized or railroad 
of the scientific man. It all resolves itself into the same thing — into 
the same buffalo road; and thence the buffalo becomes the first and 
safest engineer. Thus it has been here, in the countries which we 
inhabit, and the history of which is so familiar. The present na- 
tional road from Cumberland over the Alleghanies was the military 
road of General Braddock, which had been the buffalo path of the 
wild animals. So of the two roads from Western Virginia to Ken- 
tucky — one through the gap in the Cumberland Mountains, the other 
down the valley of the Keuhawa. They were both the war-path of 
the Indians and the traveling route of the buffalo, and their first white 
acquaintances the early hunters. Buffaloes made them in going from 
the salt springs on the Holston to the rich pastures and salt springs of 
Kentucky; Indians followed them first, white hunters afterwards — 
and that is the way Kentucky was discovered. In more than an 
hundred years no nearer or better routes have been found ; and science 
now makes her improved roads exactly where the buffalo's foot first 
marked the way, and the hunter's foot afterwards followed him. So 
all over Kentucky and the West ; and so in the Rocky Mountains. 
The famous South Pass was no scientific discovery. Some people 
think Fremont discovered it. It had been discovered forty years be- 
fore — long before he was born. He only described it, and confirmed 
what the hunters and traders had reported, and what they showed 



I 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. 93 

him. It was discovered — or rather first seen by white people — in 
1808, two years after the return of Lewis and Clark, and by the first 
compauy of hunters and traders that went out after their report laid 
open the prospect of the fur trade in the Rocky Mountains. 

An enterprising Spaniard of St. Louis, Manuel Lisa, sent out the 
party; an acquaintance, and old friend of the Senator from Wiscon- 
sin, who sits on my left, [General Henry Dodge,] led the party — his 
name Andrew Henry. He was the first white man that saw that 
pass; and he found it in the prosecution of his business, that of a 
hunter and trader, and by following the game, and the road which 
they had made. And that is the way all passes are found. But 
these traders do not write books and make maps, but they enable 
other people to do it. There are plenty of these men in the Great 
West at present — men who know every pass in the mountains, every 
ford in the rivers, every spot fit for cultivation, and the best and 
shortest way from any one point to another — who know every buffalo 
road and every Indian war trail, between the Mississippi and the Pa- 
cific ocean — and these men can go and mark out a road from the fron- 
tier of Missouri to the bay of San Francisco, as fast as a horse can trot. 
And they can cut out a common road, passable for wagons and car- 
riages, with the aid of some axemen and some pickaxes, in the course 
of next summer, and upon the parallels which I have mentioned, with 
occasional slight deflections. There is a good route for the system of 
roads which should constitute the national central liigliway from the 
Mississippi to the Bay of San Francisco — a good way and central — a 
better way than any one not central that can be found in the United 
States. It is up the main branch of the Kansas, along the Upper 
Arkansas, along the Huerfano river, the Utah Pass, out at the head of 
the Del Norte, through Roubidoux's Pass, and thence across the valley 
of the Upper Colorado, and through the Great Basin, crossing the 
Sierra Nevada near its middle, or turning it on the south; the whole 
way nearly free from obstructions, a great part of it fertile, with wood 
and water fit for inhabitation, arid brushing the present settlements of 
New Mexico and Utah. I have the map, and the description of the 
country, but cannot use it because the author is not here. I know 
what I say, and stake myself upon it. It will cross the Rocky 
Mountains between three and four degrees south of the South Pass, 
(now a misnomer, so called at the time because it was south of Lewis <fe 



94 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Clark's route,) and can be traveled earlier in the Spring, and later in 
the Fall, on account of grass, and easier all the Winter. This route, 
besides fulfilling all the requisites of a national highway, fulfills an- 
other condition of high and national treaty obligation. It traverses 
the ground which the protection and defence of the country requires 
to be occupied — to be garrisoned — that country which lies about the 
heads of the Arkansas and Del Norte — the hunting ground and war 
ground of the Utahs, Arapahoes, Navahoes, and other tribes which 
make war upon New Mexico and upon us. We are bouud by treaty 
stipulations to protect Mexico against these Indians, and are bound 
by duty to protect our own people against them. A line of military 
posts is necessary through their country to give that protection : and 
this bill provides for it as a part of the road system, and also provides 
for the settlements which are to support the posts. 

I have demonstrated the nationality of this work — its practicabil- 
ity — and the means in our hands for making it; I do not expatiate 
upon its importance. When finished it will be the American road to 
Asia, and will turn the Asiatic commerce of Europe through the 
heart of our America. It will make us the mistress of that trade — rich 
at home and powerful abroad — and reviving a line of oriental and 
almost fabulous cities to stretch across our continent — Tyres, Sidoos, 
Palmyras, Balbecs. Do we need any stimulus for the undertaking? 
Any other nation, upon half a pretext, would go to war for the right 
of making it, and tax unborn generations for its completion. We 
have it without war, without tax, without treaty with any power ; 
and when we make it all nations must travel it — with our permis- 
sion — and behave themselves to receive permission. Besides riches 
and power, it will give us a hold upon the good behavior of nations 
by the possession which it will give us of the short, safe, and cheap 
road to India. 

The work is great, but nothing compared to our means, and to the 
magnitude of the object, or to what was done by the Incas of Peru 
before the New World was discovered. Their two roads from Quito 
to Cuzco (to say nothing of many shorter ones) were each nearly as 
long, both over more difficult ground, equal in amount of labor re- 
quired, and more commodious than the proposed system of roads from 
the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean. One of our classic historians 
(Prescott) thus describes them : 



OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. » 95 

"There were many of these roads traversing different parts of the 
kingdom; but the most considerable were the two which extended 
from Quito to Cuzco, and, again diverging from the capital, continued 
in a southern direction towards Cliili. One of these roads passed over 
the grand plateau, and the other along the lowlands on the borders of 
the ocean. The former was much the most difficult achievement, 
from the character of the country. It was conducted over pathless 
sierras buried in snow; galleries were cut for leagues through the 
living rock; rivers were crossed by means of bridges that swung sus- 
pended in the air; precipices were scaled by stair- ways hewn out of 
the native bed; ravines of hideous depth were filled up with solid 
masonry; in short, all the difficulties that beset a wild and mountain- 
ous region, and which might appal the most courageous engineers of 
modern times, were encountered and successfully overcome. The 
length of the road, of which scattered fragments only remain, is vari- 
ously estimated, from fifteen hundred to two thousand miles; and 
some pillars, in the manner of European milestones, were erected at 
stated intervals of somewhat more than a league, all along the route. 
Its breadth scarcely exceeded twenty feet. It was built of heavy flags 
of freestone, and, in some parts at least, covered with a bituminous 
cement, which time has made harder than the stone itself. In some 
places where the ravines had been filled up with masonry, the moun- 
tain torrents, wearing it for ages, have gradually eaten a way through 
the base, and left the superincumbent mass — such is the cohesion of 
the materials — still spanning the valley like an arch. Over some of 
the boldest streams it was necessary to construct suspension bridges, 
as they are termed, made of the tough fibers of the maguey, or of the 
osier of the country, which has an extraordinary degree of tenacity 
and strength. These osiers were woven into cables of the thickness of 
a man's body. The huge ropes, then stretched across the water, were 
conducted through rings or holes cut in immense buttresses of stone 
raised on the opposite banks of the river, and there secured to heavy 
pieces of timber. Several of these enormous cables, bound together, 
formed a bridge, which, covered with planks, well secured and de- 
fended by a railing of the same osier materials on the sides, afforded a 
safe passage for the traveler. 

"The other road of the Incas lay through the level country between 
the Andes and the ocean. It was constructed in a different manner, 



96 THE PEOVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

as demanded by the nature of the ground, which was for the most 
part low, and much of it sandy. The causeway was raised on a high 
embankment of earth, and defended on either side by a parapet, or 
wall of clay ; and trees and odoriferous shrubs were planted along the 
margin, regaling the sense of the traveler with their perfumes, and 
refreshing him by their shades, so grateful under the burning sky of 
the tropics. All along these highways, caravansaries were erected at 
the distance of ten or twelve miles for the accommodation of travelers, 
militarily constructed for security, and supplied with water brought in 
aqueducts when not found at the place. Couriers, in relieves, and 
running swiftly, carried dispatches the whole extent of these long 
routes at the rate of one hundred and fifty miles a day ; and, besides 
dispatches, often carried fish from the distant ocean, and fruits and 
game from the hot regions on the coast, to be served up fresh at the 
Inca's table in the imperial capitals." 

The Baron Humboldt, "the Nestor of Scientific Travelers" thus 
speaks of the remains of the same roads from his own personal ob- 
servation : 

"As we were leading our heavily-laden mules with great difficulty 
through the marshy ground on the elevated plain del Pullal, our eyes 
meanwhile were continually dwelling on the grand remains of the 
Inca's road, which, with a breadth of twenty-one English feet, was 
there remaining by our side. It had a deep understructure, and was 
paved with well cut blocks of blackish trap-porphyry. Nothing that 
I had seen of the remains of Roman roads in Italy, in the South of 
France, and in Spain, was more imposing than those works of the 
ancient Peruvians, which are situated, according to my barometric 
measurements, 13,258 English feet above the level of the sea — or 
more than a thousand feet higher than the summit of the Peak of 
Teneriffe. There are two great artificial paved roads, or systems of 
roads, covered with flat stones, or sometimes even with cemented 
gravel; one passes through the wide and arid plain, between the Pa- 
cific ocean and the chain of the Andes, and the other over the ridges 
of the Cordilleras. Milestones, or stones marking the distances, are 
often placed at equal intervals. The road was conducted across rivers 
and deep ravines by three kinds of bridges — stone, wood, and rope 
bridges; and there were also aqueducts for bringing water to the rest- 
ing places (caravansaries) and to the fortresses. Both systems of roads 




ABELARD GUTHRIE. 



OF NEBEASKA TEERITORY. 97 

were directed to the central point, Cuzco, the seat of government of 
the great empire, in 13° 31' south latitude, and which is placed, ac- 
cording to Pentland's map of Bolivia, 13,378 English feet above the 
level of the sea. The two important capitals of the empire, Cuzco and 
Quito, thus connected by two different systems of roads, are 1,000 
English geographical miles apart, in a straight line — (S. S. E. N. N. 
W.) — without reckoning the many windings of the way; and, includ- 
ing the windings, the distance is estimated by Garcilasso de la Vega 
and other conquistadores at 500 leagues." 

Such were the roads constructed on our own continent before the 
discovery of the New World, and by a people whom we consider un- 
civilized, and who certainly had but few of the helps of civilization — 
no knowledge of iron — no mechanical powers — no beast of burden 
but a sort of sheep — the lama — too light for the draught, and too 
weak for the burden — only carrying an hundred pounds ten miles in a 
day; and yet a people who constructed two such roads, each near about 
as long as from the Missouri to the Pacific — one at a mountainous 
elevation only about a thousand feet lower than the summit of Mont 
Blanc, and the other in the arid sands of the lowlands, under a tropi- 
cal heat, and both in a direction to cross successive mountains or riv- 
ers, and both executed in a style of accommodation that we do not 
pretend to rival : military protection, safe lodging, water, shade, 
baths, the perfume of odoriferous shrubs! and mails, messages, and 
small burdens transported upon them at the rate of one hundred and 
fifty miles a day, without horses and without steam, by men running 
on foot alone. After seeing such a system of roads on our own conti- 
nent, devised and established by such a people, what is there to pre- 
vent us, the vanguard of the Anglo-Saxon race, and the descendants 
of the elite of Europe, to open the system of roads which my bill pro- 
poses — a common road, on which the mail stage is to run one hun- 
dred miles in twenty-four hours, and a letter horse mail two hundred 
miles in the same time — a railway on which the cars are to fly, like 
the express trains in England, forty-two miles to the hour — an elec- 
tric line along which, and across the continent, people are to commu- 
nicate as they would hold converse across a room ? 

Mr. President, if there ever was a time when nationality and cen- 
trality should pre-eminently govern the action of Congress in great 
8 



98 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 

measures, this is that time ; and the system of roads I propose is one 
of those measures. 

I now ask leave to bring in the bill. 

Leave was granted, aud the bill was read. 

A BILL to provide for the location and construction of a central na- 
tional highway from the Mississippi river, at St. Louis, to the 
Bay of San Francisco, on the Pacific ocean. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of Amet'loa in Congress assembled, 

That a district of territory one hundred miles wide, and extending 
from the western frontier of Missouri to the Pacific ocean, and corre- 
sponding as nearly as may be to the central latitudes of the United 
States, together with the revenue from lands and customs in Cali- 
fornia, Oregon, New Mexico, and Utah, so far as not required for ex- 
penditures therein, shall be set apart and reserved for opening com- 
munications with California, Oregon, New Mexico, and Utah, by 
means of a central national highway from St. Louis to the Bay of San 
Francisco, to connect with ocean navigation in that bay; with a 
branch of said highway to Santa Fe, in New Mexico; and a branch 
to the tide-water region of the Columbia river, so as to connect with, 
ocean navigation at that point; and also a branch to the city of the 
Great Salt Lake, if said central highway should not in its proper 
course pass that city ; and a breadth of fifty miles shall be set apart 
and reserved for the location and construction of said branch roads 
respectively. 

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the said central national 
highway shall consist of a system of parallel roads adapted to differ- 
ent modes of travel and transportation, and a margin for lines of 
electro-telegraphic wires, whereof one common road and one iron rail- 
road shall be immediately opened and constructed; and such other 
roads shall be hereafter opened and constructed as Congress from 
time to time may authorize; and in order that the said national cen- 
tral highway may be constructed on a scale commensurate to its im- 
portance, and adapted to the wants of present and future time, and 
in order to allow convenient space for all the parallel lines of road 
which commerce and travel may require thereon, a breadth of one 
mile shall be allowed through the reserve of one hundred miles ; and 
the said branch roads shall equally consist of a common road and a 
railway, and such other roads as Congress may from time to time au- 
thorize and direct, with a margin for a line of electro-telegraph wires, 
and a breadth of one thousand feet shall be allowed through the re- 
serve of fifty miles for such branch roads each, respectively ; and each 
track for a road shall be entitled to a space of one hundred feet wide, 



I 



OF NEBRASKA TEHRITORY. 99 

and when finished the said iron railway, or ways, shall never be sub- 
ject to any toll or tax beyond that which may be necessary to provide 
repairs; and the said common roads shall be forever free from any toll 
or tax, and shall be kept in traveling order by the care and expense 
of the Federal Government. 

Sec. 3. Arid be it /mother enacted, That the President be author- 
ized and I'equested to cause all the authentic information in possession 
of the Government, or in its power to procure, necessary to show the 
practicability of a route for said central highway, to be collected and 
digested into brief memoirs, illustrated by topographical and profile 
maps, to be laid before Congress as soon as possible; also, that he be 
authorized and requested to cause further surveys aud examinations 
to be made, and the results to be laid before Congress as soon as pos- 
sible; aud for that purpose to employ as many citizen civil engineers 
as may be necessary. 

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That as soon as Congress shall 
fix upon the routes of said central highway and branches, the Presi- 
dent shall be and hereby is authorized and requested to cause the In- 
dian title to be extinguished upon a breadth of one hundred miles, to 
cover the route of said central highway; and also to extinguish the 
Indian title upon suitable breadths of fifty miles each, covering the 
said branch roads ; and the location and construction of the central 
highway shall immediately be commenced, both for the common road 
and the railway, and with a force calculated to finish the common 
road in one year, so as to be passable for wagons and carriages, and 
the railway in ten years. 

Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That as soon as the said common 
road is finished, the same shall be a post road, and a daily mail car- 
ried thereon in wagons, or coaches, or sleighs, when necessary, at the 
rate of at least one hundred miles in twenty-four hours; and a daily 
horse mail for light letters and printed slips, at the rate of at least 
two hundred miles in twenty-four hours. 

Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That as soon as said railway, or 
any sufficient part thereof, shall be completed and fit for use, the use 
thereof shall be granted, for a limited time, to such individuals or 
companies as shall, by contract with the Government, agree to trans- 
port persons, mails, munitions of war, and freight of all kinds, pub- 
lic and private, in vehicles furnished by themselves, over the same, at 
such reasonable rates as shall be agreed upon : Provided, That if other 
roads shall hereafter be constructed on the ground reserved for roads 
by this act, the same company or persons shall not be allowed to have 
the contract for transportation, or any interest in more than one road 
at the same time. 

Sec. 7. And be it further enacted. That military stations shall be 
established on the line of the central highway and its branches, at 
such places as the President shall direct. 

Lorc. 



100 THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT. 

Sec. 8. And be it further enacted, That donations of land, to the 
extent of one hundred and sixty acres, shall be made to each head of 
a family, widow, or single man over eighteen years of age, who shall 
be settled on the line of said central highway and branches, and 
within the bounds of the extinguished Indian claim, within twelve 
months after the time of such extinction of title; and pre-emption 
rights, to the same extent, shall be allowed to all similar settlers after 
twelve months; and the residue of said reserved districts, except gold 
mines and placers, and private claims, or donations or pre-emption 
rights, shall be sold, and the proceeds applied to the construction of 
the roads. 

Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That the sum of three hundred 
thousand dollars, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- 
propriated, shall be and the same hereby is appropriated, and placed 
at the disposition of the President, to defray the expenses of carrying 
into effect the tiiird and fourth sections of this act, for the collection 
and preparation of information and the extinction of Indian titles 
necessary to the selection and location of the route for said central na- 
tional highway and branches. 

Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be law- 
ful for the President of the United States to contract with the Mis- 
sissippi and Pacific railroad Company for their interest in so much 
of said road as shall be within the State of Missouri, and to purchase 
the same at a price not exceeding their actual expenditures, the said 
purchase to be subject to the ratification of Congress. 

The bill was read a first and second time by its title, and referred 
to the Committee on Roads and Canals, and ordered to be printed. 

[From the Congressional Globe, 2d Session, Slst Congress, 1851, 
page 56.] 



I 



I 



A BEIEF SKETCH 



OF 



ABELARD GUTHRIE, 

THE FHIST DELEGATE TO CONaHESS FROM NE- 
BRASKA TERRITORY. 



I. 

Abelard Guthrie was born five miles north of Dayton, 
Montgomery County, Ohio, March 9, 1814. He was of 
Scotch-Irish extraction, and was possessed of all the persist- 
ency and tenacity of purpose of that hardy people. His 
parents were born in Pennsylvania, and were among the 
early emigrants to Ohio. They were closely related to the 
progenitors of the present Todd (or Tod) family of Ohio and 
Kentucky. 

The following genealogical information concerning Mr. 
Guthrie's family was kindly furnished me by my friend, J. 
V. Andrews, Esq., the wealthy banker, of Kansas City, 
Kansas. It is taken principally from " Pennsylvania Gen- 
ealogies," chiefly of the "Scotch-Irish, and German," by 
William Henry Egle, M. D., M. A.; Harrisburg, Pa., 1896. 

John Andrews came from Londonderry, North Ireland, 
to Pennsylvania, in 1737. He located on the Manada, Han- 
over Township, Lancaster County. His name appears on 
the first Assessment, for the " East End of Hanover." He 
married Miss Jane Strain of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. 
Among his children were Hugh, Robert, John, and James. 
John was a physician ; he had charge of the Philadelphia 
Hospital ; died unmarried. 

(101) 



102 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

Captain Hugh Andrews was born August 31, 1764. He 
married Ann Speer, wiio was born October 2, 1764, and died 
June 25, 1797. Their children were four in number — 1. 
Isabella; 2. James; 3. John; 4. Margaret. 

Captain Hugh Andrews was married a second time, to 
Miss Elizabeth Ains worth, who was born August 31, 1780. 
They were married September 10, 1799, and moved to Day- 
ton, Ohio, where he bought property. He bought, also, two 
thousand acres of land on Mad Kiver, five miles north of 
Dayton. He improved this tract of land and built a house 
on it in which he lived, and where he died May 17, 1811. 

Elizabeth Ainsworth was the daughter of John Ainsworth, 
and the granddaughter of Samuel Ainsworth — all born in 
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The children of Hugh 
and Elizabeth (Ainsworth) Andrews were: 1. Nancy Speer, 
who married David Shaw; 2. Samuel Ainsworth, who mar- 
ried Miss Margaret Ramsey ; 3. James, who married Mary 
Cornelia Van Cleve; 4. Eliza, who married Alexander 
Stephens; 5. Hugh, who married Phoebe Cook. 

James Andrews and Mary Cornelia (Van Cleve) Andrews 
had eleven children, six of whom grew to manhood and 
womanhood, among whom were John Van Cleve Andrews 
of Kansas City, Kansas, the banker above mentioned, and 
who married Miss Mary E. Hill of Lincoln, Nebraska. He 
lived ten years in Pueblo, Colorado ; four years in Topeka, 
Kansas; then moved to Kansas City, Kansas. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Ainsworth) Andrews married James 
Guthrie, April 22, 1813. 

James Guthrie was born in Lancaster County, Pennsyl- 
vania, August 19, 1784. His ancestors were Scotch-Irish 
Presbyterians who came early to Pennsylvania from the 
North of Ireland. He came to Ohio in 1809, and engaged 
in teaching school in and about Dayton. He was an ener- 
getic man of somewhat eccentric character, but held in high 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 103 

esteem for his industry, public spirit, and genuine worth. 
His wife Elizabeth (Aiusworth) died September 1, 1850. 
He was married a second time ; this second marriage caused 
him and his children much trouble. He died August 3, 
1860. He and his first wife are buried in Woodland Ceme- 
tery, Dayton, Ohio, with other kindred. 

The children of James Guthrie and his wife Elizabeth 
(Ainsworth) were: 1. Abelard, born March 9, 1814; 2. 
Eloisa, born June 19, 1817; married Jacob Light; 3. Mar- 
garet, born May 19, 1819; married Isaac Strohm. 

Abelard Guthrie was married early in the year 1844, in 
what is now Kansas City, Kansas, to Miss Quindaro Nancy 
Brown, a Wyandot-Shawnee girl, of the Big Turtle Clan of 
the Wyandot Tribe and the Turtle Clan of the Shawnee 
Tribe. Miss Brown was born in Canada West, and was the 
daughter of Adam Brown, who was the son of Chief Adam 
Brown, who bought Governor Walker's father from the 
Delawares. Miss Brown's mother was a Shawnee. Mrs. 
Guthrie was, at the time of her marriage, said to be the 
most beautiful girl in the Wyandot Nation. She was tall 
and of faultless form. Intellectually she was a superior 
woman. She was a faithful wife, a devoted, Christian 
mother. She died at her home on Russell's Creek in the 
Cherokee Country, Indian Territory, April 13, 1886, and 
is buried in the cemetery at Chetopa, Kansas. 

Four of the children of Abelard Guthrie and his wife 
Quindaro Nancy (Brown) lived to maturity, two sons and 

two daughters: 1. James; married Grace ; they 

have four children : 1. Lucy; 2. Percy; 3. Hugh; 4. Ray; 
Lucy is Matron of the Government School at Wyandotte, 
Indian Territory. 

2. Abalura; married Charles Graves; died, leaving one 
son, Clarence Graves. 

3. Norsona; married Edward S. Lane, brother of Hon. 



104 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

V. J. Lane, the veteran editor of the Herald, of Kansas 
City, Kansas. They have two sons; 1. Marsh; 2. Vernon. 

4. Jacob ; married Dora ; they have two children ; 

1. Wade Abelard ; 2. Robert. 

When Abelard Guthrie married Miss Brown he was 
adopted into the Bear Clan of the Wyandots, and given the 
name Tah-keh'-yoh-shrah'-tseh, which means the twin brain, 
or the man with two brains. The name was given to denote 
his recognized ability. He was supposed, by the Indian 
system of name-giving in this particular instance, to possess, 
after his adoption, the brain of the white man and the brain 
of the Bear {i. e., the Indian). 

He died suddenly in Washington City, of heart failure, 
January 13, 1873. He was there at the time urging upon 
Congress the justice of some long neglected claims of the 
Wyandots and himself, and the Shawnee claim of his wife 
and family. 

II. 

Abelard Guthrie was not a large man. In his Journal, 
February 28, 1862, he gives his height as five feet, nine and 
three-fourths inches, and his weight as one hundred and 
fifty-seven pounds. His eyes were blue, his complexion 
fair, his hair auburn. His features of face were rugged and 
strong; mouth large, mobile, firm. Until the very last 
years of his life he wore bis hair like the Indians formerly 
wore theirs — long, and falling over his shoulders. He was 
a man of strong religious nature and convictions. All 
through his Journals he speaks of his faith and his trust in 
God. He even writes some of his prayers. Had it not been 
for his strong belief in the justice of the overruling provi- 
dence of God, he says often in his Journals, he could not 
have survived many of his trials and troubles. 

In his writings little is revealed concerning his early life. 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 105 

He speaks of having attended school. He was a man of wide 
experience and extensive information. His mind was rugged 
and retentive. He was quick to decide and fearless to exe- 
cute. He was daring, and perseverance was the strongest 
trait of his character. He was nervously restless and ener- 
getic. Compulsory inaction was to him what the cage is to 
the lion. He was honest, honorable, and direct in business 
transactions himself, so much so that he was credulous and 
somewhat lax in binding others to strict performance of their 
stipulations. This trait caused him to trust unworthy and 
dishonest men, and the result was financial ruin, and life cut 
short by disease superinduced by worry. 

For some years he was chief clerk in the office of John 
Johnston, Esq., Agent at Piqua, Ohio, for all the Ohio In- 
dians. In this capacity he had much business to transact 
with the Chiefs and principal men of the Wyandots and thus 
became acquainted with them. He seems to have taken 
much interest in the welfare of the Wyandots from the first, 
and to have rendered them important service in the negotia- 
tion of the treaty by which they ceded their Ohio lands to 
the Government. 

In the summer of 1842 President Tyler appointed Guthrie 
Register of the United States Land Office at Upper Sandusky. 
He took charge of the office and administered its affiiirs for 
a time. No action was had on his nomination until near the 
close of the year 1843, when it was rejected. His rejection 
was the result of the political conditions existing at the time, 
and not of any charge of incompetency or unfitness to admin- 
ister the office. This was in the unsettled times caused by 
the death of President Harrison and the demoralization of 
the Whig party by the action of President Tyler. The Wy- 
andots had already left Upper Sandusky when he was noti- 
fied of his rejection by the Senate, they having departed in 
the previous July. His disappointment was keen, and he 



106 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

was so mortified for the moment that he determined to follow 
the Wjaudots West. He arrived at the mouth of the Kan- 
sas River in January, 1844. 

Many years afterward he made the following entry in his 
Journal : 

"13th February 1858 
"To-day I have been overhauling a large number of old letters and 
papers- How much I could say on the subject! These silent memen- 
toes of the past, how many reminiscences and associations do they call 
up! and what a picture of the meanness, the treachery and the false- 
hood of man do they present ! Not one of these correspondents now 
even writes to me and how full are all these letters of the warmest 
professions [of] friendship. And it is not the most agreeable circum- 
stance that these friends were the most numerous and the most punc- 
tual when any good fortune sprang up in the way. For instance 
when I was appointed Register of the Land office at Upper Sandusky 
by the President of the United States many old friends who had been 
oppressed with cares to such a degree that they had ceased to write 
any but business letters, now found leisure to renew their correspond- 
ence with me; but after my rejection by the Sanate and my exit to the 
ludian Country, their cares and embarrassments again compelled them 
to drop me until I was sent to Congress by the people of Nebraska, 
when again I found the affections of my friends as fresh and strong as 
ever, if not much improved by the few years of oblivion. This 
momentary gleam of prosperity however soon passed away and disease 
and poverty compelled me to retire from the field of political strife 
and my friends in their excess of delicacy were unwilling to obtrude 
upon my solitude [and] entirely deserted me. Now for two or three 
years I have been struggling with disease and poverty and I have not 
in that time rec'd one letter from any of my former friends; but mis- 
fortune may also have fallen upon them. And it would be another 
strange coincidence, should my present enterprise be successful, and 
be loUowed by a revival of old and withdrawn or latent friendships? 
Yet I doubt not most if not all of these young men were sincere in 
their professions of friendship and could not foresee what effect ad- 
versity would have upon the growth of this delicate plant. But I 
believe I can conscientiously say before God that I never dropped or 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 107 

neglected a friend on account of his misfortunes or want of success. 
In God I trust and he will sustain me only as I am just." 

When Mr. Guthrie left Upper Sandusky he did not in- 
tend to remain for any great length of time in the West. 
He expected to look over the great prairies and return to 
Ohio after a visit with his friends, the Wyandots. But 
how little does any man control his own destiny, or even 
the actions or events of a brief day of his existence! The 
vast extent, the beauty, the fertility of the country west of 
the Mississippi River was a revelation to him. He was im- 
pressed with the immense possibilities of the virgin country, 
the extent of which he now only began to comprehend. His 
astute mind grasped at once the possibility and to some de- 
gree the extent of the development which the resources of 
this vast domain would reach in the quick-coming future. 
Like all men of great mind, he was charmed with the 
thought that he might become a factor in the transformation 
which he foresaw. 

He had met Miss Brown in Ohio, and, it is said, desired 
very much to marry her before she came West, but this was 
opposed by her father, who always bore a strong aversion 
and dislike to Mr. Guthrie. There is little doubt that he 
hoped to return with her as his bride to Ohio. In the early 
summer of 1844 Abelard Guthrie and Quindaro Nancy 
Brown were married, in what is now Kansas City, Kansas. 
This was one of the first weddings, if not the very first, in 
what is now Wyandotte County, Kansas. 

in. 

I cannot state positively that Abelard Guthrie was in the 
Mexican War, although there is every probability that he 
was. Many Wyandots went into the American Army in 
this war and fought well for their country. A man of 



108 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

Guthrie's disposition could hardly resist the temptation to 
go into the army, under the circumstances then existing. 

Whether he was a soldier or not, he was, in some way and 
in some capacity, in Mexico in the year 1848. In a manu- 
script letter, now in my possession, from John Johnston, 
Esq., Indian Agent at Piqua, Ohio, to Governor Walker, 
Mr. Johnston speaks of the death of his son in Mexico. He 
says he had the body brought home and buried by his wife. 
Mr. Guthrie may have performed this service for his old- 
time friend and employer. If so it is possible that the fol- 
lowing Journal refers to this. It is to be regretted that the 
Journal ends so abruptly. Why it was interrupted and not 
resumed cannot now be ascertained : 

A FRAGxMENT OF ABELARD GUTHRIE'S JOURNAL. 

Left Cincinnati Sunday morning at ^ past 10 o'clock the 20th 
Feby 1848, for New Orleans on board the steamboat United States 
Capt Caldwell and arrived at New Orleans on Monday morning the 
28th February. 

Left New Orleans 10 o'clock P. M. Sunday the 5th March 1848 on 
board the steam ship Edith and passed over the bar of the Balize at 
11 o'clock A. M. the 11th March. 

Left Vera Cruz at 8 o'clock A. M. Wednesday 15th March under 
escort of 350 infantry & 80 horse and a train of 40 waggons, the escort 
being under the command of Col. Williams of the Michigan Volun- 
teers and encamped the first night about five miles from Vera Cruz 
the road lies over a succession of barren sand hills; the next 2 miles are 
over or rather through a constant succession of hills of saudy earth 
covered with many varieties of acacia and cactus. The road through 
these hills is perfectly level but narrow and crooked and must either 
have been once the bed of a stream of water or excavated by im- 
mense labor. In any part of this narrow defile twenty resolute wtll 
armed men could have driven us back and no more secure hiding 
place for an ambuscade could be wished It would have been impos- 
sible for our men to have fought with any effect in a pass so narrow 
nor could they have pursued a foe through the chaperal so armed is 



ABELAED GUTHRIE. 109 

€very thing of the vegetable kind with thorns or spikes that no one 
can penetrate them without sharing to a certainty the fate of the man 
who "picked up a briar bush and scratched out both his eyes" The 
next mile is a rich black sandy soil and indeed all save the first 2 
miles is well suited to cultivation. This day the weather was cool 
and pleasant. I wore woolen clothes and was neither too cold nor 
too warm. 

16th March. Resumed our march this morning at 6 o'clock. After 
a march of about ten miles over a most beautiful prairie country of 
rich yellow soil we halted at a spot where 54 Georgia volunteers & 30 
Louisiana volunteers attacked a band of guerrillas about two hund. 
strong and lost in killed 6 Georgians & 1 Louisianian. The body of 
the latter was carried away and the others left on the field. It was 
to collect and bury their bones that we here halted. While searching 
for the bones two shots were fired at us from a distant hill by guer- 
rillas. One of those killed in this encounter was a waggoner. After 
the guerrillas were routed Col. Briscoe of the Louisiana volunteers 
the commander of the escort ordered a retreat directing the waggon- 
ers to take each a mule from his wagon and save himself, the mur- 
dered man's mule became stubborn and his companions deserted him. 
So soon as the guerrillas saw the waggons and driver abandoned they 
returned and took possession of the abandoned property and killed 
the driver — his body was not recovered. We found the bones of the 
Georgians and carried them to Cordova for interment. This night we 
encamped on the west bank of the Solidad a beautiful little river 
about twenty miles from Vera Cruz at a ranch (farm) called San 
Diego, owned by a guerrilla Chief named Zanobia; it was deserted 
as indeed were all the ranches (farms) thus far. This day was warm 
with alternate cloud and sunshine, but the heat was not oppressive. 
The Solidad afforded the finest bathing which our men engaged in 
with a hearty good will. The attack above alluded to under Briscoe 
was on Saturday the 19th Feb. 1848. 

I7th March. About a mile from last night's encampment we found 
the bones of a wagon master who had been killed by guerrillas about 
a month before when out upon a scouting party. He was drawn into 
the danger by mistaking the Mexicans for Americans nor did he dis- 
cover the error until in the very midst of his foes. He was buried 
the next day by his companions but his body was torn from its grave 



110 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

and the grave filled up. This day's march was about 1 5 miles over a 
hilly prairie of rich black sandy soil but not tillable with the plow be- 
cause of the great quantities of fragments of stone that lie upon it. 
In this day's march we saw the remains of ancient walls which in all 
probability once composed an immense city. Nothing now is to be 
seen but the innumerable straight lines of stones composing squares of 
all sizes and frequently so large as to have many partitions marking 
off rooms of various sizes and forms. This night we encamped at a 
ranch called Palo Verda (green tree) where we had to carry water 1^ 
miles and bad at that though we had not seen a drop since morning. 
Here the beef contractor for the Army killed a cow and calf which I 
was told belonged to the old lady who kept the ranch but though she 
demanded pay for it I could not learn that she received anything. 
This was the more outrageous from the fact that we had been treated 
with great kindness by this woman and her family; she having given 
us freely a barrel of excellent water which had been brought a distance 
of two miles and kept in large earthen vessels until it was cold — a 
most delicious treat after a whole day's thirst. I now learned that 
our beef killer had contracted with our government to furnish beef to 
the army at nine cents a pound ; a good business certainly on the part 
of the contractor for as he paid nothing for the beef and paid nothing 
for the services of the soldiers who were required to assist him in 
bringing it into camp the profits were very handsome. These con- 
tractors are attached to every division of the army whether in quarters 
or station or on the march. And though I have heard of private 
soldiers being "bucked and gagged" for taking beef in the same way, 
indeed I have heard of no instance of private soldiers killing animals 
for food but were punished for it. I cannot believe our government 
has sanctioned knowingly a contract for paying a man 9 cents a pound 
for stealing beef. In the morning the water keg of our kind hostess 
was missing and she sent a complaint to that effect to Col. Williams 
but as the train was then in motion he said he could not think of los- 
ing the time it would require to search all the wagons but had rather 
pay for the keg. But I am not aware that he did. This day was 
warm but for the most part cloudy and in the evening we had a slight 
shower of rain though in the mountains we could see it pouring down 
in cataracts and the constant flashes of lightning and peals of thunder 
showed that a violent storm was raging there. These mountains have 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. Ill 

been in view for two days though we have been marching directly 
toward them. 

18th March. This morning the sun rose from a dark cloud but for 
half an hour before it was visable we could see its reflection on the 
snowy top of the Orizaba still about sixty miles distant. The other 
mountains the Chickawuta seemed only about two or three miles off 
yet they were really nearly twenty. This deception is produced by 
the extraordinary transparancy of the atmosphere To-day for many 
miles the road on either side as far as the eye could see were the re- 
mains of stone habitations which must have been a sort of rural city 
the spaces between the ruins being sufficiently large for extensive gar- 
dens. We saw a stone wall of excellent workmanship thrown across 
the bed of a dry stream, designed to form a reservoir for the purpose 
of supplying the cattle and farmers with water during the dry season. 
The dam was broken down in one place no doubt with a view of de- 
priving the Americans of water in this dry region. The labor ex- 
pended on this wall would doubtless have been sufficient to have made 
half a dozen wells and certainly the water would have been much bet- 
ter yet there is not a single well of water between Vera Cruz and 
Cordova save the miserable apology for one five miles from the former 
place. 

IV. 

Abelard Guthrie was an Argonaut — a pioneer in Cali- 
fornia. So restless a spirit could not behold thousands of 
gold hunters sweep by his very door without himself con- 
tracting the feverish desire to be a partaker in their adven- 
tures, their dangers and in the golden harvest. It is sup- 
posed a hundred thousand men crossed the plains in 1849 
and 1850. A great number of these started from Westport, 
Mo., and many from Fort Leavenworth. 

A number of Wyandots organized themselves into a min- 
ing company early in 1850. Their purpose was to dig gold 
from the mines and wash it from the beds of streams in 
California. For the names of these Wyandots see Governor 
Walker's Journal, luider date May 15, 1850. On that date 



112 A BEIEF SKETCH OF 

the party set out upon the long and painful journey to the 
gold fields beyond the Sierras. They were six months 
on the road across the boundless prairies, the frightful moun- 
tains of barren rock, the parched and dreary wastes of 
burning sands. They worked along the Feather E-iver, and 
Russell Garrett says they found an abundance of gold. 

We are not informed when Mr. Guthrie returned from 
California, but it was some time before the summer or fall 
of 1852. 

V. 

Mr. Guthrie, in the summer of 1852, directed his efforts 
toward securing a Territorial organization for the Territory 
of Nebraska, with bounds practically those of the present 
States of Kansas and Nebraska. In this, all the evidence I 
have been able to obtain and examine shows that he was 
acting with, and largely for. Senator Thomas H. Benton 
of Missouri, although he says the idea was his own, and 
that "solitary and alone" he undertook this work. His 
Journals are full of references to his work as a Delegate to 
Congress from Nebraska Territory, but they contain no ex- 
tensive statement of the movement which sent him there. I 
have not been so fortunate as to find those covering the 
years of the movement for a Territorial Government for 
Nebraska Territory. My account of his services, so far as 
they relate to this movement, is written in another part of 
this work. 

VI. 

In 1862 Mr. Guthrie made some effort to have all the In- 
dian Country between the States of Kansas and Texas 
erected into the Territory of Lanniwa, and provided with a 
Territorial Government. He prepared a bill for this pur- 
pose and advocated its passage. The bill was introduced by 
Senator Pomeroy of Kansas. The merits of the bill and 




QUINDARO NANCY GUTHRIE 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 113 

the policy which it outlined were discussed in the columns 
of the New York Tribune. 

VII. 

During the troublous times in Kansas Territory immedi- 
ately succeeding the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill 
there was no point within her borders where Free-State peo- 
ple from the East could land unmolested to enter the con- 
flict for liberty and freedom then raging there. The Mis- 
souri River towns of the Territory were little more than 
camps for border ruffians, and it was often necessary for set- 
tlers from the Northern States to enter Kansas by the way 
of Iowa and Nebraska. The necessity for a Missouri River 
town where the Free-State sentiment prevailed was recog- 
nized, and the building of such a town urged by Free-State 
men and Free-State interests. 

Guthrie was identified with the Free-State movement in 
Kansas Territory from its inception. He was a Delegate to 
the Big Springs convention. But he did not aspire to lead- 
ership in the movement. Like John Brown and other 
great men of the day, he believed it was to be only a tem- 
porary expedient which would carry the struggle for free- 
dom in Kansas through a preliminary stage, then be suc- 
ceeded by something broader — a National party. Others 
of Kansas, some of the so-called great men, never got be- 
yond this point in Kansas politics. When the Free-State 
party was absorbed by the Republican party they were left 
floundering about without rudder, chart, or compass, and 
could never make up their minds about the relative merit 
of existing political parties, but were found first in one and 
then in another, as the opportunity for office or gain seemed 
to them best for the time being. 

At this time steamboats on the Missouri River furnished 
the only means of communication with the East, aside from 
9 



114 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

the overland freighter's wagon and ox-team, consequently a 
good landing for steamboats was of the first importance in 
selecting a town site. Ascending the Missouri after it be- 
comes the State line, the first good landing on the Kansas 
side is some six miles above the mouth of the Kaw. Here 
the yellow waves of the mud-laden Missouri surge against a 
limestone ledge, and deep water is as reasonably certain as 
the capriciousness of this erratic river will allow at any point. 
The land along this broken shore was owned by the Wyan- 
dot Indians, but by a recent treaty they were permitted to 
sell it. Guthrie, being a Wyandot by adoption and a prom- 
inent Free-State man, was invited to take an interest in the 
new town. To this he was not averse. But there were pro- 
slavery and anti-slavery factions in the Wyandot Nation, 
and it was necessary that both be represented in the Town 
Company, for otherwise it might be difficult, if not impossi- 
ble, to purchase the required Indian land. For this reason 
Joel Walker, a brother of Governor Walker, and a splendid 
business man, was solicited to take an interest, which he did, 
and became one of the founders of the Free-State town. 

The Free-State city was named Quindaro, in honor of 
Mrs. Guthrie. The plat was filed in 1860, but the survey 
had been made in 1857, and lots were sold in that year. A 
city was rapidly built. Stone and brick blocks rose along 
the broken bluffs and serpentine gullies and ravines. Here 
was to be the crossing of the Missouri Kiver and Rocky 
Mountain Railroad, and lands for terminal facilities for this 
road were provided. 

After two years of unparalleled prosperity the town be- 
gan to decline. Nature and not man selects sites for great 
marts. It was soon seen that the great city of Kansas, and 
the Valley of the Missouri, was to be built on the site indi- 
cated by Senator Benton, at the mouth of the Kansas, and 
principally on the Missouri side of the State line. Honest 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 115 

management would have made Quindaro a thriving village, 
but not having that, it fell almost as rapidly as it rose. The 
business blocks were deserted and became the habitations of 
bats and owls. To-day one may see these ruins in the frag- 
ments of old walls remaining scattered over the town site. 
After the civil war many negroes from Missouri took up 
their residence in these ruins, and they own most of the old 
town site yet. 

This venture was the financial ruin of Guthrie. He put 
into it all he possessed, and endorsed for the Quindaro City 
Company and different members of the corporation to such 
an extent that he was overwhelmed with debts. For fifteen 
years he struggled with these debts, and finally sank into 
the grave beneath their weight. 

VIII. 

I give here a few quotations from Mr. Guthrie's Journals. 
Some of these excerpts indicate a spirit of bitterness in the 
writer. He may, perhaps, be justly charged with a denun- 
ciation too severe. But when one has read all the circum- 
stances under which he wrote, as they are recorded in his 
Journals, he will, I believe, be constrained to admit that the 
provocation was great — often exasperating. His arraignment 
of Governor Robinson is severe in the extreme, but I believe 
no more so in his Journals than in a pamphlet which he 
published, a copy of which can be seen in the Library of the 
Kansas State Historical Society. These Journals are of in- 
terest at this time as showing how many of the patriotic men 
of his time misjudged President Lincoln. I have taken the 
following extracts at random and as representative of the 
whole Journal, and not for the sentiment expressed, in a 
single instance. 



116 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

March 9, 1858. 

To-day I am forty four years old. Alas, what have I done with 
these 44 years ! More good than I have credit for, less evil than I 
am charged with. And yet how much more good I might have done I 
and how much evil I might have avoided ! But oh ! how much have 
I suffered and how little have I enjoyed ! Yet in every vicissitude 
of life my hopes and my faith in the future were never diminished 
for I know that God sets all things right. . . . 

Went to Quindaro and voted for Walden, Ed. of the "Chindowan" 
for Delegate to frame a Constitution the other gentlemen on the ticket 
I know nothing favorable of and therefore I did not vote for any of 
them. 

14th March, 1858. 

In the evening I went over to Alfred Gray's and we talked prosily 
enough upon general topics for a short time I returned home. Why 
are men in good health sometimes so much duller than at others? I 
sometimes think I can coin ideas as fast as other men but at other 
times it is a labor to think or to talk upon the most commonplace 
subject, and what is strangest this stupidity is most oppressive just 
after reading an interesting book. 

9th April, 1858 

I was shown a letter to-day from Gov. Robinson speaking in the 
most confident language of his success in getting a grant of land for our 
railroad. Should this enterprise succeed Quindaro will be the great 
city of the West, and it is believed that with my present property I 
will be a rich man, so people tell me and so I would like to believe. 
What immeasurable felicity must be that of the rich man who feels 
and knows that God has bestowed upon him this much of his favor 
for wise and useful purposes. 

12th April 1858 


Gov. Robinson is much to blame for these embarrassments. The 
debts I have been paying are his and now I am obliged to disappoint 
and injure my own creditors. Robinson may turn out an honest man 
but he is certainly a very callous one — and such an one as I hope 
never again to do business with. 



ABELAED GUTHRIE. 117 

Tuesday 13th April 1858 

Went to Kansas City intending to go to Shawnee to see Capt. 
Parks but meeting him in Kansas City I did my busines'', . . . 
and to try to get the Captain to get the Shawnees and Delawares to 
build a bridge over the Kansas river at the point nearest to Chilli- 
cothe in the success of which he is largely interested. The measure 
I propose would make it a place of considerable importance whereas 
without it there will be no town. The Captain I believe thinks well 
of my project and said he would bring it up in Council. A bridge 
at this point will be as advantageous to Quindaro as at any other 
hence my interest in it. 

Thursday 15th April 1858 

I have never suffered more anguish of mind than I have suffered 
within the last month on account of pecuniary embarrassments. I 
have aimed at a fortune but it would be dearly earned were this state 
of things to last long. After all the old Indian life, with all its pov- 
erty and hardship is the happiest. 

Wednesday 15th [September, 1858.] 

Went to Wyandot city to attend the "Free State" County Conven- 
tion as a delegate from Quindaro. The convention was conducted 
with harmony and goodfeeling ; but it made no declaration of princi- 
ples on which to act as a permanent party, the chief desire appearing 
to be to unite as far as practicable the anti slavery element in the 
county, and the control of the territorial legislature but without refer- 
ence to any line of policy designed for the public good. I was put on 
the '*Committee["] to draft a platform and resolutions expressive of 
the views and designs of the convention and endeavored to have prin- 
ciples enunciated in support of which we could labor permanently, but 
it was contended that if we took decisive grounds upon the great ques- 
tions of the day we would drive off the moderate men of the demo- 
cratic party who would otherwise support nominations made solely on 
the question of free or slave State. How hard is it to conquer preju- 
dice after reason has yielded everything! And how often does temp- 
orary expediency triumph over and trample down truth justice and 



118 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

wise policy ! Tiiis convention was composed of as intelligent and fine 
looking men as I ever saw assembled on a like occasion, yet I never 
before saw so little display of independence and outspoken truth and 
such studied cowardice and timidity, and all appeared felicitated with 
the manner in which they had hid their heads in the sand. Poor 
ostrich we laugh at thy simplicity and imitate thy example with 
gravity and diligence? 

This is the first nominating convention I have attended in the Ter- 
ritory, and after spending a thousand dollars in obtaining a govern- 
ment for the Territory (and without my efforts there would have been 
no territorial organization) and opening the country to white settle- 
ment, I had not money enough to buy myself a dinner and so fasted 
from morning till my return home at night. The humiliation of such 
poverty was more painful than the want of food and more painful 
still it has been brought upon me by the ingratitude and dishonesty 
of men who owe to me all they are worth. 

Monday 4th October 1858. 

Attended the election, but was too weak to stay long on the ground. 
This election presented scenes which cannot but lessen one's confidence 
in the popular will; the catholics voted in a body at the dictation of 
their priest, and the Indians sold their votes for a dinner, whisky, 
and some of them probably received small sums of money. Yet with 
all this competition on the part of the democracy, the free State party 
received 99 votes out of the 157 cast. Alas, the poor Indian despised 
by those who use him and spurned by those he opposes and who have 
been his only friends ! Ungrateful, ignorant and unprincipled how 
soon will thy sad fate be sealed. 

Friday 15th October 1858 

This trouble and all others I have suffered the past year [comes] 
from overcoufidence in C Robinson who authorized me to buy lands 
but leaves me to pay for them not even coining near me but avoiding 
me as if he was afraid of hearing the truth. I have never known 
such cold blooded ingratitude before. I have placed unbounded con- 
fidence in him and he has shown as boundless a disregard of honor, 
gratitude and honesty. 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 119 

Monday 8th November 1858 

Health improving, but am confined to my room. Last night I 
slept sweetly and without sweat — a providential blessing for I had 
prayed to God that he would grant me a sweet and refreshing nights 
sleep — and that prayer was answered. I was amazed and transported 
with agreeable emotions at this unexpected change. 

Thursday 18th November 1858 

Attended a meeting of the citizens of Quindaro which I under- 
stand was called with a view to consider projects for the future wel- 
fare of the town, but I was satisfied from the composition of the 
meeting that no good could result from its action and therefore left 
it at an early hour. The meeting was held at Alfred Gray's office. 
Charles Robinson who was to have been there skulked off as he al- 
ways does when any responsibility may be thrust upon him. 

Saturday 20th November 1858 

M' Alfred Gray was here wanting me to agree as a member of the 
Quindaro Co. to release M""^ Nichols from the payment of five hundred 
dollars which she owes the Co. on the condition that she will edit and 
conduct "The Chindowan" for one year, which it is proposed to re- 
vive. The agreement with M" Nichols is to terminate at the end of 
any quarter; provided other arrangements shall be made for the publi- 
cation of the paper, in which case we are only to release her in pro- 
portion to the time she acts as Editor. 

Wednsday 9th March 1859 

Today am I forty five years old — long eventful years, fruitful of 
troubles to myself — of benefits to others! My acts misunderstood, 
my words distorted, my motives impugned. Others claim the re- 
wards of my labors and history seems disposed to favor the fraud, 
but I have an abiding confidence in the justice of that overruling 
Power who shapes the destinies of man. 

Tuesday 15th March 1859 
Started to hunt my grey pony, Fanny, and called at Frank Cotter's 



120 A BEIEF SKETCH OP 

to get Thomas Crooks to go with me as he wants to buy the pony but 
he was not there and I rode out to "Young America" a grog shop 
a mile further on where it was supposed I could find him, but he had 
left. Such a scene as this "grocery" exhibited I never before beheld — 
Indian women and men were lying about as if a battle had been fought 
and these were the slain, some yet stood, others leaned against what- 
ever they could sieze upon and others were reeling about, all the vic- 
tims of whiskey. This "hell" is kept by a white man who it is 
reported steals from and robs these wretched votaries of Bacchus. 
This sink of iniquity is on one of the public highways, and yet no 
effort is made to abate it. Our laws are said to be defective in this 
respect which may account for this shameful neglect of a vital moral 
duty. . . . 

Monday 4th April, 1859. 

Capt. Parks died about 6 O' clock last night. He was tho't to be 
about QQ years old. He has been for several years. Head Chief of 
the Shawnees but General Cass, who employed him as interpreter 
when in the Indian service, stated in a speech in the U. S. Senate in 
1853 while a Shawnee claim was under discussion that Parks, then 
in Washington was a pure white man and had been captured by the 
Indians when very young. But among the Shawnees he claimed to 
be of Shawnee extraction and the claim was universally acknowl- 
edged. He was plausable, shrewd, unscrupulous and avaricious and 
had accumulated a fortune of sixty or seventy thousand dollars. . . 

Saturday, 9th April, 1859. 

I remarked that the debt was not mine and I would not pay it. He 
said he would sue me immediately and I told him to do so. This 
note was given for lands bo't for C. Robinson & others and Robinson 
was to give his note, on which I was to go as security, and my note 
was to be returned to me. After I had given the note however Rob- 
inson avoided the fulfillment of his promise and thus I am held re- 
sponsible for his debt. I told Smith, Robinson's confidential tool that 
I wished to settle this and other matters amicably but settled they 
must be, and I am led to believe from Smith's remarks that Robinson 
will not pay unless compelled, showing that he is a swindler of the 
worst stamp. 



ABELAED GUTHRIE. 121 

Monday 23rd May, 1859. 

Went to Quindaro where I met Charles Robinson. The cool vil- 
lainy of this man would be incredible did I not witness such repeated 
evidences of it. About thirty months ago he left with me $700 to 
buy a piece of laud for him and I gave him a receipt for the money. 
The land belonged to Isaac W. Zane and lies in Missouri opposite 
Quindaro; the price was $1400 and he required $800 in hand ; this 
I paid him advancing $100 of my own money and gave my note for 
the remaining $600 payable in one year, Robinson being absent. I 
had therefore to secure myself by taking the Bond for a deed in my 
own name. To-day when I saw him in the Q. Go's office his man 
Chapin presented the bond to me with an assignment written on the 
back of it which he requested me to sign — this assignment conveyed 
all my right to Robinson and authorized Zane to make him a deed, 
Robinson remarking at the same time that he would take up my note 
and close up the whole business, but said nothing of the $700 receipt 
or the $100 advanced! When I mentioned these things he said he had 
given me credit on the books and probably destroyed my receipt ! 
but the books were examined and no credit [had been] given ! His 
design was evidently to get the title to the land perfected to have me 
pay the note of $600 and when time should favor, present my receipt 
and compel me or my estate to pay it also ! The $100 he seemed to 
consider already safe in his pocket ! 

After the repeated acts of treachery and ingratitude of which he is 
guilty this proposition would seem more like a premeditated insult 
than the trap of a cunning scoundrel Yet this is his peculiar plan of 
operations — he assumes that people will regard him as above suspi- 
cion; pretends great ignorance and simplicity in business; to entrust 
the care of his affairs to others who have no character to sustain nor 
reputation to lose; he is in fact a perfect confidence man with a more 
than ordinary amount of cunning. 

Tuesday 7th June, 1859 

Attended the Election for two Delegates to the convention to frame 
a State constitution. I voted for one free State man and one Demo- 
crat because I knew the other professedly free State man W. Y. Rob- 
erts was dishonest and has heretofore abused and betrayed the confidence 



122 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

reposed in him. I believe a government is safer in the hands of a 
good man professing bad principles than in the hands of a bad man 
professing good principles, because the former will endeavor to have 
good results flowing from his administration while the latter expects 
his name and profession to paliate and cover up his corrupt and tyran- 
ical government. Besides I would prefer at this moment, the Demo- 
crats should form the Constitution in which they will be compelled to 
yield much to the proslavery party which will make their constitution 
so objectionable that the people will vote it down, and then we will 
remain in our Territorial condition a year or two longer which I most 
devoutly desire for we are not only not able to support a State govern- 
ment, but the demagogues who now lead the Republican party, would 
doubtless get all the oflSces of trust and profit, which would involve 
us in debts and difficulties for years to come. In two or three years 
more these men will sink to their proper level and honest men may 
be found to manage our public affairs. 

Sunday 12th June, 1859. 

• •••••••• • m • • 

A pleasant Sabbath day, family at church, I at home until near 
evening I rode down to William Walker's but he was not at home. 
Saw a strange assemblage of Germans from the neighboring towns, 

near M' Stewart's (the gardener) men, women and children 

making merry they had a drum, a brass band, a bar for the sale of 
lager beer, and sang and danced till night. They said they were cele- 
brating in the old Country style, this particular Sunday probably in 
honor of some good old Saint. . . . 

Friday 17th June, 1859 

M" Guthrie and her sister Margaret rode to the payment and I 
walked, a distance of S^ miles. Apparently but few Wyandots were 
present, as they were lost in the multitude of whites most of whom 
had claims on Indians Some honest and many I believe utterly dis- 
honest. It is alleged by the Indians themselves that they have paid 
the same debts several times but have received no credits nor took re- 
ceipts Some of them however having learned the value of receipts 
demanded them on making full payments and in a few instances have 
disconcerted and disappointed their creditors by exhibiting their re- 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 123 

ceipts when dunned ; others have unfortunately lost them, and these 
and those having none were threatened with a lawsuit (of which they 
are much afraid) unless they should satisfy the demands against them. 
If the Indians are to be believed, thousands of dollars are thus fraudu- 
lently obtained. Will a just retribution overtake these dishonest 
creditors? 

Wednesday 29th June, 1859. 
«..■«•••••«•• 

Met C. Robinson with whom I had some plain talk about the man- 
agement of the Quiudaro Go's affairs and about his own acts. He is 
a thorough villain, cool, calculating, heartless, ungrateful and auda- 
cious. 

Thursday 25th August, 1859. 

Went to Quindaro in the evening and received two letters, one 
from Isaac Strohm my brotherinlaw ; the other from Chas. W. 
Wingard of Lockhaven Chester County, Pennsylvania; the former 
enclosing one from M^ Anna Guthrie, my stepmother announcing 
the illness of my father who it seems attained his seventy-fifth year 
on the 19th day of this month. Strange that I should never have 
heard his age before ! These letters are coldly formal and convey no 
intimation that my revered father has mentioned my name on his sick 
bed, or in any way evinced a desire to see me. Yet I know he can not 
dislike me, nor can I think otherwise than that my presence would be 
agreeable to him. I ought to be there and I do most earnestly desire 
to attend him in his last sickness, but I have not the money to carry 
me thither. I know the worst construction would be placed upon my 
hasty visit by the expectant friends who surround him, and this would 
be a sad drawback upon the satisfaction I would otherwise feel in a 
faithful discharge of my filial duties. My father is one of the best 
men I ever knew — I should say the best ; strictly honest in all his 
dealings, and honorable in all his feelings. The uppermost traits in 
his character are properly alluded to by M"" Strohm, who says "His 
ruling traits for kindnesses, desire for the hospitable treatment of the 
visitors at his house, and reluctance to appear troublesome, are strongly 
shown in his deportment now." I do pray to God that he may live 
many years in perfect health of body and mind not only on his own 



124 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

account but on mine for I wish to have it in my power to smooth 
and gladden his future years with the means of a free exercise of his 
benevolence and munificence. No man ever enjoyed the performance 
of a good act more than he. 

Monday 12th September, 1859. 
Started early and entered the Mississippi river 10 O'clock A. M. 
passing St. Charles at ^ past 8 O'clock A. M. I never pass St. 
Charles without looking at the ''Convent of the Sacred Heart" with 
mingled feelings of interest and indignation for it was the home for 
two years of my little girls Abalura and Norsona. As their educa- 
tion had been almost entirely neglected T was anxious that their 
studies should be confined to the common branches of a good English 
education. But the ladies wished to give them lessons in music and 
drawing and I was surprised [to] find charges for these studies. I 
again forbade it but the ladies were very importunate and had the 
children write letters urging me to give my consent to have them take 
lessons in music and drawing. And when M'^ Guthrie visited her 
children they obtained her consent and thus the useful branches of 
their education were much neglected and they returned home very 
little improved in intellectual culture. Their bills for clothing were 
also enormous, and I afterwards learned that the nuns induced them 
to give up their clothing when the least sullied and sometimes on the 
pretext that it had become too small for them. This clothing was 
either sold or given to the poor so that these nuns enjoy a fine repu- 
tation in St. Charles for their large charities. People little know and 
indeed as little care, that they rob their pupils or rather their wards 
that they may indulge their display of liberality. Strange that these 
people having abjured the vanities of the world should be so avari- 
cious and so ambitious of securing the approbation of the outside 
world. They knew that they were deceiving me in relation to my 
children's studies and best interests and in regard to the expense in- 
curred for clothing. 

Tuesday 13th September, 1859. 

Left Dayton at J past 10 O'clock A. M. and arrived at my father's 
at 11 A. M. finding my father improved in health for which I thank 
God with devout gratitude. But my father did not know me and 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 125 

when told who I was he said " Why Abelard you look old 1 " Alas 
he little knew what agony of mind the Kansas swindlers had given 
me ! and how cares and troubles multiply the tracks of time 1 

Friday 16th September 1859. 

Pa seemed very restless last night and I overheard him from my 
room complaining that he was very unhappy ending with the words 
"I fear, I fear, I fear." "Grandmother" his second wife, replied 
very calmly "I did not know it, my dear. I thought you were very 
happy." He was silent. What was the cause of his uneasiness I 
could not imagine as he talks to me very little — never about his con- 
dition either of body or mind. 

Jim [iiis brother, or half brother, James Andrews] told me some 
strange things about this "Grandma" who it seems is a very shrewd 
selfish woman. Shortly after her marriage with Pa he went to Day- 
ton at a time when the waters were very much swollen by recent rains 
and he was not able to return the same night, a very unusual thing 
with him; she was very much alarmed at his absence and feared he 
had been drowned and had left no will; and immediately on his re- 
turn she insisted on his making a will in view of the uncertainity of 
life. He yielded to her wishes, and it was supposed all was satisfac- 
tory. But in his recent illness when his life was dispaired of she pre- 
vailed on him to make another will by which she is made his sole 
heir ! So far as I am concerned I care not a cent ; but there are others 
who are entitled to kindly remembrances, they have loved and served 
him well ; but God who orders all things right will not permit the 
consummation of this wrong. 

Saturday 17th September, 1859. 
• •••• • • • • . ••. 

Heard the distinguished Abraham Lincoln of Illinois make a speech 
on the slavery question. He is an able clear headed man, but not an 
agreeable speaker. His speeches appear to better advantage in print 
than in their delivery. • • • 

Monday 19th September, 1859. 

I stay to-night at the " City Hotel " kept by W™ Atkinson When 
I wanted to go to my room he looked at his register for my name and 



126 A BEIEF SKETCH OF 

then said "There had been a person of that name in Dayton a few 
years ago he was a dark looking fellow a lawyer, had gone North 
married a Squaw emigrated to Nebraska was a member of Congress 
<&c. He seemed never to suspect that he might be talking to and 
about the same individual and he was rattling along with my history 
at a rate and with such a mixture of truth and falsehood I was con- 
strained to make my bow in the midst of his interesting revelations. 

Saturday 14th January, 1860. 
• ••• . • . . •••• 

This morning I discovered that George had taken the bark off 
from one of the finest linden trees in my park, to bottom an old 
chair with. I have not lately been so hurt and irritated and I told 
him I had rather he had burnt all the chairs I had than have killed 
that fine tree. The thing has oppressed my mind all day even when 
I was not thinking about it, I felt that there was something that 
distressed me without being able at the moment to remember it. I 
had, too, repeatedly told him not to touch a tree in that grove. How 
little above the brute is a man who will wantonly disfigure any of 
God's glorious handiwork ! 

Friday 16th February, 1860. 

Rec'd a letter from my sister Eloisa informing me of the death of 
our sister Eliza Stevens. This news most painful and unexpected 
fills my whole soul with the saddest thoughts. I saw her but a few 
months ago in excellent health and spirits looking forward to years 
of serene enjoyment and these alas! had but commenced when the 
dread summons came and life with all its promised joys was ex- 
changed for the silence and gloom of the grave. Ah what an exchange ! 
The gloom of the grave extends even to me and my heart is heavy 
and my soul is sick with its dampness and darkness and the powers 
of the mind are subject to the emotions of the heart. I am without 
thought and my whole being seems lost in a vague, indefinite and in- 
explicable feeling of profound sadness, not only embracing the death 
of my dear sister, but her whole life, for alas! that life brings up its 
mournful history and strews its joyless memories around her grave ! 
Adieu my sister always beloved and as long to be mourned. 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 127 

Monday January 6lh 1862. 
[Mr. Guthrie was in Washington City at that time.] 

Had some conversation with F. P. Stanton who is contesting Genl. 
Lane's right to a seat in the Senate. M"^ Stanton assures me he has 
[an] understanding with Gov. Robinson whereby his action as Sena- 
tor would be governed, and will feel himself at full liberty to take 
care of the interests of other sections of the State than those in which 
Robinson is especially interested, and to persons opposed to Robinson. 
Should Lane leave the Senate I would certainly prefer Stanton to 
any of those now spoken of for the succession. . . . 

Wednesday January 8th, 1862. 
• • * • • . . ••••«• 

Listened awhile to a debate in the Senate on the contested case be- 
tween Lane and Stanton. It is one in which an honest difference 
of opinion may be entertained, but with the facts as I understand 
them I should vote for the admission of Stanton to the seat, other- 
wise the provision of the Constitution designed to guard against exec- 
utive influence with members of Congress by making the acceptance of 
office under the Executive a disqualification for a Seat in the Senate 

[ ] . True General Lane's appointment was not authorized 

by law, but that instead of favoring his cause should weaken it, be- 
cause the president might find frequent occasion for gratifying the 
ambition of Senators by these marks of favor 

Called to see M"" Dawes, chairman of the Committee of Elections 
to which my claim for mileage and per diem as delegate from Nebraska 
was refered and he encouraged me to hope for success saying the Com- 
mittee thought favorably of the claim but wanted to be prepared to 
defend it before the house. ... 

Thursday 9th [January 1862] 

Spent 2 or 3 hours with Col. Sims formerly of Missouri but now 
of Kansas. I urged upon him (he has much influence with Missouri 
members of Congress) to get the members of Congress from Missouri 
& Kentucky to meet and devise some means whereby we may be able 
to restore peace to the country. Kentucky and Missouri at this time 
control the administration; and if their delegations in Congress should 



128 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

agree upon some practicable decisive plan of action, I have no doubt it 
would be successful. But I am convinced that any scheme to receive 
the necessary support of the people at large must look to the ultimate 
extinction of slavery. . . . 

Friday 10th January, 1862. 

M' Pomeroy told me M'" Dawes of the House had expressed an 
opinion to him adverse to ray claim for mileage and per diem. This 
is very different from what he led me to believe when I called to see 
him two or three evenings back. There is a want of manliness, of 
honor and justice in eastern men that will always run counter to the 
better qualities of the western heart. And even the Republican party 
as such are constrained by the same narrowness of views which tran- 
scends its action defeats its objects, and disappoints the country. I 
have performed an important service for my country and now the 
very men who are reaping the rich fruits of that service hesitate to 
pay me the usual wages for it! 

Heard Dr. Cheever, of New York, deliver a lecture in the Smith- 
sonian Institution on the subject of slavery and our duties and rela- 
tions to it. It was a terrible denunciation of the policy of the ad- 
ministration and military men ; yet its truthfulness could hardly be 
controverted. His views of our duty under the constitution were in 
some respects new to me but were maintained with much ingenuity 
if not ability. He advocated the immediate abolition of slavery 
and the conquest of the rebellious States. I would have prefered 
the gradual emancipation of the slaves but the terrible alternative 
forced upon us by the rebellion of either losing the Territory alto- 
gether or of liberating the slaves and thereby undoing that worthless 

and even dangerous [ ] which has at the same time been the 

cause and the sinews of the war. The French assembly in their first 
declaration, to intimidate the German princes said, " That it was not 
with fire and sword they meant to attack their territories but by what 
would be more dreadful to them the introduction of liberty." See 
Edmund Burke's works vol. 4, page 52. This would to some extent 
overturn the social order, but I do not think this evil could be of 
long duration. The amalgamation of the races; the absorption of the 
African by the Anglo-Saxon or rather the white race would probably 
be more rapid than now as a much larger white population would 



ABELAED GUTHRIE. 129 

soon iill those States; whites from all the States and all countries 
who now and for many years were afraid to seek homes in the South 
because of the savage despotism that everywhere prevailed there. 

This morning I handed Senator Pomeroy of Kansas a resolution 
which I wished him to introduce into the Senate, but which he proba- 
bly will not do; it is this: 

Resolved, that the Committee on the Judiciary be directed to enquire 
into the expediency of making provision by law for the payment 
annually for a period of twenty years an amount of money equal to 
ten dollars per capita of the slave population as shown by the census 
of 1860, to such of the so called slave States in proportion to the 
number of slaves contained in each, as shall establish a system of 
emancipation whereby slavery shall cease to exist within twenty years. 

But on further reflection I think this bounty should only be given 
to the loyal States even though but nominally so. As for the others 
I now think the abolition of the system should be immediate and un- 
conditional, both as a means of stopping the war and as a punish- 
ment for the rebellion. And I think the slaves should be armed and 
permitted to take a part in the conflict. If we do not use more vigorous 
means to put down the rebellion the new government it has set up 
will be recognized by the European powers, which they are a^^ anxious 
to do because the principles of our government like those of the 
French revolution are penetrating into every nation of Europe and 
undermining the thrones of their rulers. The continuance of our 
present form of govern uient with its territorial integrity, will finally 
overthrow the monarchies of Europe. We should not deceive our- 
selves by their pretended sympathy or friendship. They will attack 
us as soon as they have prepared the public mind of Europe for it 
and are fully apprised of our own impotency, which is not yet fully 
demonstrated. 

Saturday 11th January 1862 

In the Library of Congress I examined a volume of the Washing- 
ton Union and discovered my old circular when first sent as dele- 
gate from Nebraska (now Kansas) It is in the Union of 18th Jan- 
uary 1853 part Ist 

Sunday 12th January 1862 
In ray room all day reading and writing a pamphlet on the subject 
10 



130 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

of our present troubles and dangers; ... I feel well pleased 
with it so far, and think it contains at least as much good sense as I 
find in most of the speeches in Congress. 

Monday 13th January 1862 
• ..•••• • • •.•■ 

Discovered that all my papers refered by Genl. Lane to the Com. 
on Indian Affairs had been refered to sub committees. Lane had 
assured me he would have thein refered to himself and fairly ex- 
amined but he deceived me in this as in everything else. He has 
treated me with the grossest ingratitude and injustice. His duplicity 
has greatly endangered the loss of my claims. Yet people are crazy 
with adulation of this insincere, egotistical, ungrateful demagogue for 
that is his true character. 

Thursday 16th January 1862 

• ••••• • • • •• •- 

Genl. Lane advised me to get M'^ Samuel V. Niles an Attorney 
to attend to my business. This would not have beea necessary had 
he attended to his business as Senator or redeemed his promises as 
friend. M'^ Niles, I believe was his Attorney in the Jenkins con- 
tested land claim, and he probably pays him by giving him other 
business. I went to see M"^ Niles and left my papers with him and 
he is to have them examined by morning and give his opinion of the 
case. 

Saturday 18th January 1862 

Went with Genl. Lane, Maj. Abbot & M.^ Niles to the Indian Office 
and heard M' Niles read the statements of Abbott and Matthew King 
in explanation of the part they took in the Clark & Hall swindle among 
the Shawnees; also the argument of M'^ Niles in defence of Maj. 
Abbott. The papers were prepared with skill and ability and may 
save Maj. Abbott from removal, but I fear the case will not stop 
there and that Maj. Abbott will be ruined in the end. The Shawnees 
were evidently swindled out of about $18,000 by Clark <fe Hall, 
which Maj. Abbott as Indian Agent should have prevented. I 
have hitherto regarded Maj. Abbott as an honest man and I have 
no doubt he was imposed on by this Clark who is represented as a 
great rogue. I sincerely hope Maj. Abbott will be able to escape 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 131 

from this difficulty and yet I dont see how he can unless Clark & 
Hall will refund the money which now seems improbable. 

I have been to see M"" Niies and finally agreed to give him twenty 
per cent of all he can obtain on My Wife's claim, except the land on 
which he is to charge nothing. This is rather a bad bargain, but I 
believe members of Congress form partnerships here with claims 
agents and will give no attention to the business of a constituent un- 
less it first goes through one of these mills. Whether the toll is then 
divided or not it is impossible to say, but I have no doubt it is. They 
would probably not enter into such an arrangement with a constit- 
uent because the danger of exposure would be much greater. People in 
Washington City who never saw Kansas and care nothing for her 
interests monopolize more of time, are treated with more consideration 
and have more influence with our Senators than I have, and it is not 
improbable other constituents are treated in the same manner but to 
me it [is] peculiarly ungrateful for these men all owe to me their 
elevation. . . . 

Sunday January 19th 1862. 

Called to see Col. Sims of Kansas formerly of Missouri. He told 

me [he] had overheard a conversation between a M"" reporter 

of the Philadelphia Press and a M"^^ Winslow who claims to be the 
wife of Col. Winslow now in the service of the United States on the 
Potomac, in which were discussed the prospects of the rebellion, both 
are earnest secessionists and expressed their confidence that Genl. Mc- 
Clellan is with them and other officers were also named as ready to 
betray the cause of the Union at the first favorable moment ! The 
very walls of this accursed city breathe treason ! Yet our stupidly 
credulous President is pouring out the treasure of the country in the full 
belief that he is re-establishing the authority of the Government 
while the rebels actually command both armies! My God! can human 
wickedness go farther! Has God abandoned this country to the pow- 
ers of hell! What enormous unpardonable sin has brought upon us 
this degradation, this utter depravity ! I shall again see Col. Sims to 
learn if any thing can be done to meet and defeat this foul plot to 
utterly ruin the best government ever established by the wisdom and 
courage of man. 

Grenl. Lane and family started to Kansas The Genl. is a great 



132 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

lion here and his room is always filled with visitors, at this moment 
there is not a man in Washington more sought after. The Genl. 
iiims at the Presidency although some hints are thrown out that his 
Southern expedition is designed to establish his power permanently 
in the Indian Country or Texas. It would not surprise me if ambi- 
tious military men would endeavor to break up the Union to secure 
each a fragment wherein to fix himself in power. Yet I hardly think 
the scheme can succeed. The people at large nor the soldiers are not 
prepared for such gigantic treachery and ingratitude. I think there 
is good reason to believe that many of them dream of " Kingdoms, 
crowns and regal sway." I can not understand on what other prin- 
ciple our armies are so large and inefficient. May a terribly just 
retribution speedly overwhelm the conspirators! 

Wednesday January 22d 1862 

Have been in my room most of the day reading speeches on the 
charge of treason against Senator Bright. It seems to me very clear 
even from M"" B's own answers to questions addressed to him that he 
is more the enemy than the friend of his country and is an unsafe 
man to be in the councils of the nation. Just such men have brought 
upon us our present calamities. And love of country and fidelity to 
its government should be an indispensable qualification of a public 
officer and even the private citizen who is deficient in these virtues 
should be regarded with suspicion and aversion. 

Col. Sims spent an hour or so with me this evening. He says M" 
Winslow refered to Sunday last is the Sister of Roger A. Prior late a 
Member of Congress from Virginia. . . • 

Thursday January 23rd 1862. 

Went to see M^ Niles, (who it seems is a grandson of Hezekiah 
Niles who published "Niles' Register" which I believe was the first 
newspaper I ever saw,) to hand him some memoranda of precedents 
in favor of M" Guthrie's claim. M"^ Niles thinks the prospect of 
success favorable. 

Thursday 30th January, 1862. 

Called to see Hon. M. F. Conway. M' Wilson of the Senate's 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 133 

Committee on Military Affairs moved in the Senate to have the Chair 
appoint a member to fill the place of M'^ Lane of Kansas and the 
motion was agreed to. I inferred from this that Lane would not re- 
turn to the Senate and went to see M' Conway to have him go to 
M'" Doolittle Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs and re- 
quest him to make the same motion in reference to Genl. Lane's place 
in the Com on Indian Affairs, and to ask the appointment of Genl. 
Pomeroy to succeed Lane. Conway objected to having it done imme- 
diately as it was uncertain about Lane's going into the army, and 
would be displeased with this premature removal. My object was to 
anticipate the movement by some one else and to secure the place for 
Pomeroy in whom as a Senator I have great confidence. He is in- 
dustrious and faithful and we greatly need such a man on that Com- 
mittee; although Lane would suit me very well and may perhaps 
have more influence but Pomeroy is more reliable and attentive to 
business. However Conway said he would see M"" Doolittle in the 
morning and have him keep the Committee as it is until Lane is 
heard from and in the event of Lane's resigning to have Pomeroy 
appointed. Lane is certainly acting very strangely if not insanely. 
Constantly beset by an army of sycophants who pander to his vanity 
and obey his behests he turns a cold shoulder to old and real friends. 
No man that does this can long enjoy the confidence and respect of 
any class of men for the sycophant loves new idols, and the earnest 
man will not long be trifled with and then the ungrateful man is de- 
serted and prostrated. Pomeroy made a good remark last night; he 
said " I will take care of my friends and they and I cjan take care of 
my enemies." 

Saturday 1st February, 1862. 

• ••••• • • • • •• 

In my room most of the day writing my pamphlet on the condi- 
tion and prospects of the country. If I can get it published soon I 
think it will be conceded to have some merit. I have not yet fixed 
on a title. . . . 

Sunday 2nd February, 1862. 

Finished my pamphlet on the condition and dangers of our gov- 
ernment but will yet have to make corrections and a more methodical 
arrangement of the topics. 



134 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

Monday 3rd February, 1862. 

Received my Indian Territory bill which I had forgotten at home 
and for which I wrote to M^ Newman. He sent it with a few lines 
to Genl. Pomeroy. 

Dropped a note in the Post Office for M' Wattles requesting him 
to come and see me. He also is trying to have the Indian Country 
covered by a territorial Government and we agreed to compare our 
respective plans and prepare a bill from the better features of each. 

At home most of the day reading and writing my pamphlet which 
I have entitled "On the diffioulties and dangers that beset the Nation" 
or rather I have spent a part of the day in correcting it. 

Tuesday 4th February 1862. 

Mailed a letter I wrote yesterday to James H. Lane urging him to 
return to the Senate. Genl. Lane has a thirst for military fame because 
it is the kind that administers most extravagantly to his insatiable 
love of honors. I have great doubt of his real desire to command 
the expedition to Texas. But by not having his wishes complied 
with he enjoys the eclat of attempting to make a great sacrifice 
to save the country; and of increasing public confidence in his mili- 
tary talents, which are indeed of a very low order, except in these very 
essential qualities of vigilance and discretion. Lane wishes to keep 
himself perpetually in the public eye, and he is undecided how to 
accomplish it. . . . 

Wednesday 5th February, 1862. 

M'" Augustus Wattles of Kansas called to see me and I read to him 
my bill for the establishment of a Territorial goverument for the 
Indian Country south of Kansas. He appeared to be satisfied with 
its provisions but took it to examine it more at his leisure. He also 
has a bill prepared for the same purpose and will bring it tomorrow 
and we are to compare the two together and determine which shall be 
presented to the committee. 

M"" Willis Gaylord called to see me in relation to my claims for 
pay and mileage as delegate, and I agreed to give him twenty per 
cent to attend to the business for me rather than suffer the delay 
which I see is purposely occasioned to get a fee for somebody. M"^ G. 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 135 

is a brother to M™ Pomeroy and it seems is in partnership with a 
M'^ Edward Clark a fact I did not know before; nor was I at 
all aware that he was engaged in the business of presenting claims. 

Saturday 8th February, 1862. 

To-day I learn that the war is hereafter to be under the immediate 
direction of the President through his Secretary of war without the 
intervention of the highest officer in the army, (now McClellan) as 
has hitherto been the practice. Of this course I heartily approve for I 
have long doubted the loyalty and ability of McClellan, besides too 
much deference has been paid to these professional military men, who 
generally lack sound judgment so all important to success in all the 
pursuits of life, and perhaps most of any in military life. 

The foreign news this evening is that the French Emperor would 
declare his intention to interfere in our civil war, to his Legislative 
Council on the 27th ultimo. This I have long looked for but it is 
not only the French Monarch but he will be backed by England and 
all the European governments for there is evidently a combination 
among them which has for its object the overthrow of this govern- 
ment because of its republican form and institutions. It will be a 
war of political systems as indeed it already is. The South seeking 
to consolidate its power in the hands of the few and to assimilate its 
form of government to those of Europe will naturally enlist their 
sympathies, as it already has done, and very soon secure their alli- 
ances offensive and defensive. If we are true to ourselves, however 
and exert but a moity of the courage and self denial of our revolu- 
tionary ancestors we will come forth from the terrible struggle a better 
wiser and more powerful nation than before. God grant us these 
high virtues in such perfection as the emergency demands! 

Sunday 9th February, 1862 

Called to see Hon. M. F. Conway and talked with him nearly an 
hour about our National troubles. M'' C. voted against the passage of 
the bill making U. S. notes a legal tender and I cordially approve 
of this vote. But M^ C. has some views in regard to our future pol- 
icy that I cannot endorse. He thinks if France, (as she now threat- 
ens) breaks our blockade which I would regard as a declaration of 



136 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

"war and acknowledges the independence of the " Southern Confeder- 
acy ["] as it is called that we should acquiesce. I differ from him 
entirely in this regard for I believe if we should have to raise an army 
of a million of men it is our duty, and indeed our only hope of salva- 
tion, to do it and fight combined Europe as I have no doubt we shall 
have to do, on our own soil, and I have no doubt we can do it 
successfully and crush the rebelion besides. , . • 

Monday 10th February, 1862 

• •• •••••••••• 

M'^ Wattles spent the evening with me in comparing our respective 
plans for the organization of the Indian Country south of Kansas for 
the especial use of the Indians. I think his plan is crude and not 
equal to the necessities of the object. Last summer at the extra ses- 
sion of Congress I prepared a bill for this purpose, but Genl. Lane 
whom I wanted to present it to the Senate was opposed to organize a 
government over any territory for Indian settlement exclusively. 
His wish was to destroy the Indian not to civilize him. I think 
under a mild and simple government with laws executed by them- 
selves the Indians might under the fostering care of the United States, 
become a united and homogeneous people, and in time form a valu- 
able State of the Union. Without a measure of this kind they must 
soon become extinct. I am well pleased with the attention M"^ 
Wattles gives the matter, but his plans seem ill-digested and ill- 
judged. 

Tuesday, 11 February, 1862 

M' Wattles has been here much of the day perfecting his territorial 
bill. But withal I think it a bungling piece of work and have no 
idea Congress will pass it in the form he has now got it. I have 
made a good many suggestions which he adopted but still it does not 
please me. . . . 

Thursday 13th February, 1862 

• •• • . ...•••» 

M' Wattles left on My table a copy of the N. Y. Tribune contain- 
ing an article against erecting an exclusively Indian State south of 
Kansas. The article was probably written by M" Lucy B. Arm- 
strong. M' Wattles wanted me to answer it and I accordingly wrote 
the greater part of a reply, but feel to dull too finish it. 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 137 

Thursday 20tli Februarj', 1862. 
• • • •••• .••••• 

Handed M' Augustus Wattles my reply to " Yarahkonehta" in the 
N. Y. Tribune. The writer is supposed to be M"^^ Lucy B. Arm- 
strong and urges some plausible but erroneous reasons against the 
organization of the Indian Territory south of Kansas. I have en- 
deavored to answer these objections. The article is not well written 
and should have been carefully corrected. . . 

Saturday 22nd February, 1862. 

Today was to have been a gala day for the double purpose of cele- 
brating the birth of Washington and our recent victories over the rebels. 
The former is entitled to all the honors which a grateful nation can 
bestow, but the rejoicing over the latter is premature. Celebrations 
should only be accorded to those events great or small in themselves 
which have an important agency in producing a desired consumation, 
and should therefore be reserved until the crowning act is performed. 
We can all feel the inspiration and confidence these victories should 
produce but our open manifestations of joy should be restrained until 
the possibility of defeat and disaster shall entirely disappear. We 
have now arrived at the critical point when a little treachery may 
overturn the whole fabric of our hopes founded on the brilliant events 
of the last few days. And I greatly fear that treachery is even now 
doing its accursed work. Else why should the immense army of the 
Potomac lie idle and permit the rebels to withdraw their forces and 
use them against our little armies in North Carolina and Tennessee? 
These armies are performing the most signal service and if backed by 
our army on the Potomac would soon end the war. This deliberate 
treachery, (as I believe it to be) is exciting public criticism and sus- 
picion, and there seems to be a general inclination to demand a forward 
movement of the armies of the Potomac; but may not treachery be as 
successful in moving forward as in lying still? and may it not be 
even more fatal to the interests of the country? I confess I see no 
hope of safety but in the removal of McClellan from the chief com- 
mand of the army, and the appointment of a true man in his place. 
Who this "true man" should be is a question of most difficult solu- 
tion, but any truly loyal man would be preferable to this doubtful 
one. • • • 



138 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

Thursday, 27th February, 1862. 
• •••••• • • • ••• 

Hearing Genl. Lane had again telegraphed to his friends here to 
make another effort to secure to him the command of the army 
supposed to be destined for Texas. These persistent efforts to secure 
a position never promised him and in violation of army regulations 
without any good reason has very much lessened the confidence and 
respect he had hitherto enjoyed both here and in Kansas. There 
seems to me a species of insanity in some of this man's eccentricities. 
He has treated me both discourteously and ungratefully But I have 
borne these things in silence but I feel that his protracted absence 
from his duties as Senator is a serious wrong to Kansas. • • • I 
shall now try to have his place on the Com. of Indian Affairs filled 
by the appointment of Genl. Pomeroy. * • * 

Sunday 2nd March, 1862. 

Snow fell to the depth of 2 or 3 inches, and I have remained in the 
house all day reading very little and talking less. In the evening 
however, I had quite an animated conversation with M" Thompson a 
boarder, and the sister-in-law of Genl. Waddy Thompson of South 
Carolina. She professes strong Union sentiments and has some em- 
ployment from the Government, but defends the intolerence, virulence, 
and despotism of the South. The views she entertains or expresses in 
regard to the rights of northern men who become citizens of the South 
accord with the true spirit of slavery every where and are clearly in 
conflict with the guaranties of the Constitution. She insists that no 
anti-slavery man has a right to express opinions unfriendly to the 
institution of slavery; that if any one entertains such opinions he 
must suppress them or leave the slave States. This is the evil spirit 
with which we are now at war and against which we are sending our 
immense armies. 

Thursday 6th March 1862. 

Spent an hour with Genl. Pomeroy. He signed a recommendation 
for Moses B. Newman's appointment to an Indian Agency in Kansas 
expecting to get for him the Delaware Agency. Genl. Pomeroy 
also agreed to have the Pacific Railroad bill altered so as to make 
Quindaro a point. He agreed to introduce and have passed the bill 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 139 

M' Wattles and myself have been preparing to establish a Territorial 
Government exclusively for Indians over the present Indian Country 
South of Kansas. . . . 

Friday 7th March 1862 
«..••. • . . .• . • 

In the proceedings of Congress as published in the Daily Globe is 

a short message from the President conveying a resolution which he 

recommends Congress in substance to pass. It is M^orth remembering 

that on the 10th of January of this year I handed to Senator Pom- 

eroy a Resolution which I wished him to present to the Senate having 

in view the same object now recommended by the President and my 

resolution differs only from his in being more specific. 

Saturday 8th March 1862 

Bo't two copies N. Y. Tribune containing my article on the subject 
of the organization of a new Indian Territory South of Kansas. 

Sunday 9th March 1862 

Today I complete my forty eighth year and enter upon my forty 
ninth. ... It seems strange that a man should live so long and 
accomplish so little. Yet my course has not been a barren one. Few 
men have performed acts out of which more important events have 
grown. The successful effort to establish a government for Nebraska 
(now Kansas) originated with me and under most discouraging cir- 
cumstances, and out of this act sprung the republican party and the 
wonderful events that have followed in such quick succession. And 
though I get but little credit for this now, history must and will do me 
justice. 

I start upon the new year with bright hopes and much confidence 
dashed only by the lowering clouds that overhang the political horizon. 
I have painful forebodings of disaster near at hand. It is generally 
understood that our great armies of the Potomac march against the 
traitors tomorrow although a general battle may not take place for a 
day or two after. I have all confidence in the courage of our men, in 
their numbers and equipments, but I have no confidence in their princi- 
pal officers, such as McClellan, McDowell nor indeed in any man from 
the military school at West Point. Far better would it be for this 
country had that institution never existed. It is the nucleus around 



140 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

which will gather the enemies of free government and it has and 
always will instil into the minds of its pupils sentiments favorable to 
the establishment of independent hereditary orders in the State. I 
regard this institution as more dangerous to the liberties of this coun- 
try than African slavery itself, and henceforth I shall devote what 
time I can to its abolition. 

To day I have prayed again and again most earnestly for the suc- 
cess of our armies in the coming battles. In God I trust and He 
alone can defeat the treachery which I fear is meditated against us. 
He alone knows the hearts of all men and can disappoint their wicked 
schemes. May He remember us in this our day of terrible trial ! 

M^^ Thompson sislerinlaw of Genl. Waddy Thompson of South 
Carolina told me to-day that a Secession female friend of hers told 
her yesterday that the "Confederates" (rebels) would be victorious in 
the great battles so soon to be fought; that all Richmond is full of 
confidence in the result. It seems this "Secession friend" gets letters 
regularly from her sister in Richmond Virginia communicating im- 
portant information and no doubt receiving the same in return. How 
this correspondence is kept up is a mystery although this Secession 
friend said she received them through Fortress Monroe. M""^ Thomp- 
son professes to be a Unionist. 

Called to see Genl. James H. Lane who has just returned with his 
family from Kansas. 

Borrowed "Principles and Acts of the Revolution" by Hezekiah 
Niles from his grandson Samuel V. Niles. This book I have been 
long wanting to get and this is the first copy I have seen. 

Monday 10 March, 1862. 

It is now stated upon apparently good authority that the rebels 
have abandoned and retreated from all their strong holds about Wash- 
ington while for the last two or three days our hopes and fears have 
been excited to the highest pitch by mighty preparations for a great 
battle and while this very farce is being enacted the prompters in it 
must have well known there would be no enemy to fight. 

Tuesday 11th March, 1862. 
It is now ascertained that the rebels have abandoned their reputed 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 141 

strong holds at Manassas. That they should thus have been per- 
mitted to escape will be a wonder to the world but it confirms what I 
have long believed that our army of the Potomac is controlled by 
traitors who have an understanding with the rebels. These men may 
have found it impracticable for many reasons to yield a victory to the 
rebels and rather than capture their force or meet them in battle, it was 
understood that that the cause of the Union could be more seriously 
damaged by the rebels withdrawing and striking a blow when su[)e- 
rior numbers might give them a victory. The whole management of 
the war on the Potomac is without a parallel in all history for imbe- 
cility, treachery, cowardice and extravagance. Should the retreating 
rebels not attack Genl. Banks or Genl. Burnside, the probabilities I 
think are that the war is in a great degree ended, and the retreat was 
probably prompted by a consciousness of a sinking cause. 

Saturday 15th March 1862. 

• ••• • •••••••• 

Called upon Genl. Lane to talk with him about Indian claims I 
had entrusted to his management, but he was very taciturn, only 
saying he would now attend to my business. This is indeed all as a 
business man I could ask, but his whole manner was cold and desti- 
tute of cordiality. I felt indignant at this manifestation of indiffer- 
ence and perhaps should have expressed it; but Lane either is or affects 
to be deeply wounded by the explosion of his military projects he 
doubtless does feel the apparent and comparative neglect of the swarms of 
sycophants who clustered around him when he had offices to bestow and 
glory in prospect. I have more than once cautioned him against the 
selfishness and hypocracy of these flatterers and I trust his comparative 
solitude will now lead him to a juster estimate of his real friends. 

Sunday 16th March 1862. 

Prepared the following amendment to be placed on the Indian ap- 
propriation bill, and handed it to Augustus Wattles with the request 
that he would get some member of the Senate's committee on Indian 
Affairs to have it put in that bill. I should have done it myself but I 
have so much business before that committee that lam afraid of appear- 
ing too troublesome. This law I urged as essential to the protection of 
those poor creatures it is designed to benefit; for I have seen them 



142 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

shamefully robbed among the Wyandots and among the Shawnees 
and I have no doubt it is done among all the tribes: 

And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Interior be and 
he is hereby directed to cause settlements to be made with all persons 
appointed by Indian Councils to receive moneys due to incompetent or 
orphan Indians, and to require all moneys found to be due to said 
incompetent or orphan Indians to be returned to the Treasury of the 
United States, and moneys so returned shall bear six per cent interest 
until paid by order of said Secretary to those entitled to the same; 
and no moneys shall hereafter be paid to persons appointed by any 
Indian Council to receive moneys due to incompetent or orphan 
Indians, but the same shall remain in the Treasury of the United 
States until ordered to be paid by the said Secretary to those entitled 
to receive them, and shall bear six per cent interest until so paid. 

Thursday 20th March, 1862 
• •••••••••••» 

Called upon Genl. Lane who told me he would have the papers 
in the Wyandot cases refered to himself for examination and report 
tomorrow. Genl. Lane may act faithfully in his attention to my busi- 
ness but I have serious fears. Personally he treats me badly I have 
not seen one of his old enemies approach him who has not been treated 
with more cordiality. I have certainly done him some service when 
he needed it and did not expect such an exhibition of ingratitude. . » 

Monday 24th March, 1862. 

This evening I called to get Lane [to] assist me in getting the Wy- 
andot papers into his hands so as to be able to report by Wednesday 
but he did not seem disposed to take any interest in the matter and 
treated me with marked neglect I shall not again go to his room. 
Both before his election and since he repeatedly assured me he would 
attend to any business I should have before Congress. 

Wednesday 26th March, 1862. 

In my room most of the day under the influence of medicine. 

M^ Wattles spent an hour with me and informs me that there is a 
combination of men in power here to force the Indians in Kansas into 
treaties whereby their lands shall be secured to this association of Gov- 



ABELAKD GUTHRIE. 143 

ernment officials. Senator James H. Lane of Kansas Commissioner 
Wra. P. Dole and Secretary Caleb B. Smith are said to be concerned 
in this cruel and gigantic system of fraud. 

M'" Niles called to tell me that Genl. Lane assured him he would do 
all he could for M^^ Guthrie's claim and would see him this week 
again to look over the evidence. M"" N. insists that I must see Lane 
tomorrow and let him (Niles) know when Lane will see him. I dis- 
like very much to call upon Lane his personal ill treatment of me 
has created a repugnance to visiting him which I shall feel it difficult 
to overcome. 

M'" Blake & Rev. M"^ Richmond called to see me. M'" Richmond is 
now Chaplain to one of the Wisconsin regiments, and a few years ago 
made some noise in the world by being imprisoned by the Austrian 
authorities in Hungary for, as he says, nothing more than some 
thoughtless expressions of sympathy for nations struggling for free- 
dom. How long, at the present rate of travelling toward despotism, 
will it be till men shall be imprisoned in this country for like ofi'enses? 
The imbecility of this administration is only equaled by its cruelty, 
its tyrany, and total disregard of law and every principle of justice. 
Are we really to have three years more of this execrable reign ? This 
disgraceful rebellion might have been suppressed long ago and at half 
the expense already incurred, had it but suited the interests of those 
at the head of affairs to have done no. 

Thursday 27th March, 1862. 

Called to tell Mr. Niles that Genl. Lane would be at leisure this 
evening to examine the papers in M^^ G's case. 

M*^ Niles after seeing Genl. Lane called to see me and I agreed to 
give him five hundred dollars if he would get my Wyandot claims 
through at the same time as M" Guthrie's, to which he agreed. I 
have done this because I am not well enough to bear Lane's stupid 
indifference without retaliating which would probably get up ill blood 
and possibly cause him to oppose me, for he is sometimes governed 
by the merest trifles, and never by reason and justice except as he is 
importuned into it. 

Friday 28th March, 1862. 

Had a good deal of conversation with young Doolittle, clerk of the 



144 A BEIEF SKETCH OF 

Senate's Com. on Indian Affairs from which I learn Genl. Lane has 
never given the least attention to my business notwithstanding all his 
promises. The cool ingratitude and heartless stolidity of this man 
astounds me ! And yet I must not tell him what I think of his con- 
duet ! 

Monday 31st March, 1862. 

Went with Judge Helfenstein to see M"^ Campbell Chairman of the 
House Committee on the Pacific rail road. My object was to get 
Quinardo and Atchison named as points in the bill, but M'^ C. says 
his Committee are unwilling to name any other point than the one 
now named Kansas City ; this of course gives that town an immense 
advantage over all others and particularly in Kansas. Thus we see 
the revolting spectacle of men whom Kansas has made, for Kansas 
gave the Republican party to the world, enriching the enemies of the 
Government and the very men who resorted to every means fair and foul 
to drive the anti-slavery population of Kansas from their new homes, 
and I who made Kansas civilly and more remotely the Republican 
party am without influence among or benefit from the very men who 
owe all they are to the almost immediate results of my labors. 

I read with feelings of the deepest grief and alarm an editorial in 
the Daily Globe of this city of this date advocating the establishment 
of a large standing army in this country. If this is to be the result 
of the sulijngation of tiie rebels I have no hesitation in saying that it 
would have been better to yield their success without a struggle if 
that alternative would have exempted us from the curse of a stand- 
ing army ; but it would not. I only measure evils on the supposition 
that the acceptance of one would secure us against the other. I am 
satisfied the war was necessary to preserve (he simplicity of our form 
of government; and if managed with but ordinary wisdom this would 
speedily have been attained. But with an imbecile head it is not 
strange that the same incompetency should pervade every branch of 
the public service. 

April 1st Tuesday 1862 

M'^ Augustus Wattles came to see me and says some radical meas- 
ure will be adopted in regard to the Indian tribes. At the extra Ses- 
sion of Congress in July last I prepared a bill setting apart the Indian 
country south of Kansas for the colonization and permanent home of 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 145 

all the Indian tribes East of the Rocky Mountains but Senator Lane 
of Kansas (of whom I expected better things) opposed the measure — 
opposed any measure designed for their melioration; and would not 
present my bill except to oppose the policy. At this session M"^ Wat- 
tles has also undertaken a similar project in behalf of the Indians, 
but we concluded it was better to wait until the next session of Con- 
gress. But it seems both friends and foes of the Indian are impatient 
to have something done for or with the Indians. I have therefore 
undertaken to prepare another bill with which I shall take more 
pains and much subsequent reflection will enable me to make it more 
perfect. 

Sunday 6th March [April] 1862 

This evening I have written a letter to Horace Greeley about the 
dangers and troubles of the country. The hasty and inconsiderate 
legislation of Congress, the arbitrary acts of the Executive, the dila- 
tory if not treacherous conduct of the military, the vast proportion 
of the Negro question all fill my mind with the saddest forebodings. 
And I believe our only means of avoiding total ruin is to unite while 
we may the councils of true men and elect to office men who will 
carry out a policy dictated by calm and earnest patriotism. We must 
reorganize party with a wide and more comprehensive basis of princi- 
ples. 

Wednesday, 9th April, 1862 
• ••••• • • •• • • • 

Have learned that Lane has totally neglected my business although 
he has several times assured me he would have it all done just as I 
wished Why he should so persistently lie to me and deceive me I 
can not imagine for he is certainly under some obligations to me and 
even if he were not I am entitled to fair and open dealing. He is an 
enigma to me. I often think he is insane, or his extraordinary moral 
obliquity at least often produces effects so nearly like it that one is in 
doubt as to the true origin of his aberation of mind. Pomeroy on 
the contrary has greatly exceeded my expectations in ability, industry, 
fidelity and reliableness, and makes himself respected by friends and 
foes. 

11 



146 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

Thursday l7th April, 1862 

Called at the Senate document room and got a copy of the bill in- 
troduced into the Senate yesterday by Genl. Pomeroy for the organ- 
ization of the Territory of Lanniway. This bill I prepared myself 
with the view of securing a permanent home for the Indians. On 
reading it as printed, I find some errors which may have been in the 
manuscript; and some omissions I did not detect before. Having the 
whole thing before me now in a printed form I think I can make 
such corrections and alterations as will eflPect the object I have in view 
— A suitable government for the Indians under which they may live 
in peace and security. 

Thursday 24th April, 1862. 

I found among the papers a private letter to Lane in reference to 
this and other business which could not but have prejudiced my in- 
terests. Lane may have put this letter in inadvertantly but a man 
who would thus by negligence do an act so injurious to one trusting 
in him is unworthy of confidence and official position of any kind. 
Lane is really one of the most unprincipled men I ever knew without 
a particle of honor, gratitude, or honesty. No wonder the countrv 
goes to ruin when such men rule it. 

Friday 25th April, 1862. 

Called to see Genl. Lane twice to get him to recommend Col. Chas 
Sims to the President as a suitable person for the office of Superin- 
tendent of the new mint (to be) at Denver City. Lane signed it with 
apparent cheerfulness, saying he would do anything he could for Col. 
Sims. All this looked most encouraging, but when I called on Genl. 
Pomeroy he said both he and Lane had sigued a recommendation for 
another person ! and of course [could not] consistently sign this. He 
said besides Genl. Lane's brother in Indiana was a candidate for 
the same office and he thought Genl. Lane had a promise in favor of 
his brother. Now if these things are so how much more honest and 
satisfactory would it have been if Genl. Lane had frankly stated all 
the facts ! What is there to be gained by such double dealing ? 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 147 

Thursday 8th May 1862. 

Called to see Genl. Pomeroy who informs me that Lane did not 
attend the meeting of the Indian Committee on Wednesday although 
he told me the night previous he would do so. Was ever man more 
destitute of gratitude and truthfulness ? Lane's treachery and false- 
hood give me much trouble and anxiety. He occupies a place in 
which he obstructs my business; if he were away I should get along 
much better. His conduct is entirely inexplicable. Nothing but a 
heart as black as hell could impel a man to so much baseness as this 
man is guilty [of] , meantime I am the victim. My whole soul is 
filled with anguish from the discouragements, ill treatment, and embar- 
rassments that overwhelm [me] ; and but for my poor family I had 
far rather be in my grave than thus submit to these oppressions, and 
humiliations. I cannot withdraw ray mind from the wretched con- 
dition to which I am reduced. 

Wednesday 2l8t May, 1862. 

A day of disappointment and mortification. As the Senate Com- 
mittee on Indian Affairs were to meet, I went to see Genl. Lane to 
urge him to attend the meeting as he has all my business under hia 
management and professes to feel a deep interest in it. But he told 
me he could not attend. I then went to M"" Niles my Attorney and 
recommended by Lane and requested him to see Lane and urge upon 
him the necessity of his attendance. This he promised to do and at 
once wrote a letter to Lane upon the subject. This letter I sent into 
Lane by his son. Lane attended the meeting and the Committee 
agreed to report favorably on M^^ Guthrie's claim. I afterward 
visited the Committee room myself and M' Doolittle, Jr, the clerk 
told me he was then making out the law the Committee proposed 
to pass. I then went into the Senate gallery and soon after saw 
M'' Doolittle Jr take some papers to M"^ Harlan who after examining 
them took them to Lane who on looking over them hastily took his 
pen and erased several lines. I afterwards learned these were the law 
for the relief of M" Guthrie and that Lane had struck out all that was 
essential in the case. The law or joint resolution as it now remains is 
worth just nothing at all and I could months ago have had it settled 
more to my satisfaction without any trouble. The Committee has twice 



148 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

agreed to this claim and why Lane should thus defeat it after pretend- 
ing to be its principal champion is really a mystery. But the mystery 
might be solved if we could understand the business of M' Legate, 
Abbott's (the Shawnee Agent) Agent here. Lane has evidently be- 
trayed me and th: t treachery has been brought about by some under- 
derstanding between Lane, Abbott, and Legate. I have no words to 
express my indignation at, and detestation of this baseness. Lane's 
treachery and ingratitude are the most gross it has been my misfortune 
to experience. But he shall yet pay the full penalty of his villainy. 

This evening I called to see Genl. Lane and met M"* Niles there 
Lane pretends to have done all he could to secure a more favorable 
issue. The audacity of the scoundrel is most consumate. 

Sunday 25th May, 1862. 

Called to see Genl. Poraeroy to show him the law introduced by 
Senator Harlan for the relief of M" Guthrie and proposed to him to 
have it amended, he was willing to sustain it, but told me that my 
interviews with Senators Harlan and Wilkinson in reference to this 
claim had predjudiced them against the claim because in conversation 
I claimed that the republican party originated in my efforts for a gov- 
ernment for Nebraska (now Kansas) As no intelligent truthful man 
can controvert this fact I presume the feeling excited against me was 
that it was presumption in me to claim a merit which they all think 
themselves to some extent entitled to. So it seems that it matters not 
what a man's merits are if not supported by successful ambition, they 
are to be ignored even by those who reap the beneficial fruits of them. 
After Nebraska (Kansas) was organized I determined to live a quiet 
simple life on my little farm and so far as I could, I have adhered to 
that resolution. And because I have not kept myself in the public 
eye, these great men think it preposterous that I should lay any claim 
to the important service I have performed ! I will yet be the pen of 
these political ingrates and make them feel the injustice of their dast- 
ardly conduct. 

Called to see Genl. Lane who told me the same as Genl. Pomeroy 
and Senator Doolittle has also conceived a prejudice against me. I do 
not happen to have the graces of a courtier and talk to these men as I 
would talk to other men ; but they seem to expect a deference that 
I cannot conceive them entitled to. The jealousy of power always 



( 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 149 

makes it anxious to forget all to whom it is indebted. I would cer- 
tainly not have gone to see one of these Senators had Lane given any 
attention to my business. I have now been here five months and the 
business I have entrusted to Lane is no further advanced than when I 
came; indeed it is in a much worse condition, and it was not until 
I was forced by his neglect and repeated falsehoods that I called 
upon other Senators and for the first time on the tenth of this month 
and then only on those I heard were hostile to M" G's claim so that 
my interviews with them could not have produced their opposition 
but I am satisfied that Lane's negative support did. His treachery 
and ingratitude are most wanton and inexplicable. I shall find it im- 
possible to forget it. 

Friday 6th June, 1862. 

Made some corrections in the bill to organize the Territory of Len- 
niwa, for the benefit of the Indians. This bill I prepared myself but 
find much to correct in it. Senator Pomeroy introduced it into the 
Senate. 

Saturday 7th June 1862. 

Wrote a letter to Senator J. R. Doolittle enclosing a slip from the 
New York Tribune of the 7th March of this year, containing an arti- 
cle written by myself in support of the organization of the Territory 
South of Kansas for the exclusive benefit of the Indians, and also a 
copy of the bill introduced into the Senate by Genl. Pomeroy for that 
purpose, with such amendments as I thought necessary to render the 
organization effective. This bill as originally prepared by me cov- 
ered a large amount of manuscript and as it was prepared at different 
times, some confusion and omissions occurred which I have endeav- 
ored to arrange and correct. I have great confidence in the success of 
the plan if controlled by good men, but under any circumstances the 
Indians can be no worse off than they are now. 

Thursday 12th June, 1862 

Sent a letter written, written three or four days ago, to Horace 
Greely with a copy of the Report of the House Committee on Elec- 
tions on my claim for mileage and per diem as delegate from Nebraska. 



150 A BRIEF SKETCH OF 

M' Greeley or some one for him, in an article on Nebraska, Kansas, 
in the Tribune Almanac of 1856, stated that Thomas Johnson was 
the first delegate from Kansas (Nebraska.) This does me the greatest 
injustice as Johnson was not heard of until after I had represented 
the Territory one session of Congress and had obtained the passage 
of the bill for the organization of the Territory through the House, 
but the session being a short one it failed in the Senate for want of 
time. 

Friday 27th June, 1862. 
• .••....«•■ • 

Today it is said Genl. Pope has been put in command of the armies 

under Genls. Banks, Fremont, McDowell, & Shields [ ] except 

McDowell whom I regard as a traitor or wholly destitute of military 
talents. I have no doubt these Generals are individually as compe- 
tent as Pope, but as they are volunteers, and have never been through 
West Point, it is the design of the graduates of that institution, to 
deprive them of all means and opportunities of distinguishing them- 
selves, and for this reason their forces have been kept so small that 
they have been able to do really nothing and besides have been crip- 
pled by the arbitary orders of their superiors; the result too of West 
Point jealousy. Such reflections and conclusions at least seem justi- 
fied by the result; while the public are not permited to know what 
takes place behind the curtains. West Point through its graduates now 
rules the destinies of this country and are as rapidly revolutionizing 
the government as the rebels, and are more dangerous to the liberties 
of the country; for they are overthrowing its institutions under the 
guise and pretense of loyalty and therefore excite no suspicions of their 
infamous designs, while [the] country sees only the open efforts of 
the rebels. 

Tuesday, July 1, 1862. 

To-day I got a Wyandot newspaper in which I find all my land 
advertised for sale to satisfy claims against the Quindaro Company. 
Of this debt I never received one cent and am now entirely ruined by 
the villainy of Charles Robinson who has grown rich by plundering 
me. The appraisement is so low too as if for the very purpose of 
making my ruin the more certain. I am a good deal indebted too, 



ABELARD GUTHRIE. 151 

for this misfortune to my kindness to these creditors whom I favored 
as far as in my power allowing judgments to go by default when I 
could have made a defense and thus have kept back judgment a 
long time. I have no language that could even remotely express the 
anguish these things occasion me; were it not for the hope that my 
poor family will be saved from starvation by the success of M" Guth- 
rie's Shawnee claim, I should sink into the grave from utter despair. 
God alone can sustain and guide me under such distressing circum- 
stances. Has God no punishment for such villains ? Why should 
they be allowed to rob the innocent and unwary? This infamous 
wretch never experienced any thing but kindness and boundless gen- 
erosity from myself and my poor family until his true character was 
developed and even then I long bore in silence the crushing wrong in 
the vain hope that shame or contrition would bring him to some 
sense of justice. I have found the laws unequal to a remedy; he has 
had them so made as to suit himself and thus with his own perjuries 
and those of his confederates I am entirely powerless and utterly ruined 
without the hope of legal redress. 

Friday July 4th 1862 

I have made up my mind to be an independent candidate for Con- 
gress in Kansas, and commenced writing an address to the people of 
the State some days ago, but have been too unwell to finish it ; if I can 
get money enough to pay the expense of the contest I think I shall 
succeed — otherwise doubtful. It would appear strange that so hum- 
ble and now so obscure an individual should succeed in so important 
an election. But I feel impelled to make the trial because there are 
many public measures I would like to bring forward in Congress; 
because I think more independent men are wanted in Congress; be- 
cause I have done more for Kansas than any other citizen. 

Tuesday 22nd July, 1862. 
• ••......••• • 

Talked with Genl. Lane about getting some military appointment 
for M' Cobb. He said M" Dole had spoken to him on the same sub- 
ject; that he was authorized by the president to organize and equip 
an army of fifty thousand Negroes, and would start for Kansas for 



152 A BRIEF SKETCH OF ABELARD GUTHRIE. 

that purpose in a day or two and if M' Cobb would call and see him 
he thought he could give him as good a place as he had wished. I 
have not much faith in the promises of Lane, but think with M" 
Dole's solicitation and his own interest M' Cobb will be offered a 
place on Lane's staff. Although I look upon the whole scheme as 
chimerical and expensive, and frought with more danger than bene- 
fits. Wrote to S. A. Cobb. 

Monday 28th July, 1862. 

Finished an address to the people of Kansas proposing to run as a 
candidate for Congress. I feel this office is due me for past services 
and if I had only the gift of gab I believe I should as an independ- 
ent candidate be elected. Still I feel it a kind of duty to offer and 
trust to the justice of the people. 




WILLIAM WALKER, 1833. 



THE JOURNALS 



OF 



WILLIAM WALKER 



PROVISIONAL GOVERNOR 



NEBRASKA TERRITORY 



FIRST BOOK 

From March S9, 1846, to September gS, 1849 



FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT IN THE COLLECTION OF 

WILLIAM E. OOIsri^ELLET 



(168) 



JOURNAL. 



FRANCOIS. 



*' he plus beau morceau d' eloquence qu'il y ait dans aucune langue." 

Bolmar. 



TRADUCTION. 
"The finest piece of eloquence that exists in any language." 

"time when the memory of man runneth not to the contrary." 



(155) 



t 



THE 
JOURNALS OF WILLIAM WALKER, 

Provisional Governor of Nebraska Territory. 



FIRST BOOK. 
From March 29, 1845, to September 22, 1849. 



1845. 
March, 1845. 

Saturday, 29. — Caught Samuel Medary* and put him up 
in a coop to fatten ( not on Quassi Quires ) to be cooked for 
dinner on Harriet's birthday. 

April, 1845. 

Thursday, 10. — Sam was killed and eat up, though sooner 
than was at first intended. His day of execution was has- 
tened by his repeatedly escaping from his coop, and when 
out would invariably fall upon Harry in a deadly fight, but 
was invariably whipped by the latter. It was thought that 
under these circumstances Sam could not gain much fat or 
flesh, and therefore the allotted time was shortened. 

Alas poor Sam 

Let his bones slumber in peace I 

> This was evidently a rooster whicli Governor Walker named Samuel Medary for 
»n Ohio politician of his acquaintance. Medary was afterward appointed Territorial 
Governor of Kansas Territory. The appointment was made November 19, 1858. 

(167) 



158 THE JOURNALS OF [M»y.i845. 

May, 1845. 

Friday, 23. — Finished ploughing the field. 

Saturday, 24. — Harrowed. Set out seventy-five cabbage 
plants. 

Monday, 26. — Planted red potatoes and thirty-one hillg 
watermelons. 

Tuesday, 27. — Set out four dozen beet plants and some 
sugar beets ; fifty cabbage plants. 

Wednesday, 28. — Planted the corn, part yellow, and part 
large white. 

Thursday, 29. — Sowed the Sandwich Island flower seeds, 

Friday, 30. — Planted muskmelons and the fall potatoes. 

Saturday, 31. — Planted blue corn^ with beans, and five 
hills of Santa Fe corn. 

June, 1845. 

Sunday, 1. — Rested. Rainy day. Wrote to G. N. D. 

Monday, 2. — Tried an experiment. Set out fifty radishes 
in the following manner : Made holes in the ground with a 
sharp stick and held the radish in the hole, then filled up the 
interstices with sand.* 



* I will never try this experiment again. Not worth a cent. 

Tuesday, 3. — Set out twelve hills sweet potatoes, and 
[planted] fifteen [hills | Nantucket corn. 

Wednesday, 4. — Planted pumpkins and watermelons and 
muskmelons. 

Thursday, 5. — Planted some more, ditto. We have 
enough. 

Saturday, 7. — Dr. Hewitt and family arrive.* 

* Com was one of the principal articles of food of the Wyandots, and to this day 
they raise many varieties of it — a certain kind for each season, some eariy and some 
late, one kind for a special variety of hominy, and one kind for another variety of that 
dish, etc., etc. 

* Dr. Hewitt was the Indian Agent. His descendants live near Turner Station on 
the A. T. & S. F. E. E., in Shawnee Township, Wyandotte County, Kansas. They are 
farmers. One of his sons lives in Los Angeles, Gal. 



December, 1845] GOVERNOR WALKER. 1 59 

Tuesday, 10. — Enclosed the woods pasture seven rails high. 

Tuesday, 17. — Rainy season commenced. 

Wednesday, 18. — Raining — rained all day. 

Thursday, 19. — Rained all day. 

Friday, 20. — Rained all the time furiously. 

Saturday, 21. — Rained all the time furiously. 

Sunday, 22. — Rained all the time furiously. 

July, 1845. 

Sunday, 13. — Quarterly meeting — hot day, thermometer 
98. 

October, 1845. 

Saturday, 11. — Devoured our last watermelon. 

November, 1845. 

Thursday, 27. — Thermometer at zero at sunrise. 
Saturday, 29. — Thermometer 22 degrees below zero. 

December, 1845. 

Tuesday, 23.— Bought 810 pounds [of] pork at |3.00 per 
cwt. 

Wednesday, 24. — Cut it up and salted it away. 

Thursday, 25. — A merry Christmas^ to all ! I staid at 
home all day, for the best of all reasons, being lame and 
unable to go about. Wrote to some friends in Ohio. 

Tuesday, 30. — Held Council here and did some wise 
things. 

Wednesday, 31. — Wrote a long letter to our delegates at 
Washington.^ 

' Governor Walker almost invariably spelled Christmas "Chrismas." I have taken 
the liberty to correct the spelling. 

* The WyandotB kept delegates in Washington most of the time to look after their 
interests. 



160 THE JOURNALS OF [Janaary. 1846. 

1846. 
January, 1846. 

Thursday, 1. — This is the 45th new year that has passed 
over my head. In looking through the long vista I have 
passed through, how few of my contemporaries live to see 
this day ! "Mais ainse va le monde.^^ 

Friday, 2. — Done nothing — read some — lounged about 
the house. 

Attempted to translate a French Song into English, hor- 
ribly done. The musical Frenchman would never recognize 
his song in this butchered English dress.^ 

Saturday, 3. — Doing nothing — read some — intending to 
read some more in Byron's "Island." Whew! Let joy 
burst forth among epicurians (but more like envy) I am, 
(hear it ye gluttons !) going to dine on pork and parsnips I 
Delectable dish! Felicitatus! 

Just heard by M'"^ Bostwick that Providence was buried 
on yesterday. Poor fellow! His last days were full of 
misery, pain and suffering. He truly died in poverty. 

Sunday, 4. — Staid at home and read. 

Monday, 5. — Heard of the death of Margaret Nofat.' She 
died yesterday. 

Tuesday, 6. — Council met at George Armstrong's.' Trans- 

* Governor Walker spoke French well. Many of the Wyandots spoke French bet- 
ter than they did English. The record in the family Bible of Bobert Eobitaille is 
written in French. 

* There are Wyandots yet living that belong to the family. 

' The founder of the Armstrong family in the Wyandot Nation was Eobert Ann- 
strong. He was captured on the west side of the Alleghany Eiver a few miles above 
Pittsburgh about the year 1783, by a party of Wyandots and Senecas. He was in com- 
pany with another white person when captured. The other was a man grown, and was 
killed. There are two accounts of the capture. See Finley's Life Among the Indians, 
page 453, and Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio (Cincinnati, O., 1847), pages 166, 
167. 

The boy was retained and adopted by the Wyandots. He grew up and married a 
Wyandot woman. He separated from her and married Sarah Zane, daughter of Isaac 
Zane, who had himself been captured and adopted by the Wyandots, had grown up aad 
married a Wyandot woman. By the first wife he had one son, George, bom in 1801; 
died in February, 1853. By the second wife he had four children that I have an account 



January, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 161 

acted a variety of business. Adjourned to meet that day a 
week at some house in town. 

Wednesday, 7. — Undergoing the most tormenting afflic- 
tion from biles, ulcers, sores, scabs, etc. My flesh appears 
to be running into a putrid state, while at the same time 
my health in general is good. 

Thursday, 8. — Lay all day in the house. 

Friday, 9. — Lay all day in the house. 

Saturday, 10. — Lay all day in the house. 

Sunday, 11. — Suffering still; spend sleepless nights. 
Wrote letters to M' Guthrie, [and] J. Washington. 

Monday, 12. — No better but worse — Psoriasis inveterati. 

Tuesday, 13. — Sent for Dr. Hewitt; must undergo a course 
of medicine. Unable to attend Council. Requested Tour- 
oomee to preside over the deliberations of the Council and 
proceed to business. 

Wednesday, 14. — Slept sound last night, having drawn 
pretty liberally upon a soporific anodyne y'clept, morphine 
— feel somewhat stupid, and some foggyness in the upper 
story; not much appetite. 

Thursday, 15. — Feel some better — inflamation going down. 

Friday, 16. — Sleeting this morning, accompanied with 
snow. 

Prepared a communication for C. Graham to Purdy M. 
E. upon the subject of four months pay while moving the 

of: 1. Hannah, died while attending the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky. (See 
Finley's History of the Wyandot Mission.) 2. Silas, born June 3, 1810 ; 3. John Mc- 
Intyre, bom October 7, 1813 ; 4. Catherine. 

George Armstrong married the daughter of Mononcue, a Wyandot preacher, famous 
in the history of the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky. Her name was Skah'- 
mehn-dah -teh ; she belonged to the Porcupine Clan. George Armstrong is buried in 
the Huron Place Cemetery. The following is copied from his tombstone : 

George Armstrong 

Died 

Feb. — 1853 

Aged 52 Years. 

This is an error. Governor Walker's Journal says he died November 19, 1851. Se« 
his entry of November 20th, 1851. 

12 



162 THE JOURNALS OF [January, 1846. 

shop and his family to this country. Dull times. Confined 
to my room — gloomy ennui. 

Saturday, 1 7. — Keceived a letter from Jesse Stern/ giv- 
ing information of Capt. Wagstaff's movements — his peti- 
tion for a partition of the lands in Seneca County, and his 
wish for the appointment of an administrator on the per- 
sonal estate of C. W.^ 

Sunday, 18. — Staid at home all day and read the news — 
had the company of M"" Austin who staid till nearly night. 
In the evening was called upon by M' G. and lady and in a 
few moments afterwards J. W. was added to the company. 
Isaiah accepted his improvement money, it is said, for the 
purpose of buying M" Long's improvement to keep a cer- 
tain Blackstone, Jr. from getting it. Not so bad a move. 

Monday, 19. — Commenced snowing this morning at 2 
o'clock A. M., and now, at 9 o'clock, still snowing and a 
fair prospect of a regular snow storm. 

Tuesday, 20. — This is Council day — important matters 
may come up before that august body. If any Council were 
held I do not know where it was nor what was done. It 
stormed all day at a most furious rate and I kept close 
quarters. 

Wednesday, 21. — Sun rose clear. We shall have a thaw 
to-day. 

Thursday, 22. — Staid all day in close quarters. 

Friday, 23. — To-day a poor wretch, named Lester, has to 
expiate his crime on the "gallows tree," according to the sen- 
tence of the court before which he was tried and convicted 
of the crime, murder, cold blooded murder, of his brother- 
in-law whom he had decoyed off into the prairies on pretence 
of special business requiring secrecy. The motive prompting 

' It is impossible to tell whether Governor Walker intends this for Stem or Stem. 
This holds all the way through his Journal. I have written it Stem. 
^ Catharine Walker, Governor Walker's mother. 



January, 1846.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 163 

to the murder was property. The parents of the murderer 
appear to have been desperate wretches. 

By this time, 4 o'clock P. M., he must have passed the 
dark curtain of death. 

Saturday, 24. — No news. Dull times. Horribelorum. 
Blue devils. 

Sunday, 25. — Sick — had a chill at daylight. My back 
came near parting twain. Received a letter from A. Guth- 
rie.^ Not very encouraging news from Washington. Our 
delegates rioting on the fat of the land at a most expensive 
rate and doing nothing and no prospect of their doing any 
public or private good. Money spent for nothing. 

Monday, 26. — Replied to M*" Guthrie in a dolorous letter. 

Employed Peter Balouger^ and Peter Gray to build a 
smoke house with a porch six feet wide on one side of the 
house, the house to be fourteen feet square and ten logs high, 
price $20.00. Where is the cash to come from. Trust to 
chances. 

Tuesday, 27. — Attended Council to-day but done very 
little important business. Agreed to employ Tall Charles* 
another year to keep the ferry. 

Wrote a joint letter to George Garrett upon the subject 
of R. Wagstaff's application for a partition of the land in 
Seneca County and the appointment of an administrator on 
the personal estate of C. W. In our commucation to G. G. 
we deny that there is any personal property, all having 

' Abelard Guthrie and James Washington were the Delegates at Washington City. 
* Governor Walker writes this name in a variety of ways. It should be written 
Bolanger. He was a Frenchman — one of a settlement of French and half-breed French 
and Indians living then in the "bottom," between the Missouri and Kansas Elvers, 
along the banks of Turkey Creek, which at that time flowed into the Missouri. 

' Tall Charles was sometimes called John Tall-Charles. He was an industrious man 
and good citizen. He is buried in Huron Place Cemetery. On hia tombstone is the fol- 
lowing : 

Tall Charles 

Died 
May — 1856 
Aged 55 Yrs. 



164 THE JOUENALS OF [January, 1846. 

been disposed of during her lifetime. The letter was signed 
W. W., C. B. G., M. K W., J. W} 

Wednesday, 28. — Mild, warm morning; smoky and hazy; 
M' George Dickson called upon us. 11 o'clock, commenced 
misting, and shortly after set in a pretty rain, and now, 3 
o'clock, raining at a pretty brisk rate and every prospect of 
having it all night. Dr. H. advises me to resume the use 
of the iodine and blue mass in order to correct the great 
irregularity in my system and quicken the circulation. So 
to-morrow morning I resume the medicine. Midnight, rain- 
ing. 

Thursday, 29. — Raining, and every appearance of raining 
all day. Rain, rain, oh dull day ! 

" Be still sad heart and cease repining 
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining." 

Friday, 30. — Sun rose clear; but shortly afterwards it 
became over-clouded, and rain set in at 8 o'clock. No work 
to be done on the smoke house to-day. 

Hurra, the hounds! What music ! ! In full chase after 
a wolf over hill and dale, away they go. I am getting 
better ! 

Saturday, 31. — Received a few old papers from the P. O. 
that had been on the road between this and Washington a 
month or six weeks. No letters. No news from our dele- 
gates. What has become of them ? 

But I am informed there [is] a mail behind, which did 
not reach Independence.^ This may account for the lack of 
news. 

February, 1846. 
Sunday, 1. — This being the day of "rest," I rested, but it 
was a poor "rest" to me. Equal to the rest enjoyed by the 
felon in his prison. 

» William Wiilker, Charles B. Garrett, Matthew E. Walker, and Joel Walker. 
» Independence was the nearest post office. 



February, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 165 

Monday, 2. — Posted books all day — walked out. Dr. H. 
and J. W. called and we spent an hour in chat on various 
matters; Indian affairs, politics, etc. 

Tuesday, 3. — Laid the foundation of the smoke house. 

Wednesdav. 4. — Done nothing worthy of note. 

Thursday, 5. -Raised the smoke house. 

Friday, 6. — vVent to the City. Wrote this day to W. 
again for news. 

Saturday, 7. — Went to Kansas. Saw Maj. Vaughan. 
What is he " arter" ? While there, bo't a pair of shoes. I 
expect they are good for nothing. Look at the price, $1.25. 
Ha, ha, ha. 

Sunday, 8. — Staid all day at home — read newspapers. 
Oregon, Oregon. This has become the Alpha and Omega 
of our mouthing politicians. No one can be a great man 
unless he can vociferate "all of Oregon or none," and chew 
and spit out powder and lead. 

Monday, 9. — Clear, bright, and frosty morning. Wrote 
to Luther A. Hall (but dated the letter the 10th) on the 
subject of the tax money sent by him to pay into the Har- 
din County treasury. 

Tuesday, 10.— Paid to Tall Charles, ferryman, $45.00, 
leaving a balance due him for 1845 of $55.00. Bo't some 
baskets from some Muncie women. Received by the hands 
of M"" Wheeler, the President's message with accompanying 
documents, sent by M' Sawyer, M. C. Met in Council, de- 
termined upon calling a National CounciP on Thursday to 
deliberate upon our matters at Washington and other affairs 
generally. 

' The government of the Wyandots was a pure Democracy. Any matter of impor- 
tance that affected the tribe had to be sanctioned by a National Council of the whole 
people. The tribal Council of Chiefs fixed the day for a National Convention and noti- 
fied the people of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting. This notice was sent by 
the Sheriffs, of which there were two. Women participated in these National Councils 
and voted in them if they chose to do so. A majority vote was sufficient to pass a 
measure 



166 THE JOURNALS OF [February, 1846. 

Wednesday, 11. — Moved some of our trumpery, such as 
soap, salt, corn meal, pork, etc., into our new smoke house, 
and hung up the hams and shoulders to dry, and afterwards 
to smoke. 

Heard yesterday my land in H. County, was sold for 
taxes. Money was furnished to my friends in Ohio to pay 
the taxes, but they very kindly appropriated the money to 
their own use. The devil take such friends. 

Thursday, 12. — Met in general convention at the meeting 
house at 12 o'clock. I called the convention to order and 
explained the object of the meeting. A committee was ac- 
cordingly appointed to act with the Chiefs in drafting a 
memorial to Congress upon the subject of our claims. The 
committee consisted of nine men. 

Friday, 13. — Committee and the Council met at the School 
House and drew up a strong memorial to be sent to Hon. 
Tho. H. Benton of the Senate. 

Saturday, 14. — Staid at home, copied the memorial, scrib- 
bled some, read some. I want my mail. News, news ! Snow 
going off very fast. 

Sunday, 15. — Wrote a long letter to James Washington, 
apprising him of our sending our memorial to Senator Ben- 
ton, and apprising him how affairs are going on at his house 
— loafers eating him up. 

Monday, 16. — Wrote under date of 14th, to Jesse Stern, 
upon the subject of Wagstaff's claim, and inquiring what 
authority he has to represent J. T. W.^ in his petition for a 
partition of land. 

Tuesday, 17. — Having received information that our 
Chiefs had presented, through Senator Allen, a memorial to 
Congress, we concluded not to send ours to Col. Benton, but 
forward it to them to be used privately among their friends 
as an exponent of the wishes of the people. 

• John T. Walker, son of John E. Walker, Governor Walker's oldest brother. 



February, 1846] GOVERNOR WALKER. 167 

Wednesday, 18. — I staid up last night till a late hour ex- 
pecting a visitor to my corn shocks of the " kine " kind ; in- 
tended to pay my respects to this " kine " visitor by the dis- 
charge of one or two rounds a la mode military, but no 
visitor. 

This morning I yoked up my oxen, fearing they might 
forget the use of the yoke, and hauled some wood. Cattle 
work well yet. Being washday, carried water. Women all 
in the suds. Did other chores — Shakespeare says chares. 
Which is correct? Some will have it that such work should 
be called "pottering." Well, potter you that potter will, 
*'«s the Pelagions vainly do teach" 

Received the mail from the P. O., two newspapers, not my 
own, and a letter from James Washington, giving us all the 
[news] they have upon the subject of their business at W. 
Prospects somewhat encouraging.^ 

Thursday, 19. — Commenced snowing this morning a little 
before day and it snowed all day at a most furious rate but 
held up at 3 o'clock P. M. Altogether considered it has 
been a rather unseemly day. Wrote to John Goodin authoriz- 
ing him to make an effort to recover my land in Hardin 
county, sold for taxes. My curses rest on the men I en- 
trusted the tax money with! 

Friday, 20. — Kose at the dawn of day; frosty morning — 
made a fire, called my folks up and had everything stirring in 
due time. Stirring times, ^^all of Oregon or noneP To the 
54th degree and 40 minutes and no less. Hurry breakfast, 
no time to be lost. Yes, and the British are looking towards 
Cuba — we are in imminent danger.^ The teakettle is boil- 
ing over. Take it off the fire. 

Our young folks enjoying the snow by sleigh riding of 
evenings. 

• The matter of getting the sanction of the Government to the purchase of their 
home from the Delawares was at this time engrossing the attention of the Wyandots. 

^ Governor Walker had a supreme contempt for the demagoguery of the average so- 
called statesman. 



168 THE JOURNALS OF [Febraary, 1846. 

Saturday, 21. — Clear, cold, and frosty morning — prospect 
of a fine day. This is mail day — bring on the news " Now 
what news upon the Rialto?" Mail received, but nothing 
but newspapers, and nothing of special interest in them. 

Sunday, 22. — Sick this morning, sick all day. 

Monday, 23. — 111 at ease — pains all over my body with 
soreness in my breast. Spent a restless night — took no med- 
icine, 'cause my appetite is not affected nor any derangement 
of stomach or bowels. 

Tuesday, 24. — Council day, but I am unable to attend the 
session to-day. Not feeling any better, and withal being a 
cold, dreary and cloudy day — so contented myself with 
burying my ills, laying and sitting about the fire. Query, 
Does the climate of upper Missouri agree with me? I am 
sometimes induced to thiuk not. My health has not been 
good since I came to this country, but still this may be prop- 
erly attributed to other causes. I would fain think so. I 
like the country and would wish to spend the remainder of 
my days in it. 

Wednesday, 25. — Koasted my bones all day before the 
fire. Mercury down near zero all day. Hard weather for 
an invalid. 

Thursday, 26. — This morning mercury two degrees below 
zero. Whew! good morning Esqr. North Pole, and how 
fare you, M"^ Frigid Zone. Have you both come south to 
thaw your noses? Hope you will make your visit short. 

John Providence was found to-day near Turkey Creek by 
Benjamin, a Frenchman, who, on examining him, found that 
his legs were frozen above the knees and his arras frozen 
above the elbows and [he was] nearly dead. He carried him 
to the Ferry and dragged him over on the ice and [he] was 
taken to Tall Charles's house. He laid out all night, in a 
state of intoxication. Dr. H. thinks he cannot live. Dur- 
ing last night the mercury stood at zero. 



March, 1846.] GOVERNOR AVALKER. 169 

Friday, 27. — Cloudy, cold, dark, weather. Winter, win- 
ter. 

"The dark and wintry day 
Is deepening into night — 
The weary woodman seeks his cottage door." 

Saturday, 28. — Sleeted last night. Everything this morn- 
ing looking as gray as St. Nicholas's beard, while on his 
nocturnal holiday visits to his patrons. What sort of 
weather are we to have next? We have had every variety 
of cold weather, and I begin to wish [for] the return of 
warm weather. A dark dreary day the most cheerless 
and gloomy I have seen lately. Shine forth thou luminary 
of day and show thy brilliant countenance. Suffer us not 
to be frightened out of our wits by the horrible dark frowns 
of the clouds above us. 

March, 1846. 

Sunday, 1. — Clear, warm day. Thawed some of the frost 
out of the ground. 

Monday, 2. — Went to Kansas on foot. Crossed the river 
on the ice. Came near giving out before I reached home, 
the roads being awfully muddy. Sent to the P. O. a com- 
munication to James Washington. 

Tuesday, 3. — Council to-day. Met at 12 o'clock ; read to 
the Council Jas. Washington's letter, and then stated what I 
said in answer. Directors employed Mr. Robataille^ to take 
charge of Mr. Kramer's school. 

Wednesday, 4. — Charming morning; oh, the clear blue 
sky and the glorious rising sun! How vivifying to my dor- 
mant and nearly dead energies both of body and mind. 

Thursday, 5. — This being my natal day, I now make my 
obeisance and enter into my 46th year. I now take my rank 
among old men. What! Am I an old man? Do I look 
venerable? Well, if I do, I do not feel like leaving the ranks 

• Robert Robitaille, a Wyandot. Lived near Quindaro, Wyandotte county, Kansas. 



170 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1846. 

of the young and middle aged yet, at any rate. On serious 
reflection upon my past life, checkered tho' it has been, it 
seems to me that I have lived to but little purpose. I do 
not recollect of having founded any charitable institution, 
church, or synagogue, yet I have not been unmindful of the 
poor. I have a warm feeling for the poor and distressed. 

Friday, 6. — Set out four apple trees (grafts) [that] I got 
from M, R. W. They were procured in Granville, Ohio, 
and [are] reputed to be of a superior quality. 

Saturday, 7. — Dr. H. made preparation and proceeded to 
Kansas to take the boat on her return, destined for Wash- 
ington. The John-Go-Long-Up being the first boat up this 
season. The river unusually low; in many places, there is 
scarcely two feet of water in the channel. 

Sunday, 8. — Down sick with a high fever. Our mail 
brought in. We were shocked at the intelligence of the 
death of Geo. Garrett,^ communicated by Kirby, McE., and 
J.Walker; disease, mania a potu. Favorable intelligence 
from Washington about our claims. Got 20 apple trees. 

Monday, 9. — Kaining. Gloomy day. Continue sick. 

Tuesday, 10. — Council day. Could not attend, of course. 
Staid at home and nursed myself. Commenced taking that 
panacea for ills, blue mass. 

Wednesday, 11. — Had a high fever all day; pains in my 
back. 

Thursday, 12. — Some better ; sat up all day. 

Friday, 13. — Comfortable ; read all day and amused my- 
self in various ways to drive dull care and ennui away. At 
night, luxuriated on a dish of oyster soup. 

Saturday, 14. — Walked over this morning to the Deacon's, 
on a visit. Chatted about half an hour and came away. 
Can't walk very fast. In the evening, Isaiah [Walker] 
brought me two Nat. Intelligencers, but [they] containing 

' Governor Walker's brother-in-law; lie lived in Ohio. 



March. 1846] GOVERNOR WALKER. 171 

no news of importance. Wrote, through the day, by spells, 
a long letter to Robert Wagstaff, giving him, in plain and 
unequivocal language, my opinion of his course. 

Sunday, 15. — Attended this morning at the Deacon's. 
William Garrett and Mary Ann Long were there united in 
marriage at 10 o'clock A. M., and proceeded with a party of 
their friends to Westport. Peace and prosperity attend them. 

Monday, 16. — Getting some better. Sat up all day ; read 
some in the evening. The wedding party returned from 
Westport, highly delighted with their trip. 

Tuesday, 17. — Wrote D. W. Deshler for a certificate or 
receipt. 

Wednesday, 18. — Sick last night ; pains last night in my 
stomach, which terminated in a copious evacuation from the 
bowels. This morning paid the Deacon for my blooded hog 
stock ($400.) so my pigs are secured, unless they are stolen, 
which Heaven forefend! 

Thursday, 19. — Received two letters from our deputies at 
Washington. No news of interest. Considering Friday an 
ill omened or unlucky day, and having twenty choice apple 
trees to set out, I concluded I would at all events, weak as I 
am, make a commencement to-day, so I set out four.^ 

Friday, 20. — Isaiah kindly came over and helped me to 
finish setting out 20, the remainder of the trees. This was 
done in the dark of the moon. Will it make any difference in 
the thrift or bearing of the trees. Wrote a long letter to J. 
Washington in reply to his, and one to John Walker. My 
health slowly improving. Too great an appetite for my di- 
gestion. Still luxuriating on blue mass — "by the mass." 
But it is becoming very nauseating to my stomach and pal- 
ate ; but it must be taken although it may cost some wry 
faces and unseemly gyrations. 

' Almost all men have this feeling that Friday is an unlucky day, but few of them 
will admit it as frankly as Governor Walker does here. 



172 THE JOURNAI/S OF [March, 1846. 

Saturday, 21. — Staid about home. Done pottering chores 
about the house. Walked over to M. R. W.'s and spent 
the afternoon. Commenced raining in the evening and con- 
tinued, with short intermissions, raining all night. 

Sunday, 22. — Raining this morning. Kept close quar- 
ters. Read much miscellaneous matter. Wrote for the 
Expositor. Rained all night. 

Monday, 23. — Rainy morning. Found the glands in my 
neck considerably swollen caused by my taking the mer- 
curial pills, and the damp weather. I must suspend my 
pill taking till the weather changes. Bought some young 
peach trees from C. B. G. If I am favored with good luck 
I shall in three years have lots of fine fruit. So mote it be. 

Tuesday, 24. — This morning found myself pti/alyzed. The 
glands under my jaws, sore. A regular New England snow 
storm all day. Could not attend Council to-day — the weather 
too inclement to go out. 

Wednesday, 25. — Clear, but a cold windy morning. Some 
rain through the day. Nothing of interest occurred. 

Thursday, 26. — Raw, disagreeable day. Staid at home. 
Read over my latest papers the second time for the want of 
later ones. 

Friday, 27. — Cold, cloudy day — dreary as the shores of 
the Island of Spitzbergen, spitting snow all day. 

Saturday, 28. — Cool morning. Set out about 10 o'clock for 
Kansas to mail some letters and get our mail. Not getting 
anything I sent Eldridge H.^ to Westport and got our mail, 
one letter from J. W. G., and one from L. A. Hall. 
" Quarterly meeting time." 

Sunday, 29. — Clear cold morning. Frosty. Read news- 
papers. Lectured my children on morals and good breed- 
ing, warning them against various immoralities.^ People 

• Eldredge H. Brown, now living in Wyandotte, Indian Territory. 

• An old-fashioned practice, now almost obsolete, which might well be revived. 



Mareh. 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 173 

going to church. I wish I could go, but I cannot walk that 
far and back without too much fatigue. 

Mouday, 30. — Cloudy morning and cold. M' Btateler^ 
called upon us and had a long confab. Tauroomee^ called 
and had a ditto. Oh, genial and vivifying spring, hasten 

' The minister of the M. E. Church. 

» Wyandotte Gazette, January 20, 1870 : 

"Tauromee, Chief of the Wyandotte Nation, died on Saturday morning last, and 
Tras buried Sunday, at 2 o'clock P. M. The funeral exercises were held at the M. E, 
Church, South, and owing to the state of the weather and roads, was not numerously 
attended. They consisted of a brief eulogy on the life and character of the deceased, 
delivered in the language of the Wyandottes and the committing to the earth of his re- 
mains. Governor Walker pronounced the eulogy, and afterwards gave a short synopsis 
of it in English, from which we gather the following facts : 

" Tauromee, in his early life, was a man of the chase, a hunter. But his tribe, hav- 
ing noticed that he had a good degree of ability, he was in 1838, chosen into the Council 
Board of the nation, and upon the death of John Long, a number of years afterwards, 
he became Head Chief. From this time the good of the nation seemed to lie nearest 
his heart. His administration was morally a wise and just one. He was a man of 
great endurance and an indomitable will, and when he undertook a measure, no obstacle 
would turn him from it until it was accomplished. He was not of very quick percep- 
tions, and often expressed his regret that he could not grasp a subject and cope with it 
and form his conclusions more readily. But when he had taken time to examine a sub- 
ject in all of its bearings, his conclusions were sure to be correct. 

" Soon after his tribe came to the West, a proposition was made by the government 
(if we understood the speaker correctly ) to have the lands divided among the people, 
and have them come into full citizenship. This Tauromee strenuously opposed, he 
claiming that they were not prepared for such a step, and that the result would be that 
in short time many of them would be homeless. The matter was submitted to the na- 
tion, and a large majority voting for it, it was adopted. Tauromee, obeying the voice 
of his people, signed the treaty, but under protest. The results he had foreseen, soon 
manifested themselves. Many of the tribe, through their improvidence, were soon 
suffering for the necessaries of life. They had squandered their lands, and were with- 
out homes. Then their fallen Chief began to look about for a home for them. He 
finally bethought him of their old neighbors, the Senecas, who now live some two 
hundred miles south of here. Many obstacles were thrown in his way, but he over- 
came them all and succeeded in securing among the Senecas, twenty thousand acres of 
land. Many of his people are already settled there, and at the time of his death, he 
was awaiting some action of Congress to enable him to complete their removal. Now he 
is gone, and John W. Gray- Eyes becomes Chief by birthright. Tenderly and feelingly 
the speaker counseled Gray-Eyes to shake off his besetting sin, and be strong under this 
new responsibility. The speaker referred to the subdivision of the nation into three 
divisions called the Big Turtles, Little Turtles and Wolf tribe. He stated that when a 
Chief of the first two died his eulogy should be spoken by some member of the latter. 
But in this case, there being no one of that division to do it, he was there to do it, though 
himself one of the first. Governor Walker's remarks were listened to with deep in- 
terest by all who were present. At their conclusion the coffin was taken to the grave, 
where it was opened and the members of the Wyandotte Nation who were present 
took a last look at the features of him who had so long been their Chief." 



174 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1S46. 

thy advent to these frigid regions and suffer not that frosty- 
headed old tyrant, winter, to hold eternal dominion over us. 
Tuesday, 31. — Council day. Kead J. W. G.'s letter to 
the Council. Negro question came up; the C[hief] denied 
that any law prohibiting our negroes from emigrating to 
this country was passed.^ Issued Council orders to a large 
amount for Bacon. 

April, 1846. 

Wednesday, 1. — How I was myself "fooled." I had en- 
tirely forgotten that this was the first, i. e. All Fools Day, or 
how much real fun I might have had in my family. In 
fact they forgot it themselves, or they might have had some 
sport out of me. 

Met with M'" G. for the first time since his return from 
Washington. Had a long confab on our claims, on Gov'ts 
politics, etc. 

Weather cleared warm. High winds, drying weather. 
Encouraging for gardening operations. 

Thursday, 2. — Cloudy morning, but cleared off in the 
afternoon and became warm and pleasant. Disinterred my 
potatoes ; found I had five bushels left. Better than I ex- 
pected. 

Friday, 3. — Commenced ploughing my garden, having 
forgot that it was Friday an unlucky day. Well, it rained, 
and [I] had to quit. Such and similar are the results of 
commencing a piece of work on that day. 

At 2 o'clock it cleared up a little, and as Rev. W., M"" 
W. and M" H. W. had made their arrangements to take a 
pleasure ride to Independence, they saddled up their nags 
and put out. May they enjoy much pleasure. I am now 
quite a promising convalescent. 

• There was much opposition in the tribe to slave-holding by any member or citizen 
of it. Some of the most influential men contended that slavery and slave-holding 
were entirely foreign to every Wyandot custom, and repugnant to the Wyandot mind. 



April, 1846] GOVERNOR WALKER. 175 

Saturday, 4. — Rainy morning; dreary appearance out of 
doors. 2 o'clock, raining yet. Thermometer between "tem- 
perate" and "freezing." Well I will stay in the house and 
patiently reconcile myself to my lot. Bring on the mail 
and let me have the news, if there he any going. 

Sunday, 5. — Got up this morning; the mercury in the 
thermometer down to freezing point, and on examination 
found it had frozen the puddles of rainwater. At 8 o'clock 
the small hazy clouds began to disperse and the thrice-wel- 
come smiles of "Old Sol" beamed upon the face of nature 
— making glad all animated nature. Wrote a long letter to 
H. Barrett, giving him what news we have of interest. Just 
heard of the arrival of our delegates. 

Monday, 6. — Raining like fury. Horrid! Wrote to 
J. Y., Cin. Read and yawned and complained of the 
weather, but where is the use? None; so I will be content. 

"No man ere found a happy life by chance 
Or yawned it into being with a wish." 

Tuesday, 7. — Cold morning. Mercury below " freezing 
point." Clear, but how long will it last. Our folks did 
not get home last night from Independence. Council day. 
Met at the Company's store. Transacted some business, and 
adjourned to meet here to hear the report of the delegates. 
Adjourned to meet here to-morrow and finish the report. 
Our folks not home yet. What's the matter? 

Wednesday, 8. — Council met here pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, and the delegates finished their report. If Congress 
should allow the first appraisement, T. W. Bartley is to be 
allowed three thousand dollars for his services, if not, nothing 
but his expenses in Washington. Report accepted. 

To report to the nation in general Council to-morrow at 
the church. 

Thursday, 9. — Rain. I cannot attend the general Coun- 
cil owing to the inclemency of the weather ; dare not get 



176 THE JOURNALS OF [April, 184«. 

wet yet. Every appearance of a rainy day. Set out eigh- 
teen peach trees. It is now four o'clock in the evening, and 
it has rained all day incessantly and likely to continue so 
all night. Poor chance for gardening without a change of 
weather. 

Friday, 10. — Rose early, and my ears were saluted with 
the "old song" rain, rain ; dull music. 

Rain, rain ! Mud, mud ! Misery, disappointment, confu- 
sion, and disorder. Chaotic. 

Saturday, 11. — Wrote to J. M. A.^ a letter of instruction 
upon various matters. Cold, dreary weather. Going to 
hunt my cow; fearing she may have calved and her udder 
might spoil owing to the temperance of the calf. 

12 o'clock. — Just got back from hunting my cow, but can- 
not find her. Where she has gone to I cannot tell. 

Sunday, 12. — Nothing of interest occurred. Hiatus of 
some days. Nothing worth noting. 

Saturday, 18. — Attended Council. Executed our agree-^ 
ment with T. W. B.,^ our attorney at Washington. 

Sunday, 19. — Staid at home all day — read, chatted with 
such company as called. 

Monday, 20. — Worked in the garden ; sowed some lettuce. 
Planted some seed onions and red potatoes. 

Tuesday, 21. — Attended Council. Divorced George Arm- 
strong from his wife.^ H. Jacquis goes back to Washington 
to see to public affairs. 

Wednesday, 22. — Wednesday's history may be sum'd up 
in doing various sorts of work: Gardening, assisting in mak- 
ing soap, carrying water, etc. 

Thursday, 23. — Fenced in the yard. Received a mail to- 

' John M. Armstrong. 

' Thos. W. Bartley; he was acting Governor of Ohio in 1844. 

• He was divorced at this time from Skah-mehn-dah-teh, daughter of Mononcae. 
She is said to have heen a virago. 



I 



April, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 177 

day in which was a letter from Dr. H. written from Wash- 
ington. Made garden ; sowed some seeds. 

Friday, 24. — Husked out the remains of my corn crop. 
Warm and beautiful day. Soap making closed. Wash-day. 
Soap suds and wash tubs. 

Saturday, 25. — Here I j5nd I am in error in regard to my 
dates. To-day is the 25 instead of Yesterday. Engaged in 
clearing up the yard, removing rubbish and stuff, leveling 
the ground — digging up the grubs and stumps. We had no 
€clipse, tho'. Wrote to Col. J. Goodin^ to sell my land at 
a good price if he can. 

Sunday, 26. — Staid at home all day, being unable to travel 
about, owing to my lameness. Read newspapers. Proceed- 
ings of Congress; Oregon, Oregon. I wish the whole terri- 
tory, except the inhabitants, was sunk in the lowest depth 
of tophit. At night, raining. 

Monday, 27. — Dreary morning — raining, In my wrath, I 
slaughtered a hen for breaking my window — she came into 
the house and I could not drive her out, but through the 
window she must go, so I slew her! 

Tuesday, 28. — Pottered about the house. Wrote some 
letters, and read some. Made a summer house. 

Wednesday, 29. — Worked in the garden ; sowed some peas ; 
wrote letters to be sent by the Deacon to Ohio. In the 
evening, had a visit from M'" Graham. 

Thursday, 30. — The day of sale of lots in Kansas.^ Could 
not go on account of lameness. Cold, raw, cloudy day. 
Backward season. 

* I have been unable to ascertain whether or not this gentleman was in any way re- 
lated to John E. Goodin, afterward judge, and member of Congress from Kansas. 

* Governor Walker always speaks of Kansas City, Mo., as " Kansas." It was some- 
tdmes called "Kansas Landing" and " Westport Landing." This is the first sale of 
lots; the town-site was first platted about that time. Only lots along the levee were 
laid out. It was then supposed that what is now the best part of Kansas City would 
always remain farm land. 

13 



178 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1848. 

May, 1846. 

Friday, 1. — May-day. In some countries this is a gala day 
— crowning with flowers the successful candidate for regal 
honors. I worked in the garden ; sowed some parsley seed 
and also some early cabbage. Tried an experiment by 
thrusting apple sprouts into Potatoes, and planting them. 
It is said they [the apple sprouts] will take root. 

Saturday, 2. — Worked in the garden. Went to town. 
Staid nearly all day. Got our news in the evening, and 
read on till late in the night. 

Sunday, 3. — Staid at home — [it] rained. Cold, damp 
weather. 

Monday, 4. — ^The Deacon packing up his effects for a move 
to Ohio. Planted some choice watermelons, [which I] got 
from M" Twyman. [In the] evening [the] Deacon moved 
his family over to our house to remain till he sets out on his 
journey. He seems depressed in spirit and melancholy. 
He evidently leaves with great reluctance. 

Tuesday, 5. — ^The Council met. C. B. G. required to alter 
his fence so as to leave room for a road sixty feet wide and 
throw his farm in [to] a more square form, he fencing in 
other land in lieu thereof. Granted a divorce to William 
Clark from his wife Harriet At 11 o'clock the Deacon and 
his family bade adieu to the Wyandotts,^ and embarked on 
board the Radnor with sorrowful hearts.^ May they have a 
pleasant and prosperous voyage. 

Wednesday, 6. — Warm, but cloudy weather; unsettled. 
About the middle of the afternoon the western horizon be- 
came overcast with black and angry looking clouds, which 
was followed by a most furious rain, and in a short time 
a violent hail storm set in, which lasted two hours. The 

• Governor Walker always writes Wyandot " Wyandott." 

"^ This " Deacon" was the Methodist minister, but what his name was I have not 
ascertained; possibly James Wheeler. 



May, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 179 

cattle became frantic, running to and fro, smarting under 
the severe peltings of the hail. The hail continued till 
night, and all night with occasional intermissions. Every- 
thing deluged. 

Thursday, 7. — Clear this morning, but how long it will 
last no one can tell. Hark, I hear the song of the cuckoo. 
Truly, I can from my heart address that sweet bird in the 
words of Logan I 

" Sweet bird! thy bower is ever green, 

Thy sky is ever clear; 
Thou hast no sorrow in thy note, 

No winter in thy year. 
Oh! ccnld I fly, I'd fly with thee; 

We'd make a joyful wing. 
Our annual visit round the globe, 

Companions of the spring." 

Just heard of the arrival of Noah E. Zane^ with his family 

• The Zane Family. — Wither's Chronicles of Border Warfare, edition of 1895, page 
124, says: 

"In 1769, Col. Ebenezer Zane, his brothers Silas and Jonathan, with some others 
from the South Branch, visited the Ohio River for the purpose of commencing improve- 
ments; and severally proceeded to select positions for their future residence. Col. Zane 
chose for his, an eminence above the mouth of Wheeling Creek, near to the Ohio, and 
opposite a beautiful and considerable island in that river. The spot thus selected by 
him, is now occupied by his son Noah Zane, Esq., and is nearly the center of the pres- 
ent flourishing town of Wheeling. Silas Zane commenced improving on Wheeling 
Creek where Col. Moses Shepard now lives, and Jonathan resided with his brother 
Ebenezer. Several of those who accompained the adventurers likewise remained with 
Col. Zane, in the capacity of laborers." 

In a note to the above, Lyman C. Draper says: " These Gentlemen were descendants 
of a Mr. Zane, who accompanied William Penn, to his province of Pennsylvania, and 
from whom, one of the principal streets in Philadelphia, derived its name. Their 
father was possessed of a bold and daring spirit of adventure, which was displayed on 
many occasions, in the earlier part of his life. Having rendered himself obnoxious to 
the Society of Friends (of which he was a member,) by marrying without the pale of 
that society, he moved to Virginia, and settled on the South Branch, where the town 
of Moorfield has been since erected. One of his sons (Isaac) was taken by the Indians, 
when he was only nine years old, and carried in captivity, to Mad River, in Ohio. 
Here he continued till habit reconciled him to his situation, when he married a squaw, 
became a chief and spent the remainder of his life with them. He was never known 
to wage war against the whites; but was on several occasions, of infinite service, by 
apprising them of meditated attacks of the Indians. His descendants still reside in 
Ohio." 

Isaac Zane was a humane man. Withers says of him, on pages 417 and 418, that a 
war-party of whites once went to attack the Wyandots. One man was placed near the 
Indian camp with orders to fire upon the first Indian he saw. Afterward hie company 



180 THE JOURNALS OF [May. 1848. 

and also E. A. Long. It is said the former intends residing 
here, having moved bag and baggage. What will the poor 

retreated but did not notify him and he was left. He kept his place and when he saw 
a squaw came out of the woods he shot at her and wounded her slightly in the wriat. 
He rushed up to attack the camp, and expected the others of his company to support 
him. It was the hunting camp of Isaac Zane that he had attacked and the girl that he 
had wounded was Isaac Zane's daughter Sarah. Zane showed the man, that had thus 
tried to murder his daughter, the way to overtake his companions and even went with 
him a considerable distance. It is here said also that Zane was only nine years old 
when captured by the Indians. 

It was this Isaac Zane's sister Elizabeth that performed the perilous mission of obtain- 
ing powder for the fort at Wheeling, and by so doing made her name immortal. For 
a good account of this see Wither's Chronicles of Border Warfare, pages 358 and 359. 

Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio says of Isaac Zane: "Isaac Zane was bom 
about the year 1753, on the South Branch of the Potomac, in Virginia, and at the age 
of about nine years, was taken prisoner by the Wyandots and carried to Detroit. He 
remained with his captors until the age of manhood, when like most prisoners taken in 
youth, he refused to return to his home and friends. He married a Wyandot woman, 
from Canada, of half French blood and took no part in the War of the Eevolution. 
After the treaty of Greenville, in 1795, he bought a tract of 1800 acres, on the site of 
Zanesfield, where he lived until his death, in 1816." — Edition of 1849, page 304. 

Zanesville, Ohio, was founded by the Ebenezer Zane hereinbefore mentioned, and 
who was a brother of Isaac Zane, who was captured. For a full account of the founding 
of Zanesville. see "Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio, Muskingum County." 

The following table was given to me by Ebenezer O. Zane, now living on Eighth 
Street between Everett and Oakland Avenues, Kansas City, Kansas : 

Isaac Zane, above referred to and identified, married a half Wyandot and half 
French woman about the beginning of the War of the Eevolution. Her name and clan 
Mr. Zane did not know. Their children were: 1. Ebenezer; 2. Nancy; 3. Sarah; 4 Eliz- 
abeth; 5. William; 6. Isaac; 7. Catharine. 

William and Ebenezer married Wyandot women. I was unable to learn their 
names, or anything of their descendants. 

Nancy Zane married Samuel McCulloch. None of their descendants ever removed 
West. In the treaty of September 29, 1817, made at the foot of the Miami Eapids there 
was a cession of one section of land "To the children of William McCulloch who was 
killed in August, 1812, near Maugaugon, and who are quarter blood Wyandot Indians, 
one section, to contain 640 acres of land, on the west side of the Sandusky Eiver, ad- 
joining the lower line of the tract hereby granted to Eobert Armstrong, and extending 
in the same manner with and from the said river." 

I am inclined to believe that it was William McCulloch, and not Samuel McCulloch, 
that married Nancy Zane. Sarah Zane married Eobert Armstrong; Elizabeth Zane 
married 1st Eobitaille, and 2d, Eeed. Isaac Zane married Hannah Dickin- 
son. Catharine Zane married Alexander Long. Children of Eobert and Sarah (Zane) 
Armstrong: 1. Silas; 2. John Mclntyre; 3. Catharine; 4. One, Hannah, that died at the 

Wyandot mission. Children of Eobitaille and Elizabeth (Zane) Eobitaille: 1. 

James; 2. Eobert; Eobitaille died in year. Children of Eeed and Eliza- 
beth (Zane-Eobitaille) Eeed: 1. Ebenezer; 2 Eliza. Children of Alexander and Cath- 
arine (Zane) Long: 1. Irvin P.; 2. Jane; 3. Ethan; 4. Henry Clay; 5. Mary; 6. Isaac; 
7. James; 8. William. Children of Isaac and Hannah ( Dickinson) Zane: 1. Noah; 
2. Hester; 3. Ebenezer O.; 4. Sarah; 5. Catharine; 6. Hannah; 7. Eliza; 8. John Wes- 
ley; 9. William; 10. Isaac. 



May, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 181 

nincompoop do here? He tried it once before, got fright- 
ened, quarreled with his mother-in-law, then sloped back 
to daddy's house ! 

Friday, 8. — Clear and pleasant morning, but cold. The 
feathered songsters are engaged in one general anthem with 
their mellow throats, rhyming their " Great Creator's praise." 
Enchanting music! 

Eeceived a visit from F. A. Hicks; [we] chatted upon 
Church matters, abolitionism, politics, &c. With all his in- 
stabilities, tergiversations, and inconsistencies, I cannot but 
admire the man. He has good sense and sound judgment. 

Saturday, 9. — Clear and beautiful morning. Noon, clear 
and warm — looks now like settled weather. 

Rev. E. T. Peerey's family, successors of J. W., moved 
over to-day. So, we have new neighbors. May we live as 
peaceably and as happily with them as with their predeces- 
sors. 

Planted three hills of prickly cucumbers for pickles, and 
also planted 25 hills of Lima beans, said to be of a superior 
quality. 

Sunday, 10. — Clear and beautiful morning — prospect of a 
beautiful day. Real Missouri summer day. Read, lounged 
and played the loafer. 

Monday, 11. — Commenced ploughing my field; W. 

Bowers and Benton employed. Planted some yellow 

beans. Got a barrel of flour. Made a table. C. B. G. 
wrathy at the Council for altering his fence for a road. My 
advice to him was to obey the order, as it was not likely any 
further alterations in his fences would be required for roads 
very soon, Theremometer 85° — warm, growing weather. 

Tuesday, 12. — Rose early, fine morning. Our oxen had 
broke out of the pasture and decamped but were shortly 
afterwards found and put "on Duty." Planted fourteen 
hills of C. B. G.'s mammoth watermelons; this being about 
the full of the moon, I want to see what the product will 



182 THE JOUENALS OF [May, 1846. 

be, and what real influence the moon has on the vegetable 
kingdom.^ 

Wednesday, 13. — Cloudy morning; afraid we shall have 
rain today. Heaven fore fend! Bestow upon us clear and 
dry weather till planting is over, that our crops may be 
abundant and we enabled to reap with joy and gladness. 
This is " wash-day," soap-suds, wash-tubs, and dirty clothes. 

At 3 o'clock P. M., it rained a clever shower and it re- 
mains cloudy and may rain again to-night. Just finished 
reading "Nick of the Woods.''^ The author betrays most 
unpardonable ignorance of Indians, their manners and cus- 
toms, rendering some of his vivid descriptions of wild ad- 
ventures, truly ridiculous. 

Thursday, 14. — Kainy morning — the old song, rain, rain, 
rain. Everything looks cheerless and dreary. When will 
the murky clouds cease their lachrymose effusions? Surely 
they are not needed now. This morning Dr. Hewitt re- 
turned from Washington. Not much news. Business could 
not be made to swim as rapidly at Washington as he sup- 
posed, notwithstanding his professed influence over the new 
Commissioner of Indian Affairs. He has called a Council 
for to-morrow when, I suppose, he will make a full develop- 
ment of the result of his mission. 

Cleared off, and pleasant at 12 o'clock. 

Friday, 15. — Council convened and the Doctor submitted 
the advice of the War Department to the Chiefs to with- 
draw their memorial from Congress praying the confirmation 
of the Delaware purchase, and let the matter be thrown into 
a tri-party treaty. Question postponed until Thursday next, 
the regular Council day. 

Saturday, 16. — Went to Kansas. Received a letter from 
J. M. A., in which he manifests a considerable of confidence 

* Formerly the people had a "time in the moon" for doing each kind of work on 
the farm, such as planting the various crops, plowing the land, killing animals for 
food, etc. 



May, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 183 

in the passage of our improvement appropriation thro' the 
House of Representatives if it can be called up and a vote 
taken on the question ; but here appears to be the difficulty. 
He further states that the two payments due on the school 
fund will be appropriated. News in an authentic shape has 
reached here of the declaration of war by Mexico against 
the U. S. and already a part of Gen. Taylor's army is cap- 
tured by the Mexicans. Shame! 

Sunday, 17. — Warm day. 1 o'clock P. M., thermometer 
in the shade 88°. What will it be in July and August. 
At 3 o'clock it mounted up to 90°. Received D. W. Desh- 
ler's answer. 

Monday, 18. — Cloudy, prospect of more rain. It has 
been thundering all the forenoon, but not any rain as yet. 
Hope we may have none all this week. I want to plant my 
corn and sweet potatoes. 

Tuesday, 19. — Council met to-day. The delegates in- 
structed to withdraw the memorial praying Congress to 
confirm the Delaware purchase upon certain contingencies 
mentioned. Sent them a draft on the Commissioner of In- 
dian Affairs for $200 out of the annuity for this year for 
their expenses. Adjourned till Tuesday week. 

Wednesday, 20. — Cloudy morning, I opine we shall have 
rain to-day. At 1 o'clock a thunder storm and shower. Got 
my seed corn from W. Hunter. The real Simon pure gourd 
seed — the grains as long and nearly as large as horse teeth. 
I think it a better kind than the large white Tennessee corn. 
I next want some real Wyandott hominy corn to plant for 
roasting ears, this with me being a great luxury. 

Thursday, 21. — Showery all day. Done nothing — a 
blank. J. Walker set out for Ohio. 

Friday, 22. — Weather unsettled. Rained last night. 
Cleared off and became warm and pleasant. At 2 o'clock 
commenced planting corn, and finished at 5 o'clock P. M. 



184 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1848. 

Unlucky day though it be, yet I am in hopes it will have 
no evil effect upon the growth of the corn. 

Saturday, 23. — Weather unsettled. Prospect of rain — 
but it turned out a clear and warm day. 

Sunday, 24. — Warm and sultry day. Received our mail, 
but had but little interesting news. E,ead all day. In the 
evening went to Church and heard a sermon from Rev. M' 
Duncan, a Cherokee. 

Monday, 25. — A clear and warm day. Nothing special 
of interest occurred. Went to town on a visit to C. G.'s. 

Tuesday, 26. — Council day. Met at 11 o'clock A. M. 
Elected M. R. W. school director, in the place of John 
Gibson. 

Wednesday, 27. — Rained last night; clear to-day and 
sultry — think we shall have more rain this afternoon. Well, 
so we did. Sowed radishes and beets. 

Thursday, 28. — Rained last night. Clear to-day and 
sultry. Stuck my peas. Hark! there is a new feathered 
songster singing melodious music! 

That soDg, sweet bird, once more, oh once again! 

Let that rich warble from thy bosom gash; 
Delightful memories waken with thy strain, 

And o'er my soul with trembling raptnre rash. 

Friday, 29. — Rained last night as usual. Clear this morn- 
ing. I opine our rainy season is about setting in and we 
may shortly expect the annual rise of our rivers. But it is 
thought by the old inhabitants that the rise this season will 
not be as great as the two last seasons. If it should prove 
true, it will be a happy circumstance to that numerous class 
of residents upon the rich river bottoms. 

Saturday, 30. — Clear, cool and bracing morning. We 
escaped our usual night rains, having passed through the last 
night without any "droppings" from the clouds; but in lieu 
thereof we were visited by a certain quadruped gentleman, 



June, 1846.] GOVEENOR WALKER. 185 

whose proximity is always kuowu by a peculiar, nauseating 
scent he carries about his person, y'clept polecat. 

I have adopted a few days ago the Turkish custom of 
morning ablutions as soon as I get out of bed. I strip my- 
self and proceed to the operation with a sponge and cold 
water, and close with a vigorous and hearty application of a 
coarse linen towel and cease not the rubbing till my cuticle is 
excited to a red glow. Then like a good mussulman exclaim 
^^ Allah ach har^'' and proceed to my toilette. What effect this 
may have upon my health and morals, all trying time alone 
can determine. It may increase the activity of the circula- 
tion of the fluids, and cause a more regular determination to 
the surface and thereby prevent those ulcers, biles, and sores, 
I have been so long afflicted with. Mahomet was a prophet 

The Missouri is rising rapidly. Just heard that M"" Har- 
per, Col. S. Owen's son-in-law, shot a man in Independence 
while they were sitting gambling in a room; no one being 
present, the particulars of the fatal quarrel cannot be given. 
Presume they [were] intoxicated, and one was perhaps los- 
ing money faster than he liked. 

Sunday, 31. — Clear morning. Continued warm through 
the day, but in the evening it became cloudy, and we had a 
brisk shower. During the day I called upon Dr. H. and 
spent two or three hours at his house. He was truly sopo- 
rific, and I had the exquisite pleasure of enjoying my own 
company. 

June, 1846. 

Monday, 1. — Farewell, blossom decorated May! Thou 
hast truly had a tear shedding time of it during your short 
sojourn with us. It has been shower after shower. Truly 
thou hast been "in the melting mood," though so often 
pressed to dry up thy tears and put on a smiling face. But 
nay. She left us last night in a violent passion and in the 



186 THE JOURNALS OF [June, 1846. 

midst of a torrent of grief, and verily, we are not sorry she 
is gone. And now, smooth-faced June, we bid thee welcome, 
and trust thou wilt act more seemly than thy predecessor. 
Wear thy best smiles and let buoyant joy be enthroned upon 
thy brow. 

6 o'clock P. M. It has been cool all day, temperature, 
65°. Sun going down clear. No rain to-night I hope. 

Tuesday, 2. — Clear and pleasant. At sunrise temperature 
60°. Council convened. Transacted various matters, local 
affairs, etc. Authorized a call of a National Convention to 
remodel the government, and appointed Thursday next to 
communicate to the nation, through a committee, the con- 
templated call. Adjourned. Took tea at S. A.'s, then 
came home via Pharoah's Lodge.^ 

Wednesday, 3. — Dark and cloudy. More rain. Oh! 
June, June! truly, thou art going to follow the example of 
thy elder sister. May, whining, crying, weeping, sniveling, 
and nothing but showers of tears, tears. Shame, shame. 

Thursday, 4. — Cloudy and cool, temperature 60°. Fire 
feels comfortable. Felicitatus. 

Friday, 5. — Clear and cold. Temperature 60°. Remained 
cool all night. At 4 o'clock a heavy shower of rain fell. 
Planted in the field watermelons, muskmelous, cucumbers, 
and pumpkins. In the night it rain[ed] again. So we 
have it. 

Saturday, 6. — Cloudy, dreary, and cold. Temperature 
50°. The Mexican quasi war. Our frontier is all in com- 
motion. Volunteers preparing and organizing, drilling and 
equipping themselves to "march over the hills and far 
away" to the Mexican frontier to reap laurels of renown. 
The worst of all is our government is in fault. We are ac- 

' The Masonic Lodge of the Wyandot Nation. This name seems not to have been 
the real name of the Lodge. It had its meetings at the home of Matthew E. Walker. 
The meetings were informal and not regular communications. No Masonic labor was 
attempted. 



jnnc, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 187 

tually the aggressors. This I deeply deplore. Received a 
letter from H. Barrett — all well. 

Sunday, 7. — Clear and cool. Temperature 60°. Pleas- 
ant all day. Being unable to walk to meeting, went to town 
and spent part of the day with C Graham. The city ice 
house empty already, even before real warm weather has set 
in. It melted away, not being put up in the right way. 
What's to be done now ? Drink Kaw water. 

Monday, 8. — Clear and cool. Temperature 55°. A gen- 
eral " turnout" of the Wyandotts to-day on the roads, cut- 
ting down timber and clearing out as well as widening the 
road. 

Wrote to-day in the agent's office. Came home. Taking 
the blue mass again. Sweet and delectable morsel I How 
pleasant art thou to the palate. 

Tuesday, 9. — Clear and cool ; temperature, 55°. Council 
to-day. Various, grave, and weighty matters to attend to 
to-day. 210 Senecas^ landed to-day from Cattaraugus, Ton- 
awanda and Buffalo, destined to the great Osage River. 
Indicted C. B. G. for committing a burglary upon the ferry. 

Wednesday, 10. — Clear; temperature, 55°. Pleasant to- 
day. Went to town. Saw M' Guthrie on his way to Ohio, 
waiting for a boat. Wrote by him to Col. Goodin again. 
Visitors to-day; M" G. and H. Glad to see company. 

Thursday, 11. — Nothing worth recording. 

Friday, 12. — Cloudy and lowering. Prospect of rain. 
Held a diplomatic interview with the emigrants, Senecas, 
from N. Y. Tauroome and Sarrahas being the orators on 
the occasion [on the part of the Wyandotts]. An eloquent 
response from an old Seneca Chief. 

Saturday, 13. — Staid at Kansas waiting for the mail. 
News from the Mexican frontier. The American arms 
victorious. 

> These Senecas were on their way to the Cowskin Eiver country, in the Indian Ter- 
ritory. 



188 THE JOURNALS OF [June, 184«. 

Sunday, 14. — Hiatus. 

Saturday, 20. — A violent attack of the pleurisy confines 
me to the house for four days. 

Sunday, 21. — Eead all day and played the idle man. 

Monday, 22. — Attended Council. No business of impor- 
tance. 

Tuesday, 23. — Worked in the garden and did some " pot- 
tering" about the house. 

Wednesday, 24. — Staid at home; read all day; and worked 
some. 

Thursday, 25. — Ditto; nothing strange. 

Friday, 26. — Got our mail ; but no interesting news from 
Washington. 

Hiatus. 

July, 1846. 

Saturday, 4. — News that our bill had passed the Lower 
House. 

Hiatus. 

Tuesday, 7. — C. B. G. and Peter Buck arraigned for 
violently taking the ferry boat from her moorings in the 
absence of the ferryman; the former fined $5.00 and the 
latter $2.50. 

Wednesday, 8. — Committee and Council met again. 

Thursday, 9. — General Convention of the Nation at the 
Church, on the subject of the new government. 

Friday, 10. — Staid at home. Did various sorts of work. 

Saturday, 11. — Warm and sultry. 

Sunday, 12. — Read and lounged. Warm day. 

Monday, 13. — Did various sorts of work. Got some cash 
from Dr. Hewitt on the improvement bill, for present use. 

Tuesday, 14. — Myself, wife, and Harriet went to Westport, 
and returned the next day. 

Wednesday, 15. — Came home and found all well. 

Thursday, 16. — Hoed my potatoes, and [did] other gar- 



July, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 189 

dening work. Heard to-day of yesterday's operations in the 
Dominating Convention, thus: 

James Washington vs. F. A. Hicks.^ 
Tauroomee vs. G. I. Clark. 
William Walker vs. J. Walker. 
H. Jacquis vs. Sarrahess. 
J. W. Gray-Eyes vs. George Armstrong. 
Making the Council, after the election, to consist of only 
four Councillors and a Presiding Chief. 

Friday, 17. — Went to Westport and bought a horse at 
$45.00. How he may turn out I am unable to tell. He 
has some good marks about him — has a good walk and 
travels well ; seven years old ; chestnut sorrel. 
Saturday, 18. — Came home with my horse. 
Sunday, 19. — Girls went to the Delaware camp meeting.^ 
Monday, 20. — Went to the Delaware camp meeting and 
returned in the evening. Had a pleasant ride. 

Tuesday, 21. — Council met; transacted a variety of busi- 
ness, and adjourned till next Tuesday. 

Wednesday, 22. — Afflicted with the diarrhea caused by 
too vegetable a diet. Commenced raining at 7 o'clock and 
continued a steady rain till 11 o'clock at night. 
Thursday, 23. — Clear and beautiful morning. 

* Francis A. Hicks was the son of John Hicks, who was the last of the hereditary 
Chiefs of the Wyandots. I have heen unable to learn the Clan to which Francis A. 
Hicks belonged. His name was Tooh'-noh-shah'-teh, the meaning of which is lost. He 
was bom in 1800. He became Head Chief of the Wyandots. He belonged to the M. E. 
Church and opposed the division of the Church. He was married to Mrs. Matilda 
Driver, widow of Francis Driver, and one of the many Wyandot women famous in the 
tribe for intelligence, goodness of heart, and a consistent Christian life. She was a 
Wyandot only by adoption. Francis A. Hicks was buried in Huron Place Cemetery. 
The following is copied from the stone over his grave: 

Francis A. Hicks 

Died 

Sept 1855 

Aged 55 Yrs. 

He was Head Chief at the time the Wyandots removed from Ohio. 

* The Delaware Camp-meeting ground was near the present village of White Church, 
Wyandotte County, Kansas. 



190 THE JOURNALS OF [July, i84e. 

Friday, 24. — M' and M" Peerey,^ myself and wife went 
to M' Graham's and spent the "arternoon," and supped 
heartily on a roast turkey, and came home well pleased and 
satisfied with our visit. 

Saturday, 25. — Received a letter from Col. J. Goodin. 
My land cannot, as he says, command more than $5.50 or 
$6.00 per acre. Good time to sow turnips but [we] have no 
seed. Alas ! alas ! 

Sunday, 26. — Fine, warm, pleasant day. Thermometer 
92°. W. Bowers called and spent a part of the day. Af- 
flicted with something like the gastritis, from which I suffer 
much pain. At night, quite unwell. 

Monday, 27. — Warm day. Feel but little better. Read 
and lounged. 

Tuesday, 28. — Attended Council. Transacted various 
[matters of] business. Judgment against Joseph Big-Tree 
and Theo. Standinwater for $6.00 in favor of John La- 
Serge,^ for a canoe. Took supper at Hunter's. A pleasant 
party. 

Wednesday, 29. — Warm; mercury 96°. Dissolved the 
W. I. S. C. and proceeded to wind up the institution by col- 
lecting the debts and settling off and paying the stock- 
holders. Present: S.A.,G.A.,W.W.— 3. Absent: C. B. G. 

Thursday, 30. — Hot enough to turn an icicle into a red- 
hot spike. Hunted [for] my horse, but could not find [it]. 

Friday, 31. — We had an awful windstorm or tornado; 
trees were thrown ** helter skelter " in every direction, but 
no material damage was done. 

August, 1846. 
Saturday, 1. — Cloudy morning ; prospect of rain. At 1 
o'clock it cleared off and was warm all the afternoon. Spent 

' Governor Walker often writes this name Peery and sometimes Peerey. He waa a 
Methodist minister. 

' One of the Frenchmen who lived in the " bottoms." 



August, 1846.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 191 

the afternoon in company with the Kev. M'" Jordan, Dr. 
Hand ; and W. Twyman^ called and stayed some time. 

Sunday, 2. — Clear and warm day. Went up to see Dr. 
H., then called upon M"" Graham,^ thence home. Got no 
mail, so no news; too bad, too bad ! 

Monday, 3. — Warm weather ; 95°. 

Tuesday, 4. — Attended Council; divorced Margaret Hill 
from her husband, Russell B. Hill. Appointed Sarrahess, 
Tauroomee, and George Armstrong a deputation to the Sen- 
ecas. South. But their departure was postponed in conse- 
quence of hearing that a messenger was expected from the 
Senecas, inviting the Wyandotts to be present at the instal- 
lation of the new Head Chief.' 

Wednesday, 6. — Nothing of interest. Warm, dry weather. 

Thursday, 6. — Ditto. Me7ne chose. 

Friday, 7. — Sowed some turnip seed in the garden. M' 
and M" Peery and Martha went to the Shawnee Institution* 
to hear Mr. Patton's Funeral Sermon on the death of M" 
Beryman. H. Jacquis and J. M. A. returned. 

Saturday, 8. — Five of us assembled at the school house to 
clear off the ground by grubbing the hazel and alder brush, 
hauling away rotten logs and clearing away tree-tops thrown 
down by the tornado, and fixing seats for our approaching 
" green corn feast," and " barbecue." 

In the evening I was attacked suddenly with a pleurisy. 

Sunday, 9. — ^Took medicine. Nauseating doses. — Sick, 
— sick. 

* Lived at Independence, Mo. 

* Charles Graham, the Agency blacksmith ; was from Ohio. Often spoken of in 
these Journals as C. G. 

' These Senecas lived in the present Seneca Eeserve in the Indian Territory, and 
were sometimes spoken of locally as the "Cowskin Senecas," because the Cowskin 
Eiver is the principal river in the Eeservation. They had lived on land adjoining that 
of the Wyandots in Ohio, which the Wyandots gave them. They belonged to the same 
great Indian family as the Wyandots and a close friendship existed between the two 
tribes at that time. 

* The Shawnee Mission near Westport, Mo., but in the " Indian Territory"; mission 
of the M. £. Church, South. 



192 THE JOURNALS OF [August, 1846. 

Monday, 10. — Feel better; and continued go all day. 

Tuesday, 11. — [I have] taken a cold by going out in the 
night, without putting on my clothes, for the purpose of 
killing a polecat. I am much worse, suffering a great 
deal. Sent for Dr. Hand. In the evening he came; took 
a quart or more [of] blood. My respiration much im- 
proved. Passed a somewhat comfortable night. 

Wednesday, 12. — Resumed my nauseating doses; the vio- 
lence of the symptoms in some degree abating — feel weak 
and debilitated — no appetite. Afraid I shall not be able 
to attend the "Green Corn Feast" and "Barbecue" next 
Saturday. 

Worse. . , . 

Five days, insensible. 

Wednesday, 19. — Recovering slowly. A complete skel- 
eton. 

"Fto/a le commencement dufin.^' 

I move about my room, 

"Like some town hack that, spavin'd, old and blind, 
Moves to the wheezing of his broken wind." 

Hiatus. 

September, 1846. 

" Let me think how time is gliding; 

Soon the longest life departs, 
Nothing human is abiding, 

Save the love of humble hearts. 
Love to God and to our neighbor, 

Makes our present happiness; 
Vain the wish, the care, the labor, 

Earth's poor trifles to possess. " 

NOVEMBEK, 1846. 

Tuesday, 10. — Received a letter from Geo. Dickson, in- 
forming me that he had succeeded in purchasing from John 
Edmonson, his farm in Van Buren County, at six hundred 
dollars. 

Hiatus. 



December, 1846.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 193 

Thursday, 12.— Sent $600. by M. K. Walker to pay Ed- 
monson for his farm, and [to] get the deed recorded. 

Hiatus. 

Saturday, 28. — Inclosed to J. R. Rowand, Druggist in 
Philadelphia, $25.00, two ten dollar bills and one $5.00. 
The two tens on the State Bank of Missouri, and the five 
on the State Bank of Indiana. 

Hiatus. 

December, 1846. 

Wednesday, 16. — Pursuant to previous arrangements, the 
Delaware Chiefs assembled at the school house to Memo- 
rialize the President for the appointment of a Commissioner 
to shape the agreement between the Wyandotts and Dela- 
wares into the form of a Treaty so as [to] enable the Presi- 
dent and Senate to ratify the same, — but in consequence of 
Major Cummins not arriving, it was postponed till Monday, 
21st instant.^ 

Monday, 21. — Sarrahas took sick on Wednesday night, 
and [on] the Saturday following, at 7 o'clock P. M., he died 
of a hemorrhage from the lungs.^ 

Thursday, 24. — Had a wedding at our house. George 
Armstrong was married to the widow Barnett. Company 
are Rev. E. T. Peery, James Washington, H. Jacquis, Silas 
Armstrong, J. M. Armstrong, Widow Charloe,^ M''^ Wash- 
ington, and W. Bowen. 

' The agreement concerning the " Wyandot Purchase." 

^ He died on the 18th. He was a good man, with a strong grasp of public questions; 
he was a fine orator. He is buried in Huron Place Cemetery. The inscription on the 
stone over his grave reads : 

Matthew Sarrahess 

died 

Dec 18 1846 

Aged 60 Yrs. 

' Margaret Charloe was the sister of Henry Jacquis. She married Charloe. 

Their children were : 1. John; 2. Hannah; 3. James T.; 4. Eobert; 5. Nancy. Eobert 
and Nancy died unmarried. James T. Charloe married Amelia Peacock. They had 
only one child, Lucy. She married John Winney, a Seneca, and she now lives in the 
14 



194 THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1846. 

Friday, 25. — Spent my Christmas in Kansas and West- 
port. 

Sunday, 27- — Set out for Harrisonville in company with 
M' Munday to attend a negro sale. 

1847. 
January, 1847. 

Friday, 1. — In Harrison villle I this day bought at public 
sale a female slave about 32 years of age, named "Dorcas." 
If I have erred in this act, may God in his infinite mercy 
forgive me, though I feel no condemnation for the act. I 
shall endeavor to come up fully to what was said by the 
auctioneer who sold her, who said, when it was announced 
that I was the purchaser, "Now Dorcas, you have a good 
and kind master."^ 

Hiatus. 

Seneca Nation. John Charloe married . Their children : 1. JaneC; 2. Mar- 
garet. Jane Charloe married John Pipe. Margaret Charloe married Thomas Pipe. 
After the death of John Pipe, his widow married John Sarrahas. Hannah Charloe 
married John Barnett. Children: 1, James; 2. Eliza; 3. John Eussel; 4. Louis; 5. 
William. John E., Louis, and William died unmarried. Eliza Barnett married Mat- 
thias Splitlog. James Barnett married Jane TuUis. Children: I.Serena; 2. Martha M.; 
3. Henry J.; 4. Silas A.; 5. Izetta. Silas A. died unmarried. Serena Barnett married 
Alfred Welsh. Martha M. Barnett married William Priestly. Henry J. Barnett mar- 
ried Mary C. Passmore. Izette Barnett married Oliver P. De Honde. Henry J. Bar- 
nett and Mary C. Passmore had one son, William C. Barnett. Mrs. De Honde has 
adopted him. 

' The following is a copy of the Bill of Sale given him: 

"Know aU men by these Presents that we John W. Briscoe and Greenbury Parker 
administrators of the estate of John Gipson deceased have this day as such administra- 
tors for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred and eighty dollars the receipt 
whereof is hereby acknowledged bargained sold and delivered unto William Walker 
one certain negro woman slave for life aged about thirty five years of moderately dark 
complexion called and named Dorcas of the property of said estate — to have and to 
hold said slave unto said William Walker his executors admrs. and assigns forever. 

"And we said administratora as the legal Representatives of said decedent do hereby 
Warrant the title of said negro and that she is of sound mind and body and slave for 
life — in testimony Whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals (as such adminis- 
trators) this 1st day of January A D 1847. 

(Signed) "John W. Briscoe [beax] 

"Gbeknbeeky Pakkee [seal] 
"Admrs." 



March, 1847] GOVERNOR WALKER. 195 

Februaey, 1847. 

Thursday, 4. — Wrote to [The] General Land Office in- 
quiring what the " Cherokee Boy's "^ three- fourths of a section 
amounted to, and what amount would be deducted for ex- 
penses. 

Hiatus. 

Saturday, 20. — Having received J. C Berryman's deed 
to-day, I paid E. T. Perry the balance due on the land, 
$497.45. 

Hiatus. 

Thursday, 25. — Wrote to James Dunwoodie, making him 
an offer for his slave " Ben." R. Gray Eyes was buried. 

Miss Peach Blossom gave birth to a fine bull calf, [which 
I] named " Brutus." 

Friday, 26. — Snowing, cloudy, and dark. Snowed all day; 
prospects of a cold night. Surely there has been a revolu- 
tion on our terraqueous globe; the frigid zone is taking the 
place of the temperate. 

Saturday, 27. — Weather about ditto. The "Amelia" 
steamboat came up; the first boat up this season. 

Hiatus. 

Maech, 1847. 

Tuesday, 2. — Held a session of the Council. 
[Wednesday, 3.] — Council met again. Steamboat "John 

• The Cherokee Boy was Chief of the Wolf Clan of the Wyandots. His Wyandot 
name was Hah-rohn'-yooh. He signed the Treaty of September 17, 1818, by his mark, 
and his name is written "Horonu, or Cherokee Boy." On September 20, 1818, he 
signed another Treaty, and his name is there written "Aronne, or Cherokee Boy." In 
the treaty of September 29, 1817, is the following grant: 

" To Horonu, or the Cherokee Boy, a Wyandot chief, a section of land to contain 
640 acres, on the Sandusky river, to be laid off in a square form, and to include 1 is 
improvements. ' ' 

It was concerning a part of the proceeds of the sale of this land that Gtovernor 
Walker was writing to the Government. 

The wife of the Cherokee Boy was a Delaware, but she had been adopted by the 
Wyandots, and into the Wolf Clan. Her Wyandot name was Yahn-yooh'-mehn'-tah. 
Their marriage was permitted because she was of foreign blood — a stranger. What 
their names signity I have not been able to learn. 



196 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1847. 

J. Hardin" came up. Sent to the P. O. a letter to Gales 
& Seaton requesting the " Nat. Int." to be sent to Wcstport. 
On the same day [ I wrote] to W. B. Thrall of the O. S. 
-Journal to the same effect. 

Thursday, 4. — This day Congress, the 29th Congress, 
scattered to the four winds of the earth. The members 
thereof [are] never to meet again. 

Mrs. W. went to Randolph a shopping. 

Friday, 5. — This day I am 46 years of age. 

"Time, like an ever rolling stream, 
Bears all its sons away; 
They fly forgotten, as a dream 
Dies at the opening day." ' 

Saturday, 6. — Paid Dr. Harlan his bill, at Kansas. 

Sunday, 7. — Four inches [of] snow on the ground. 

Monday, 8. — Cold all day. In the morning the ther- 
mometer stood 10° above zero. Boisterous weather. 

Tuesday, 9. — Snowed last night. 12° above zero. Stock 
suff'ering. Steamboats stopped. 

Wednesday, 10. — Cold, dreary weather; at night, snow- 
ing. Thermometer 20°. 

Thursday, 11. — Weather moderated a little, but [still] 
cloudy and cheerless. Attended National Council at the 
Church. New laws enacted. Boundary Commissioners,^ 
S. A. and M. B. W., appointed; and John Gibson and J. 
W. Gray Eyes [appointed] Supervisors. Came home [at] 
4 o'clock P. M. 

Snowing — "storms after storms" succeed storms and snow 
storms, and storm all the time. 

Friday, 12. — Snow storm, as usual. So we go, storm after 
storm. 

* Ohio State Journal. 

" His birthday almost always caused some such sentiment as this to be written in 
his Journal. There seems to have been ever present with him a full realization of the 
fleetness of time and the utter worthlessness of all worldly possessions in the hour of 
death. 

» To fix the western boundary of the " Purchase." 



March, 1847.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 197 

Oh, you hoary headed old scamp! hie you back to your 
frigid regions. What do you here in the Sunny South at 
this season of the year? Away with you, with your frosty 
beard and jingling icicles, no more to be seen till your al- 
lotted season. 

Saturday, 13. — Clear for once, and prospect for a warm 
day. Adm's. sale of the chattels of the late Robert Gray 
Eyes,^ deceased. J. Walker bought the place at the appraise- 
ment. I bought nothing! Came home and read newspapers 
just got out of the P. O. The papers, however, a " dog's 
age " old. 

Sunday, 14. — Received a letter from my old friend and 
neighbor, A. Trager. Snowing, snowing, though not cold. 
Staid at home all day. Dull, dull. 

Monday, 15. — At daylight, 2° below zero! Sunrise, 
clear. Afternoon, cloudy and snowy. Sunset, snowing. 
Wind from the South. 

Tuesday, 16. — Sunrise, 10° above zero. Clear. About to 
set out for Independence to attend a sale of Cohn & Black's 
house and lot, and to attend Court, and various other matters. 

Wednesday, 17. — At Independence, Bought Cohn & 
Black's house and lot, $705. 

Hiatus. 

Friday, 26. — Came home with the mumps. 

Saturday, 27. — Some better. Read all day. Took medi- 
cines. 

Sunday, 28. — Read, wrote, etc. 

Monday, 29.— Sent $705.00 to the Sheriff by C. Graham, 
being the price of my late purchase. 

Tuesday, 30. — Mild and warm. Suffering from a severe 
cough. Amused with the company of Mr. Murfee from In- 
dependence, who staid all night. 

Wednesday, 31. — Beautiful day, warm and pleasant. 

' Brother of John W. Gray-Eyes. 



198 THE JOURNALS OF [April, 1847. 

April, 1847. 

Thursday, 1. — All Fool's day, but a very pleasant one. 
Warm and mild. Wrote to J. R. Rowand informing him 
when I made the remittance of f 25.00. 

Friday, 2. — At 9 o'clock the girls made their appearance 
after an absence of over six months. They came home to 
spend their vacation. 

Saturday, 3. — We both went to Kansas in company with 
Henry Jacquis and his team, and brought away our effects 
stored away in the warehouse, and at the same time ac- 
knowledged the execution of a deed before Justice Kaufman, 
and came home quite fatigued. 

Nancy Washington died this morning. 

Sunday, 4. — Fine, warm day. The funeral of Nancy 
Washington takes place to-day. 

Monday, 5. — Beautiful weather. 

Tuesday, 6. — Attended Council at J. Washington's. 
Transacted various [matters of] business, and adjourned to 
the first Tuesday in May next. 

Wednesday, 7. — Rolled the logs in the woods pasture. 
In the evening our old and esteemed friend. Col. W. M. 
Chick,^ departed this life. Disease, Gastritis, Enteritis, and 
Pneumonia. 

Thursday, 8. — We attended the funeral. There was a 
vast concourse of people at the burial. ■ 

Friday, 9. — Settled with Thomas Bowers for his work in 
the woods pasture. Paid him $23.40. Log-rolled all day , 
for M. R. Walker. A hard day's work ! ! * 

Saturday, 10. — Working in the garden. Planted early 
potatoes, top onions ; and sowed onion seed. Planted peas. 

Sunday, 11. — Quarterly Meeting. Went to Church and 
heard a sermon from Mr. Stateler. 



* I do not know certainly whether he lived in the "Wyandot Purchase " or in the 
City of " Kansas "; probably in the latter. 



I 



April, 1847.] GOVEKNOR WALKER. 199 

Monday, 12. — Wrote to Col. Goodin, authorizing him to 
accept of M'^ Saylor's offer for my land, one-third down and 
the remainder in two annual payments, without interest. 
Wrote to Col. Kirby on the Burlingame case. Hauled rails 
all day. 

" Je suis fatigue cam une chevalle." 

Mrs. Walker went to Westport to send by D. W. Simp- 
sou to New York for some silver plate.^ J. Walker returned 
to-day from St. Louis. 

Hiatus. 

Saturday, 17. — Planted our corn. 

Sunday, 18. — Read all day; kept close quarters. 

Monday, 19. — Attending to hauling rails and stakes. 

Tuesday, 20. — Employed D. Edgington and hand to build 
a garden and yard fence of paling, at 40c per panel. 

Wednesday, 21. — Done and performed various [kinds of] 
work, such as fencing and the like. 

Thursday, 22. — Done nothing, [it] being rather an un- 
pleasant day. Opened a fresh barrel of sugar. 

Friday, 23. — Rolled the logs in the new field. 

Saturday, 24. — Frost this morning. Fine pleasant day. 
Hands split rails and stakes. Received a letter from Martha. 

Sunday, 25. — Answered it [Martha's letter.] Read — staid 
at home. Had the Hermit's company a half an hour. In- 
teresting colloquy. 

Monday, 26. — Beautiful morning. Miss Monk gave birth 
to a fine heir. They are comfortably quartered in the 
Woods pasture. One more calf. Stock increasing. What 
shall I do ? I will tear down my old pasture and build a new 
one. Tut, tut, that won't do. I will enlarge it — yes, that 
will do. Wrote to J. C. Jackson concerning a receipt given 
me by Col. Chick. 

Hiatus. 

' Tlie Wyandots always have their silver plate marked with a figure of the animal 
for which the Clan to which they belonged was named. 



200 THE JOURNALS OF [May,1847. 

May, 1847. 

Saturday, 1. — Received a letter from M^ Jackson in- 
forming me that he had received neither deed nor Col. 
Chick's receipt by M' Wilson. 

Hiatus. 

Tuesday, 4. — Paid by M. E.. Walker, the Kansas proprie- 
tors, $50.00^ for a lot in said town. Council met ; trans- 
acted various business. Sesssion lasted two days. 

Hiatus. 

Friday, 7. — Kained. Hunted a stone quarry. 

Saturday, 8. — Attended the sale at the Council room, of 
the goods, chattels, and effects of Nofat, deceased. Bought 
nothing. 

The company then proceeded to the ferry, hauled out and 
turned upside down the old flat boat, for repairs. G. A. and 
myself assorted our lumber. 

Sunday, 9. — Read, wrote, etc., till 3 o'clock P. M. Then 
went to church and heard a sermon from M"" Parrott. 

Monday, 10. — Tore down Piert^s infamous chimney in- 
tending to put up a new and better one in place. Hired F. 
Wilson and R. Richardson for a month, each at $12.00. 
Rained in the evening. 

Tuesday, 11. — Rainy morning. Rained until 2 o'clock. 
Wrote to Major Harvey a letter of enquiry about the re- 
ported removal of C. Graham. Received a letter from John 
Wheeler. 

Wednesday, 12. — Sunrise. Thermometer at " freezing 
point." A severe white frost! Summoned to attend a 
Council at the Delaware meeting house to meet a deputation 
of Pawnees and other wild tribes, on to-morrow. Business 
unknown as yet. 

Thursday, 13. — Attended the Council. The following 
tribes were represented, viz.: Wyandotts, Delawares, Shaw- 

» Some idea of the value of town lots in the City of Kansas in those days. 



May, 1847.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 201 

nees, Kickapoos, and Pawnees. Entered into a treaty of 
peace and amity. This is the first time in my life that I 
heard the Pawnee language spoken.^ 

Friday, 14. — Rained. Edgington and hands making 
shingles for the kitchen and smoke house. Hauling the 
hewed timber. To-day our Wyandott volunteers set out on 
board the "Amelia" for the seat of war.^ 

Saturday, 15. — Rained nearly all day. Hauled timber. 
At noon Edgington and hands left for home. M'® W. went 
to Kansas. Got no mail. Evening, went out gunning for 
squirrels, — killed none. Wounded some and scared some 
terribly! ! 

Sunday, 16. — Raining, cloudy, and tempestuous. Wrote 
to Col. Goodin under date [of] the 15th, inclosing him our 
deed to Mr. Saylor. Wrote to Dr. Boggs enclosing his note 
given to the proprietors of Kansas for a lot. Cloudy and a 
drizzling rain. Unsettled weather. 

Monday, 17. — Cloudy and cold morning. F. Wilson went 
to Independence. Sent to the Clerk's office a deed for the 
certificate and County seal. 

Castrated and marked eight pigs. A swallow fork in the 
right ear. 

Tuesday, 18. — Warm and pleasant. Hauling our build- 
ing timber. Broke our small wagon by Dick's carelessness. 
Stopped hauling. Waiting for Esau to return my big 
wagon. Bad luck. Brimstone, Sour Krout and Assafoetida, 

Wednesday, 19. — Prepared the new field for the plough. 
Esau came with an apology for keeping my wagon, and prom- 
ised to send it home to-morrow. 

Thursday, 20. — Rained last night furiously. Set out fifty 
cabbage plants. Esau called and informed me that he had 

' It was determined at this meeting to convoke the tribes of the Northwestern Con- 
federsicy and rekindle the Council Fire in the West, so John W. Gray-Eyes told me. 
The Council was held in October of the following year. 

^ The Mexican War. 



202 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1847. 

broken my big wagon. Well, if this is not enough to pro- 
voke the soul of a saint, I do not know what will. Worked 
in the woods pasture. Rained all day. The rainy season 
coming on, and the annual freshet. The Missouri rising. 

Friday, 21. — M' Thompson commenced walling the cellar. 
Unlucky day for a commencement. Cloudy and lowry; 
"looks mighty like rain.'* Hauled logs for my building. 

Saturday, 22. — Cold and clear morning, but [we] escaped 
Jack Frost's clutches. 

Hauled a load of stone, and resumed hauling our building 
timber. Sent by M^ Parrott to the P. O. at Westport to 
have letters mailed for Hanson, B., J. Wheeler, and A. P. 
Curry. Received a letter from Deacon Wheeler full of 
abolitionism. 

Sunday, 23. — Staid at home. Read newspapers, and com- 
menced a reply to the Deacon's abolition letter. In the even- 
ing went to Church and had a sermon from M' Parrott. 

Monday, 24. — Rainy morning. Started with the team to 
the stone quarry, but it rained so desperately and [with] no 
probability of its holding up, [that] we gave up the idea of 
quarrying rock, and came home. To-day F. A. Hicks and 
Matilda Driver^ were married. Joy be with them. Cold 
night. 

' The Driver Family was an important one in the Wyandot Nation. From what I 
have been able to learn I conclude that Francis Driver was a Wyandot Indian of not 
more than one-fourth blood, if even that much. He was the son of a Wyandot Chief 
named Driver, who is often spoken of by Finley in his Book "Among the Indians." 
This Chief was one of Finley's principal supporters when he established Methodism in 
the Wyandot Nation. He signed the Treaty of January 19, 1832. His Wyandot name 
was Sah-yooh'-tooh'-zhah, the meaning of which is lost. One of Driver's speeches is 
given in Finley's book at page 436. 

In 1823 Jacob Hooper was appointed to the Wyandot Mission by the Ohio Conference 
of the M. E. Church, held in Urbana. His wife was also appointed to a position (that 
of teacher) in the Mission. Hooper was from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and he brought 
with him to the work among the Indians his niece, Miss Matilda Stephenson, who had 
been brought up at Lancaster. She was scarcely grown up when she arrived at Upper 
Sandusky. She attended the Mission school awhile after she arrived. Her aunt, Mrs. 
Hooper, was a teacher in her department and Matilda often assisted her. 

Francis Driver was a student at the Mission school; he often saw Miss Stephenson. 
He was very desirous of marrying her and became an ardent suitor. And in due timo 



May, 1847] GOVERN^OK WALKER. 203 

Tuesday, 25. — Clear, cold and chilly morning. Set out 
with our team and hands for Clark's stone quarry and found 
excellent building stone. At 10 o'clock M" Dennis, our car- 
penter, arrived with his tools. Clear and beautiful day. 

Wednesday, 26. — Clear and cool morning. Prospect of a 
fine day. Hauling stone. Received a letter from Major 
Harvey announcing the removal of Charles Graham from 
the public smithshop. 

Thursday, 27. — My hands, K Richardson and F. Wilson 
left me this morning to go to the Mexican wars. Now my 

Francis Driver and Matilda Stephenson were married. Before their marriage Miss 
Stephenson was adopted by an old Wyaudot woman who belonged to the Snake Clan. 
She thus became a Wyandot of that Clan. Children were born to them that grew up, 
as follows: 1. Sarah; 2. William; 3. Caroline. Francis Driver and wife came to Wyan- 
dotte County from Ohio with the Wyandot Nation. He died here January 24, 1847, 
and lies buried in the old Indian burying ground in Huron Place. He was 45 years 
old at his death. His Wyandot name was Teh'-hah-rohn'-yooh-reh' , and means "split- 
ting the sky." He belonged to the Big Turtle Clan. After his death Mrs. Driver 
married Francis A. Hicks. They had no children. Hicks died in September, 1855. 
He was Head Chief of the Wyandots in 1850. Mrs. Matilda (Driver) Hicks died June 
29, 1866, aged 61 years. She lies buried in the Indian burying ground in Huron Place, 
also. I find the following in my notes on Huron Place Burying Ground: 

Francis Driver 

Died 

Jan. 24, 1847 Aged 45 Yrs. 

Matilda Hiclts 

Died 

June 29 1866 Aged 61 Yrs. 

Mary A. Driver 

Died 

Aug 3 1 1844 Aged 14 Yrs. 

Martlia Driver 

Died 

Sept. 13 1844 Aged II Yrs 

8 Mos, 4 Days. 

Sarah Driver married, 1st, Dr. W. A. Payne, of Louisville, Ky., and 2d, Lncian 
Da^nett, a quarter-blood Peoria Indian. No children by either marriage. William 
Driver was in the Union Army and died unmarried. Caroline married, 1st, Edward 
Kirkbride. They had two children, Eugene and Frank. Frank had hip-joint disease 
and is now a cripple. He is the adopted son of Mrs. Dagnett. She married, 2d, Lewis 
Lofland. Children : 1. Mary Josephine, now the adopted daughter of Mrs. Dagnett ; 
2. Charles ; 3. Ruth — Died ; 4. Annie — called Kittle. 

Lewis Lofland lives on his allotment, in the Wyandot Reservation, near Seneca, Mo. 
Mrs. Sarah Dagnett lives in Seneca, Mo. Her allotment is near the town of Wyandotte, 
Indian Territory. 



204 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1847. 

work must stop until I can employ some more. Trouble 
and disappointment. 

Friday, 28. — Went to Kansas and employed C. Jondron 
and Peter Ballanger to work by the day to haul stone. 

Saturday, 29. — Bought of Dr. Hand 300 feet of sheeting 
plank. 

Sunday, 30. — Hiatus. 

Monday, 31. — Got my mail. Little or no news. Hands 
returned to work with Peter Balanger and C. Jondron, and 
a M' Smiley, carpenter. 

June, 1847. 

Tuesday, 1. — Rained. "Monsieur Tonson" the mason not 
"come again" to resume his work. Council day; did not 
attend owing to illness. J. Walker took my place.^ 

Wednesday, 2. — Pleasant and cool. A perfect clatter 
among the hands, carpenters, teamsters, stonemasons, and 
other hands employed upon my premises — a perfect Babel. 

Thursday, 3. — Rainy day. Work suspended. Cleared 
up, and operations resumed. Went to Washington's on busi- 
ness, in company with H. Jacquis. 

Friday, 4. — Showery all day, but continued our operations 
all day. 

Saturday, 5. — Rained all day till evening. C. Jondron, 
Ballanger, M' Dennis and M"" Smiley went home. Daring the 
day we were called upon by a M"" Smith, President of the 
Masonic College at Lexington, who brought a letter of intro- 
duction from the girls. Had an interesting colloquy with 
him upon Indian affairs, customs, and polity, with various 
other matters. 

Sunday, 6. — Went to Church like a good and true Chris- 
tian. Heard M' Parrott. Sound and wholesome doctrine. 

' The Wyandot Constitution required the Council to be full when business was 
transacted. If a Councilor could not attend he might send a substitute who would 
represent his views in the deliberations. If he did not send a substitute the Council 
might designate some one to take his place for that session. 



I 



June. 1847.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 205 

Monday, 7. — Splendid morning. Resumed operations in 
walling the cellar. M" Smiley returned. My Francois 
hands did not return. Sorry for it. Edgington and hands 
returned. Sorry for that, for I am not ready for them. So 
it is sorrow upon sorrow. Ahem ! 12 o'clock. Heard that 
Dr. Hewitt had just landed, on his return from the East. I 
care not a bauble about seeing him. His conduct in remov- 
ing C. G. meets with my most utter detestation. The motive 
which prompted him to the step was pure and unadulterated 
malice. Who is there to rejoice at his removal? None but 
himself and two A's, that is, Asses, besides himself. 

Tuesday, 8. — Went to town, chatted with various persons. 
People much excited against Dr. H. for his conduct. The 
A's sycophantically paying their apotheosis to him in the 
most obsequious manner, — they can truly 

" Crook the pregnant hinges of the knee 
That thrift may follow fawning." 

I went not nigh the detestable moving mass of corruption. 

Wednesday, 9. — About 3 o'clock this morning we were 
visited by a perfect tornado, with vivid lightning. It 
seemed as though creation were ripening for its dissolution — 
earth rocked to its center, and amidst its oscillations, the roar 
of falling trees and the descent of the cataract of the heavens, 
rendered the scene, amidst the gloom of night, grand and 
terrific. Morning disclosed the extent of the destruction, 
sundry trees blown down, two hats blown away, and a crock 
of milk submerged ! ! 

M' C. Columbus McClelland [called] upon us this morn- 
ing on his way to Fort Leavenworth. The whole country 
appears to be agog about selling oxen, wagons, provisions, 
etc., to the commissary and quartermaster, all for the army. 
Swimming times for speculators, but a "beggarly account 
of empty boxes" for our National treasury. 

My execrations upon the Captain of the steamboat " Ma- 



206 THE JOUENALS OF [June, 1347. 

nona" for landing my lumber on the point opposite Wyan- 
dott City, instead of our usual landing place. I'll mark that 
chap — he may fall in my way some of these days, then I'll, 
I'll . 

Thursday, 10. — Commenced raising my kitchen and smoke 
house — hands scarce. Finished raising the latter at 1 o'clock 
P. M., then commenced the kitchen. Succeeded in getting 
the joist plates and porch plates up before adjourning for the 
night. Thompson, the stone mason, grumbling and com- 
plaining all the while. The churlish, selfish, and contrary 
being has given me much trouble, since the carpenters have 
commenced operations, owing to his being so over captious. 

Friday, 11. — Resumed our raising — pleasant day. No 
hands came. Well, we will do it ourselves and apply the 
more strength, and what we lack in numbers we will make up 
in "bone and sinew." 

At 11 o'clock completed the raising of our buildings and 
after dinner "the ghost of unforgiven crimes" (M'' T.) too^ 
his departure, and not sorry to be relieved of his company 
for a season — his incessant cry of " more roch " I had become 
weary of hearing. When there was an abundance of "rock" 
then something else was wanting, and when that was sup- 
plied, his inventive genius would conjure up something else 
— so on ad infinitum. 

James Washington called upon me to inform [me] that a 
special session of the Council will be held to-morrow morn- 
ing upon the subject of the public blacksmith. 

Commenced giving Nero sulphur in his food, poor fellow, 
being afflicted severely with the mange, and dis[tem]per — 
all caused by impurity of his blood. 

Saturday, 12. — Rained last night, but bright and clear this 
morning — Beautiful summer morn I How bland and balmy 
is the air! How green and vivifying is the surrounding 
forest I 



June, 1847] GOVERNOR WALKER. 207 

" Onr fortress is the good green wood, 
Our tenta the cypress tree; 
We know the forest round us, 
As seamen know the sea." 

Went to the National Council. Made a desperate speech 
upon the public blacksmith question. The people, by unani- 
mous vote, placed the stamp of disapprobation upon the sub- 
agent's conduct in removing the present blacksmith. The 
Council addressed a communication to Major Harvey upon 
the subject, remonstrating against the removal. At the same 
Council we decided not to take up the War Tomahawk tend- 
ered to us by the Winnebagoes and Pottawatamies against 
the Sioux. Hands all went home. 

Sunday, 1 3. — Sabbath morning. Sun rose most brilliantly; 
the large dew-drops falling from the green foliage like span- 
gles from a rainbow, the crystal drops still clinging to the 
green leaves, reminding one of the garniture of a splendid 
candelabrum — the sweet and wild warbling of the feathered 
songsters rendered our forest home altogether lovely and 
enchanting. Finished my long epistle to Deacon Wheeler 
on politics, domestic news, abolitionism — a sort of Salma- 
gundi omnium gatherum communication. 

Monday, 14. — Cloudy and cool. Fireside quite agreeable. 
Our hands returning to their work. 

Tuesday, 15. — Took our team to town for a load of lime 
and a keg of nails, but owing to the storm returned without 
either. We two went to M' Graham's to a dinner party. 
Meantime Bombastes Furioso (Dr. H.) called upon M"" Gra- 
ham to inform him of his dismissal from service. Where- 
upon M"" G. gave him a very plain statement of his opinion 
of his conduct — some severe home thrusts; "alas! poor 
Yorickl" Hauled our lime and nails in the afternoon. 
"Monsieur Tonson" out of humor! 

"Always complainin' 
Fra mornin' till even." 



208 THE JOURNALS OF [June, 1847. 

Wednesday, 16. — Cold morning. Thermometer 62°. Com- 
fortable sitting by the fire, but no time to do that, motion, 
motion, locomotion. Edgington completed his contract and 
away they went "te hum." In the evening called to attend 
the Council. Attended. Adjourned in the night and had 
a dark walk of it home. Rained furiously last night. 

Thursday, 17. — Clear this morning, though the weather 
is unsettled. To-day the sale of lots in the addition to the 
town plat of Kansas. Speculators in "corner lots" will 
doubtless be in attendance. Went to Kansas and bought 
two lots; one at $30 and the other at $29. 

Friday, 18. — Kained most furiously. Came home in the 
midst of a pelting storm. 

Saturday, 19. — Commenced ploughing, and while thus 
engaged was summoned to attend a special Council, called by 
Dr. H., he wanting an opportunity of explaining his conduct 
in relation to his removing M^ Graham, and a poor excuse 
he made of it. 

Sunday, 20. — Clear and cool. Must attend the funeral of 
the Seneca Chief. Learned that the Chief died with the 
small-pox. 

Monday, 21. — Employed M^ Wood to assist Elijah in 
ploughing the new field. Judge McC, M' J. Walker, M" 
Leonard, called and paid us a visit — staid an hour or two, 
and proceeded to pay their respects to C. B. Garrett's family. 
Had a visit from M'^^ Graham, and in the evening M. R. W. 
brought us our mail — welcome ! 

Tuesday, 22. — Continued ploughing, making pretty good 
headway, the weather being cool and pleasant. In the even- 
ing M' Graham made us a visit. Judge McC. and party 
returned this morning to Fort Osage. Adam Brown called 
upon me to write for him — I put him off to a "more con- 
venient season." 

Wednesday, 23. — Finished ploughing at 10 o'clock A. M., 



Jnne. 1847.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 209 

and at 12 commenced harrowing. Expecting a mail from 
Westport to-day, disappointed — too bad ! Oh, Cave John- 
ston, thou art a pink of a P. M. G.^ 

Thursday, 24. — Cool and pleasant Roused from my 
slumbers by the arrival of the Deacon from his trip down 
the river. Hauled up his and my effects, such as household 
goods ; harrowed our new field. Planted it in corn this 24th 
day of June. Whether it will get ripe, time will determine. 

Friday, 25. — Clear and cool. "Ding, dong bell" goes 
the steam boat bell. A boat coming up, puffing, blowing, 
snorting and roaring from the action of her wheels. 

Planted my fall potatoes; planted cucumbers and water- 
melons. 'Tis now 11 o'clock A. M. Having disposed of my 
agricultural operations, I can now devote my undivided at- 
tention to my " betterments " as the Yankee would say, and 
get them completed as soon as may be; arter this I will do 
myself the distinguished honor of resting from hard labor for 
a season at least. 

Saturday, 26. — Beautiful morning. Commenced plowing 
through my corn the second time. Discharged M"^ Woods, 
his per diem being exorbitantly high. 

Just received a letter from Major Harvey announcing the 
restoration of C Graham to his post. Now Doctor — " By 
St. Paul the work goes bravely on." What step will you 
next take to add to your list of already accumulated acts of 
disinterested patriotism. 

My hands are all gone ; now we are alone. How lonely, 
everything still. 

Sunday, 27. — Cloudy morning. Prospect of rain. M"" 
Graham brought me a letter from Col. Goodin. M"" Saylor 
pronounces my deed good for nothing, informal, sundry, 
frivolous objections raised to it. Well, be it so. I will keep 
the land and he may keep his " filthy lucre." 

* Postmaster (Jeneral. 

15 



210 THE JOURNALS OF [Jane,'»847. 

Monday, 28. — Cloudy morning. At 8 o'clock it com- 
menced a moderate rain and rained steadily until half past 
3 P. M. 

Spent the day with Pharoah and family. On the 19th 
the present month, N. E. Zane and family retreated from 
Missouri the second time for daddy's house. Ha, ha, ha, 
ha-a-a. Starved out. His wife no longer needed by certain 
libertines — run down to infamy — to the lowest depths — ^glad 
you are gone. 

Tuesday, 29. — Clear, beautiful morning. Special session 
of the Council to-day. 

Council assembled at 12 o'clock. Divorced Moses Pea- 
cock from his wife Mary. So Moses is now a single man. 
Blessed are the single, for they shall be double (if they de- 
sire it). If the countenance be any index to the state of the 
"inner man," Moses left the Council room a happy man. 

Addressed a communication to Major Harvey in reply to 
his, announcing the restoration of M"" Graham. Dr. H. very 
sullen. Would not come near the Council. 

Wednesday, 30. — Staid at home all day after my return 
from the ferry. Wrote a long letter for Adam Brown to 
Col. John Prince of Sandwich. To-night feel quite unwell. 
I fear it is a precursor of an attack of the billions fever. 

July, 1847. 

Thursday, 1. — Fine morning. Clear and cool atmosphere. 
This has been a remarkably cool summer this far, the mer- 
cury in the thermometer seldom getting higher than 75°, and 
often below that. It is said that by some late observations 
made through Lord Boss's great telescope that there are large 
spots on the sun's disc by which the power of the sun is di- 
minished, hence our cool summer. What has come over old 
Father Sol, that he should now, in his old days, become so 
silly and vain as to resort to daubing his face with paint! 



July, 1847.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 211 

Wife rode out to visit the sick. Sickly tirae in Wyandott 
City. The complaint appears to be a typhoid fever. Just 
heard that M"^ Palmer is dead. 

Friday, 2. — IVF Hightower commenced going through my 
corn, the garrulous old Turk! I am sick of him. Why his 
tongue is [in] perpetual motion. It is nothing but one 
eternal clatter. 

Saturday, 3. — Got an Ohio Statesman. Not much news. 
Hightower finished his job at noon and put out. 

Sunday, 4. — Quite unwell. Rheumatic affliction in the 
head, which is so painful, especially in the afternoon, as al- 
most to set me distracted. 

M" Graham very sick. News announced in the States- 
man, that in consequence of the defalcation of Col. Huber, 
a loco foco, Receiver of Public Monies in the Land Office at 
Upper Sandusky, Col. Purdy McElvain, another loco foco of 
course, has succeeded him in wearing " the blushing honors," 
and fingering Uncle Sam's cash. This is truly a streak of 
good luck for Purdy. 

Monday, 5. — Sick, loss of appetite. Nerves unstrung. 
My head disordered. All sick. I would sell myself for a 
sixpence. M^ Dennis returned to-day in company with a 
M' Smith, a journeyman carpenter. 

Just heard of the return of Isaiah and Irvin. Our sick 
neighbors no better, particularly M"^ Graham and William 
Garrett. 

Tuesday, 6. — Had a sick and restless night. Cloudy 
morning, prospect of rain. To-day is our regular Council 
or Court day, and I ought to attend its session, but how can 
I? William G. no better. I fear for him. 

3 o'clock P. M. William is dead! alas! alas! our worst 
fears are realized. Finished a letter to Martha. Upon going 
to bed I had placed upon the nape of my neck a large blister 
plaster, for a neuralgic affliction in my head. 



212 THE JOURNALS OF [July, 1847. 

Wednesday, 7. — Ah, misericordie ! Dress my blister! I 
am a complete scald. Got the poll evil in full fruition. 
Dr. Hand called to see me in the evening. Gave me some 
advice and left some medicines. Slept comfortably through 
the night. M"^ Davis staid all night with us. 

Thursday, 8. — Took a Seidlitz drink, feeling somewhat 
feverish and thirsty. Had a most refreshing shower. Oh, 
what a change in the atmosphere. How balmy and fragrant 
is the air! 

Aye, strike up your music ye little feathered songsters. 

Friday, 9. — M"* Davis arrived at about daylight and 
informed us that our esteemed friend, M'"^ Graham, 
died this morning, within ten minutes of 3 o'clock.' 
Here I will say that if I had a female friend on earth, 
one that was no kin to me, whose friendship was solid 
and enduring, earnest and sincere, it was the lamented 
M^^ Mary Graham. I lament deeply that in the order 
of Providence I was denied the pleasure of seeing her 
during her illness, being confined by sickness. Peace 
to her remains, and my blessing on her memory. 

Wrote a long letter to Col. Goodin upon the subject of the 
failure of his sale of land made for me. 

Saturday, 10. — I've got the poll evil. The blister on the 
back of my neck raises such a stench that 

Wife gone to Kansas for our mail, finding everybody else 
too lazy to go. Warm day, thermometer 86°. On retiring 
to bed, "/ tuck a dose of calomy/' as M"^ Hodge would say. 

Sunday, 11. — Weak and debilitated, no appetite. Warm 
■day, sultry and oppressive. No circulating air. Thermometer 
85°. 

Monday, 12. — Passed a most dismal night. Was racked 
with pain to a degree sufficient to send me distracted. O, 
neuralgia! Thou art the very prince of all complaints. 



July, 1847.] GOA^EENOR WALKER. 213 

" When fevers burn or ague freezes, 
Rheumatics gnaw or colic squeezes, 
Our neighbor's sympathy may ease as, 

Wi' pitying moan ; 
But thee, thou hell o' a' diseases, 

Aye mocks our groan." 

Tuesday, 13. — Kested tolerably well last night, after try- 
ing a new nostrum, viz: bathing my head in the water in 
which potatoes had been boiled. Whether there be any 
efficacy in it or not, time alone will determine. 

Wrote to A. R. Curry again upon the subject of the $30.00 
loan. I expect the villain intends to swindle me out of it. 
'Tis said he is a most accomplished villain, that while study- 
ing theology and preparing himself for the ministry, he was 
at the same time studying with commendable industry the 
fine arts of villainy. Well, he has made great proficiency 
in the latter science, as C. B. Garrett can testify to his sorrow. 

His epitaph should be thus: 

ON A CELEBRATED PRKSBYTEEIAN PBBACHEB. 

" Here Mr. Curry in death doth sleep ; 
To h — 1 if he's gane thither, 
Satan gi'e him thy gear to keep. 
He'll hold it well thegither." — Bums. 

Warm day, thermometer 88°, no wind stirring, rendering 
the atmosphere oppressively sultry. M'^ Kussell left the 
Deacon's in a flurry. Something wrong here. 

Wednesday, 14. — Rested well last night. My complaint 
is leaving me. I have now been free from it for thirty-six 
hours. Potato soup has been the catholicon in this case. 
What a discovery. Hear it ye sufferers with rheumatics, 
sciatica, neuralgia, etc. Boil a dozen or more potatoes till 
they are thoroughly cooked; bathe the afflicted parts three 
or four times a day while the water is warm. 

By to-day's mail I received a letter from Col. Goodin in- 
forming me that he had made another sale of my Hardin 
County lands to a M'" Greer of Knox County, and at the same 



214 THE JOURNALS OF [July. 1847. 

time inclosing a blank deed, and what is still better, the pay- 
is d'argent comptant. So M' Saylor may hunt for lands 
elsewhere. 

Thursday, 15. — To-day the assembled nation nominates 
candidates to run against the chiefs at the August election. 
I concluded it would not be safe for* me to venture out to 
encounter solstitial sun in my present weak condition. So I 
staid at home. Had to dine with us that man of affliction 
and many troubles, M"" Graham. He is recovering from his 
illness. 

Friday, 16. — Finished the "Mountain Siege" for John 
Shunk's paper, occupying ten closely written pages. Wrote 
an obituary notice of M" G. for the "Expositor."^ 

Saturday, 17. — Wife started early this morning for West- 
port on business and to get our mail if any. Strolled over 
to Deacon Peerey's and spent an hour in social chat to drive 
away ennui. Tried to invoke the muses, but 'tis no use. 
Parnassus Hill, to me, is an unknown Eldorado. lam as 
ignorant of its locality, its hills, its rivers, bays, springs, etc., 
as I am of "Symrae's hole" where Reynolds says "all the 
game in the arctic regions retreat to for refuge in the winter."'^ 

Received a batch of newspapers, new and old, so I have 
new news and old news. Sultry evening. At night our rest 
was disturbed by a troop of dogs, which did us the honor of 
a most unmusical serenade. To show them how much I 
appreciate their civilities, I went out with my double bar- 
reled gun, and fired a salute, leaving one of their party dead 

• Published in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

' Captain John Cleves Symmes, for six years from 1818, a resident of Newport, Ken- 
tncky. He was an eccentric man and evolved a New Theory of the Earth called "Th« 
Theory of Concentric spheres." He maintained that the globe is composed of a num- 
ber of hollow spheres, having spaces between them occupied by atmospheres, and that 
these shells were widely open at both poles, and that the concave surlace of the outer 
shell, and probably of them all, is inhabited by various kinds of inferior animals, and 
by intelligent beings resembling ourselves. Captain Symmes's drawings illustrating 
his theory were reproduced a few years since in the Southern Bivouac, a magazine pub- 
lished at Louisville, Ky. 



July, 1847] GOVERNOR WALKER. 215 

on the spot. Whereupon they stopped their music and dis- 
persed. 

Sunday, 18. — Cloudy ; some prospect of rain. Com- 
menced raining in the afternoon and rained a most refresh- 
ing shower till night. What a change hath this much needed 
and much prayed for rain wrought in the face of nature! 
How pure and balmy is the air. 

Monday, 19. — Clear and beautiful morning. Set out to 
pay a visit to J. Walker, who is still sick. Found him la- 
boring under a great nervous irritability. Staid till after 
dinner. Then called upon C. Graham. They are all get- 
ting better. Hunter still sick. Old complaint. Warm and 
sultry. 

Tuesday, 20. — Wrote to the girls. Heard from J. W. 
through Uncle James. Symptoms some better, less nervous. 
Deacon Peery gone to the institution. "More lumber" is 
the cry of my carpenter. My curse upon the wasteful ras- 
cals, it would keep a steam saw mill going to keep them sup- 
plied with lumber. Thundering, perhaps more rain. " So 
mote it be." 

Wednesday, 21. — No rain, nor sign nor indication of any, 
— sultry. 

Wrote to J. E,. Kowand. Went to gather blackberries. 
Too warm to gather many so I sounded a retreat home, con- 
tenting myself with a couple of quarts of the fruit. 

Thursday, 22. — Went to the village. Paid a visit to J. W. 
He seems to be getting better. Peceived an invitation to 
attend the great barbecue at Independence. I may go, can't 
tell yet, depending upon my colleagues the Chiefs, as the in- 
vitation is to the Council. 

No news by yesterday's mail. 

Friday, 23. — Beautiful morning, but a prospect for a 
warm day. On my way to Weston, hired M"^ Hightower 
to clear out my new corn field and hoe my potatoes. 



216 THE JOURNALS OF [July, 1847. 

Saturday, 24. — In Weston. Can purchase no lumber. 
Hiatus. 

August, 1847. 

Monday, 9. — Bought of a Shawnee Indian a pony in 
Kansas for |8.00 and I have called him "Ca^o." He is a 
pretty little fellow. 

Engaged a M"^ Bowring to do the lathing and plastering, 
14c per square. 

Friday, 13. — Engaged a Mr. Shaw to build my chimneys. 

Saturday, 14. — John Lynch commenced work at $14.00 
per month. A real son of the " Emerald Isle." 

Hiatus. 

National election and barbecue. The old Council re- 
elected. 

September, 1847. 

Saturday, 11. — M' Keyser and M*^ Taylor commenced 
boarding. 
Hiatus. 

October, 1847. 

Monday, 4. — Hannah Walker went down to Kansas to 
take the boat for Ohio to-morrow morning; be gone perhaps 
seven weeks. A pleasant and prosperous trip to her. 

Tuesday, 5. — Dr. Hewitt commenced paying the annuity 
to the Wyandotts and they, after receipting, paying their 
respective dividends over to the Chiefs in order to rebuke 
and defeat the officious interference of the Government in 
the distribution of the annuity.^ 

Wednesday, 6. — Continued the same. 

Thursday, 7. — Same. 

Friday, 8. — Same. 

Saturday, 9. — The Chiefs commenced paying out. 

> It seems that heretofore the annuity had been paid to the Chiefs, and by them 
to the people. 



October, 1847.] GOVEKNOR WALKER. 217 

Sunday, 10. — Wrote to M" W. for Wednesday's mail. 

Monday, 11. — Commenced paying again. 

Tuesday, 12. — M"" Bowring finished his work. 

Wednesday, 13. — Paid him off, so I am done with him 
and his loafers and his carrion horses. 

Thursday, 14. — Severe frost last night. Resumed the 
payment of the annuity. M' Fish and Hetty were married. 

Friday, 15. — Wrote to M'^ W. to go by Saturday's mail. 

Saturday, 16. — Continued the payment. 

Sunday, 17. — Staid at home, read the news, etc. 

Monday, 18. — Resumed operations; busy times. Every- 
one in motion to gain '^multum pecunia" if he can, and if 
he cannot he must go minus. 

Tuesday, 19. — Closed the payment! Felicitatus. 

Wednesday, 20. — John Walker left in no very good humor, 
not meeting with as good success in his collections as he ex- 
pected. 

Thursday, 21. — Sick, took medicine. Staid at home. 

Friday, 22. — Went to Kansas. Made some purchases; 
came back by dinner time. 

Saturday, 23. — Commenced a letter to Harriet. At night 
attended a meeting of the directors of a joint stock company. 
Came home after midnight. 

Sunday, 24. — Read all day. Lonesome, melancholy. 

Monday, 25. — Done nothing, but " pottered " about the 
house. 

Tuesday, 26. — Finished Harriet's letter and one to M" 
Walker for to-morrow's mail. 

A Council held to-day to investigate a case between F. A. 
Hicks and Adam Hunt — a paltry affair, truly to cause the 
Council to convene in a special session. 

John Lynch hauling stone to-day. 

Wednesday, 27. — Ditto. 

Hiatus. 



218 THE JOURNALS OF [October, 1847. 

Thursday, 28. — Staid at home and thought of Hannah 
and longed for her return.^ 

Friday, 29. — Went to town to purchase marketing. 
Saturday, 30. — Went to the P. O. for my mail. 
Sunday, 31. — Hiatus. 

November, 1847. 

Thursday, 11. — Received a letter from J. W. Grarrett an- 
nouncing the safe arrival of M" W. at Upper Sandusky on 
the 26th ultimo, making the trip from this place to Upper 
Sandusky via Wheeling in twenty-one days, at the same time 
visiting her friend in Belmont County on her route. Thisj 
is rapid traveling. 

Friday, 12. — My Irishman left me without leave or license 
and that at a time when I most needed his services. My 
curses on the ungrateful wretch; I understand he is at Kan-j 
sas paying his devotions to that most potent of all deities to' 
us poor sinners Bacchus. 

Saturday, 13. — A most Labradorian day. It rained, hailed, 
and snowed, in an horrible tempest all day. 

Sunday, 14. — Read newspaper for news, but found none] 
of interest. Betook myself to a " brown study. ^^ 

Monday, 15. — Staid at home and attended to my domestic] 
aifairs. 

Tuesday, 16. — Attended Council. Transacted a variety of 
business. Wrote to the Superintendent of Indian Affairs 
upon the subject of the blacksmith shop. 

Wednesday, 17. — Staid at home as usual. 

Thursday, 18. — Went to Kansas and attended to securing 
my two lots, and attended Dr. Hand's wedding. Joy at- 
tend him and his bride. 

Friday, 19. — Came home. 

Saturday, 20.— M^' W. and Martha returned. 

» No man was ever more devoted to his family than was Governor Walker to his. 



November, 1847.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 219 

Sunday, 21. — Staid at home. 

Monday, 22. — Went to Kansas to purchase marketing. 

Tuesday, 23. — Attended Council. Revised our National 
Code. 

Wednesday, 24. — Rose early and found ourselves enjoy- 
ing a most delectable snowsior^m, the first we have had this 
fall. 

Thursday, 25. — Cold and severe morning. Dreary morn- 
ing. Winter on hand. Went to town for news, but got none. 

Friday, 26. — This morning the thermometer stood 3° 
above zero. Whew! Cold morning, blustery day. Bought 
393 pounds of pork of M^ Roberts of Clay County. Hauled 
it from the "sand bar" home. 

Commenced reading the 

Saturday, 27. — Clear and pleasant morning. Cut up my 
pork and salted it away. This I always do myself if able. 
Warm and pleasant. 

Sunday, 28. — Cloudy and cold morning. Commenced a 
letter to J. W. Garrett. My mind is foggy this morning, 
and cannot write anything worth reading, so I will lay my 
letter aside till I conjure up a little common sense. 

Monday, 29. — Clear and pleasant. Finished a long letter 
to J. W. Garrett to go by Wednesday's mail. 

Heard that James Washington was ill of a violent attack 
of the pleurisy ; saddled my horse and went to see him ; found 
him dangerously ill. While there sold my horse Juniper to 
the widow Russia Hicks. In the evening had a visit from 
C. Graham who staid till bed time. 

Tuesday, 30. — A stormy morning, snowing and sleetina. 
Bella horrida. Received a letter from John Goodin upon 
business. The Council meets to-day. 

Adjourned at 4 o'clock P. M. to meet the National assem- 
bly at the old Church. 



220 THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1847. 

December, 1847. 

Wednesday, 1. — The first day of winter. Autumn went 
off in a rather gruffy mood, leaving behind an horrible rain 
storm. This morning the sun rose clear and smiling. 
Pleasant morning. Cold and cloudy in the afternoon. 
Rained at nigbt. 

Thursday, 2. — Cold and cloudy. Fair prospect for a 
snow storm. Winter has now fairly set in. Cold raw and 
blustery day. In the evening M"^ Asbury King of Kansas 
came and made application for the school. Postponed for 
the consideration. Staid all night. 

Friday, 3. — Clear and cold morning. Thermometer 10° 
below zero. Prospect of a fine day. M"^ Phips, a pianist, 
called upon us and spent the day in tuning Sophia's piano. 
Staid all night. Mild and pleasant night. 

Saturday, 4. — Pleasant morning. Fine day for business. 
I must be up and doing. 

Harlan Riggs and William McDowell finished their job of 
cutting cord- wood. Paid them off and they put out. 

Sunday, 5. — Visited S. Armstrong; passed a balf hour in 
chit chat. Came home and staid "te hum" all day. Read, 
wrote and loafed. 

Monday, 6. — Went to town. Came back and hauled 
wood. M''^ Washington called upon us and inform [ed] 
[us] that the Chief is recovering from his illness. 

Tuesday, 7. — Went to town. Sophia taken sick from a 
violent cold. 

Engaged M' Noble to build a corn crib and shed eighteen 
feet square. In the evening the sky became black and dis- 
tant thunder was heard. At sunset we had a heavy rain- 
storm, which lasted till 8 o'clock. Then turned cold during 
[the] night. ^^Itsnew,thenitfriz" 

Wednesday, 8. — Keen, frosty morning. Replied to Leon- 
ard Smalley's letter upon business. To-day being the day 



December, 1847.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 221 

appointed for the National Convention to hear the new code 
of laws read and proclaimed, I beg leave to stay at home if 
you please, gentlemen. 

Thursday, 9. — [This] morning at daylight, snow on the 
ground. Employed M"" Bowring to underpin my porch. 
He went to work. M"" Estes, the hog in principle, put out 
instead of staying to help M'" Bowring as he promised ; but 
having secured his supper, lodgings, and breakfast "put 
out," Out upon such imposing churls! John Lynch called 
upon me and begged me to take him into my employment 
again. I told him nay, verily, I will have nothing to do 
with him nor any other man in whom no dependence can be 
placed. So he gathered up his duds and put out. 

C. Graham called and spent the evening. 

Friday, 10. — Keen sharp morning. Dr. Hewitt called to 
see Sophia. Pronounced her mending. M'' Bowring finished 
underpinning the kitchen porch. M"^ Peery came over and 
spent the evening. Clear night. 

Saturday, 11. — Saddled up Dragon to go to town, but went 
no farther than H. Jacquis's; lent him my horse and came 
home. The payment of the Cherokee Boy's money post- 
poned until Monday. James Washington getting well. Cold 
nights and warm days. 

Sunday, 12. — Staid at home, read and wrote. M"" Kezor 
and ]\P Taylor left for Kansas, having completed their work 
on the new Church. 

Monday, 13. — Went to town. Transacted some business, 
Came home and staid there for that day. 

Tuesday, 14. — Dr. Hewitt paid to the legatees of Cherokee 
Boy the amount due them, being $1,833.00. A general pay- 
ment of debts then took place. 

Wednesday, 15. — Went to Kansas to make oath to my 
statement in regard to some matters pending between the 
Isaac Zane's family and John Walker. 



222 THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1847. 

Thursday, 16. — Got my mail out of the P. O. No news. 
One letter from Harriet. 

Friday, 17. — Staid in Kansas and rambled over the town 
viewing its advantages and disadvantages in a commercial 
point of view. The long promised steam saw-mill, not yet 
in operation. Why this delay ? Echo answers why. 

Saturday, 18. — After the mail came in, took French leave 
and came home. 

Sunday, 19. — Having a violent cold, staid at home, in- 
stead of going to hear the Deacon's dedication sermon in the^ 
new Church. 

Monday, 20. — Cold morning. Mercury within eight de-j 
grees of zero. Cold all day. Made out an old unsettled! 
account against S. Armstrong and sent it down by H. to 
Kansas for settlement and allowance, and got a bill of family 
goods thereon. M"" Dennis returned. 

Tuesday, 21. — Mercury nearly at zero. At daylight 5°» 
To-day is Council day, and to-night the directors of the J. S. 
Company meet. Owing to the continued illness of the Prin-| 
cipal Chief, the Co[uncil] adjourned till next Tuesday. No] 
meeting of the J. S. Co. 

Wednesday, 22. — Went to town. Came home and staid 
at home. Keading the " Wandering Jew." 

Thursday, 23. — M"^ Dennis presented his bill. Jupiter 
Stator, thou ancient preserver of Rome, what a bill. Well, 
presenting a bill is one thing, and getting it paid is another. 

Friday, 24. — Bought in company with E. T. Peery, a po- 
tato hole of James Kankin, the contents of which we hauled 
home. Received an application from D. Young for the ferry. 

Saturday, 25. — A merry Christmas to you all! 

Went to Church. The annual Christmas sermon was 
preached by Rev. L. B. Stateler. Came home and found 
M' C. Graham domiciliated by my fireside. Took a (Christ- 
mas toddy and) social chat. He put out, and I to my chores^ 



December, 1847.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 223 

Sunday, 26. — Mercury 6° above zero. Cloudy morning. 
" Keen blows the wind and piercing is the air." But we 
will repair to the sanctuary, lest we become infidels and deny 
the faith. Kev. L. B. Stateler preached. Then a subscrip- 
tion was opened for the finishing [of] the church. Sub- 
scriptions were liberal. 

Attended church at candle-light. Esqr. Gray Eyes as 
usual gave us some of [his] ravings and rantings in the way 
of exhortation. Came home at 9 o'clock and 

Monday, 27. — Meeting continued. Went to H. Jacquis's 
and spent a part of the day, the election of a ferryman being 
the topic of conversation, the candidates are D. Young, Tall 
Charles, Charles Split-The-Logs. 

Tuesday, 28. — Council met at James Washington's. Pro- 
ceeded to the election of a ferryman, and resulted in the 
election of D. Young. Received a message from the Dela- 
wares, informing us that they had received information of 
the appointment of two commissioners on the part of the 
Government to enter into a tri-party treaty upon the matter 
of the cession of land by the Delawares to the Wyaudotts — 
whether this be true or not seems somewhat problematical. 

Wednesday, 29. — Feel unwell. Weather unusually warm. 
"Summer heat." Staid at home. H. Jacquis called upon 
me; chatted upon politics. Went to town in the evening. 

Thursday, 30.— Warm. M' Noble called. Went to M' 
Cotter's, bought some tallow. Called at H. Jacquis's and 
found him sick with the pleurisy. Returned to him in the 
night and gave him some medicine. Left him at 8 o'clock. 

Friday, 31. — Called upon H. J. Found him some better. 
Came home. 12 o'clock, "Summer heat." Unhealthy 
weather. 

Dorcas returned from her visit to Kansas. 

Something suspicious going on at the Deacon's. More 
women there than is common. Well, my suspicions are con- 



224 THE JOURNALS OF [January, 1848. 

firmed. The Deacon has had the good fortune to have a 
son born to him on the last day of the year, 1847. Watch 
night at the Church. 

January, 1848. 

Saturday, 1. — A happy new year to ye all ! I attended 
in company with the Deacon and J. M. Armstrong, on the 
other side of the Missouri River, to purchase marketing. 
Bought eight bushels of apples and a bag of corn meal. Got 
my effects home. The family attended the party at J. M. 
Armstrong's. Came home at 9 o'clock. No mail. Heard 
the report of fire arms all day at Kansas. These are doubt- 
less salutes. Silly fellows. This looks too puerile for men. 

Sunday, 2. — Sabbath. Our folks being desirous of going 
to Church, I staid at home to keep house, C. B. G. called 
upon me and showed me a letter from John Walker, con- 
taining some menacing threats to the Wyandotts. Poor vin- 
dictive creature, spare thy malice, thy impotent rage. You 
can not browbeat the Wyandotts into anything wrong. 

Monday, 3. — Mrs. W. went to Kansas and I worked upon 
my smokehouse. Signed a recommendation in favor of F. 
Cotter, who is an applicant for the Shawnee ferry. 

Tuesday, 4. — This being Council day, I must attend. H. 
Jacquis being sick, his place must be supplied by a substi- 
tute as the law provides. The girls are going to Kansas on 
a visit to the Chick family. 

Wrote to Col. Goodin upon the subject of the patents sent 
to him in October last. 

Wednesday, 5. — Cold morning, thermometer 15° above 
zero. Called upon H. Jacquis and found him much worse. — 
I entertain serious fears — he is laboring under a severe con- 
gestion of the lungs. 

Hauled wood. Went over to see Jacquis, found him worse. 
Symptoms alarming — bathed him in hot spirits. Came away 
in the evening. 



Januaiy, 1848.] GOVERN^OR WALKER. 225 

Thursday, 6. — Went over early to see Jacquis. Alas ! my 
fears were realized. He departed this life at 12 o'clock at 
night. The Council assembled at my house to make arrange- 
ments for the funeral, when the following program was agreed 
upon : the funeral to take place to-morrow at 11 o'clock, the 
procession to march under the direction of the marshal, to 
the Church, where an oration will be delivered on the life 
and character of the fallen Chief Then to close with re- 
ligious services. Thence to proceed to the burying ground. 
After the funeral service is read, then the burial and bene- 
diction. 

Orator of the day, W. W. 

Chaplain, Rev. E. T. Peery. 

Marshal, S. Armstrong. 

Friday, 7. — Beautiful day. The solemn ceremony of the 
burial took place in accordance with the above arrangements. 
Never have I seen so large a concourse of Wyandotts on a 
similar occasion.^ 

Saturday, 8. — Kose at 5 o'clock. Fury, how it [is] 

' Henry Jacquis belonged to that part of the Wyandot Nation composed of the Bar- 
nett and Charloe families. Margaret Charloe was a sister of Henry Jacquis. He was 
a good man and highly esteemed by the Wyandots. J. M. Armstrong named a son for 
him. He was more French than Indian. The Wyandots pronounced the name 
"Jocko." I find the following in the "History of American Missions" ( Worcester, 
1840), page 722: "The Eev. William D. Smith, having been appointed missionary to 
the Western Indians, was set apart for that work by special prayer in the Presbyterian 
church at Cross Roads, Washington County, Pa., on the 12th of May, 1833. He immedi- 
ately commenced his journey to the west, on an exploring tour. On the 19th of June, 
he arrived at the house of Mr. Joseph Barnett, near the mouth of the Kansas river, 
about 350 miles from St. Louis. Mr. Barnett's grandfather was a white man, who had 
been made prisoner by the Indians almost in infancy. Always residing among them, he 
knew nothing of his parentage, and was a complete Indian in all his habits of thought, 
feeling, and action. His son, the father of Joseph, resided at Lower Sandusky, in the 
northern part of Ohio. Here he first heard the gospel in 1801, from the Eev. Mr. 
Hughs, who had been sent as a missionary explorer among the Indians by the Presby- 
tery of Ohio. His meditations on what he had heard, and the labors of the Rev. George 
Scott among his people the next summer, led to his conversion. He was the ' Wyandot 
Chief whose history has been published by the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society." 
Joseph Barnett had married a Shawnee girl, who had been educated at the Maumee 
Mission, and in 1832 removed with the Shawnees to their Reservation near the Mis- 
souri. (See my note on the Charloe Family for further information about Jacquis. ) 
He was buried in Huron Place Cemetery, but no stone remains to point out his grave. 

16 



226 THE JOURNALS OF [January. 1S4S. 

snowing. Increasing in violence — a regular " nor' easter.'' 
Kept close quartei-s. At one half past one o'clock, snowing 
furiously, rivaling the snow storms of Nova Scotia. 

Sunday, 9. — Coldest morning we have had this winter. 
At sunrise the thermometer stood 20° below zero. Last 
night at 8 o'clock it was 5° above. Here is a fall of 25°. 

Monday, 10. — Cloudy. At sunrise the temperature at zero. 
Kept close quarters all day. Read, wrote, and pondered 
over matters in futurity. M. E,. W. hauled me a load of 
fodder. 

Tuesday, 11. — Weather cloudy and moderate. Sent two 
letters to the office, one to Harriet and one to M^ Barrett, 
Senr. Called upon the widow Jacquis. In the evening, cut 
her some wood. M" W. went on a visit to C. B. G.'s. M"^ 
Barstow came and spent the evening with us. 

Wednesday, 12. — M'" Peery brought our mail, but not 
having time to read now, I will lay my papers aside " till a 
more convenient season." 

M*" Dennis brought AP Waldron to examine the carpenter 
work done by him on my house and fix upon the price. 

Thursday, 13. — Dark foggy and misty morning. Sent 
to the P. O. an obituary notice of the death of Henry Jac- 
quis to the editor of the Ohio State Journal. Went to town. 
No crossing the Kansas river in consequence of the thawing 
of the "ice bridge." 

Friday, 14. — The weather continues the same as yesterday, 
damp, foggy and cloudy. I hear of our people being sick. 
Unhealthy weather. Thermometer temperate. 

Saturday, 15. — Some colder this morning, having frozen 
some last night Went to M. B. W.'s and got the oxen. 
Cut and hauled some wood for the coming week. This thing 
of chopping is not quite so agreeable to ^' flesh and blood" 
though I do not think it, as an employment, very injurious 
to the flesh, blood, or bones. 



JaMBTT. is« 1 GOYEByOB WALKZB. 227 



In the e-ening Unde James Raakm eaae aad qient tKe 
even in g ^Ith a-. Clear aod beantifal moonHg^ D^ht, 

Sandav, 16. — Wrote a letter to J^se Stem upon land 
ba-iine^fs and wrote alao to Hugh Barrett a fijendty eoBBmn- 
Dicatioo. 

Oar folks retamed from meedng and inionaed [job] that 
Esq. Grav Ejeg handed a letter from Rer. J. B. Fmlej to 
be read to the congr^atioiL It being read in Wjaadoit its 
oootentB were not fairW nndeistood. 

Monday, 17. — Clear and beaotifbl morning. 

Called apon ^L B. W., he being siek with a rioleiii cold, 
and £>and him improving. Went to town. Xo lai jin g, 
the rirer being frozen over. 

M' Dennis broaght over 31' Waldron's award. Jftpifftfttr 
^hat a bilL At the prices fixed in the award, a earpenta' 
wiU make in a year |l,70O, and be boarded besides. Car- 
poitexB ooght to become rich at these rates, bat M' Dennis 
and I settled withoat any referenee to the award. In the 
evening visited the Deaeoo. 

Taesday, 18. — CooncQ met and afier some soall — mt^rr 
were disposed oi proeeeded to the Section d a eoancilar to 
snpplv the Tacaney cai^ed by tbe death c^ H. J. A&er ser- 
eral balloting^ fojrge L Clark was deeted to ssre till the 
15th of Angnst oisaing. 

Wednesday, 19. — ^ 

Thursday, 20. — K-_:^: 

Friday, 21. — Went to K:^ 

Satorday, 22.— M" Tho6. : it. Pkid 

him, not wishing to be in de „ ^ - „ _ i_ i^ 

and over honest nan. 

Sale of H. J. 'a propoty i 
of G. L dark and James T 

erty soldeDOTmoiBly higi ^ _ :_ :~ 

in audi OSes. 



228 THE JOURNALS OF [January, 1848. 

Sunday, 23. — Sick. Staid at home of course. 

Monday, 24. — Employed M' Noble to assist me to haul 
some wood and fodder. 

Tuesday, 25. — Council met. Transacted sundry business. 
Appointed G. I. C. and J. M. A. a committee to call upon 
Major Cummings, Indian agent, and make certain inquiries 
about the appointment of commissioner to conclude a tri- 
party treaty between the Wyandotts, Delawares, and the U. S. 

Wednesday, 26. — Went out gunning, but killed nothing. 
Went to town — Found the Kansas river rising. 

Thursday, 27. — Tore down my shed and did sundry other 
nasty jobs. In the evening a M' Waldo of Independence 
called and staid all night. Had a long and interesting con- 
fab with him. A democrat "dyed in the wool." Deacon 
Peery called and chatted about the on dits of the day. 

Friday, 28. — Beautiful morning. The weather looks like 
spring. At 1 o'clock the thermometer "temperate." Called 
over to M. R. W.'s, not at home. F. A. H.'s negro ran 
away. He and John Lynch gone in pursuit of him. 

" Niggnr Sambo ran away. 
Didn't come back till Saturday." 

No news. Ennui! 

Saturday, 29. — Cold and cloudy. Went out this morn- 
ing in the hopes of killing some game, but killed nothing 
but a squirrel. Poor reward for my toils. Fll have it for 
dinner. Sent to the P. O. At 2 o'clock P. M. it com- 
menced raining. Reading Albert H. Gallatin's article on 
the Mexican war. So far I regard it unanswerable. Dark, 
rainy, and gloomy night. 

Sunday, 30. — Rainy morning. M' Graham called for a 
day's visit. Just heard of the death [of] Tauroomee's wife 
Theresa. She was an amiable woman, affectionate, sociable, 
and agreeable. 3 o'clock P. M., snowing. Phoebus! What 
weather I 



February, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 229 

Monday, 31. — At sunrise the thermometer stood 15° 
above zero. Prospect of a warm day, this last day of Jan- 
uary, 1848. 

Waiting for Sophia's return from Kansas. She returned 
about 12 o'clock. In the evening Captain Waldo called 
upon us on his return from the fort, and staid all night. 
He informs [us] that General Scott has been arrested on 
charges preferred by Generals Worth and Pillow, and a 
court martial ordered to convene at Vera Cruz. 

February, 1848. 

Tuesday, 1. — Beautiful morning. Captain Waldo set out 
on his jourue}^ home. Council day. I must attend. A 
letter was read in Council from Major Cummins in relation 
to the tri-party treaty. Nothing satisfactory upon the sub- 
ject. All equivocal. The Government is determined upon 
"foul play" upon us poor Wyandotts. 

Wednesday, 2. — Went to Kansas and put in the P. O. a 
Santa Fe newspaper and a map of Mexico and California 
addressed to John Shrunk, Editor of the "Lower Sandusky 
Telegraph." Received a letter from Harriet. Settled with 
S. Armstrong and McCoy and Martin in our house-rent 
concern, the latter up to the 31st of December, 1847. 
Amount due up to this date from S. Armstrong $17.43. 
Amount due from McCoy and Martin up to December 31st, 
1847, $31.05. 

Thursday, 3. — Attended M. R. W.'s raising. Labored 
hard all day. A windy, cloudy and unpleasant day. Did 
not finish the raising. Postponed till Saturday next. 

Friday, 4. — At daylight commenced snowing. Cold and 
stormy. About noon it partially cleared up. Hauled wood 
and some corn out of Henry Jacquis field. In the evening 
J. M. A. and his two little girls came over to spend the 
evening. Had a concert. 



230 THE JOURNALS OF [February, 1848. 

Saturday, 5. — Cloudy morning. 
Sunday, 6, — Hiatus. 
Monday, 7. — In Westport. 

Tuesday, 8. "How beantifnl fails 

From baman lips, 

That 'blessed yford forgive.^ " 

Wednesday, 9. — Came home. T. H. Noble staid all 
night. 

Thursday, 10. — Martha and Dorcas went to Independence 
intending to stay till Saturday. 

Friday, 11. — Employed Mr. Noble to cut and haul some 
wood. In the evening C. G. came on a visit and staid till 
bed time. A long and pleasant colloquy. 

Saturday, 12. — Devoted my time to burning old logs and 
dry trees. Spring weather truly. In the evening Adam 
Brown called and delivered my mail from Kansas with 
President's Message and accompanying documents. A truly 
mammoth document! 

Martha and Dorcas not returned yet. We are uneasy ^ 
about them. 

Sunday, 13. — Cloudy morning. Head the news and wrote i 
a letter to A. Guthrie,^ a sort of salmagundi affair, upon all 
sorts of subjects. Warm day. At 4 o'clock P. M. it com- 
menced raining and rained till 8 o'clock. 

Monday, 14. — Cloudy as usual. James White -Wing 
came as per agreement to work for me. Martha not re- 
turned yet. What in the name of Moses can keep her? 

Tuesday, 15. — Returned from their journey. 

Wednesday, 16. — Went with the girls to Kansas, they be- 
ing invited to attend Isaac McCoy's "infair." 

Thursday, 17. — Remained in waiting the arrival of the 
Haiden, expecting to find Harriet on board coming home 
to spend her vacation, but was disappointed. 

' Mr. Guthrie was kept in Washington most of his time by the Wyandot Nation to 
look after their aflfairs. He was in Washington at this time. 



March, 1848] GOVERN^OR WALKER. 231 

Friday, 18. — Waiting the arrival of the Tamerlane. She 
landed, but still no Harriet. 

Saturday, 19. — Hiatus. 

Sunday, 20. — Hiatus. 

Monday, 21. — Hiatus. 

Tuesday, 22. — Celebrated the birthday of the Father of his 
Country, by having a social select convivial party in M"^ Tibb's 
counting room. Quite a pleasant and agreeable time. Our 
wit and the chief author of our merriment was a M' Dyke. 

Wednesday, 23. — Done nothing. Read the news. 

Thursday, 24. — Clearing up the yard, assisted by John 
Lynch. 

Friday, 25. — Engaged in the same. 

Saturday, 26. — Same. Got our mail. Not much news. 

Sunday, 27. — Read Fremont's defense. 

Monday, 28. — Hauled wood all day. Brought my big 
wagon home and lent it again to John Van Meter.^ Some- 
what fatigued at night. M' and M'"^ Davis, with C. G. came 
on a visit and staid all night. 

Tuesday, 29. — Attended Council. Made out our appro- 
priation bill for 1848. Tried and convicted Thomas Stand- 
In-The- Water of burglary and theft. Transacted various 
minor matters of business. A person named Quinby called, 
enquiring for a fugitive slave who absconded from his mas- 
ter in Platte City. 

March, 1848. 

Wednesday, 1. — Resumed our operations in clearing up, 
and as Major J. Downing says, "Sitting things to rights." 
Miss Blossom was last night delivered of an heir. A fine 
calf. 

Thursday, 2. — Snowing at a most furious rate. Kept 
housed up all day. The sky black as a raven's wing, and 
the air white as the crest of ';he foaming billow. 

' The Van Meters were Mohawks ; they were adopted Wyandots. 



232 THE JOUKNALS OF [March, 1848. 

Friday, 3. — At daylight, thermometer 10° below zero. 
Hauled corn and fodder. Widow Driver was buried to-day.^ 

Saturday, 4. — At daylight, thermometer at zero. Matthew 
Peacock was buried to-day.^ 

'* Insatiate archer, could not one suffice V 

Pleasant in the afternoon, but towards sunset the wind 
blew from the north and turned very cold. Received a let- 
ter from Jesse Stern, Esq., upon land matters. Also some 
public documents from A. Guthrie. C. Graham staid all 
night and bespoke boarding for himself and assistant, Orange 
Wilcox. 

Sunday, 5. — Thermometer "0" (zero). Bright and clear. 
This day I complete my forty-seventy year. Can this be 
possible? Verily I cannot realize [it] . I can hardly per- 
suade myself that I have already lived so long and ambled 
upon this bustling stage 47 years ; yet such is the fact. The 
record shows it. I was born in the County of Wayne, Ter- 
ritory (now State) of Michigan on the 5th of March A. D., 
1800.^ Methinks it was but last week I was a crazy-headed, 
reckless, fun-loving and unstudious school boy. How swift 
is the flight of time. 

Monday, 6. — Assisted by John Lynch, I overhauled our 
spring, which had been failing. Put in a new trough, but 
Alas! we toiled for naught; we gained but little water. 

Tuesday, 7. — Went to town. John Lynch chopped in the 
woods pasture. Joel set out for N. Y. 

* The mother of Francis Driver. 

* He was buried in Huron Place Cemetery. On the stone above his grave is this: 

Matthew Peacock 

Died 

Oct 1843 

Aged 68 Yrs. 

The date is wrong. There being no day of the month given indicates that there 

was uncertainty as to the date by those having the stone put up. It was probably not 

erected until many years after his death. 

' See biographical sketch of Governor Walker for dififerent dates given for his birth. 
This is undoubtedly the correct date. 



March, 1848] GOVERNOK WALKER. 233 

Wednesday, 8. — Overhauled my pork. Lent the Deacon 
one of my barrels and repacked his pork. Worked on my 
smoke house and in the garden. Overhauled the roots of 
my fruit trees. Manured them with spall-stones and com- 
post. Paid John Lynch four dollars. 

Thursday, 9. — Clear and beautiful morning. Got up my 
work cattle, intending to haul out the waste timber out of 
my Woods pasture; but my Frenchman not coming, did but 
little in the way of hauling. Summon'd to attend a special 
session of the Council. Heard of the death of John Quincy 
Adams. 

Friday, 10. — Wrote to J. Stern upon land matters. Bought 
three bushels of corn meal. Sent for Pharoah for consul- 
tation. Came in the evening. Mr. Graham brought our 
Westport mail. 

Saturday, 11. — Beautiful morning. M" W. went to Kan- 
sas to purchase supplies, and brought our mail. A letter 
from Harriet. Chopped my Sunday's wood. Did various 
other "chores" about the house. Read my newspapers. 
To-day the thermometer stood nearly at ^^ summer heat" 
This seems like the commencement of spring. Hannah 
Hicks came on a visit and drummed on the piano. Consid- 
ering her opportunities she plays a few tunes very well. 

Sunday, 12. — Rained a little last night, and this morning 
the thermometer stood 2° below freezing point. Prospect of 
a fine day. 

In the evening C. Graham and Orange returned. Read 
and wrote all day. 

Monday, 13. — Cold, frosty morning. Wrote to Harriet 
to come home with S. Armstrong on his return from St. 
Louis. Pottered about the house. 

Tuesday, 14. — Bright and clear morning. Hauled some 
wood out of the woods pasture. Went to the Council. Came 
home and set out some peach trees. 



234 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1848. 

Wednesday, 15. — Frosty morning. Went to town to haul 
some flour and a sack of salt, but owing to the villainous and 
balky character of Sam's team, broke the wagon tongue, so 
we left the wagon in town and came home for dinner, and 
at the same time to devise other means of getting our load 
home. I have it. We will take the ox team, Brin and 
Brown. Never stall, so now for the bull team. 

Just returned with my flour and salt. No accidents this 
time. Spent this day to but little purpose. 

Thursday, 16. — Beautiful morning. Looks like Indian 
summer. Called upon the Grammar school. Went to M. 
Mudeater^ and engaged ten bushels of potatoes. 

' The name Mudeater is an honored one in the Wyandot Nation. There are difFerent 
accounts of the manner in which it became fixed as a family name. Alfred J. Mudeater, 
Esq., of Wyandotte, Indian Territory, gave me substantially the following: 

A war party of Wyandotswent up the Big Sandy Eiver about the time of the EeTO- 
lutionary War, for the purpose, as he said, of falling upon the Cherokees, but much 
more probably for the purpose of raiding the settlements west of New Eiver in Vir- 
ginia, or along the Watauga in what is now East Tennessee. This party went down a 
valley after passing the head waters of the Big Sandy River. This valley was inhab- 
ited by white settlers who fled at the approach of the Indians, who passed on and went 
far beyond it. They were gone for about two weeks, when they i-e turned up this same 
valley to again reach the waters of the Big Sandy, which they would descend on their 
way home. 

As they were marching up this little valley they saw a small boy run down to the 
creek some distance ahead of them and disappear in the bushes that fringed the stream. 
Some of the warriors hastened to the point where the boy was last seen but he was no- 
where to be found. The other warriors of the party came up and a close and systematic 
search was instituted for the fugitive. One of them noticed that the creek had cut in 
under the roots of some trees, leaving a mass of roots and earth overhanging the water. 
He plunged into the stream and looked under this overhanging mass. He saw a boy's 
legs at the farthest comer of the cavity thus found, and, seizing him by the feet, drew 
him forth. 

The child, for he was nothing more, being only about six or seven years old, was 
famished and emaciated. So extreme had been his suflerings from hunger that he had 
been eating the soapstone found along the bed of the creek. This soapstone and clay 
were smeared about his mouth and over his face. The Indians, with that aptness for 
which they are famous in the bestowal of names, called him Mud Eater, a name which 
he retained ever after. 

The warriors gave him food, and carried him with them to their town on the San- 
dusky. He said that his people had either abandoned him or forgotten him in their 
hasty flight from the Indians, and he had been left to starve, or to whatever fate might 
befall him. 

The Indians adopted him and he grew up among them and married a Wyandot 
woman. 

The Hon. Frank H. Betton, of Wyandotte county, Kansas, who married Miss 



March, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 235 

Friday, 17. — "St. Patrick's day in the morning." 
Wrought in my garden digging up stumps, and laying off 
walks, etc. Sent by Mr. Graham my letter to John Greer, 
written yesterday. I very civilly gave my opinion of his 
conduct in regard to my sale of a tract of land to him. 

Mr. Mudeater brought the potatoes I contracted for yes- 
terday. Warm day, pleasant evening. Dr. H. (God bless 
his memory) forgot to bring our mail from the P. O. 

Saturday, 18. — Yonder comes the powerful king of day 
rejoicing in the east. 10 and a half o'clock. Thermometer 
nearly "summer heat." Working with my fruit trees, cov- 
ering their roots with broken stone and compost of leached 
lime and sand. The little leisure I have I devote to reading 
the memoirs of Aaron Burr by M. L. Davis. What a man! 
A strange medley of opposite qualities, great and good in 
some things and treacherous and heartless in others. 

Sunday, 19. — Staid at home, read and wrote. M' Gil- 

Susanah Mudeater, the sister of Alfred J. Mudeater, Esq., who gave me the foregoing 
account, believes it possible that the name may have been bestowed from the habits of 
the turtle which burrows in the mud, and which might be said to be a mud eater. This 
is a plausible and tenable theory, and it is quite possible that it is correct, if the boy 
was adopted by the Big Turtle Clan, or the Mud Turtle Clan. 

He related to me another tradition. A party of Wyandots went to visit another 
tribe, perhaps the Shawnees, or the Delawares. Arrived at the spring at which the 
village supply of water was obtained they beheld an emaciated white boy eating clay 
from its banks. He was a captive and had been adopted and had almost starved. The 
Wyandots from compassion bought him and adopted him into their tribe, and gave him 
the name of Mud Eater, from the circumstance which caused his purchase and adoption 
into the Wyandot Nation. 

The improbable part of this version of the matter lies in the assertion that he had 
been starved after adoption. This could not have been, unless the whole tribe was 
starving. It was contrary to all Indian customs to withhold food from any one. While 
one had food all had it. 

This man Mud Eater had a son named Bussia Mudeater, who married a daughter of 
Chief Adam Brown. One of their children was Matthew Mudeater. He married 
Nancy Pipe, a direct descendant of Hopocan, or Captain Pipe, Chief of the Wolf Clan, 
and afterwards Head Chief of all the Delawares, and who burned Colonel Crawford at 
the stake in what is now Crawford County, Ohio. Of this marriage were born: 1. Silas, 
died in infancy; 2. Susanah, born in Ohio, March 5, 1841; 3. Thomas Dawson, born 
February — , 1843; 4. Zelinda, born in 1845; 5. Mary, bom in 1847; 6. Irvin, born in 
1849; 7. Benjamin, born in 1851; 8. Infant that died; 9. Alfred J., born in 1855; 10. 
Matthew, born in 1857; 11. Ida, born in 1859. 

Matthew Mudeater died in the Wyandot Eeserve in the Indian Territory, 



236 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1848. 

more of Independence came and staid all night. Went to 
see Isaiah who was seriously hurt by the falling of his horse 
while going at full speed on Saturday. Badly hurt. 

Monday, 20. — Rained last night. Clear this morning. 
Went to town after writing to M' Reese concerning the 
Chick lots in Westport. 

Sowed two beds of a mixture of salad and radishes and 
other work in de jwrdin. 

C. Graham received a letter from Esau, written from New 
Orleans, which I perused. He is on his way to Mexico, 
wishing like many others to revel in the "halls of Monte- 
zuma." 

Tuesday, 21. — Cold and cloudy morning. Reading Burr's 
memoirs. Truly he was an unfortunate man. In the me- 
ridian of life his star began to wane and through the bitter- 
ness and rancorous hostility with which he was pursued, day 
and night, he fell from his lofty position like a boulder from 
the clouds. How true the saying and truly its application 
in Col. Burr's case is just. A French criminal judge says 
" Give me four lines in writing of the most honest man in 
the world, and I will undertake to have him hung." 

Continued cold windy and cloudy. Worked in my garden. 

Wednesday, 22. — Cold and dark morning. My execra- 
tions upon that sacre menteur coquin of a Frenchman, Pierre 
Ballenger, for not coming to work for me as he promised. 
Continued my gardening operations. Planted early pota- 
toes, but in consequence of my crippled back I was com- 
pelled to lay aside my spade, shovel and rake and stop oper- 
ations. Mild and pleasant this arternoon. Je suis fatigue 
aujour d'hui. 

Just heard of the ratification of the treaty of peace be- 
tween the U. S. and Mexico. 

Thursday, 23. — Clear cold and frosty morning. M" W. 
gone to Westport. Writing a letter to Esau in Mexico. Le 



March, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 237 

meiTie terns Je ecrite une o pour Madame Guthrie. Planted 
some more early potatoes. M'^ W. returned from Westport 
and brouglit my mail. 

Friday, 24. — Hauled some hay. Then hauled some wood 
from the woods pasture. Planted a Balm of Gilead.^ Done 
various other things. M' Barstow's school closed to-day. 
Called upon by James Washington on public business. 
Agreed to meet to-morrow. 

Saturday, 25. — Sprinkled a little rain last night. Cloudy 
and threatening rain. Let it come and welcome. Dis- 
patched my letter addressed to Esau by C. G. to the P. O. 
Settled with B. F. Barstow for tuition in District No. 3, 
amount, $58.33. 

Planted a fine lot of top onions. M. R. W. set out to-day 
for Wolftown in company with M"" Boyd. Requested him 
to attend to some business for me. Went to town to meet 
the sub-agent on public business, but [he] was not at home; 
gone to Fort Leavenworth. 

Sunday, 26. — Cold, cold morning. 1° below freezing 
point. Went to see the Widow Mudeater, who is said to be 
dangerously sick. "Nigh unto death." Some prospect of 
her recovery yet. 

Monday, 27. — Wrote two deeds for the Deacon. Resumed 
my gardening operations. Worked hard all day with spade 
and rake in hand. C. G. sick. Did not come home but 
staid all night at his cheerless and lonely house. Dr. H. 
received orders to come to St. Louis for the semi-annual 
annuity. 

Tuesday, 28. — Clear and frosty morning. Must attend 
Council to-day. Business of importance. Just returned 
from Council. Transacted a variety of business. Ap- 
pointed a National Council for this day a week at the school 
house in town, to meet the disorganizers. To-day at 12 

' Formerly a favorite tree to plant about the house for shade and ornament. 



238 THE JOUKNALS OF [March, 1848. 

o'clock the widow Mudeater departed this life, a worthy and 
good woman gathered to her fathers. 

Wednesday, 29. — Clear and frosty morning. 4° below 
** freezing." Attended the funeral of the widow Mudeater. 
M" W. went to Kansas and returned. Wrote to Andrew 
McElvain in reply to his letter of the 10th inst., upon the 
subject of his wishing, or rather application for [the] Wyan- 
dott agency. 

Thursday, 30. — Blustery, windy, and such a whirling of 
dust, leaves, and trash ! Whew ! 

Cloudy, prospect of rain. Oh! Boreas send us a refresh- 
ing shower ! Dry, dry. Watered our fruit trees, for truly 
they are suffering. Planted a sugar sprout in the yard. 
Dr. Hewitt set out for St. Louis. At 5 o'clock, planted 
some May peas and some beets. In the evening the sky 
became cloudy with very strong indications of rain. At 
nightfall it commenced raining and rained till midnight. 

Friday, 31. — Cold morning. Thermometer, freezing 
point. Repaired my meadow fence. Packed rails on my 
Bhoulder. Wrote a long letter to Tho. A. Grun. Winding 
up the day by burning up logs in my field. Continued cold 
all day. Probably frost to-night. Planted two more sugar 
sprouts. 

Apeil, 1848. 

All fool's day. Cold frosty morning. I fear for the 
fruit Quarterly meeting commenced to-day. The presid- 
ing elder Mr. Stateler on the ground. Hauled some wood. 
Hauled rails and went to town. Came home and positively 
determined to work no more to-day, lest I should be made 
[a] "fool" of before the day closes. Bring on my mail I 
The mail came and all I got was two Independence papers. 
The treaty with Mexico confirmed by the Senate. 37 Ayes 
and 15 Nays ! Revolution in France. Abdication of Louis 
Phillip and departure from Paris. The chamber of depu- 



J 



April, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 239 

ties refuse to settle the crown upon any of the royal family, 
all in a hub bub. France must undergo another depletion. 

Commenced a letter to the Arch Bishop of the Ohio State 
Prison, J. B. F.^ 

Sunday, 2. — Went to church. Heard a sermon from Rev. 
M' Stateler. 

Monday, 3. — Orange D. Wilcox left for Independence. 
M' Stateler called upon us and spent the morning. Cliunked 
up my log heap. Finished my letter to the Arch Bishop. 
Prospect of a rainy day. 

Must attend a special session of the chiefs to-day at 1 
o'clock P. M. to prepare for the convocation of the nation 
to-morrow. 

Tuesday, 4. — Cold morning. Employed T. H. Noble to 
clear an addition to my field. 

Attended the grand convocation of the nation at the school 
house. A warm discussion took place upon our national 
politics. Came home at 5 o'clock. 

Wednesday, 5. — Frost. Planted our garden peas. Made 
a summer house of my wild rose. 

Thursday, 6. — Cold morning. Santissimu^ virgo ora 
pronobisf Hired James Jackson to work for M"" C. G. and 
myself jointly. Went to town, bought 102 pounds of bacon 
from C. G., and brought my seed oats home. Ira Hunter com- 
menced work in the shop. Hauled rails and fenced in the 
orchard. Je suis fatigue aujour d'hui comme un cheval. 

Friday, 7. — Frosty morning as usual. Le meme chase. 
Sowed my orchard with oats. Looking every moment for 
Harriet. 

» James B. Finley, the Methodist Missionary to the Wyandots; he founded the Mis- 
sion at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He was adopted into the Wyandot Nation by the Bear 
Clan and named Eeh'-wah-wih'-ih, meaning " he has hold of the Law." He was given 
a nickname, Hah-gyeh'-reh-wah'-neh, meaning "big neck." He wrote the "History 
of the Wyandot Mission" and "Western Methodism." His History of the Wyandot 
Mission was afterwards published almost entire as " Life Among the Indians." 



240 THE JOURNALS OF [April. i848. 

She came about two o'clock, having come in a carriage 
with S. Armstrong and H. M. Northrup. 

Planted some more onions. Sowed parsnips and beets, 
also cabbage seeds. My hand, Jimraie Jackson, getting 
sick of work and wants to quit and go home. So he may 
go. Cloudy night, looks like rain, send it, do, oh do! 

Saturday, 8. — No rain, but cloudy. No frost. M" W. 
went to Kansas, but brought no mail. Set out the shrub- 
bery brought by Harriet from Lexington, viz: a variety of 
roses, honeysuckle, and flowering almond. Sowed some tim- 
othy and clover. Planted some watermelons. Blocking out 
a memorial to the general conference about to convene at 
Pittsburg praying that body to refund the proceeds of the 
Mission farm in Ohio, to be applied, if refunded, to finishing 
the new Church. 

Sunday, 9. — No rain ; ground dry and parched. C. G. 
and myself went to the Holy Catholic Church near Kansas, 
and heard a sermon from Father Donnelly, an Irish priest; 
was introduced to him; a quite pleasant and agreeable man. 
Got home at 1 o'clock P. M. Received a letter from John 
Wheeler. Answered it forthwith ; a sort of a salmagundi 
communication. Several of our neighbors called upon us 
this evening. 

Monday, 10. — Cloudy; some signs of rain. Oh let re- 
freshing showers descend upon the parched earth. Cloudy 
and cold all day, but no rain. M" T. H. Noble making 
rails, and I doing a little of everything. 

Tuesday, 11. — Cold ; thermometer " freezing " point ! Clear 
and all hopes of our rain dissipated. Sad disappointment ! 
Steamboat making a 7'ambunctious noise upon the river. 
Beautiful and enchanting morning. Of all the green groves 
of the wide spreading forest, there are none so fair or so 
charming as where the beautiful Kansas doth glide. 



April, 1848] GOVERNOR WALKER. 241 

'Tis the home of content, 

'Tis the wild Indian's home, 
^ In his rude pitched tent 

Is his time honor'd throne. 
See him reclining beneath his shade tree, 

His eye wandering through the dark green wood, 
He thinks of his foe, the lurking Pawnee, 
Vows vengeance upon him by Eeesis his God. 

12 o'clock. Just finished extirpating all the stool grubs 
out of my orchard. Watered my shubbery in the garden. 

Wednesday, 12. — Awoke at the dawn of day, but alas ! no 
rain! dry, dry. Wrote Joseph E-idgeway upon the sub- 
ject of the Burlingame claim. 11 o'clock, "summer heat" 
weather, well calculated to give the lazy and indolent the 
spring fever. Made a hot bed for sweet potatoes. Mr. 
Noble commenced relaying the fence. 

Thursday, 13. — Cloudy, but no rain yet. Dry, dry, every- 
thing parched up, yet 'tis a beautiful day. 

"The spring is coming, delightful spring, 
When the bright waves dance and the sweet birds sing. 
Ten thousand notes from the forest trees, 
Are wafted along in the gentle breeze, 
And glittering insects here and there 
Are humming their notes in the soft spring air." 

I am tired, I will quit work for to-day. 

Friday, 14. — Severe hoar frost. I fear for the fruit. Re- 
ceived a letter from J. W. Garrett dated March 28, in reply 
to mine of the 28th of November. Further news from the 
French revolution. Mob reigns in Paris. It is utter nonsense 
for France to talk about a republican government. Nothing 
short of the iron rule of a Bonaparte will keep the French 
quiet and in subjection. They cannot appreciate a whole- 
some government. To-day Thom. H. Noble finished his 
job of clearing and fencing. Sold him my small wagon at 
$40.00 in work, trade, etc. Cold and cloudy. Wind from 
the north. Answered J. W. Garrett's letter. 

Saturday, 15. — Severe morning, heavy frost, cold, cold. 
17 



242 THE JOUENALS OF [April. 1848. 

Went out to hunt for my oxen. Hunted till one half past 
11, but could find nothing of them. The rascals knew there 
was work on hand, and have concealed themselves. M"W. 
and Harriet gone to Kansas. Everything in the vegetable 
line drying and wilting up. No prospect of rain. Looking 
for further news of the French revolution. Anxious to 
know what it will end in, what will be the finale of this 
uproar. Received the "Nat. Int." and Ohio "State Jour- 
nal " but no news of importance. Received two letters from 
George Dickson of Wolftown. My curse upon those Wol- 
verines who set the prairies on fire and burnt a part of my 
fence. 

Sunday, 16. — Frost again! Oh when are we to have warm 
weather? Missouri rising. Went to Church. 

Monday, 17. — No frost this morning (please fortune) but 
warm and pleasant. Went in pursuit of my work cattle. 
Found them. Commenced plowing my old ground. Mis- 
souri booming up, rising, rising. Where does this water 
come from? Cloudy; prospect of rain. Send down the 
reireshiug showers. At one half past 7 P. M. commenced 
raining. 

Tuesday, 18. — Stormy night. Froze. Cold. Wind from 
the north. Everything vegetable frozen stiff. The Coun- 
cil meets to-day, and I must lay my implements of husbandry 
aside, and attend to affairs of state. Proceeded to town. 
Convened the Council. Signed a memorial to the general 
conference praying that Rev. Body restore to the Wyandott 
Church the proceeds of the Wyandott Mission farm in Ohio, 
to aid in building our Church. Disposed of a multiplicity 
of business, and adjourned sine die. Came home and found 
Dr. L. Twyman^ at our house. He staid all night. 

Wednesday, 19. — Frosty morning. 3° below " freezing.'* 
Hauled in from the clearing the fire wood. Commenced 

' Of Independence, Mo. 



April, 1848] GOVERNOR WALKER. 243 

breaking up ray new ground. Failing to get a hired hand, 
I resolved to do it myself. Got M"" Peery's black boy Elijah 
to drive, and I held the plough, and a mammoth one at that; 
plowed till sunset. Tired enough. 

Thursday, 20. — Resumed the plough and finished at 2 
o'clock P. M. Went to M. R. W.'s for a load of corn. 
Weary as a hound after a long fox chase. Beautiful even- 
ing, but rather cool and chilly. 

Friday, 21. — Beautiful morning, no frost, glad of it. 
Harrowing my field preparatory to planting corn. Fine day 
for work. Moderately cool. Planted some beans, cucum- 
bers, and beets. Elijah furrowing out the corn ground. 
Weather getting warm. Thermometer 85°. 

Saturday, 22. — Ready to plant my corn. Dry weather. 
Repaired some fence. 12 o'clock. This being Saturday, I 
have after mature consideration, come to the conclusion I 
would work no more to-day. For verily the outward man 
begins to feel the effects of earning my bread " by the sweat 
of my brow." Blistered hands and crippled back, aching 
bones and a sunburned face. Ah me! Martha and Sophia 
gone to Kansas on a visit. Got no mail. Snakes and Scor- 
pions ! This is too bad. Miss Lucy Jane returned home. 

Sunday, 23. — Cool morning, but no frost. Dry, dry 
weather. Went to Church ; heard a sermon from the Dea- 
con. This evening it is reported the Doctor has returned 
home, bringing with him the semi-annuity. 

Monday, 24. — Phoebus ! but it is cold ! Cloudy, looks like 
a snow storm was approaching. And yet I am ready to 
plant corn; but here I am, roasting my corporeality before 
a blazing fire. Plant corn indeed. No I will wait till 
summer. From the National Intelligencer it appears that 
Senator Atchison has reported a bill confirming the land 
purchased by the Wyandotts from the Delawares.^ Went 

' This bill was passed and became a law. 



244 THE JOURNALS OF [April. 1848. 

to town. Called upon Dr. H. Had a conversation upon 
the approaching payment. Council to convene to-morrow. 
Cold all day. Cloudy, dark and lowering. Occasionally a 
few drops of snow falling. In the evening commenced plant- 
ing corn. 

Tuesday, 25. — As usual cold and dreary. Commenced 
operations upon my pigs. Planted more corn. At last the 
sun has made its appearance. Attended Council. Ap- 
pointed next Monday for the payment of the semi-annuity. 

Wednesday, 26. — Cloudy, dark and uninviting. Planted 
more corn. Harriet set out for Lexington. [She has] gone 
back to school again. Sent some shrubbery to the seminary. 
Sent the memorial to general conference to the care of Kev. 
J. B. Finley to be presented by him. 

Thursday, 27. — Fine morning. Sent my oxen to Guth- 
rie's to plow his field, by M' Hightower. Continued plant- 
ing corn. Council met and proceeded to make out the 
pay-roll for payment of the semi-annuity and finished [it]. 
Adjourned till Monday. Joel Walker returned from New 
York. Strong signs of rain. 

Friday, 28. — Raining ; welcome, welcome, a hearty wel- 
come to these refreshing showers. Finished planting corn 
in the evening. 

Saturday, 29. — Went to Kansas. Got no news by mail. 
Came home at 1 o'clock. After dark three weary travelers 
from Fort Leavenworth, having got lost, called for lodgings, 
which we afforded them. They were a M"^ Childs, a Doctor 
from Dover and an Indian trader. 

Sunday, 30. — Our guests left after breakfast. Cloudy; 
staid at home. Wrote to A. Trager ; J. Walker called. 

May, 1848. 

Monday, 1. — May-day, and such a day! Cloudy, dark, 
and cold, threatening rain. The rain would truly be accept- 



May, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 245 

able, but weather so cold should give way to the more genial 
warmth of summer. The semi-annual payment commenced 
to-day. Paid out two boxes, $2,000. At 8 o'clock at night 
it rained for a half or three-fourths of an hour, and stopped. 

Tuesday, 2. — Beautiful morning! Everything glittering 
like silver spangles in the sun. Last evening's shower has 
caused nature to put on her most pleasing smiles. Kesumed 
the annuity payment and closed in the evening. Adjourned 
to meet on Thursday. 

Wednesday, 3. — Clear and warm morning. Planted some 
Indian corn, watermelons and cucumbers. Settled with M'" 
Goodyear for lumber got for the use of the ferry by the 
Council, 127.50. Thermometer 86°. Cloudy all day. In 
the evening strong threats of rain. At 8 o'clock rain set in 
accompanied with a hard wind. Occasional showers through 
the night. 

Thursday, 4. — Bright and clear. Windy. Blowing a con- 
tinual gale. This day two years ago war broke out between 
the U. S. and Mexico and the finale "is not yet." Council 
met and proceeded to pay off the public liabilities. Paid 
our own noble selves, and our clerks, sheriffs, and ferry mari. 
Transacted a variety of business and adjourned till Tuesday 
next. M"^^ W. went to Kansas and returned. 

Friday, 5. — This day 21 years ago Napoleon Bonaparte 
breathed his last in the Isle of St. Helena. Went to Kan- 
sas and paid off B. F. Barstow, schoolmaster. Came home 
at 3 o'clock P. M. Found one of my young sows with six 
young pigs. 

Saturday, 6. — Cool, but beautiful morning. Heavy dew. 
Growing time. Have a severe nervous headache. Staid in 
the house all day. Wrote a letter to Harriet. Got no mail. 
I am in want of news in tliese exciting times when Europe 
is all in convulsions and spasms. Thrones crumbling and 
falling. Kings abdicating and becoming suppliants to their 



246 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1848. 

subjects, some ingloriously retreating from their excited and 
infuriated subjects and seeking asylums in foreign countries. 

Sunday, 7. — M' Hightower brought my oxen back having 
finished ploughing Esau's field. Went to Church. A Tus- 
carora preached. 

Monday, 8. — Went into the upper settlement. Saw John 
Cotter, who had been assaulted by Milton Karraho and John 
Williams, and severely beat. Got the particulars of the 
scrape. Came home. In the evening M' G. brought our 
mail. Ira Hunter moved to-day. 

Tuesday, 9. — Cold and cloudy. Went to Council. Tried 
a case. Widow Charloe vs. Estate of H. Jacquis; claim of 
plaintiff rejected. At 2 o'clock P. M. a cold rain set in. 
Adjourned, 4 o'clock. Came home. 

Wednesday, 10. — Rose at daylight, and Phoebus I what 
a frost. Sophia commenced her school to-day in the base- 
ment story of the Church. In the afternoon a stranger 
called upon us who proved to be an American German from 
Philadelphia, a professor of music, a pianist. Tuned our 
piano. Gave the girls a few lessons on music. Staid all 
night, and in the morning "put out." 

Thursday, 11. — Cold morning but no frost. Our German 
set out for the fort. Chilly and cold all day. 

Friday, 12. — Some frost. Fine day. Staid at home, did 
small work about the house. Wrote to H. Barrett. Warm 
and pleasant day. 

Saturday, 13. — Clear and beautiful morning. Went to 
Kansas in company with M. R. Walker, Joel Walker, Dr. 
Hewitt, C. Graham. Staid till the mail came in. Received 
a letter from H. Bi'.rrett. J. Walker opening a large stock 
of goods in Kansas. Came home in the evening, 8 o'clock 
at night. Beautiful moonlight night! "Oh, 'tis my delight 
of a shiny night, to ramble o'er the grassy lea." 

Sunday, 14. — Fine morning. Went to church. M. R. 



May, 1848] GOVERNOR WALKER. 247 

Walker and Adam Hunt set out for the Pottawatomie pay- 
ment. Sometime after midnight it rained a heavy shower. 
What could have come more opportunely? 9 o'clock, 
showery. All nature seems to have put on her best array, 
her "best bib and tucker." How beautiful is the forest! M. 
R. W. and Adam Hunt did not go further than Westport, 
learning [there] that the payment did not take place till 
next week. 

Monday, 15. — 2 o'clock in the afternoon, another rain and 
[it] continued till night. 

Tuesday, 16. — Clear and beautiful morning. I must at- 
tend the Council to-day. An assault and battery case must 
be tried. John Cotter vs. Milton Karahoo and John Wil- 
liams. The parties not appearing, the case was postponed. 
Declared Smith Nichols of age and released him from his 
guardian. 

Wednesday, 17. — Wrote to Miss Jane R. Long and in- 
closed $40.00 in Missouri paper, viz.: one twenty dollar bill 
and two tens, to go by to-morrow's mail. Gave a turkey 
roast to our neighbors. Dined at half past three. Had 
a pleasant party. 

Thursday, 18. — Dark, foggy morning. Prospects of rain 
to-day. Staid about home all day, not feeling very well. 
Worked some in my garden. Shut up Barnabas Barebones 
to fatten for a particular occasion, for a select dinner party. 

Friday, 19. — A small shower at 9 o'clock A. M. M' No- 
ble called, chatted awhile. Engaged him to do some more 
work. Worked in my garden. 

Saturday, 20. — Warm morning. M'' Hunter called and 
brought a letter from Jesse Stern which informs me that he 
has had an offer of ten dollars an acre for the whole tract. 

Sunday, 21. — Staid at home all day. Warm day. Dr. 
Hewitt called to see Dorcas. Bled her. In the evening C. 
Oraham called. 



248 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1848. 

Monday, 22. — Daylight, raining furiously. Rained till 
one o'clock and held up. Set out some sweet potatoes, [and] 
some cabbages. About 9 o'clock at night it resumed raining 
most furiously, and stopped about 10 or 11 [o'clock]. 

Tuesday, 23. — Answered J. Stern's letter. Sophia unable 
to get to school owing to high water. Got her "dander up" 
and returned determined to cross the Jarsey at all hazards. 
Deacon gone to Kansas. Showery. Set out some more 
cabbage. 

Wednesday, 24. — Rain, rain, the rainy season set in. 
Sticking peas to-day. Dull times, no company. 

Thursday, 25. — Dreary, cold, and cloudy morning. If it 
does not rain I shall go to Kansas to mail some letters and 
get some if any come, and learn the news. Returned from 
K. Our mail was a complete " water-haul." Nothing for 
our place. John Garrett from Ohio landed last evening. 
Warm and sultry. Look out for more rain. 

Friday, 26. — Clear and beautiful morning, but oh 'twill 
be a warm day. Wrote a communication to J. Shrunk for 
publication. John and C B. Garrett came over and spent 
the evening. 

Saturday, 27. — M" W. went to Kansas. Received a let- 
ter from M""^ Nancy Garrett. Warm and sultry day. 
Pruned my trees. 

Sunday, 28. — Cloudy. Warm. M. R. W. returned from 
Pottawattomie last evening. In the afternoon a violent rain 
set in which lasted two hours. Curly Head and John Solo- 
mon called and staid for dinner. M"" G. from Independence 
staid all night. 

Monday, 29. — Clear and fine, though cool. At 10 o'clock 
went to Kansas. Got my mail. Received a letter from J. 
Ridge way, jr. Jesse Stern and his father arrived at Joel's. 
Dined with them. George Dickson from Wolftown arrived. 
Set out some more sweet potatoes. 



June, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 249 

Tuesday, 30. — Prepared for the session of the Council. 
John Cotter vs. Milton Kayrahoo, postponed. Adjourned 
to two weeks from to-day. 

Wednesday, 31. — Mr. Stern called upon us, and staid till 
evening. Went to J. M. A.'s. 

June, 1848. 

Thursday, 1. — Went to Kansas. Bought two bushels of 
corn meal, one-half ream of letter paper, and some rat poison. 
Sent another communication to the telegraph. 

Friday, 2. — Cloudy morning. Prospect of rain. Weeded 
my garden. Went for a bag of corn. M' Noble ploughing 
my corn. It looks fine and thrifty. Sent Dorcas to Kan- 
sas. In the evening a heavy rain fell. 

Saturday, 3. — Clear, cool and pleasant morning. Caught 
a tartar! Stept into the garden and found that that most 
troublesome of all "warmints" had been ploughing up my 
beds again, and thanks to my lucky stars I caught M*" 
ground-mole upheaving the earth. By the dextrous use of 
the hoe I brought the digger out of his tunnel. M" W. 
took him in her hand and held him till he died for the pur- 
pose of testing the truth of the saying that it will cure the 
rheumatism. She held him about an hour before he died. 
Set out fifty cabbage plants. Went to Kansas in company 
with Jesse Stern. Called at the P. O., got my papers and a 
letter from John T. Walker. J. Stern returned home on 
board the steamer "Kansas." I came home. In the even- 
ing rained furiously. 

Sunday, 4. — Clear and beautiful morning. M" W. and 
Sophia went to Kansas to Church. I staid "te hum." 
Warm day. M" W. and Sophia state that on their return 
from K. they found at the ferry a dozen or more people 
waiting to cross, and among them was John Charloe, very 
drunk, and had been severely beat. His face appeared ta 



250 THE JOURNALS OF [June, 1848. 

be very much bruised and mangled up. Perhaps his upper 
jaw broke. 

Monday, 5. — Moses Peacock commenced working in our 
corn. M'^ Noble commenced staking and ridering the fence. 

Hauled the stakes and riders. Finished the f bah! 

mistake. 

Tuesday, 6. — M' Noble finished the fence. Now I will 
bid defiance to 5reacAy stock. If they should break through 
this fence, they then ought to be killed. Finished planting 
our sweet potatoes. 

Wednesday, 7. — Clear and fine weather, cool and pleas- 
ant. Finished another No. for the Telegraph. Moses fin- 
ished dressing out my corn field. "0/c? White" commenced 
the process of incubation of thirteen eggs. So we may have 
one and one-twelfth dozen of chicks if old white has good 
luck. 

Thursday, 8. — Rainy day. Went to Kansas. Got a soak- 
ing. Called at the P. O. No newspapers. No news. "It's 
a botheration." Hunted for my dog Carlo. Some rascally 
dog thief has decoyed him off. I shall deplore my loss if 
I never get him again. Came home at 5 o'clock P. M. 
Rained again. C'est egal. 

Friday, 9. — Pleasant day. Staid at home, mowing in my 
fence corners. 

Saturday, 10. — Went to K. on a mule. Called at P. O. 
No letters. Came home. Read my newspapers. Nothing 
special from Europe. 

Sunday, 11. — Charming morning. Clear and bright. A 
very heavy dew. Went to church in the evening. Messrs. 
Tebbs and Donahoe called upon us and staid an hour. 

Monday, 12. — Warm day. J. Walker afflicted with sore 
eyes. In the afternoon an unexpected visitor called upon 
us in the person of John S. Young of Perry county, Ohio, 
he being an old acquaintance of M" W., the latter was de- 



June, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 251 

lighted to see him, not having seen him for upwards of 
twenty years. 

Tuesday, 13. — Council day. No business of importance. 
M' Peery and M'^ Young called in, and the latter introduced 
to the Council. Adjourned. M' Peery gave a party for 
M*" Y, Spent an agreeable evening. 

Wednesday, 14. — Presented JVP Y. "Gregg's Commerce 
of the Prairies." Set out this morning in company with 
M' Peery for the "Shawnee Institution." From thence 
home. Called upon J. Walker. Found him considerably 
improved. 

Thursday, 15. — Wrote another communication for the 
Telegraph. Went to Kansas. Called at the P. O., but as 
usual "Nothing for you." 

The Whig national convention have nominated Gen. Tay- 
lor for President and Millard Filmore for Vice President. 
So the Whigs are doomed to another defeat. 

Friday, 16. — Planted my fall potatoes, being the old of 
the moon. Warm day. M'" George Dickson called. Went 
to the church to help Lynch put up steps in the basement. 
Martha taught Sophia's school, she being sick to-day. 

Saturday, 17. — Went to Kansas to sign with my brothers 
and others interested a power of attorney for Jesse Stern to 
dispose of our Seneca county lands; "signed sealed and de- 
livered" in the presence of Lot Coffraan, J. P. 

Paid the proprietors of Kansas for two lots in the new 
addition, $59.00 and got my deed. Received two letters from 
Esau, written from the "Halls of the Montezumas." Came 
home late in the evening. 

Sunday, 18. — Quarterly meeting. Present L. B. Stateler, 
presiding elder, Thomas Johnson, E. T. Peery. I must go 
to Church, 05 a good orderly Christian man should do. In 
the " arternoon" a heavy shower of rain came up, which 
lasted two hours. M"" and M" Northrup, M"" Stateler, and 



252 THE JOURNALS OF [June, lus, 

E. T. p. dined with us to-day. The clergy put out for 
Church. 

Monday, 19. — Clear morning. Our dejeuner a la four- 
chette was the last of Barnabas Barebones. M" W. went to 
Kansas. Received a letter from John Goodin inclosing one 
from Greer. The latter must be an infamous scoundrel. 

Tuesday, 20. — Council in session. Had a variety of busi- 
ness. Some matters were postponed. Read a letter to the 
Council from Dr. Frost upon the subject of intemperance 
among the Wyandotts. Appointed a committee to investi- 
gate the causes of the drowning of a Muncie woman at 
Kansas. Fined that prince of all loafers, Thos. Standin- 
water, |500. 

Wednesday, 21. — Went to town. J. Walker making 
preparations to leave for the east. Waiting for a boat. 
Wrote to M. H. Kirby on business and also to John Goodin 
and L. Smalley. 

Thursday, 22. — Went to Kansas. On my way and passing 
by Joel's house I found they had not gone East yet. The 
steamboat "Cora" not having come down yet. Got no news. 
Dined with M' Smart. M'' Moses arraigned for an assault 
and battery on his brother Shoemaker, James Wilson. 

This afternoon an awful storm came up and lasted about 
two hours. 

Friday, 23. — Cool and pleasant, but alas! My corn is 
flattened by yesterday's storm. My oats considerably dam- 
aged by the storm. 

Saturday, 24. — Went to Kansas to settle a matter pending 
between Henry Sager, John Sarrahess and William S. Chick, 
Adm. of estate of W. M. Chick postponed. Got no mail, 
no news. 

Sunday, 25. — Charles G. and I at an early hour crossed 

the Kansas river and called at the residence of Rev. James 
Porter; pressed him into service, and we galloj^ed over the 



I 



July, 1848] GOVERNOR WALKER. 253 

prairies about five hours, and arrived at the house of M" 
Mary Bartleson, a widow, where we found a large company 
of people assembled. Whereupon we in our wisdom, caused 
the aforesaid C. G. and M""' M. B. to be united " in the holy 
state of matrimony." Thence returned in company with a 
M'" Abston and family and staid all night with them. 

Monday, 26. — After breakfast we set [out] for home. I 
reached home about 2 o'clock P. M. and found our folks, 
with the invited guests, waiting for the bride and groom, 
and dinner waiting. But we sat down and did ample justice 
to what was before us without them. Rain rain. 

Tuesday, 27. — Dark and dreary morning. More rain. 
Cleared off at ten o'clock. Wrote to Harriet to be sent by 

Thursday's mail. Put in a Q 1. Now I must husband 

my stock of patience. 

Wednesday, 28. — Broke my ax handle. Joel Walker and 
family set out from Kansas for [the] East. J. S. Co. met 
at the school house and adjourned to meet again some time 
hence. 

Thursday, 29. — Went to K. Got my news. Came home 
in the evening. 

Friday, 30. — Nothing worthy of note. M""^ W. went to 
K. Sent by a Mr. McLean a dress and a letter to Harriet. 
At 2 o'clock P. M. the thermometer stood at 96° in the 
shade. 

July, 1848. 

Saturday, 1. — Went to K. Paid my postage bill. Re- 
ceived a joint letter from Harriet and Miss Jane P. Long. 
M. P. W., his family, and M""^ Maria Garrett went to Sib- 
ley. Returned in the evening. At night it commenced 
raining, and rained all night most furiously. 

Sunday, 2. — Clear and beautiful morning. The Deacon 
being absent, consequently no sermon. I staid at home, 
reading Stone's Life of Thayendenagea or Joseph Brant. 



254 THE JOURNALS OF [July, 1848. 

Isaiah called and dined with us. Heard of the death of a 
man named Irvin in Kansas by a night's debauch which 
took place last night during the storm. 

Monday, 3. — Staid at home and pottered about, doing all 
sorts of things such as cutting down weeds, repairing fences. 
M' Noble called ; chatted awhile. Uncle Joseph E. called 
and did the same. Heard of the death of J. W. Gray Eyes's 
wife in the evening. C. G. called and staid till night. 

Tuesday, 4. — " Independence Day." Mexico free. " Glory 
enough for one day ! " Council meets to-day. 

Wednesday, 5. — Made a hog-pen. C. G. and lady visited 
us to-day. Thermometer 95°. 

Thursday, 6. — Went to K. While there heard of the 
illness of W. M. Big-River, (hiatus) Found him dead. 

Friday, 7. — He was buried. 

Saturday, 15. — The nation met at the school house to make 
the national nominations as follows: Against James Wash- 
ington, F. A. Hicks. Against Tauroomee, M. Mudeater; 
against Geo. Armstrong, J, D. Brown ; against W. Walker^ 
J. Rankin; against G. I. Clark, J. W. Grayeyes.^ 

' John W. Gray-Eyes was the son of Squire Gray-Eyes, who was the son of Doctor 
" Greyeyes," who was the son of a British Army officer that married a Wyandot girl at 
Detroit during the War of the Eevolution. Doctor Greyeyes is buried in Huron Place 
Cemetery. In my search there for information concerning the Wyandots I dug into a 
sunken grave, and about three inches below the surface found the fragment of a broken 
headstone upon which is the following : 

Doctor Greyeyes 

Died 

Aug 1845 

Aged 50 Yrs. 

According to this he was born in 1795. Squire Gray-Eyes was a Methodist preacher 
and was one of Finley's best men in the Methodist Mission at Upper Sandusky. He 
had several children. He sent his son John W. to school at the Mission, and afterward 
to Kenyon College at Gambler, Ohio, where he graduated with high honors. Hon. 
John S. Sto'jkton, of Kansas City, Kansas, was present on the occasion of his gradua- 
tion and says that the address he delivered was of a high order and well spoken. 

John W. Gray-Eyes studied law and was for a time successful in its practice, but he 
ruined a promising future by the excessive use of strong drink. When Tauromee died 
he became Head Chief by inheritance pursuant to a rule adopted by the Wyandots 
when they resumed their tribal relations. During the last five years of his life he did 
not taste liquor. He died in the Indian Territory some six years ago. He belonged to 
the Little Turtle clan and his name was Heh'n'-toh, the meaning of which is lost. 



July, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 255 

Sunday, 16. — Staid at home. Had company, W. G. 

Monday, 17. — John Nofat and S. Rankin commenced 
harvesting my oats. Interrupted by being called away. 

Tuesday, 18. — Staid at home and pottered about. 

Wednesday, 19. — Finished harvesting the oats. 

Thursday, 20. — Excessively warm. Thermometer 96°. 
In the evening a very severe storm came on from the north. 
Rain and hail in an horrible tempest, which lasted till night. 
After 9 o'clock it commenced raining again and continued 
till midnight. 

Friday, 21. — Went to town. C. G. gone to his farm. 
Came home. A M' Smith and M'' Givens of Lexington 
called and spent the afternoon. 

Stiturday, 22. — M" W. went to K. and got our papers, 
also a letter from M" McE. of Upper Sandusky. 

Sunday, 23. — Both staid at home, it looking too much 
like rain. Neither of us enjoying the best [of] health, 
deemed it most prudent not to expose ourselves. Cloudy 
evening; prospect of rain. Sunset, no rain. 

Monday, 24. — Fine morning; went to town. Got a sack 
of corn, but no news. Sultry but still no rain. One half 
past two P. M., thermometer 100° ! Warm truly. At 4 
o'clock P. M. Harriet reached home from Lexington. 

Tuesday, 25. — Wrote a friendly epistle to H. Barrett. 
Finished hoeing my potatoes. My spring run dry, the 
water having undermined the trough. Must give it an over- 
hauling to-morrow. To be without water, "sweet, cold 
water" this warm weather! The thought is insufferable. 
No, no. 'T won't do. Sowed my turnip seed. 

Wednesday, 26. — Cloudy morning. Showers of rain. 
Went to town and employed John Lynch to assist in repair- 
ing the spring. Assisted by M"" Peery, after three or four 
hours' work we succeeded in confining the water in the 
spout, and set it to running. Now we have water. 



256 THE JOURNALS OF [July, 1848. 

Thursday, 27. — M" W. went to K. and I mowed my yard 
and meadow. Got some newspapers. Another bloody in- 
surrection in France which lasted from Friday, 23d of 
June, till Tuesday the 27th. The insurrection was put down 
with a loss of from twelve to fifteen thousand killed and 
wounded on both sides. Ill-fated France! When will you 
enjoy peace and tranquility? Never will you be content 
till brought under the scepter of some powerful despot. An- 
swered Hugh Barrett's letter. 

Friday, 28. — Cloudy and raining occasionally. Staid at 
home all day. Did little or nothing. 

Saturday, 29.— M" W. went to K. to sign a Power of At- 
torney. Hauled in my oats. Received some newspapers. 
The French insurrection completely subdued. Gen. Cav- 
aignac, the hero of the National Guards will most probably 
be the President of the Nouvelle Republique. 

Sunday, 30. — Staid at home and read all day. Though 
somewhat cloudy, still a pleasant day. 

Monday, 31. — Went to town. Called at the Doctor's, who 
was not at home. Called at the blacksmith shop. Came 
home. Pottered about the house. Fine weather. 

August, 1848. 

Tuesday, 1.— M" W., M"' Peery, and M"' Graham went 
to Independence. I went and attended Council. Decreed 
to sell the National Arms. I bought one, $8.00. Came 
home at 5 o'clock. M"^^ W. and company returned after 
dark, accompanied by M''^ Gilmore. 

Wednesday, 2. — At dawn of day, raining furiously. At 
4 o'clock P. M., pouring down in torrents, having rained all 
day. Cleared off in the evening. While some of S. Arm- 
strong's hands were swimming in the Kansas River one of 
them was drowned. 

Thursday, 3. — Clear, cool, and pleasant day. Staid at 



I 




JOHN W. GRAY-EYES. 



I 



August, 1848] GOVERNOR WALKER. 257 

home. Mowed in my woods pasture. Having fatigued my- 
self, rested myself the remaining part of the day by reading. 

Friday, 4. — The girls went to take their music lessons. 
Got no mail. Sent the Power of Attorney to Col. Goodin. 

Saturday, 5. — Went to town. Came home and resumed 
mowing my woods pasture. Folks going to the Delaware 
camp meeting. We spent the evening at C. B. G's. 

Sunday, 6. — Harriet and Sophia went to the camp meet- 
ing. Wrote a long letter to Major Harvey upon the subject of 
our difficulties of " N. and S." The girls returned at sunset. 

Monday, 7. — Staid at home and worked at my pasture. 
The Deacon returned from camp meeting. 

Tuesday, 8. — Attended the Council. Transacted a variety 
of business, making the neqessary arrangements for the elec- 
tion and barbecue. 

Wednesday, 9. — Mowed in my pasture. M" W. and Har- 
riet went to K. Joel Walker and our Mexican warriors 
landed off the Wyandott steamer. "Sweet Lucy Pinks" 
got a young 'un. 'Ah ha, a hae. 

Thursday, 10. — Warm, warm and sultry. Hauled some 
wood. 

Friday, 11. — Warm and sultry. 

Miss Jane R. Long, Miss Blackwell, and Miss Lykins 
here on a visit. Returned this morning. A small sjmnkle 
of rain. 

Saturday, 12. — Went to town to clear off the ground for 
the harhecue. 

Sunday, 13. — Clear and beautiful morning. Intended to 
go to Church, but having a headache gave it up. 2 o'clock 
P. M., Thermometer 100°. 

Monday, 14. — Worked all day in my pasture. In the 
evening Rev. M'^ Johnston^ and family came over to attend 
the Green Corn Feast. 

' Eev. Thomas Johnson, of the Shawnee Mission. 
18 



258 THE JOURNALS OF [August, 1848. 

Tuesday, 15. — The glorious feast — the election in the 
midst of a most furious rain, which continued all day ; un- 
favorable as the day was a large number of white people 
attended, both ladies and gentlemen, and enjoyed the feast 
in real gusto. The following persons compose the present 
Council, as decided by the annual election : 

Francis A. Hicks, Principal Chief. 

John D. Brown. ^ 

Matthew Mudeater. 1 ^ -n 
T -D 1 • r Councilors. 

James Kankin. 

George I. Clark. J 

Wednesday, 16. — John Nofat came to chop cord-wood. I 
mowed in my pasture. Cloudy day. 

Thursday, 17. — Killed a shoat for table use. David 
Young called. We had a long chat on politics. 

Friday, 18. — Cloudy morning. The sun has not been 
seen for a week. Dr. Hewitt captured a ventriloquist last 
night just as he was commencing his performance at J. W. 
Gray Eyes' house. He was, however, released and sent out 
of the Territory. 

Saturday, 19. — Mowed in my pasture. In the evening 
Martha returned in company with M'" Charles Pore, M"" G. 
being sick. Harriet brought our mail, but no interesting 
news. 

Sunday, 20. — Warm and sultry day. In the afternooa 
several gentlemen called upon us, two from N. Y. At night 
we had a heavy rain, accompanied with uproarish thunder, 
and lightning. 

Monday, 21. — Worked about the place all day, cutting 
down weeds in my fence corners. John Nofat chopping 
cord-wood. 

Tuesday, 22. — M"" W. and Harriet went to K. Prospect 
of a warm day. 

The Presidential race is all the talk now. Taylor and 



I 



August, 1848.] 



GOVEENOR WALKER. 



259 



Cass. " Go it ye cripples ! " M"" Van Buren of the barn- 
burning party seems to be gaining strength among the abo- 
litionists. Free territory men; among the latter are some 
prominent Whigs. 



ELECTORAL VOTES. 



Maine 9 

New Hampshire.... 6 

Vermont 6 

Massachusetts 12 

Rhode Island 4 

Connecticut 6 

New York 36 

New Jersey 7 

Pennsylvania 26 

Delaware 3 

Maryland 8 

Virginia 17 

North Carolina 11 

South Carolina 9 

Georgia 10 



Alabama 9 

Mississippi 6 

Ohio 23 

Louisiana 6 

Kentucky 12 

Tennessee 13 

Indiana 12 

Illinois 9 

Missouri 7 

Arkansas 3 

Michigan 5 

Florida 3 

Texas 4 

Iowa 4 

Wisconsin 4 



290 votes. 



Wednesday, 23. — Feel unwell. Try and work it off. In 
the evening, getting worse. Bloody flux. At night worse. 
Sent for Dr. Hewitt, C. B. G. and M' Peery. Became in- 
sensible. Took blood. Blistered. Took calomel, blue mass, 
and all sorts of things. Inflammation of the bowels. 

Thursday, 24. — Inflammation somewhat reduced. Weak 
and feeble. 

Friday, 25. — Improving a little. Less fever. Taking 
oil, Dover's powders, etc. Blisters sore. 

Saturday, 26. — Taking charcoal, morphine, etc. Improv- 
ing. Got my newspapers. But not much news. 



260 THE JOUENALS OF [August, 1848. 

Sunday, 27. — Improving on charcoal and morphine. M. 
E. W. and lady, J. W., C. G. and M' Hunter called to see 
me. Beautiful day. In the evening T. H. Noble called and 
spent an hour. 

Monday, 28. — Feel feeble; no appetite. Fever down. 
Weak pulse. 

Tuesday, 29. — Attended the sheriffs'^ election. The re- 
sult was Irvin P. Long vice John Hicks, Jr. ; Michael Frost 
re-elected. A committee of thirteen constitution tinkers 
appointed. 

Wednesday, 30. — Quite unwell. Sent for S. Armstrong 
for consultation about the schism [and the] cantankerous 
capers of the abolitionists. Appointed Friday, September 
1, for a National Convention at the camp grounds for the 
discussion of the question. North and South. A little rain 
in the evening. Took a blue pill on going to bed. Heard 
of the death of W. Bowers' wife. 

Thursday, 31. — Quite unwell. Rode up to F. A. Hicks'sj 
and spent the evening. Warm and sultry. 

September, 1848. 
Friday, 1. — Pursuant to notice the Nation assembled at| 
the camp ground and at 12 o'clock proceeded to organize by' 
the appointment of James Washington, President, and John 
Hicks, Sen'r, Vice President; and W. Walker, Secretary. 
The object [of the Convention] being to determine whether j 
the Nation will declare for the Southern division of the M. 

E. Church, or the Northern. After an animated discussion 
by S. Armstrong, W. Walker, M. R. Walker, J. D. Brown,. 

F. A. Hicks, David Young and others in favor of the SouthJ 
and J. M. Armstrong,^ G. I. Clark, Esqr. Gray-Eyes, in favoq 

' There were two sheriffs. 

' John Mclntyre Armstrong:, son of Eobert and Sarah (Zane) Armstrong, was bom ■ 
October, 7, 1813. He was the leader of those Wyandots that refused to go to the M. E. 
Church, South, in the division. He was by profession an Attorney-at-Law, and was ' 
associated for some time with Hon. John Sherman of Mansfield, Ohio. He practiced j 



September, 1848] GOVERNOR WALKER. 261 

of the North, a preamble and resolution [were] adopted by 
which the Nation declared for the South. 

Saturday, 2. — Warm and sultry. In the afternoon we had 
severe and sharp thunder and lightning. Struck a linn tree 
at our barn. E-ained about half an hour. Cleared up in 
the evening. 

Sunday, 3. — Warm and sultry as usual. No preaching 
at the Church. Staid at home. 

Monday, 4. — Received a letter from Major Harvey upon 
the subject of N. and S., abolitionism, etc. M"^* Chick paid 
us a visit and staid all night. 

Tuesday, 5. — Staid at home all day. Writing an appeal 
to the Ohio conference. C. G. and I wrote a joint letter to 
Col. Goodin. 

Wednesday, 6. — Quite unwell. Gastritis, Enteritis; tak- 
ing "Longley's Panacea." Horrid stuff! 

Thursday, 7. — To-day the church members were to be as- 
sembled at the new brick Church to vote on the question 
"North or South," but unfortunately the members refused 
to attend, and so ended the affair. A rather severe rebuke 
to the agitators. 

before the Interior Department, mostly in matters pertaining to Indian affairs. He 
seems to have been a man of strong convictions, and fearless in his actions. He 
married Miss Lucy Bigelow (born July 31, 1818), daughter of Rev. Russel Bigelow, 
the famous Methodist divine of Ohio, February, 20, 1838. Of this marriage were born: 
1. Ethan Mclntyre, born August 24, 1839; 2. Caroline Amelia Mead, born August 9, 
1841, married L. L. Hartman, September 2, 1862; 3. Eussel Bigelow, born October 20, 
1843, married Eachel M. Brown, May 17, 1868; 4. Henry Jacquis, born May 6, 1846; 5. 
Ellen Clarrissa Gurley, born August 9, 1848, married James Edwin Howie, August 25, 
1871; 6. William Silas, born January 30, died March 26, 1851. 

J. M. Armstrong was one of the first to build a house in the "Wyandot Purchase." 
He taught the first school in the Nation after the removal West. The writings of his 
widow, Mrs. Lucy B. Armstrong, upon the early settlement and early time of what is 
now Kansas, are very important, but scattered about through the newspapers and 
other publications of her time. 

J. M. Armstrong died at Mansfield, Ohio, April 11, 1852. He was on his way to 
Washington. He stopped at Mansfield to see Hon. John Sherman; he was taken sick 
and died suddenly. He was temporarily buried at Mansfield, but his wife subsequently 
had his body removed to Bellefontaine, Ohio, and buried beside his mother. 

Lucy B. Armstrong died January 1. 1892. 



262 THE JOURNALS OF [September, 1848. 

Friday, 8. — The President, James "Washington ; Vice 
President, John Hicks, Sen'r ; the committee, S. Armstrong, 
F. A. Hicks, W. Walker, and Little Chief met and adopted 
an address to the Ohio Conference to be sent to Cincinnati 
for publication, by next mail.^ 

Saturday, 9. — Dry weather. Jesse Stern and a M'' Crom- 
well of Ohio called upon us and staid awhile. Warm, warm. 
The Deacon gone to the P. O. Sent the Document by him 
to be mailed. 

Sunday, 10. — Cool morning. Went to Church and heard 
a sermon by Kev. M"" Hurlburt. Large congregation. 
Warm and dry weather. Half past three o'clock P. M., 
commenced raining, but did not continue long. 

Monday, 11. — Foggy morning and cloudy. 11 o'clock it 
cleared up and became warm. 

This morning David Young lost his little boy — died of a 
remittent fever. In the afternoon, thunder and lightning, 
but had no rain. 

Tuesday, 12. — Cloudy, misting rain. To-day our people 
commence their worship in the wilderness, in other words, 
their camp-meeting. Fears are entertained that they will 
have bad weather. M. R. Walker, Jesse Stern and company 
making preparations for a " buffalo hunt." At night, a most 
furious rain came on ; continued all night, till daylight. 

Wednesday, 13. — Raining furiously. Cleared up at 10 
o'clock. All in a bustle. Packing up preparing to move 
to the camp meeting. Wrote to Samuel Kerr of Pennsyl- 
vania, to go by to-morrow's mail. Loaded up our effects and 
put out. 

Thursday, 14.— Thursday 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th at 
camp meeting. 

• This address was published in the Western Christian Advocate and called forth a 
reply from the opposition, which was published in the same paper. It was all concern- 
ing the division in the Church into the North and South. 



September, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 263 

Came home at 4 o'clock P. M. During the meeting the 
weather was cloudy and cold. 

Tuesday, 19. — Cloudy morning. Cold and chilly. Will- 
iam Gibson, Joseph White and Peter Buck came to cut up 
my corn and proceeded to operations. Clear and cold night. 
We may have frost. . . . 

Wednesday, 20. — Sure enough. Jack Frost has paid us 
his first visit for the season. Farewell summer! . . . 

Thursday, 21. — The boys finished cutting up corn. M'^ 
W. and Harriet went to Kansas. 

Friday, 22. — Wrote to M"" A. Guthrie the decision of the 
Council upon his petition. 

Saturday, 23. — The Nation assembled to hear the report 
of the Pevising Committee, after which a legislative com- 
mittee was elected as follows : W. Walker, J. M. Armstrong, 
Jas. Washington, George Armstrong, and J. W. Gray Eyes. 
Failure in the mail. A failure in the mail to-day. 

Sunday, 24. — Went to Church and heard a Mohawk ser- 
mon by M"" Cusick.^ 

Monday, 25. — Went to town. No mail yet. Writing 
for Dr. Hewitt. In the evening, commenced raining. 

Tuesday, 26. — Went to town. Called upon the Council 
and submitted a proposition. Came home. 

Wednesday, 27. — Huuted [for] my oxen all day, but 
could not find them. They are not to be found when wanted. 

' This was undoubtedly David Cusick. He was a Tuscarora, and wrote a work on 
the early history and myths of the Iroquois. In the Bibliography of the Iroquoan 
Languages issued by the Bureau of Ethnology I find the following sketch: "David 
Ousick, the Tuscarora historian, was the son of Nicholas Cusick, who died on the Tus- 
carora Eeservation, near Lewiston, N. Y., in 1840, being about 82 years old. David 
received a fair education and was thought a good doctor by both whites and Indians. 
He died not long after his father." 

Mr. Cusick was on his way to the Senecas at this time. He remained among the 
Senecas for some time, I think as much as a year, when he returned to Canada, as they 
supposed. Matthias Splitlog knew him well in Canada, and often spoke of him as one 
of the wisest Indians that ever lived. 

In Beauchamp's Iroqnoian Trail, p. 42, it is said that it was James Cusick who be- 
came a Baptist minister. If so, he is probably the person who preached to the Wyan- 
dots. But many of the old Wyandots were acquainted with David Cusick. 



264 THE JOURNALS OF [September, 1848. 

Thursday, 28. — Hunted again but with like success. 

Friday, 29. — Went in company with M" H. W.^ to hunt 
grapes, but found few. 

Saturday, 30. — Went to Kansas. Got my mail, not much 
news. Dined at M"^^ Chick's. Came home in the evening. 
Done up my Saturday's chores. 

October, 1848. 

Sunday, 1. — Sabbath morn. Fine weather. Staid at 
home all day. 

Monday, 2. — Phoebus! What a frost! Thermometer 
mercury below freezing point, but clear and a fair prospect 
of a warm day. Attended the meeting of the legislative 
committee. 

Tuesday, 3. — Frosty morning. Cloudy. Foul weather. 
Peradventure, rain. Attended the legislative committee. It 
turned out a pleasant day. However, at night we had a slight 
sprinkling. 

Wednesday, 4. — M" W. went to K. intending to stay all 
night. Warm day. My oxen, through the carelessness of 
that drunken Irishman, got out of J. W's lot and made their 
escape. Finished reading Senator Benton's speech in oppo- 
sition to Gen. Kearney's nomination for Brevet Major Gen- 
eral for services in California. The speech occupies 11 
numbers of the National Intelligencer. Well, K's nomina- 
tion was confirmed, but he did not deserve it. 

Thursday, 5. — Went to attend the meeting of the legisla- 
tive committee but the Council convening, [it] called upon 
the committee to sit in joint meeting for the transaction of 
extraordinary business. Adjourned and came home. Wrote 
a letter to John T. Walker at Laguna. Indian Summer ; 
warm and pleasant. 

Friday, 6. — Warm and smoky weather. Somewhat cloudy. 

* Hannah Walker, his wife. 



October, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 265 

Rain perhaps. Got Irish John and the team and hauled 
some cord-wood, then hauled a barrel of flour to S. Arm- 
strong's, then came home. 

Saturday, 7. — Cool and cloudy. M. R. Walker and com- 
pany returned last night. All well. Had glorious sport. 
Killed lots of buffaloes. Lived luxuriantly. 

We (i. e., three of us, M''' W. [and] Harriet) went across 
the Missouri and paid M"^ Th. H. Noble a visit. Dined and 
came home. 

Sophia went to Kansas to get our mail if any there be. 
[She] Returned, but brought but little news. No letters. 

Sunday, 8. — Cold and cloudy morning. Prospect of rain. 
Rev. M' Hurlburt is to preach to-day. Staid at home. 

Monday, 9. — M"" Hurlburt called over and staid some time, 
during which time an interesting conversation ensued upon 
the slave question and its concomitants. 

Tuesday, 10. — Set out for the grand convocation of Indian 
tribes near Fort Leavenworth, in company with John Hicks, 
Sen'r, James Rankin, and F. A. Hicks, and arrived at the 
general camping ground in the evening. Found the Dela- 
wares, Shawnees, Miamis, Peoris, Kanzas, Sacs and Foxes 
already on the ground, and the Kanzas camp in a bustle, 
making preparations for a grand dance.^ 

Wednesday, 11. — In Council. 

Thursday, 12. — In Council. 

' This is the great convention at which the emigrant tribes rekindled the Council 
Fire of the ancient Confederacy. Peter D. Clark, in his "Traditional History of the 
Wyandots," page 131, says it was in 1846; evidently an error, although a Council was 
held before this, which was a preliminary meeting. 

At this Council the position of the Wyandots as keepers of the Council-fire of the 
Northwestern Confederacy was confirmed and renewed. It is not meant to intimate 
anywhere in this work that the Wyandots were made dictators of the Confederacy, 
and ruled it, or exercised any arbitrary power over it. The other tribes recognized in 
the Wyandots strong and moderate men that were capable of weighing well any matter 
and forming a correct judgment. The Indian rendered military service voluntarily. 
The order of the greatest Chief or highest Council was only a suggestion, and while 
the Indian usually obeyed, he might obey or not as he chose. The personal liberty of 
the Indian was complete. 



266 THE JOURNALS OF [October, 1848. 

Friday, 13. — In Council. 

Saturday, 14. — In Council. 

Sunday, 15. — In Council. 

Monday, 16. — In Council. 

Tuesday, 17. — In Council. 

Wednesday, 18. — Returned from the Great Council after 
dark. 

Thursday, 19. — Went over and spent the day with M. E.. 
W. In the evening a gang of the official members of the 
Church assembled in our house on ecclesiastical business, 
and remained till 11 o'clock at night. 

Friday, 20. — Went to town and gave to Dr. Hewitt some 
MSS. and had some chat with him upon Indian affairs, an- 
nual report, difficulties in the Nation upon Church matters. 
Came home. 

Saturday, 21. — Wrote an address to the Indian Mission 
Conference for the official members. In the evening M*" 
Peery returned from K. but brought us no mail. No news 
from Ohio about the election. In the evening the notorious 
Bishop Andrews^ came over. Called upon him at the Dea- 
con's. Found him sociable and affable. — a real burly 
Georgian. 

Sunday, 22. — Attended Church and heard the Bishop 
preach. In the afternoon he dined with us. Rainy and 
unpleasant day. 

Monday, 23. — Went to town for news. Sent Mich. Frost 
to the P. O. Got a lot of newspapers. The fulmination of 
the dog-skinning committee^ published in the Western Ad- 

• I believe it is not generally known that Bishop Andrews ever visited what is now 
Kansas. I did not know it until I read it here in Governor Walker's Journal. 

^ This was one of the exciting incidents in the troubles between the adherents of 
the M. E. Church and those of the M. E. Church, South. The supporters of the latter 
Church printed and distributed notices containing the announcement that the people 
were requested to meet at a certain time and place " to see a dog skinned." The nov- 
elty of the announcement drew many to the meeting. The " skinning " consisted of a 
discussion of Church matters and the adoption of resolutions condemning the opposing 
Church. The vote was reached at dusk. The adherents of the M. E. Church published 



October, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 267 

vocate. It has created some excitement among the seceders. 
Chiefs making out the Pay roll. A number of visitors this 
evening. A preacher, it seems, is appointed by the Ohio 
Conference, to come in here and sneak about like a night 
burglar or incendiary to do harm and not good. What is it 
that religious fanaticism will not do! The seceders have 
stolen the church records.^ 

Tuesday, 24. — Staid all day at home. At night a num- 
ber of our friends came and staid till a late hour discussing 
various matters. Determined to call in the authority of the 
Nation and the Indian Agent to protect their rights from 
the seceders. 

Wednesday, 25. — Payment of the annuity commenced. 
Esau returned. Nothing of interest. Paid out $3,000. 

Thursday, 26. — Payment continued. Paid out $2,000. 

Friday, 27. — Payment continued and closed. Wrote to 
M' Greer. Gave him Yorrick. 

the facts in the Western Chrhtian Advocate of CincinDati, Ohio, and put the opposition 
upon the defensive. The incident increased the bitterness between the factions, and 
resulted in an appeal to the Ohio Conference to send a missionary to the M. E. Church, 
which appeal was complied with. Governor Walker was extremely bitter, intolerant 
and unjust in his attitude toward the M. E. Church, although he did not belong to the 
Church, South, and his wife and daughter Martha belonged to the M. E. Church. 
Mrs. Walker went with the Church, South, at the beginning, but returned to the M. E. 
Church soon afterwards and remained in it until her death. 

' It cannot be conceded that the adherents to the M. E. Church were the seceders. 
The division of territory agreed upon between the Churches when they separated threw 
the Wyandots in that assigned to the Church, South. The Wyandots were not parties 
to this action of the General Conference that arranged the division. Many of them 
refused to abide the action, and remained in the old Church. The more wealthy slave- 
holding class went with the Church, South, but a majority of the people always re- 
mained in the M. E. Church, which never for a moment gave up its organization, nor 
submitted to the Church, South. The Council passed a resolution declaring for the 
Church, South, but it could have no effect in Church matters by any action it might 
take, for Church matters were beyond its control and jurisdiction. As to stealing the 
Church records, Governor Walker must have been misinformed. The late Mrs. Lucy B. 
Armstrong gave me many of these old records in 1887 and said that they came into her 
hands by their being in possession of her husband at his death, at which time he was 
an officer in the M. E. Church, probably Eecording Steward, and that they had always 
been in the hands of the official board of the M. E. Church. The Washington Avenue 
M. E. Church, of Kansas City, Kansas, is the old Church brought from Ohio by the 
Wyandots m 1843, and which was established at Upper Sandusky in 1817; the first In- 
dian Mission ever established by the M. E. Church. 



268 THE JOURNALS OF [October, 1848 

Saturday, 28. — Went to town. The Chiefs commenced 
jDaying the public liabilities. By the steamer " Mustang" 
Adam Hunt and his mother, M'^ Williams, and M" Dick- 
son returned from Canada. Came home. Found our young 
people engaged in a party. Martha went to the P. O. but 
got no mail. No news ; too bad ! 

Sunday, 29. — Went to Church and to our astonishment 
found the Presiding Elder of the Quasi Northern District, 
a 3Ir. Still; the Deacon, as a matter of Grace, asked him to 
preach, which he attempted to do. " Sorter " preached. 
The Church was then divided. South from the North.^ 
Meeting appointed by the Northerners for evening. 

Monday, 30. — Went to town. The Wyandott Chiefs paid 
the Delawares the fifth installment of $4,000. 

M^' W. went to K. Came home 3 o'clock, P. M. At 
candle-light the Wyandott Chiefs met at our domicile and 
prepared a communication to the Agent, asking the inter- 
position of the Government to keep out of our territory 
those reverend disturbers of the Nation.^ 

Tuesday, 31. — Yoked up my oxen. Cut and hauled 
some wood. Went to town ; called at J. Walker's house, 
and found him and F. A. H. in close consultation upon 
State affairs. Bought a barrel of flour. Came home. 

November, 1848. 
Wednesday, 1. — Cold winter morning. Thermometer 
24°! Whew! Went out to hunt my swine, but could not 
find them. Went to town, thence to the ferry. Sent a let- 
ter to John Goodin by J. Squeendehteh^ to the P. O. Came 

' This record "The Church was then divided, South from the North" is conclusive 
that the M. E. Church always maintained its organization. And it is also conclusive, 
if we wished to say so, that from a purely technical standpoint the Church, South, was 
the seceder. But it had a perfect right to separation, and no objection can be urged 
against its action. 

^ This communication was forwarded to the Department of the Interior and nothing 
came of it; no action was taken. 

' Son of Squeendechtee who is buried in Huron Place Cemetery, and who died in 
December 1844, aged 61 years. The name should be written Squehn-deh'-teh. 



November, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 269 

home and done up my "chores." Winter's coming. The 
forest is dousing her garments and displaying her nudity. 
For shame ! 

Thursday, 2. — M''* W. went to K. for our mail. Keceived 
a few papers. Ohio gone democratic. 

Friday, 3. — Raining, stormy. Finished copying the 
Journal of the Indian Congress.^ Went to town and hauled 
up a barrel of sugar and one of flour. 

Saturday, 4. — Clear and cold morning. Wintry weather, 
Opened a barrel of sugar, (200 pounds). We'll see how 
long this will last. 

Hauled wood enough to do a month if the Thermometer 
dont run down to ("0") zero. 

Wrote a warning epistle to Tsees-quau-zhu-touh (J. W.)^ 
to go by Monday's mail. 

M"" G of Independence arrived, and then the Deacon. 

Both staid all night. 

Sunday, 5. — Clear and frosty. Prospect of a fine day. 
Went to the Synagogue. Heard the Deacon preach. J. W- 
Gray Eyes made his debut as interpreter for the Church. 
We have full autumn upon us, and bleak winter near at hand. 

"At last, old autumn rousing, takes 
Again his scepter and his throne; 
With boisterous hand the trees he shakes 
Intent on gathering all his own." 

Monday, 6. — Clear, cold and frosty morning. Thermom- 
eter 38°. The Deacon took leave of us and put out. Went 
to town. Purchased twelve and a half bushels of winter 
apples at 40c per bushel. 

Tuesday, 7. — Thermometer 30° at sunrise! Must kill a 
pig. Want fresh Pork. Tired of musty bacon and poor 
beef. Roast pig, ah ! That's it! Fetch in on, Dorcas. Went 

* I have searched unsuccessfully for fifteen years for this Journal. It must be lost; 
probably among the papers spoken of as having been destroyed by mice. What a pity 
so valuable a historical document should meet such a fate! 

' Joel Walker. This is his second Indian name. 



270 THE JOURNALS OF [November, 1848. 

to town and found the Council in session. They requested 
the school directors to report the state of the school funds, 
which they did and closed their year's accounts for 1848. 

Wednesday, 8. — Went to K. and paid my taxes. 

Thursday, 9. — Severe morning. Thermometer 10°. Win- 
ter weather. Ice floating in the Kansas Kiver. 

Friday, 10. — Cloudy weather. Prospect of snow. Ther- 
mometer 15°. Hiatus — Blank — neglecting my Journal. 

Thursday, 23. — Pretty clearly ascertained that Gen. 
Zachary Taylor of Louisiana is elected president of the U. 
S., beating Lewis Cass, and Martin Van Buren. Aye, and 
Gerrit Smith. 

Attended a party at J. Walker's. 

Friday, 24.— M" W., Sophia and Theodore went to Inde- 
pendence. I cut up and salted away a quarter of beef 

Saturday, 25. — Cut up some wood. Read newspapers, 
chatted with M^ Kussell, and so whiled the day away. In 
the evening Theodore and Sophia returned from Independ- 
ence, but no M'^ W. She had wisely come to the conclusion 
it was a little too cold a day to travel. 

Sunday, 26. — Went to Church. M"" Russell officiated. 
Came home, ate dinner, and felicitatus. By the way, C. 
Graham called upon me and informed [me] that Col. Goodin 
was about to remit me $600. Welcome news. Now, I'll, 
I'll, Ahem — etc. 

Monday, 27. — Went to town. Called at the smithshop. 
Had a chat with Dr. H. upon the subject of our difficulties. 
Came home and sent an invitation to M" Williams and M" 
Hunt to come and spend to-morrow afternoon. In the even- 
ing C. B. G. called and spent the evening. 

Tuesday, 28. — Warm and pleasant day. Received a com-^ 
munication from Col. Goodin covering a remittance of one 
thousand and eighty dollars, the proceeds of my Hardin 
county lands. 



December, 1848.] GOVEENOB, WALKER. 271 

Rev. J. Thompson Peerey, our newly appointed missionary, 
moved into the parsonage. In the evening by invitation 
M" Williams and M'^^ Hunt spent the evening with us. 

Wednesday, 29. — Fury and daggers! Snowing at Jehu's 
gait. Storm and tempest. Attended the session of the leg- 
islative committee. Adjourned at four o'clock, came home. 

Thursday, 30. — Clear and cold morning. Attended the 
session of the legislative committee. M""^ W. and Harriet 
went on a friendly visit to the E. T. P's and staid all night. 
To-night will be held the first official meeting of the Church 
South under the administration of Rev. J. T. Peerey. 

December, 1848. 

Friday, 1. — Called upon M^ Peerey and presiding elder 
Stateler. Cut and hauled wood. M'^ W. and Harriet re- 
turned from their visit. 

M'^ James Gurley, the preacher sent by the Ohio annual 
conference to preach abolitionism to the Wyandotts, has just 
arrived. So I suppose we are to have religious dissensions 
in full fruition. 

Saturday, 2. — M"" Gurley called upon us and defended 
his position. If he follows the instructions received from 
Bishop Morris we shall not have much trouble, for he will 
"gather up his awls " and pull out. 

M"" Graham and Joel came and staid till bed time. 

Sunday, 3. — Cloudy morning, prospect of snow. Must go 
to the synagogue and hear M"" Gurley "hold forth." He 
held forth. Went to Church at early candle-lighting and 
heard the preacher in charge, J. T. Peerey. 

Monday, 4. — At daylight. Great Caesar ! What a snow 
storm. The elements in the wildest commotion. Flakes of 
snow whirling as large as leather aprons. Stormed all day 
and snow and sleet. Kept close quarters all day. 

Tuesday, 5. — Sleet, sleet. Cloudy and dreary, Surely 



272 THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1848. 

winter is now upon us. At 1 o'clock the misty sleet contin- 
ues. No mail. My maledictions upon the mail contractors. 

Wednesday, 6. — Cold, cloudy morning. Attended the 
session of the legislative committee. Sleet all day. Came 
home after nightfall. 

Thursday, 7. — Fury and snakes! At daylight, snow, 
sleet and rain ! When is this horrible tempest to come to an 
end. The sun has fled, and blackness, darkness, and storms 
are running their wild career to the utter dismay of all upper 
Missouri. Attended the session of the legislative committee. 
In the evening the weather cleared up and at night the 
moon shone with unusual brilliancy. Clear and very cold. 

Friday, 8. — At daylight the thermometer stood 5° below 
zero. Cut and hauled wood all day, being clear and pleas- 
ant, though cold. 

Saturday, 9. — Storm, storm again. Snow and sleet. Went 
to town, and called upon Dr. H. Came home. Chopped 
wood for Sunday. Sleet again. 

Sunday, 10. — Staid at home. Wrote for Dr. H. a reply 
to Dr. Simpson's editorial. Went down in the evening. 
Came home at 10 o'clock at night. A severe night. Every 
creek or spring run frozen up. 

Monday, 11. — At daylight thermometer 18° below "0" 
zero. Sophia set out for Independence. A cold ride. Staid 
at home all day and made fires. That and chopping kept me 
constantly employed. 

Tuesday, 12. — At daylight thermometer 10° below zero. 
Went to F. A. Hicks and had a chat. Selected Little Chief 
as my adjunct voter, this being the day appointed by law for 
the election of ferryman. At 2 o'clock the joint meeting 
proceeded to ballot for a ferryman. After several ballots all 
the candidates were dropped except D. Young and Tall 
Charles and the final ballot on these two stood thus: D. 
Young, 16; Tall Charles, 7. Majority 9 votes. Adjourned. 



December, 1848.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 273 

Wednesday, 13. — Weather moderated. M'^ W. and Har- 
riet gone to Kansas on foot. Little Thunder chopping wood 
for me. C. B. G. shiughtering hogs to-day. Bought a hog 
from him, and at candle-lighting I cut it up and salted it away. 

Thursday, 14. — At daylight thermometer 10° above "0" 
zero. Staid at home. Wrote a long letter for Adam Brown 
to Col. Prince, M. P., Canada. 

Friday, 15. — At daylight thermometer 10° above *'0." 
Prospect of a pleasant day. This evening quarterly meeting 
commences in Wyandott. Staid at home all day. 

Saturday, 16. — Weather moderating. Went to Church 
and heard M"^ Stateler preach. Attended Church at night. 

Sunday, 17. — Went to Church again. At night E. T. P. 
and M'' Russell came home [with me] and staid all night. 

Monday, 18. — Settled with E. T. P. and gave him an 
order on J. W. and Co. Warm day and a general thaw. 
Attended Church after night. 

Tuesday, 19. — Cut and hauled wood. Went to the Coun- 
cil. Dr. H. recommended to the President for an appoint- 
ment in California. Came home. The trustees of the Church 
meet to-night in the basement story. 

Wednesday, 20.— Thermometer 10° above "0." Cloudy 
and prospect of more snow. Cold, cold winter. At 3 o'clock 
P. M. it commenced sleeting and continued all night mixed 
with snow. 

Thursday, 21. — Horrible ! Sleet and snow in all its fury. 
Thermometer 2° below "0." 8 o'clock snowing with an hor- 
rible tempest. During the whole of this day the snowstorm 
continued in all its fury without abatement. Legislative 
committee in session. 

Friday, 22. — At daylight thermometer 20° below zero. 
Clear, cold all day. Staid at home. 

Saturday, 23. — At daylight thermometer stood 29° below 
zero ! 

19 



I 



274 THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1848 

Sunday, 24. — Cold and freezing weather. 

Monday, 25. — A merry Christmas ! Off in a tangent. 

Hiatus. Holiday week, close of the year. Mean time, 
horrible weather. 

January, 1849. 

Monday, 1. — A happy new year to ye all! 

Tuesday, 2. — Stormy weather, horrible! 

Wednesday, 3. — Cold. Put up hogs to fatten. Then 
went over the Missouri to buy some pork, but found [it] 
frozen, [and] took none. 

Thursday, 4. — Staid at home all day. Made fires, etc. 

Friday, 5. — Thermometer 8° below "0." Clear but cold 
all day. Staid at home all day and attended to my stock. 
My horse Dragon gave me the slip and ran off. 

Saturday, 6. — Thermometer 6° below "0." Cloudy all 
day. At 1 o'clock [the] mercury rose to 15°. At four 
commenced snowing and continued till 10 at night. 

Sunday, 7.— Snowing still. Mercury 25°. 11 o'clock, 
growing warm, rain perhaps. Went to Church and heard 
a sermon from Kev. M"" Hurlburt. A good one. M'" Peerey 
then by request announced an appointment for Kev. M"" 
Gurley for 3 o'clock. Well, he preached about Moses in the 
bulrushes. 

Monday, 8. — Thermometer " 0." Cloudy. Such a win- 
ter for Missouri ! In north latitude 39°, and west longitude 
17°. Snow and sleet for a month. The snow now on the 
ground though solid and compact, is two feet deep. At 3 
o'clock P. M. snow again and continued till 9 o'clock. 

Tuesday, 9. — Clear, thermometer "0." The sun has 
shown his face once more. Attended the National meeting. 
Read and proclaimed the new code of laws. Then pro- 
ceeded to the election of a sheriff, in the place of I. P. Long,^ 
resigned. Thomas Pipe elected. 

^ Irvin P. Long was tlie son of Alexander Long, who was an American oflScer in the 



I 



January, 1849.] GOVEENOK WALKER. 275 

Wednesday, 10. — At daylight thermometer 22° below 
*'0"! Hauled wood and pottered about the house. Clear 
and cold all day. Thermometer standing all day at zero. 

Thursday, 11.— Thermometer 10° below "0." At sun- 
rise the wind from S. E. At 12 o'clock the weather began 
to moderate, and continued warm all the afternoon and 
thawed during the night. 

Friday, 12. — Thermometer 38°. Cloudy. A thaw. In 
the afternoon rain. Eained till late in the night. Went to 
Kansas and mailed one letter to Col. M. H. Kirby and one 
to the P. M. at Branch. 

Saturday, 13. — Thermometer "0" and snowing. Well, 
well. This is wild winter. Cloudy all day and thermom- 
eter "0." To-day Mr. Jackson of Kansas, who died yes- 
terday, was buried with masonic honors. In the evening 
M' G. of Independence came. A meeting of the officiary 
of the Church South met at M'" P's after candle-light. This 

war of 1812, and who married Catherine Zane. There is an amusing account of 
Alexander Long's conversion, at a camp meeting, in Finley's "Western Methodism." 
I have not been able to procure material for even a short sketch of Irvin P. Long. For 
his maternal ancestry see note on the Zane family. He was a soldier in the Mexican 
War and his commanding oflBcer, the late Major W. P. Overton, has often said to me 
that Irvin P. Long was the bravest soldier he ever saw. He said that he had seen Long 
charge with others upon a battery; eveiy other man was either killed or forced back, 
but Long made his horse leap in amongst the gunners, and he cut down the last man 
with his sword. " This," said he, " I have seen him do more than once; and in battle 
he constantly yelled the Wyandot war-whoop, a peculiar sound that almost curdled my 
blood and made my flesh creep." Hon. Silas Armstrong, of the Indian Territory, has 
described to me Mr. Long's death. He knew he must soon die, but he faced death 
with the bravery of an Indian. He refused to lie down, even when he was assured he 
would live but a few minutes. He maintained his position in his easy chair and 
gave directions about his afiairs, and conversed on other matters in a manner that 
convinced all present that he was entirely devoid of any fear of death. When the 
fatal moment came he rested his head on the back of his chair and died without a gasp 
or struggle. How vastly superior to that of the white man is the view of death held 
by the Indian! He is educated to have no fear of death; to face it bravely; and to 
glory in triumphing over it even at the stake. 

Irvin P. Long was one of the company made up by Charles B. Garrett and other 
Wyandots to go to California in 1849. This company crossed the plains and mined on 
the North Fork of the Feather Eiver. See Governor Walker's Journal and the sketch 
of Charles B. Garrett. 

He was a member of Wyandotte Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M., and Wyandotte Chap- 
ter No. 6, E. A. M. 



276 THE JOURNALS OF [January, 1849. 

morning Dan Punch was found frozen to death near the 
grave yard. 

Sunday, 14. — Thermometer 10° below "0." Cloudy. 
Thermometer stood at zero all day. Harriet and M' G. 
went to church. I staid at home. At one o'clock sleet, 
horrid. This weather will kill our live stock. Thermom- 
eter at " " still. 

There will be an eclipse of the moon on the 8th of March 
and an eclipse of the sun on the 11 th of August. 

At 3 o'clock P. M. sleet again and continued till late in 
the night. 

Monday, 15. — Thermometer 5° below "0." Clear. Cut 
and hauled some wood. Clear all day, but cold. M" W. 
went to Kansas. M' Ross came and spent the evening. 

Tuesday, 16.— Thermometer 10° below "0." Cloudy. 
Have a severe pain under my left shoulder. Something 
like pleurisy. Attended the National meeting. Gave no- 
tice of a meeting next Friday ; of a meeting of such Wyan- 
dotts as are not members of the Church. Hired John 
Big-Sinew and came home. 

Wednesday, 17. — Thermometer 5° below "0." Clear. 
Pleasant and clear but rather cold all day. John Big- 
Sinew and I cut and hauled wood and [hauled] corn fodder. 

Thursday, 18.— At daylight, 11° below "0." Clear. 
Went to Kansas and got a pile of newspapers. Came home 
and perused them. 

Friday, 19. — At daylight, thermometer 7° below "0." 

Saturday, 20. — Went to Kansas. Came home at 1 o'clocl 
P. M. A general thaw. M^ Porter and Sophia called a^ 
our house. She staid, and he went " te hum." 

Sunday, 21. — Thermometer 5° below "0." Clear. Some 
prospect of a warm day, but [it] proved rather cold. In the 
afternoon Sophia returned with M"" J. Porter to Inde- 
pendence. 



January, 1849.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 277 

Monday, 22. — Thermometer 5° below " 0." Have taken 
a most villainous cold. Sick, sick! Rev. John T. Peery and 
lady dined with us to-day. 

Tuesday, 23. — Thermometer "0." Cloudy. In regard 
to the weather "we know not what a day may bring forth." 
Dreary winter continues to sway his frigid and chilling 
scepter over us poor Missourians. Council meets to-day, 
but thank my stars I have nothing to do with it. They 
may hold a court of inquiry over George Coke and wife, 
charged with the murder of the late Daniel Punch. In the 
afternoon John Big-Sinew, and John Coon-Cripple came to 
work. In the evening, rain — rained all night. 

Wednesday, 24. — Kain ; a general thaw. I am sick. Sent 
for Matthew R. W. to ascertain whether he had any medi- 
cines, having none myself. He went home and sent me 
some croup syrup. 

Thursday, 25. — Snow nearly gone. Foggy and warm. 
Rested better last night. [I] Begin to expectorate. My 
boys left this morning. At 11 o'clock the wind from the 
N. W., and getting colder and spitting snow again. Well, 
well, what weather. 

"Arriere cenx dont la bonch© 
Souffle le froid et le chaud ! " 

Sent Theodore to Kansas for our mail. No mail came to 
Kansas, because as usual the "Blue is up." The contractor 
ought to be drowned in the Blue ! Turning cold. 

Friday, 26. — Thermometer 8°. Clear. M" W. gone to 
S. A.'s. His wife being very sick. Wrote a long epistle to 
Esau at Cincinnati and dated it the 25th through mistake. 
Moderately warm through the day. 

Saturday, 27. — Thermometer 10°. Cloudy. Sent Esau's 
letter. Went over to C. B. Garrett's and got my pup 
"Carlo," Junior, and brought him home. Cloudy and warm. 
I want my mail. I hope "the Blue" is not "up again." 
M" Armstrong, it is said, is still very sick. 



278 THE JOURNALS OF [January, 1849. 

Thawed all night. Warm this morning and cloudy. 
Looks very much like rain. Cloudy and wet all day. 

Sunday, 28. — Went to Church. Came home and found 
Dr. Hewitt in possession of the house, waiting our return. 
We chatted about various matters. Dined and he went 
home. Cloudy and misting all day. 

Monday, 29. — Cloudy and wet. Sleet, sleet, is there to 
be no end to sleet. Went over to M. E,. W.'s and spent the 
afternoon. At night it snowed. 

Tuesday, 30. — Thermometer 10° above zero. Snow on 
the ground. Sleet again. Went to attend the session of 
the Council in order to report the result of the meeting on 
the 19th of the non-professing members, who decided that 
both missionaries should be expelled from the nation. Made 
my report, and closed with a speech, defining our position, 
and closed with a solemn warning to the northern faction.^ 
Came home. Found John Big-Sinew and Smith Nichols 
had returned to go to work. 

Wednesday, 31. — Sleet, sleet!! Oh, glorious weather! 
Maria Monk had a calf last night, but it was frozen to death. 
Nine o'clock, sleet, sleet, sleet. Go it. Ten o'clock. Get- 
ting warmer. Raining, raining. At 7 o'clock at night it 
cleared up and the moon and stars shone as brilliant as 
gems. 

February, 1849. 

Thursday, 1. — Clear and cold. Thermometer 10° above 
"0." Prospect of a pleasant day, but how long. Went to 
Kansas. The mail came in but the papers were all "a dog's 
age old." Done some shopping and came home. Dis- 
charged my hands. w 

Friday, 2.— Clear. Thermometer 10° above "0." At 8 
o'clock cloudy. M ^ W. and Martha went to Kansas to stay 

1 This action resulted in the expulsion of the Missionary of the M. E. Churcli. The 
Missionary of the M. E. Church, South, was not molested. 



i 



February, 1849.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 279 

all night. Went to town and found it deserted. All gone 
to K. Heard that James Monture had murdered his wife. 

Pleasant day. 

•Saturday, 3. — Thermometer "0." Clear and beautiful 
morning. Finished a document for Deacon E. T. P. Warm 
and pleasant day. M" W. and Martha returned. 

Sunday, 4. — Cloudy morning. Thermometer 20° above 
^* 0." More snow or sleet perhaps. Went to Church. More 
depredations committed upon it by the disciples of the North- 
ern Church. Warm and pleasant all day. 

Monday, 5. — At sunrise thermometer 5° below "0." 
Clear. Pleasant day. Went to Kansas and settled up vari- 
ous accounts. Paid off some of my bills. 

Tuesday, 6. — Came home. At night guarded the " syna- 
gogue" till midnight from the incendiaries's brand. After 
we came away the work of destruction was renewed. 

Wednesday, 7. — Thermometer 5° below "0." Warm and 
pleasant. 

Thursday, 8.— Thermometer 10° above " 0." 

Friday, 9. — Wrote a com. from M"^ N. G. to A. G. and 
after that, glad to get rid of her. 

Saturday, 10. — Warm and pleasant day, a general thaw. 
In the evening, Kev. M' Russell called and staid till bed- 
time. To-day is the time appointed for the Northern Q. M. 
But will it be held? 

Sunday, 11. — Thermometer 8° above "0." Went to 
Church and heard M' Pussell preach. Came home, then 
went to Dr. Hewitt's and staid an hour. Then called on 
M' Cotter. 

Monday, 12. — Thermoneter "0." At daylight cloudy. 
Went to town. Little or no news. Got my iron kettle home 
and prepared for butchering my swine. Employed John 
Big-Sinew and John Coon, jr. 



280 THE JOURNALS OF [February, 1849. 

Tuesday, 13. — Thermometer 10° above "0." Commenced 
operatioDS on my swine. Raw and cold all day. 

Wednesday, 14. — Thermometer 3° below "0." Cloudy. 
Cut up and salted away my pork, then rested the remainder 
of the day. Cloudy and cold all day. Killed a crow with 
my " double barrel," by way of variety. 

Thursday, 15. — Thermometer 5° below "0." Clear. 
Clear, but cold all day. Sent by J. T. Peerey for my mail. 
Peter Warpole^ died last night. 

Friday, 16. — Thermometer "0." Went in company with 
Dr. Hewitt and paid a visit to Deacon Peerey. Came home 
in the evening. 

Saturday, 17. — Phoebus! Wind blowing and snow fly- 
ing! Thermometer at "0." At sunrise a large luminary 
appeared near the sun, called a sun-dog. Cold, cloudy, and 
windy all day. Severe weather. 

Sunday,18.— Thermometer 10° below "0." Clear. Went 
to Church and heard a sermon from J. T. Peerey. Came 
home and took my seat by a comfortable family fire. Feli- 
citatus! Cold, cold, horrid cold. But look out to-night. 
Whew! 

Monday, 19.— Thermometer 10° below " 0." Clear. Sky 
red at sunrise. Prospect of a warm and pleasant day. 
Went to town. J. W. removing his goods to Kansas. Dr. 
H. absent. Came home. Wind from the south, warm. 

Tuesday, 20. — Thermometer "freezing point." Cloudy. 
Two o'clock P. M., a general thaw. Came home from town. 

Wednesday, 21. — Paining at daylight. It is probable we 
shall have a general break up and a deluge. 3 o'clock. 
Cloudy, hazy, and misting. Our sleighing is now over, and 
I am not sorry. 

Thursday, 22. — Cloudy and still thawing. This is Wash- 

* Son of Roha'-tohn-deh, generally written Eontondee, who died November 17, 1843 
aged 68 years, and was buried in Huron Place Cemetary. Eohn' -tohn-deh signifies 
"Warpole." He was known as TFarpoZe. 



{ 



February, 1849.] GOVEENOE WALKEE. 281 

ington's birthday. A ball to come off in Kansas. Hauled 
some wood in the mud. L. Coffraan, Esq., called and I 
rented him my lot in Kansas till the 1st of September next 
for $10.00. My execrations upon John Big-Sinew for not 
coming according to promise to chop for me. 

Friday, 23. — Weather ditto. Thawing. Foggy, etc. 
Cloudy, sometimes clear, warm. All the little ravines in a 
roar. The river must rise and no doubt but the " Blue is 
up," as the mail carrier says. Smith Nichols and John 
Monture chopping. 

Saturday, 24. — Clear morning. " Freezing Point." Last 
night Miss Peach Blossom gave me the slip. This morning 
I hunted for her and after a long search found her, she hav- 
ing given birth to a splendid young bull. 

Wrote again to Dr. Latta for his paper, but when it will 
go is hard to tell, as we get no mail these days. 

Sunday, 25. — ^Thermometer 5° below " Freezing point." 
Cloudy. The ice breaking up in the Missouri and Kansas 
Rivers. Went to Church. Came home and after dinner 
returned and heard another sermon without an interpreter. 
Came home at sunset. J. M. A. set out yesterday to Kick- 
apoo to regulate the Northern Church matters. ''He is 
some." A second Martin Luther. A real reformer. Stul- 
tum Stultorum. 

Monday, 26. — Thermometer 45°. Cloudy. Thawed all 
night. Warm and thawing. Snow nearly all gone. Miss 
Huffacre called and spent the day. 

Tuesday, 27. — ^Thermometer 45°. Cloudy. Warm all 
day. To-day the [ice in the] Missouri and Kansas [Rivers] 
broke up with a crash. Attended the meeting of the legis- 
lative committee. Passed the general appiopriation bill. 
Came home in company with James Washington and George 
Armstrong. 

Wednesday, 28. — Sleet again. Thermometer 19°. Cloudy ; 



282 



THE JOURNALS OF 



[March, 1849. 



Went to town. Got my cane re- 



cold and cloudy all day 
paired and came home. 

March, 1849. 
Thursday, 1. — Thermometer 18° above 
Looks like snow. 

Presidential Election in 184-8 



'0." Cloudy. 



Cass. 

Arkansas 3 

Alabama 9 

Indiana 12 

Illinois 9 

Missouri 7 

Michigan 5 

Virginia 17 

Maine 9 

New Hampshire 6 

Ohio 23 

South CaroHna 9 

Texas 4 

Mississippi 6 

Iowa 4 

Wisconsin 4 



Taylor. 

Connecticut 6 

Delaware 3 

Kentucky 12 

Maryland 8 

New York 36 

North Carolina 11 

New Jersey 7 

Pennsylvania 26 

Khode Island 4 

Tennessee 13 

Vermont 6 

Louisiana 6 

Florida 3 

Massachusetts 12 

Georgia 10 



127 



163 

Oh, sleet, when 



At 2 o'clock P. M. we have sleet again, 
are we to get rid of thee. 

Friday, 2. — At daylight snow on the ground. Cloudy. 
Thermometer 20°. In the afternoon M. R. W. and I went 
up to see G. I. C, who has a violent attack of the pneu- 
monia. Cloudy night. 

Saturday, 3. — Cloudy. Thermometer 22°. Sleet, sleet. 
No end to it. To-day closes the administration of James 
K. Polk. ^^ Sic transit gloria mundi.^^ 



March, 1849.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 283 

1 o'clock, rain and sleet. Verily March has "come in 
like a lion and will probably go out like the devil." 

Went to town and called upon Dr. H. Staid an hour and 
came home. 

Sunday, 4. — Rain, rain. Bella horrida! This day the 
United States Republic is without a President, But what 
is the use of a President such weather as this? 1 o'clock P. 
M. Rain. Staid at home all day, the weather being too in- 
clement to venture out of the house. 8 o'clock at night. 
Raining. So we go. 

Monday, 5. — My birthday. This day I complete my 48th 
year, and nimbly step into my forty-ninth. To-day Gen. Z. 
Taylor steps nimbly into the Presidential chair. "Glory 
enough for one day." 

Tuesday, 6. — Thermometer freezing point. At 9 o'clock 
the day cleared up and the sun appeared. Wrote a long 
letter to John T. Walker. Went to town. Sent by Theo- 
dore to the P. O. Came home at half past 2 P. M. At 
night Theodore returned and brought my mail, a real pile 
of newspapers, with a letter from Hugh Barrett. Read till 
a late hour in the night. Clear and moonlight night. 

Wednesday, 7. — Frosty morning. Clear. Warm day. 
Perused my newspapers and staid at home all day. Beau- 
tiful night. The moon nearly full. 

Thursday, 8. — Thermometer " freezing " point. Cloudy. 
M" W. gone to see G. I. C. Raining. M" W. returned. 
G. I. C. not getting any better. M'"^ Robataille died this 
morning. 

Friday, 9. — Foggy morning, cloudy and warm. Fin- 
ished a letter to H. Barrett to go by tomorrow's mail. 
Went to town and learned that the steamer St. Joseph came 
up yesterday, but owing to the ice not being broken up 
above here, returned. The first steamboat up. While in 
town the "Amelia" came up. To-day M" Robataille was 
buried. 



284 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1849. 

Saturday, 10. — Cloudy, warm, and foggy. Prospect of 
more rain. Went to town and staid all day. The Kansas 
Kiver still rising. The Turkey Creek bridge gone.^ Got 
no mail. The " Mandan " went up to-day. Cloudy all day, 
but no rain. The California fever rages on the Rialto. 

Sunday, 11. — Foggy and cloudy. Warm, prospect of 
rain. Went to Church. The northern fanatics have stolen 
our church bible.^ I hope the thieves will make good use 
of it. This is, I suppose, a " pious fraud." Wrote to Jesse 
Stern, directing him to take the necessary steps for a legal 
partition of the Seneca county lands. M"" Caloway and W. 
H. Chick called on us to-day. Sunset clear. At night 
clear and starlight. 

Monday, 12. — Thermometer 3° below freezing point. 
Clear and pleasant. Beautiful day. Sent to the P. O. by 
G. D. Williams, but got nothing but a Weekly Dollar. My 
execrations upon Cave Johnston's mail contractors. They 
have ceased carrying the mail between this and St. Louis 
entirely. 

Tuesday, 13. — Cloudy and warm. Prospect of rain to- 
day. Went to work and hung my old gate which had bro- 
ken down. The noise of steamers on the river. One half 
past ten o'clock A. M., rain. Cleared up in the evening, 
but in a little while distant thunder was heard and it be- 
came cloudy again. At dark rain and loud thunder. 
Cleared up in the night. 

Wednesday, 14. — Clear and frosty morning. Prospect 
of a fine day. 9 o'clock, beautiful day. Clear and warm. 

' Turkey Greek, a stream running northeast through Shawnee Township, Wyandotte 
County, Kansas, now empties into the Kansas Eiver just above the Stock Yards. It 
formerly flowed into the Missouri Eiver just below Dold's Packing House. The road 
crossed it on a bridge for a time, and afterwards a ferry-boat was used. The crossing 
was at the mouth of the creek, as the road ran along the bank of the Missouri Eiver. 

' I doubt if it was ever known who stole the Bible. These troubles continued until 
both Churches were burned. I have investigated this matter until I know absolutely 
who burned each Church building, but no good could come of making it a matter of 
record here. 



March, 1849.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 285 

Spring is upon us in all its beauties. Felicitatus. Went to 
town. Called at the smithshop. Dined at C. G.'s. Called 
at J. W.'s and got some turnips, then came home. Warm 
and beautiful day. Clear night, chilly and cold. 

Thursday, 15. — Thermometer "freezing" point. Some- 
what cloudy. Warm and pleasant day. Hunted for my 
oxen but could not find them. The old rascals, they knew 
there was work on hands and "sloped." 

Upon comparing my cranium with Dr. Comb's system of 
phrenology, I cannot find a single valuable " bump " or de- 
velopment, except that of "benevolence." Barring this, 
my cranium is no better than a Baboon's. So that phre- 
nology has laid " all my greatness " on the shelf, and now I 
am no longer " some in a bear fight." A long farewell to 
all my greatness. But then I may have some important 
bumps elsewhere that might boost me up and put me in con- 
ceit of myself again. Sent to the P. O. for my mail and as 
usual got nothing. 

Friday, 16. — Light frost. Clear. Hauled some wood out 
of the corn field. Warm day. Nothing strange occurred. 
A dull monotonous day. Afflicted with ennui. I want my 
mail! 

Saturday, 17. — Thermometer "freezing" point. Cloudy 
and windy. M" W. went to Kansas. I went to town. 
Warm pleasant day. Received some papers from M^ Gil- 
more. M" W. returned and brought me a bundle of news- 
papers, but of old dates. My old chum, S. P. Chase,^ 
elected to the U. S. Senate. So much for riding the aboli- 
tion "hobby." 

Sunday, 18. — Clear frosty morning. Went to Church. 
A fine congregation. An appointment for worship at the 
school house at 3 o'clock P. M. Pleasant, clear, and beau- 
tiful day. To-day John Porcupine died, but of what com- 

' They were schoolmates. 



286 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1849. 

plaint I have not yet learned. He was sick but a short 
time. Attended Church in the afternoon. A good congre- 
gation. 

Monday, 19. — Clear and warm morning. 

Tuesday, 20. — Cloudy. 

Hiatus. 

Friday, 23. — Thomas H. Noble raised my crib and shed. 
Warm and pleasant day. 

Saturday, 24. — Put on the roof and quit for the day. 

Sunday, 25. — Frosty morning. Staid at home all day and 
read. Wind from the north all day. Chilly. 

Monday, 26. — Frosty morning but clear. Beautiful day. 
Hung up my bacon to dry and smoke. Hauled some slabs 
and firewood. M"^ Bowman commenced boarding [with us] 
this evening. 

Tuesday, 27. — Clear and pleasant 'morning. Worked all 
day. Moved our hen house. Repaired our spring, and 
rested thereon. In the evening a moderate rain. 

Wednesday, 28. — Cloudy and foggy. Showery. Went 
to town and got my gun repaired. Planned a spring house, 
that is, done the wind work. 

Thursday, 29. — Cloudy weather. M^ Bowyer working the 
garden and I doing chores. Just heard that that dreadful 
scourge, the Asiatic cholera, has reached Kansas. Well, keep 
cool, hold a steady hand. Commenced gardening to-day. 
Planted our top onions. 

Friday, 30. — Cloudy morning, but no rain. Went to 
town, got my mail, and a "public document." Warm day. 
Cool in the evening. At 5 o'clock P. M. Sophia made her 
appearance in company with M^ Stone of Independence. 

Saturday, 31. — Beautiful morning. Worked in the gar- 
den. Planted some more top onions. To-day quarterly meet- 
ting commences. I went to Church and heard a sermon 
from M'^ Stateler. Warm day. 



April. 1849.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 287 

April, 1849. 

Sunday, 1. — Sabbath morn. Fine warm day. Went to 
Church. 

Monday, 2. — Cloudy; prospect of rain. M'' Stateler, M'' 
Flint, a Shawnee preacher, and F. A. Hicks called and staid 
awhile in social chat. Planted some more onions. Showery. 

Tuesday, 3. — Dark, dark and rainy morning. Must stay 
in close quarters. But it is all for the best. Vegetation 
needs rain. This is a most fertilizing shower. 12 o'clock 
M. Gloomy day. Ennui. Blue devils. Rain, clouds, fog. 
I want my mail. Steamers roaring and snorting up the 
river. Nightfall. Still raining and the wind from the 
north. 

Wednesday, 4. — Sun obscured by clouds. But the rain 
has ceased. 8 o'clock, cleared up, but cool. Prospect of a 
fair and pleasant day. Hauled corn and in the evening 
hauled some wood and took up some grapevines. Clear 
night. J. Walker returned home. 

Thursday, 5. — Frosty morning. Resumed hauling corn, 
and finished at 12 o'clock. Wrote to Jesse Stern again upon 
the subject of the land sale. M""^ W. gone to Kansas. 
Cloudy. Looks like rain. Finished hauling corn. 

Friday, 6. — Cloudy morning. Went to town and called 
upon J. Walker and C. Graham. Came home and went to 
work. M"^® Chick moved over to the parsonage. 

Saturday, 7. — Cloudy and cold, but no frost. Cut some 
timber for a trellis work for grape vines in the garden. 
Cleared up my little meadow. In the evening it rained and 
continued through the night. 

Sunday, 8. — This day, 25 years ago, I and M" W. were 
married. A quarter of a century has rolled around, and 
still it seems but as yesterday ! Wrote a letter for M" Gra- 
ham to her brother in Kentucky. Went to Church as all 
good Christians should do. 



288 THE JOURNALS OF [AprU, i849. 

Monday, 9. — Kaining. At 11 o'clock, cleared up, but 
windy. Ground drying up. "Worked at the trellis frame. 
At half after 5, a beautiful rainbow. 

Tuesday, 10. — After a windy night, we have a cold morn- 
ing, the wind from the north. Thermometer, "freezing 
point." Council meets to-day, but as I have no business 
there I will stay where I have business — at home. Dr. 
Hewitt returned to-day from St. Louis. 

Wednesday, 11. — Clear, frosty morning. Having what 
is called a hoar frost, we shall have a beautiful day. Kan- 
sas full of California adventurers. Finished our lattice 
frame and raised it. Went to town. Got my gardening 
implements repaired. The flat boat going to Kansas to- 
morrow. Well, I must go too. 

Thursday, 12 — The boat cast off from her moorings and 
away we went. Landed in Kansas amidst a drenching rain. 
The rain continuing, we did not put our cargo on board. 
After a consultation, we concluded to defer loading till the 
morrow. Secured our boat. 

Friday, 13. — Loaded up and commenced cordelling the 
boat up stream against a heavy current. In the bustle I 
was tipped " overboard " and after a desperate struggle, by 
the aid of my friends, I got on terra firma again, and re- 
turned to town and doused my diluted garments and put on 
others which accorded more to the feelings of "flesh and 
blood." 

Saturday, 14. — Remained in town, feeling unwell. 

Hiatu . 

Thursday, 19. — Planted some early potatoes and did va- 
rious other matters about my premises. 

Friday, 20. — Warm and pleasant day. Our " Wyandott 
Mining Company ^^ in a stir making preparation for their 
long journey to California. 




18AlAli WALKEK. 



I 



May, 1849.] GOVEENOR WALKER. 289 

Saturday, 21. — Wrote all day in the Agent's office and at 
night attended a California meeting. 

Sunday, 22. — Cloudy morning. Prospect of rain. Went 
to Church. One half the congregation being Californians 
from over the river. 

Monday, 23. — At daylight, raining. Rained till 11 
o'clock. Then cleared off. Hauled some wood. At night 
a gang of our neighbors, bound for California, called upon 
us and spent tUe evening. 

Tuesday, 24. — Went to town to write in the Agent's 
office, but the Agent was absent. Met Esau. Had a chat 
with him. He is destined for Santa Fe. Appointed Wil- 
liam Linnville my substitute to represent me in the " Wyan- 
dott Mining Company^ Came home in the evening, etc. 

Wednesday, 25. — Went to town to write in the Agent's 
Office, bu 'j the incumbent had other business. So I attended 
to my own. Went — 

Thursday, 26. — Asiatic cholera broke out in K. Isaac 
McCoy ^ departed this life to-day. 

Friday, 27. — Alarm pervades the country. Came home 
to enjoy the rural atmosphere and keep out of the haunts of 
this horrid disease. 

Saturday, 28. — Inflammation in my left eye. 

Sunday, 29. — My eye painful. Kept my bed all day. 

Monday, 30. — No better. Michael Frost came to work. 

May, 1849. 

Tuesday, 1. — Cold and cloudy day. In the evening, 
rained, with thunder and lightning. 

Wednesday, 2 — Clear and windy. Heard of the death of 
M' Bigerstaff, druggist. 

' He was a surveyor and had been a missionaiy to the Indians. He built the fir^ 
house erected for a permanent residence in what is now Wyandotte County, Kansas. It 
was built near Edwardsville. Mr. McCoy, it is said, was the first to propose moving 
Eastern Indians to what is now Kansas. He laid off and surveyed the lands aligned 
to most of the tribea. He died in Kansas City, Mo., where his descendants still live. 
20 



290 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1849; 

Thursday, 3. — E-ain all day. Cholera abating in Kansas. 
Judge Chaffee of Upper Sandusky landed, on his way to the 
"Diggins." I am suffering the horrors of blindness. 

Friday, 4. — Kain last night, and raining this morning. 
Sent T. F. Garrett to K. for our mail, but got none. J. 
Chaffee called upon us. 

Hiatus. 

Thursday, 31. — This day the "Wyandott Mining Com- 
pany " set out for California. The following are the names 
of those that set out: I. P. Walker,^ Capt. Theo. F. Gar- 
rett, William Bowers, William Lynville, Ira Hunter, Matt- 
hew Brown, C. B. Garrett, Philip Brown, Adam Hunt, R. 
Palmer, Bussell Garrett; E. B. Hand, physician. 

June, 1849. 

Friday, 1. — Showery, unsettled weather. Mike finished 
ploughing. 

Saturday, 2.- — Clear and pleasant. Had custard for din- 
ner, which was very ^^ delicious to our taste J^ 

Sunday, 3. — Clear and excessively warm. About noon 
the mercury stood at 91. In the evening heard of the death 
of Miss Huffaker. The Missouri is very high and is still on 
the rise. Fair prospect for another overflow, so the poor 
French will have to desert their homes in the bottom.^ 

Monday, 4. — Very warm. The flat-boat went down to 
Kansas to-day and we sent for some bacon. 

Tuesday, 5. — Warm, cloudy, and raining. 

Wednesday, 6. — Warm and rainy day. Heard of two 
cases of cholera on this side. Nothing of importance 
transpiring. Dull times, very dull. 

Thursday, 7. — In the morning clear and warm. In the 
evening clouded up; prospect of another shower. Mail day^ 

' Governor Walker made a mistake here; he omitted to write I. P. Long. 
' Along Turkey Creek, on the banks of the Missouri Eiver. 



June, 1849.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 291 

but as usual, had no chance of sending for our share in the 
mail hags. 

Friday, 8. — Showery all day. No mail as yet. 

Saturday, 9. — Clear and warm. 

Sunday, 10. — Showery and warm. In the evening;, had 
company. M'' Gilmore, Miss Twyman, M'' Stone and M"" 
Porter. 

Monday, 11. — In the morning, had quite a shower with 
quite a high wind. In the evening cleared off. Got our 
mail. Dr. Waldo called and staid all night. 

Tuesday, 12. — Clear all day, for a wonder. 

Wednesday, 13. — Showery. Got one quilt out. 

Hiatus. 

Monday, 18. — Planted our corn. 

Tuesday, 19. — Planted the fall potatoes. 

Wednesday, 20. — Warm. Dr. H. called and staid an 
hour. 

Thursday, 21. — Hiatus. 

Friday, 22. — Major Cummins arrived with the Wyandott 
annuity and staid all night with us! 

Saturday, 23. — Cloudy, prospect of rain. Major Cummins 
paid the annuity. 

Sunday, 24 — Pained in the forenoon. 

Heard of the death of Joseph Chaffee, who died on the 
23rd of May last. 

Monday, 25. — Staid at home all day. Pain. 

Tuesday, 26. — Went to town; rain. Heard of the death 
of J. K. Polk. 

Wednesday, 27. — Staid at home. Warm. Pain as usual. 

Thursday, 28.— M"^ W. went to K. The P. M. said there 
was no mail. He lied, the rascal. 

Friday, 29. — Foggy morning. Cloudy; more rain to-day. 
Wrote to the "Wyandott Tribune," announcing J. Chaffee's 
death. Thunder and lightning. More rain. 



292 THE JOURNALS OF [June, 1849. 

Saturday, 30. — Saddled up my horse and went to town, 
intending to go to Major Cummins', but gave it up and re- 
turned home. Warm day. M^ Gilmore came and staid all 
night. 

July, 1849. 

Sunday, 1. — Staid at home and read and wrote. Foggy 
morning. 

Monday, 2. — Went to town. Came home. Then went to 
John Lewis's. 

Tuesday, 3. — Cloudy; prospect of rain. Eained from 7 
to 10 o'clock. 

Wednesday, 4. — Rained all night. At daylight, raining 
furiously. What a day for a celebration! Eain, rain. 
Cholera broke out afresh this week in Kansas. Eight deaths 
within this week and it is reported to be raging with violence 
in St. Louis. Kain, rain. 

Thursday, 5. — Cloudy and foggy. Feel quite unwell. 
Rain, rain. 

Friday, 6. — Clear and beautiful morning. Bathed and 
took my morning walk. 

Saturday, 7. — Tho. Moseley, lately appointed Wyandott 
sub-agent, arrived last evening. I went down to see him 
and spent the day with him. Rain again. Rain, rain. 
Came home. 

Sunday, 8. — At daylight, rain, rain. At 6 o'clock, an 
horrible tempest with wind and rain. This being Quarterly 
Meeting, I went to Church and heard a sermon by L, B. S. 

Monday, 9. — At 11 o'clock, the rain held up. Oh for 
clear weather once more! Zachariah Long-House died last 
Friday night of Cholera. 

Tuesday, 10. — Went in company with Major Moseley to 
pay a visit to Major Cummins. Staid all night. 

Wednesday, 11. — Came home. Warm, warm. Attended 
Council. M' Moseley reported himself to the Council. 



July, 1849.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 293 

Thursday, 12. — Made the transfer of the effects of the 
sub-agency. 

Friday, 13. — Went to town. A thunder storm. Came 
home and attended a caucus at the Church, at night. 

Saturday, 14. — Cloudy all day. Have caught a violent 
cold. Am sick! Dr. Still holding his fanatical Quarterly 
Meeting. 

Sunday, 15. — The sun rose hot and sultry. I am sick. 
Taking medicine. Dr. Hewitt moved to-day from the 
Wyandott Territory to give place to his successor. Sic 
transit gloria mundi. 

Monday, 16 — Cloudy and cool. Staid at home. Major 
Moseley, the new Sub-Agent spent the day with us and 
staid all night. 

Tuesday, 17. — Went to the National Convention to nomi- 
nate candidates for the Council, and [it] resulted thus: 
J. Washington, majority, 5. 
J. T. Charloe, " 2, Abolitionist. 

D. Young, " 3, 

J. Van Meter, " 1, 

Adjourned. Came home. 

Wednesday, 18. — Jacob Charloe commenced ploughing 
my corn. Went to town. Rain, rain. 

Thursday, 19. — Cloudy. Jacob resumed his work. Rain, 
rain. Oh! when is our rainy season to end. 

Friday, 20. — Cloudy as usual. Went to town. Wrote to 
L. Smalley. Dr. Ridge called and spent the afternoon. 
Rain rather light to-day. 

Saturday, 21 — Cloudy. I fear we shall have the old song 
" Rain, rain." Clear all day for a wonder. 

Clear and prospect of a warm day. For the first time for 
nearly three months we had one clear day. 

Sunday, 22. — Rain, rain. Remained cloudy all day. 



294 THE JOURNALS OF [July, 1849. 

Monday, 23. — At daylight raining. At sunrise cloudy. 
Wrote to the W. Mining Co. Rain, rain. 

Tuesday, 24. — Rain, rain. Wrote the Collard Letter. At 
2 o'clock, weather cleared up. The sun set clear. 

Wednesday, 25. — Cloudy, and probably more rain. No 
rain to-day for a wonder. Warm. 

Thursday, 26. — Went to Kansas. Rain, rain. Came 
home in the evening. 

Friday, 27. — Rain, rain. Finished J. W.'s Communica- 
tion to the Secretary of the Interior. At noon the weather 
cleared up. 

Saturday, 28. — Clear for a wonder. Attended a special 
election of ferryman, vice D. Young, resigned ; and George 
Steel was elected. 

Sunday, 29. — Warm, dry, and clear till the middle of the 
day, then rain, rain. So we go. 

Monday, 30. — Foggy and chilly. At 9 o'clock it cleared 
up, and [there is] a fair prospect of a clear day. M" W. 
and Sophia went to K. 

The difference. A passionate and hasty person is gener- 
ally honest. It is your cool, dissembling hypocrite of whom 
you should beware. There is no deceit about a bulldog. It's 
the sneaking cur that bites you when your back is turned. 
Beware I say of him who has cant in his Phiz. He's the 
rascal. 

Jacob Charloe resumed working in the corn field. Clear 
all day. 

Tuesday, 31. — Foggy morning at sunrise. Wrote to D. 
D. Mitchell, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, upon the 
subject of J. T. Walker's money. Cleaned out and pruned 
my fruit trees in my garden. Went to town. Met with 
Dr. Hewitt. Clear and pleasant all day. 



August, 1849.] GOVEENOR WALKER. 295 

August, 1849. 

Wednesday, 1. — Cloudy at sunrise and quite cold. It 
was clear all day. Went to town to attend a meeting of a 
political character, but not many attending, it was ad- 
journed. 

Thursday, 2. — Clear and cool. Heavy dew. 10 o'clock, 
roasting hot. Mail day but [I] can't go for my share of it. 
Rode up in the country and bought a cow of Geo. D. Will- 
iams at $13.00. 

Friday, 3. — This day the President of the U. S. has 
recommended to be observed as a day of fasting, humilia- 
tion and prayer, in view of the destructive ravages of the 
Cholera^ in our land. Came home and dined. In the even- 
ing, Kev. E. T. Peerey called and spent the evening. Glad 
to see him. 

Saturday, 4. — Mailed a letter for Branch, Michigan. 
Warm. Thermometer 94°. Delaware camp meeting go- 
ing on. 

Sunday, 5. — Kain, rain. No meeting to-day. Cleared 
up, and warm. 

Monday, 6. — At daylight, rain, rain. Finished a letter 
to M"" McKnight. Cloudy all day, but sultry. My hands 
did not come. Just as I expected. My curses upon them. 

Tuesday, 7 — Cloudy and cool. Pleasant day. Went to 
town. Dined with M'^^ H. Eain at night. 

Wednesday, 8. — Fine day. Attended a political meeting 
at the schoolhouse. Polled the voters of the Nation. We 
shall re-elect the old Board of Chiefs. Wrote a Com. for 
the " Wyandott Tribune." 

Thursday, 9. — Clear and fine morning. Went to Kansas. 
Got my mail. Hired Noah Zane to work a few days. 
Friday, 10. — J. Coon, Jr., killed by Bob Cherokee. 

* It swept over the country about the mouth of the Kansas Eiver every year. 



296 THE JOURNALS OF [August, 1849. 

NoaH and I sowed our Turnips. Hot day. Bargained with 
Peter Ballanger for a job of clearing, $18.00. 

Saturday, 11. — Cloudy. Clearing up. Warm day again. 
Warm and sultry day, too warm to work were I even in- 
clined. So " I laid by." 

Sunday, 12. — Clear and warm. The dog star rages. 
Went to Church. J. T. Peerey held forth. Thermometer 
100°! At six o'clock P. M. it became very cloudy. At 7, 
rain, and rained all night. 6 A. M., raining still. 

Monday, 13. — Cleared up at 12. Warm and sultry. At- 
tended the Council. 

Tuesday, 14. — Pleasant day. Election to-day. The 
struggle is over and resulted in the election of 
James Washington, Southern. 
J. D. Brown, 
G. I. Clark, Abolitionist. 
M. Mudeater. 

So we have beaten the Abolition Party. So they may 
rest easy now. 

Wednesday, 15. — Bain, rain. So we go, no end to rain. 
So we have no ^^ Green Corn Feast" this year on account of 
the alarm created by the ravages of the Cholera. But per- 
haps it's best. Cloudy all day. Unsettled weather. Sun 
set clear. 

Thursday, 16. — Damp and foggy morning. Went to 
Kansas ; bought some provisions for my work hands. Pe- 
ter Ballanger and Francois Tremble came to work on their 
job of clearing. Noah Zane commenced cutting the grass. 

Friday, 17. — Cut and wind-rowed the hay. Hot day. 
Thermometer 100°. Tremble and Ballanger working at 
their job. Laid off my Jlannel to-night. 

Saturday, 18. — N. Zane and I hauled in my hay and put 
it up in the stable loft. Thermometer 98°. Tho. H. Noble 
called and took dinner. 



September, 1849.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 297 

Sunday, 19. — Rain, rain. Cool. 8 o'clock, clearing up. 
Cloudy all day, slightly, and occasionally a sprinkle of 
rain. 

Monday, 20. — Cold, damp and foggy morning. If a 
clear and pleasant day, I must go to Kansas. 

Hiatus. 

Friday, 31. — J. T. Peerey moved away, and Rev. M'^ Rus- 
sell took his place. 

September, 1849. 

Saturday, 1. — Staid about home and read all day. 

Sunday, 2. — Warm but pleasant. Had M"" Norton and 
M^ Mullikan to dinner. Went to Church in the evening. 

Monday, 3. — Cloudy day. Staid at home all day. 

Tuesday, 4. — Ditto, ditto. 

Wednesday, 5. — Cloudy and a little rain. M" W. and 
Sophia went to K., notwithstanding. 

Thursday, 6. — To-day the Wyandott camp meeting com- 
mences under favorable auspices, the weather being clear 
and cool. 

Friday, 7.— Went in company with M" W. to Kansas 
and called upon Dr. Hewitt and dined. Bo't various neces- 
sary family articles and came home in the evening. 

Saturday, 8. — Cold morning, but no frost. Went to the 
camp ground and heard a sermon from Rev. Thomas John- 
son, decidedly the best Indian preacher I ever heard. 
Rainy night. 

Sunday, 9. — Raining, pouring down in torrents. At 9 
o'clock it cleared up. Warm. Went to camp meeting. 
Heard a sermon from M"" Johnston, then one from J. T. 
Peerey and another from M'" Scarritt. M" W. sick. 

Monday, 10. — Clear and beautiful morning. Pleasant all 
day. M^^ W. continues sick. Taking medicines. 



298 JOUENALS OF GOVERNOR WALKER. [Sept., 1849. 

Tuesday, 11. — Clear and beautiful morning. M^^ W. 
better. Went to K. to get some stoves. M' G. arrived to 
pay a visit. 

Wednesday, 12. — Beautiful morning. Fall weather. Miss 
Matilda Chick arrived. 

Thursday, 13. — Warm day. Went to K. for my mail. 

Friday, 14. — Warm. Thermometer 95°. 

Saturday, 15. — Cut my knee with an axe. 

Sunday, 16. — Staid at home. Warm day. 

Monday, 17. — Preparing for a party. Busy all day. 

Tuesday, 18.— At half past 3 o'clock P. M., William Gil- 
more of Independence and Martha B. Walker were married. 

Wednesday, 19. — The wedding party set out for Inde- 
pendence. Went to Kansas. Come home in the evening. 

Thursday, 20. — Cloudy all day. Bode out to town and 
country. Came home and staid at home. 

Friday, 21. — Cloudy. W. C. Graham paid us a visit. 
Warm afternoon. Thermometer 95°. A shower in the 
night. 

Saturday, 22. — Clear and beautiful morning. 

So ends my poor Journal, this the 22d day of September, 
A. D., 1849. It is a brief record of my unimportant do- 
ings, showing dimly how I have spent my time. 

W. Walker. 



THE JOURNALS 



OP 



WILLIAM WALKEK 



PROVISIONAL GOVERNOR 



NEBRASKA TERRITORY 



SECOND BOOK 

From September £2, 1849, to June 25, 1854 



FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT IN THE COLLECTION OP 

WILLIAM E. OOISn^ELLET 



(299) 



THE 

JOURNALS OF WILLIAM WALKER, 

Provisional Governor of Nebraska Territory. 



SECOND BOOK.i 

From September 22, 1849, to June 25, 1854. 



NoVEMBEK, 1849. 

Diary — Hiatus from September 22, 1849, till 
Friday, 30. — This day I received the book on which I am 
now writing, which was kindly sent to me by Brother Joel 
from St. Louis. Rev. Thomas A. Green from Ohio arrived 
here on the 20th inst., who is traveling for his health. 

December, 1849. 

Saturday, 1. — M'' Green set out with Rev. B. H. Russel 
to Platte. 

Sunday, 2. — Went to Kansas. A " Bogus " manufacturer 
[was] arrested having $78. of the coin in his possession. 
He was acquitted as such characters generally are, and es- 
caped unwhipt. 

Wednesday, 12. — Rented my Store House to a M^ French 
of Independence, at $12. pr month. Possession to be given 
when certain repairs are made. 

Thursday, 13. — Made arrangements for the repairs and 

> On account of lack of space in this volume, it was necessary to omit very much 
from the second book of Governor Walker's Journals. 

(301) 



302 THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1849. 

came home. But the infamous villain and his more infa- 
mous tool, Ross, swindled me out of the rent. 

Thursday, 20. — Went to attend a special session of the 
Council. 

Sunday 23. — Went to church. Sermon by Mr. Stateler. 
He and his lady with M'^ Scarritt came home with us and 
dined. 

Monday, 24. — Employed John Big-Sinew and his cousin 
to cut wood. Issued License for the marriage of Samuel 
Big-Sinew to a Miss Clarrissa Carpenter.^ 

January, 1850. 

Wednesday, 23.^ — Hauled wood all day and at night went 
to Capt. Bullhead's." Came home in the rain. 

Monday, 28. — Attended a night session of the Council 

• The following is a copy of the license, together with the return of the minister 
endorsed thereon. I obtained the original in the Indian Territory : 

"Wyandott Teekitoey Dec 24, 1849. 
"Permission is hereby granted to any clergyman, magistrate or any person duly 
authorized to solemnize the rites of matrimony, to unite by marriage Sanuel Bigsinew 
to Clarissa Carpenter and due return make of the same to this office within thirty days- 
Given under my hand and seal day and date above written. 

( Signed ) ' ' Wm. Walker, 

"Clerk to the Council, pro tern. 
" This is to Certify that I joined together in matrimony Mr. Samuel Bigsinew and 
Miss Clarissa Carpenter at the home of Isaac Zane on the 25th of Dec 1849 

(Signed) "B. H. Eussell 

"Minister of the Gospel 
"Ee turned for Eecord Dec 26 1849" 

* Captain Bull-Head belonged to the Porcupine Clan of the Wyandots. He had two 
Wyandot names. The first was Ohn-dooh'-tooh, the meaning of which is lost. The 
second was Stih-yeh'-stah, and means " carrying bark," that is, as the porcupine carries 
in his mouth the bark which he strips from the northern hemlock for his food. Cap- 
tain Bull-Head was spoken of as the only full-blood Wyandot that came West with the 
tribe, but he was not a full-blood. He was of the purest blood of any of the tribe, but 
he was part French. There was not a single full-blood in the Wyandot Nation in the_ 
West. The last full-blood Wyandot died in Canada about the year 1820. His name was 
Yah-nyah' -meh-deh. 

Captain Bull-Head was a taciturn, morose man. He served in the British army in 
the war of 1812. He carried with him always a peculiar knife with a blade about four 
inches wide and twelve or fifteen inches long. This knife he carried in a brass scabbard 
which was swung over his right shoulder and under his left arm by a brass chain. He 
was a man of great intelligence and well informed in the history and traditions of his 
people. Governor Walker often consulted him on these subjects. He died in Wyan- 
dotte County, Kansas. 



February, 1850.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 303 

and made the necessary preparation for the National Conven- 
tion which was to meet the next day. 

Tuesday, 29. — The National Convention met and I was 
requested to act as Chairman. The Laws enacted by the 
Legislative Committtee were proclaimed — the appropriation 
bill for this year was reported. The question of our emigra- 
tion to Min[n]esota^ was submitted and after a warm discus- 
sion the vote was taken and resulted, for emigration 5 votes. 
Against, 72. The question of dissolving the fund from 
which we draw our annuity was next submitted and warmly 
debated till sun set, when, on motion of Esq. Gray Eyes it 
was postponed till next Tuesday. The convention adj'd. 

February, 1850. 

Friday, 8. — Clear and frosty morning. A warm spring 
day. Wrote to J. Walker. Attended the special session of 
the CounciL Discharged Geo. Coke from Jail, [he] having 
served out his twelve months imprisonment. The Council 
addressed a com° to the Deputation at Washington. After 
doing up sundry things, adjourned. I came home " an hun- 
gered " and dined. 

Friday, 22. — Clear and cold morning. M" W. went to 
K. M*" H. M. Northrup^ called to-day. He reports that 

* The Wyandots had an extensive and intimate acquaintance with the Northern 
tribes and this made some of the tribe wish to go North. The discussion of the pos- 
sibility of their going to Minnesota did not cease until after Tauromee secured the 
present Eeservation from the Senecas in the Indian Territory. 

^ Hiram Milton Northrup, only son of Andrus Bishop and Martha (McHenry) North- 
rup, was born in Olean, Cattaraugus County, New York, June 4, 1S18. He was a man 
of energy and enterprise. His first work towards self-support was as a clerk in a store- 
then he taught a district school. He went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and engaged in boat; 
building. From there he went to some point in Alabama and engaged in the mercan- 
tile business, and failed. From Alabama he came to Westport, Mo., and engaged in the 
Santa Fe trade, and was successful. Here he became acquainted with the Wyandots. 
He paid court "with mati-imonial intentions" to one of their best looking girls, Mar- 
garet Clark, daughter of Thomas Clark, who was the brother of George I. Clark, and a 
grandson of Chief Adam Brown. Miss Clark could speak but little English and the 
courtship had to be carried on by aid of interpreters, and old Wyandots relate many 
amusing incidents connected with it. They were married at the Methodist Church on 
the banks of Jersey Creek, November 27, 1845. Mr. Northrup's business increased. He 



304 THE JOURNALS OF [February, 1850. 

great preparations are making at the " Dutch Reformed 
Church," — i. e., the " Union Hotel " to celebrate the advent 
of the father of his country, by a ' Birth night Ball.' " Vive 
la Bagatelle! ^^ 

Saturday, 23. — Ah! pauvre moi ! I am again visited with 
that pest of this country, sore eyes. It is nearly a year ago 
since I was first attacked, and [I] was blind for three months 
and recovered, and now here I have it again in full fruition. 

Monday, 25. — Beautiful spring morning. Went to town 
and staid till evening. Transacted some public business. 
Proved that the United States stole James Big-Tree's horse. 

Tuesday, 26. — We have heard of the finale of the great 
Birth-night Ball at the " Dutch Reformed Church." It ap- 
pears to have been a failure. The Ladies having taken um- 
brage at the ungallant conduct of the Managers, refused to 
honor them with their presence. Thereupon, the Landlord 
and Managers got drunk — most royally so, in order to be 
avenged on the refractory ladies. The Landlord to show his 
indignation, made a perfect mash of the supper table and all 
the good things that were placed thereon. Even the "Saur 
Kraut " was not spared. It is supposed the dapper Land- 

had a partner and the firm was Northrup & Chick. Joel Walker was associated with 
Northrup & Chick for some time, and the firm was Walker, Northrup & Chick. Northrup 
& Chick went to New York and established a banking house, which was prosperous 
until the panic of 1873, when it failed. Mr. Northrup returned to Wyandotte, Kansas, and 
established the banking house of Northrup & Son. The large tract of land allotted to 
Mr. Northrup by the Wyandots was in the heart of what is now Kansas City, Kansas, 
and its increase in value caused by the growth of Kansas City, made him more than a 
millionaire. He died March 22, 1893. The panic of that year caused the failure of his 
bank and this involved his estate, and much litigation followed which almost con- 
sumed the great estate he left. He was a kind-hearted and charitable man and gave 
away thousands of dollars to help the poor, especially poor Wyandots. He was utterly 
incapable of resisting any reasonable appeal of a charity that had merit. He was one of 
the founders of Kansas City, Mo., and her great commerce has its foundations in his 
efforts. He was a pioneer, merchant, trader, and banker. His history is the history 
of the success of Kansas City, which, as a great mart, includes all the cities about the 
mouth of the Kansas River. 

Of his marriage to Margaret Clark (who was born August 28, 1828, and died June 
28, 1887) were born: 1. Milton, born October 5, 1846; 2. Andrus Bishop, born April 27, 
1849, died January 7, 1892; 3. Thomas Clark, born December 27, 1851, died October 10, 
1876; 4. McHenry, born November 5, 1854, died December 1, 1857. 




MATTHEW E. WALKER. 



March, 1850.] GOVERN^OR WALKER. 305 

lady, was " brimful of wrath and cabbage " at the conduct 
of her hopeful husband, boxed his ears and sent him to bed. 

Maech, 1850. 

Thursday, 7. — Clear, frosty morning. Warm day. 

I am anxious to get my mail; but what good will it do me 
when I am so nearly blind as to be unable to read ?^ 

Tuesday, 12. — We had a fair specimen of a Missouri 
squall last night. 

"The Tfind blew as 'twad blawn her last; 
The rattling show'rs rose on the blast ; 
The speedy gleams the darkness swallow'd. 
Load, deep and long the thunder bellow'd; 
That night, a child might anderstand, 
The de'il had business on his hand." 

Cloudy, but pleasant. To-day the Council meets to at- 
tend to the important affairs of State. 

Came home from the Council after dark, hungry and fa- 
tigued, after having disposed of various important State 
affairs, and sent a fellow to the Calaboose for 24 hours for 
disturbing a religious meeting. 

Wednesday, 13.— High winds all night. Bright and 
clear morning. 

Went to town to bring home a runaway Cow ; but Oh ! 
the trouble and vexation I encountered ! After much trib- 
ulation I succeeded in getting her home. She was so poor 
and squalid that, " the lowing of the hine " was not heard by 
the neighbors living on the road. This is the cow Dr. Hew- 
itt rated at $25. She is hardly worth as many cents. 

Warm and pleasant day, but windy. 

E-ec'd no mail from the East. A great dearth of news. 
We know no more of the doings of our wise and patriotic 

' Many of the Wyandots suflTered from inflammation of the eyes when they came 
West. Old Wyandots often speak of it. They attributed the disease to the sandy soil 
and the high winds — sandstorms. Many of them lost their sight entirely. The Coun- 
cil gave pensions to the old people that became blind. 

21 



306 THE JOURNALS OF [April, 1850. 

Congress than if they were in session in the palace of Chang 
Chaufoo, in China.^ 

Friday, 15. — Last night Miss Maria Monk came in glad 
possession of an interesting little Monk. The event had 
been looked for with much interest. It is a beautiful 
specimen of the horned breed, having upon its body all the 
varied colors of the Rainbow. Who the favored father of 
this young kine may be, it is hard to conjecture; and Maria 
pertinaciously refuses to tell. Albeit, she, like her great 
namesake of Hotel Dieu memory, was never considered as 
chaste as a vestal. 

Enlarged my meadow and hauled some more wood. 

Sunday, 17. — ^^ St. Patrick'' s day in the morning" Cloudy 
and cold. Went to Church and heard a sermon from Rev. 
M' Jameison. A good performance. Went to church in 
the evening and interpreted a sermon for M'" Stateler. 

Monday, 18. — Clear, cold and frosty morning. Prospect 
of a warm and pleasant day. 

Went to Kansas. Learned that our Missouri boys were 
doing well in "Refining" the dust; but at the same time 
discouraged their friends from the "Experiment" of 
"digging."^ 

April, 1850. 

Monday, 8. — M" W. gone to Kawzas.^ Cholera at St. 
Joseph. So, it seems we are to be visited with that scourge 
of the human race, again this season. 

Thursday, 11. — Finished my experiment in Budding fruit 

* One of the inconveniences of the country in those days was the lack of mail facil- 
ities. Governor Walker wished to know what was transpiring, and complains bitterly 
of the inefficient services rendered by the mail contractors. And now the uniformed 
mail deliverer passes the site of his home two or three times each day and brings the 
mail to the door! 

* In the gold fields of California. 

' One of the ways of writing Kansas; it more nearly represents the pronunciation of 
the name as used by the Kaw Indians than the spelling of the present, but it is no 
longer used. 



May, 1850.] GOVERNOK WALKER. 307 

trees, having set 40 buds, all of the apple. Ploughed my 
potato patch. One of the Standingstones burned to death 
last night near Kansas, in a drunken frolic. Major Moseley 
returned from St. Louis to-day. 

Saturday, 13. — Cold windy morning: wind from the 
North. 

Went to Kansas to attend to some business, meantime the 
Steamer " Pride of the West " landed well laden with Cali- 
fornia emigrants ; all intent upon their pursuit of " filthy 
lucre " — strange as it may appear, yet it is neverthe- 
less true that, notwithstanding the admonition of the pious 
Apostle to beware of this " Poot of all evil," yet " Saint and 
sinner " are eagerly and "hot foot " in pursuit of it. Alas! 
for the degeneracy of the times ! 

Sunday, 14. — Cold and windy morning. Saddled up 
Cato and rode out a half mile and back. 

I have been so often perplexed, when speaking of the 
" Southampton insurrection," to recall the name of the leader, 
that I now record his name, Nat Turner. He was a 
preacher. A superstitious enthusiast. 

May, 1850. 

Tuesday, 14. — This is the day the Wyandott Conven- 
tion adjourned to. At 12 o'clock, meridian, the president 
called the Convention to order and the discussion was re- 
sumed and continued with much animation till five o'clock 
when the vote was called for loudly. M. R. Walker and 
Silas Armstrong^ were appointed tellers. The vote stood, 

' Silas Armstrong, the eldest son of Eobert and Sarah (Zane) Armstrong, was bom 
June 3, 1810. He was a man of enterprise and capable of managing large affairs. He 
was the energetic manager of the removal of the Wyandots to the West. He was a mer- 
chant, saw-mill owner and operator, land speculator and farmer ; and successful in all 
these pursuits. His home was near the intersection of Fifth Street and Minnesota ave- 
nue, Kansas City, Kan. 

Of his marriage, October 8, 1832, with Sarah Preston (who was bom in 1811), were 
bom : 1. Tabitha, bora February 6, 1834, married E. T. Vedder, August 5, 1856; Vedder 
died in January, 1867 ; married Seymour Thomas (who was born in New York in 1840), 



308 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1850. 

for the treaty, 63. Against it 20. Seven or eight not vot- 
ing. Carried. 

Wednesday, 15. — This day M"" Abelard Guthrie and Com- 
pany set [out] for California. Health and success attend 
them. 

Tuesday, 21. — Attended the session of the Council, made 
out the pay roll. Confirmed the right of H. M. North- 
rup to citizenship. M" Hannah Zane,^ late of Ohio, and 
M" Nancy Garrett^ were also admitted. George Wright' 

in 1870 ; 2. Robert, born August 19, 1835, drowned in tbe Kansas Eiver, July 15, 1858 ; 
3. Caroline, born in December, 1837; 4. Winfield Scott, born December 1, 1840 ; 5. SUas, 
bom February 1, 1842. Sarah (Preston) Armstrong died February 9, 1842. 

Silas Armstrong and Zelinda M. Hunter (who was bom December 3, 1820), were 
married — (have not been able to learn the date). Of this marriage were born ■ 1. Cath- 
erine, bom June 15, 1843, married Shaffenberg ; 2. Duncin, born January 23, 1849, 

died February 22, 1850 ; 3. Minarrh C, born July 12, 1846 ; 4. Mclntyre, bom July 15, 
1852; 5. Elizabeth U., born November 27, 1854; 6. Antoinette, bom February 15, 1858, 
married T. B. Barnes, died October 2, 1882 ; 7. Naomi, born August 10, 1861. Zelinda 
M. Armstrong died February 10, 1883. Silas Armstrong died December 14, 1865. He is 
buried in Huron Place Cemetery. The granite monument over his grave is the best in 
that historic burial ground. The following is copied from its northeast face : 
(Figure of Ark and Anchor.) 
Silas Armstrong 
Died December 14, 1865. 
Aged 55 ys II Mos I I Ds. 
The Pioneer of the Wyandott 
Indians To The Kansas Valley 
In 1842. The Leading Man and 
Constant Friend of The Indians 
A Devout Christian and Good Mason 
He Leaves The Craft on Earth and 
Goes With Joy to the Great Architect. 
I once asked S. S. Sharp to describe the funeral of Silas Armstrong. He replied: " I 
never saw before nor since such a funeral as that. Many white people were present 
»nd a thousand Indians were there, all crying at the same time." 

' She was the widow of Isaac Zane. Bom in Virginia. She is buried in Hnron 
Place Cemetery. Died November 14, 1886, aged 92 years. 
" Widow of George Garrett ; Governor Walker's sister. 

' A most remarkable man of great intelligence. He lives on' Sycamore Creek in the 
Wyandot Eeserve, near Seneca, Mo., where he settled in 1856. His grandmother was 
captured by the French in Guinea, Africa. She and other children were playiug about 
the outskirts of a negro village. Suddenly the cry was raised that denoted an attack. 
The children fled, but this little girl was unable to hold way with the larger ones. She 
was but six years old, and very small for that age. She was captured by the pursuers, 
who proved to be a party of French slavers. They carried lier to the Martinique Is- 
lands, where they kept her for some time. Here there were many other negroes. After 
some time she was placed on board a ship which was loaded with her people, Saila 
were set and the vessel stood out to sea. None of the negroes had any idea of their ul- 



May, 1850.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 309 

and Lewis Clark's names were placed upon the pay roll, but 
with the understanding that they are not, by this act, ac- 
knowledged as having equal rights with the others. Their 
relative position to be defined when the treaty goes into 
effect. 

Saturday, 25. — Excessively warm. Closed the Annuity 
payment to-day. Glad of it. Vexatious and perplexing. 
This may be the last semi- Annuity we will receive from the 
United States, for, if the President and Senate should 
confirm our treaty it will certainly be the last. As after 
that event we Wyandotts will become citizens of Uncle 
Sam's States. A truly new era in the history of the Wyan- 
dott Nation. 

Sunday, 26. — Cloudy and at short intervals, scattering 
drops of rain. The air pure and bracing. Wrote a letter 
to Governor King upon the subject of a scamp of an 

alien holding the office of Justice of the Peace in C 

County. 

timate destination. When the ship had been at sea a few days it was attacked by the 
English and captured. The English ship was a slave cruiser and her crew put the 
French to the sword. Then they carried the negroes to America. At Philadelphia 
they sold Wright's grandmother to a Delaware Indian. 

She was both slave and wife to the Delaware. Wright's mother was bom to her while 
she was the wife and chattel of the Indian. Some time during the War of the Eevolu- 
tion this Delaware sold his slave and her daughter to a Wyandot Chief named Ron- 
tondee or Warpole. (Eohn'-tohn-deh signifies round in form like a tree trunk.) In the 
year 1800 they were adopted by the Wyandots. Soon after the adoption the daughter 
was married to a St. Regis Seneca, Wright's father. 

Wright remembers his grandmother well. He heard her often tell the foregoing 
account of her life. He was bom at Upper Sandusky, March 20, 1812. His hair is long 
and straight, and somewhat gray; he has a long straight beard. In feature he resem- 
bles a Hindoo. His health is good but he is almost blind. He has the negro's love for 
music and plays on a violin which he has owned for fifty years. 

Wright came to Wyandotte County, Kansas, from Upper Sandusky, in 1850. In 1856 
he went to the Senecas in the Indian Territory and settled on Sycamore Creek, where 
he DOW lives. This part of the Seneca land was afterwards sold to the Wyandots. 
Wright was then readopted by the Wyandots and given an allotment of 160 acres of 
land, which include.s his home. He was the official interpreter of the United States for 
the Senecas, and also for the Shawnees, for sixteen years. He speaks perfect Wyandot, 
Shawnee, and Seneca. His English is good, much better than is generally spoken by 
men in his station. His mind is vigorous and his ideas clear and orderly. His dis- 
course is logical, and well arranged. He is a ready speaker and does not hesitate for 
words. 



310 THE JOUENALS OF [June. ISSO. 

June, 1850. 

Sunday, 2. — Just heard of the death of Robert Latti- 
more in California. **Alas! poor Yoekick ! " thou art 
done with thy games of chance. It is no longer thy " deal " : 
thou hast turned up thy last trump, and it is greatly to be 
feared thou hast been euchered at last. Oh Hoyle ! one of 
thy devotees has "shuffled off this mortal coil." 

Tuesday, 4. — Just heard of an onslaught by the Pawnees 
upon the Pottowattomies in which the latter repulsed their 
assailants with the death of their leader. It will end here — 
there will be no more of it hereafter. 

No mail! the usual excuse, " the Blue is wpr Yes, and 
so is Turkey Creek ; but horsemen and pedestrians can 
pass and repass " without let or hindrance." But " the 
Blue is up " and the mail contractor on dry land. He is 
terribly diseased with the Hydrophobia, and has a great 
dread of the waters of " the Blue." I wish he were blue 
himself and in the midst of his blueness thrown into the 
Blue. 

Pretty fair prospect of some more rain. Let it come 
and welcome. 'Twill be a blessing, not in disguise, but 
in its proper guise. Attended the session of the Council. 
A beautiful shower came on. Came home drenched. All 
right. A little more of the same kind. 

Friday, 7. — Just learned that Capt. Ketchum, the Chief 
of the Delawares, had informed our Chief that a band of 
Pawnees had attacked the Pottowattomies and were repulsed 
and that one had been captured and six scalps had been 
found in his possession, supposed to have been taken from 
some California emigrants.^ 

Tuesday, 11. — Attended Council. A committee appointed 
by a meeting of the people called upon the Council re- 

' The Pawnees hung upon the trail of the caravans bound for California. Any weak 
party was almost sure to be attacked. 



Jane, 1850.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 311 

questing a convention to consider whether the Wyandotts 
coming from Ohio are to be received as equal participants 
in the provisions of the late treaty/ The Council agreed to 
the request and fixed upon next Tuesday as the day of 
meeting. 

Saturday, 15. — Attended a National Council called by 
the Chief upon the claim of several Ohio Wyandotts. Af- 
ter an exciting discussion the whole matter was adjourned 
till after the ratification of the treaty. M' Z. McColloch, 
one of the claimants, being much chagrined at the result. 
He called in the evening at my house and asked the loan of 
the treaty in order to copy some portions of it, but I re- 
fer'd him to the CounciL The principal Chief and J. 
Walker refused it, on the ground that it would be a violation 
of the injunction of secrecy, the President and Senate not 
having acted upon it yet. So M"^ McColloch left — disap- 
pointed and mortified. 

Sunday, 23. — Called upon the Major's family. Read his 
newspapers. In the St. Louis Republican an article ap- 
peared over the signature of * Soo-no-ree-zhue " attacking 
the Bishops of the M. E. Church, South, and the Church 
generally. — A scurrilous thing. I instantly responded, 
over the signature of ' CATHOLia'^ 

Friday, 28. — Went to Kansas with the team for some pro- 
visions. Had much diflSculty in crossing Turkey Creek.' 
One death in Kansas from Cholera — M'^ Walrond's black 
boy, Arch. Got home safe with my freight. 

July, 1850. 
Friday, 5. — M'" Tacket came over after M'" Russel to at- 

* A considerable number of Wyandots remained in Ohio, and never removed West. 

* Only another incident in the Church division and the strife and bitterness en- 
gendered by it. 

^ See former notes stating that Turkey Creek emptied into the Missouri Biver at that 
time. 



312 THE JOURNALS OF [Jaiy. i850. 

tend the dying moments of Dr. Fulton, who was taken with 
that fell destroyer, Cholera [at] 3 o'clock this morning. 

M*" R. returned and reported the Dr. dying. Therm. 96°. 

[Dr. F.] Died at 12 M. and was buried at 5 P. M. 

Saturday, 6. — Prospect of another warm day. Clear. 
The sun looks angry and lurid. Called upon Major Mose- 
ley's family and found M" M. sick — prepared some med- 
icines. 

The Cholera has caused some of the citizens of Kansas to 
flee. This is folly. 

Monday, 15. — Just heard of the death of President Tay- 
lor, [he] having died of Cholera on the 11th inst. Can this 
be true ? 

To-day the Annual nominations for principal Chief and 
members of the Council took place : 

James Washington [against] Tauroomee, was nominated. 
G. I. Clark " J. T. Charloe, " 

J. D. Brown " J. W. Gray Eyes, '* 

M. Mudeater " D. Young, 

G. I. Clark was then nominated for Principal Chief to 
run against F. A. Hicks. James Kankin was then nomi- 
nated to oppose J. T. Charloe. 

The nominations having been completed, the Convention 
adjourned. 

Thursday, 18. — Rose at daylight, had an early break- 
fast, geared up the team, loaded up the wagon with all the 
necessary "outfit," such as provisions, bedding, marquee, 
etc., and at 7 o'clock our folks set out for the Eutau Springs, 
under the conduct of Samuel Pankin. I accompanied them 
as far as Kansas. A pleasant journey to them. 

Friday, 19. — Cut out a nearer road to town. 2 o'clock 
P. M. 92°. 

Much speculation as to the author of " Catholic " in the 
Missouri Pepublican. 



August, 1850.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 313 

Bad news. Just heard that Geo. Armstrong, Tall Charles 
and several others had returned from the Eutau Springs, 
and they report that the springs were dried up — that coun- 
try having suffered the parching influence of a rigorous 
drought. So our folks will have their journey for naught. 

Saturday, 20. — Clear and warm. Went to Kansas, and 
on my way found the ferry boat at Turkey Creek sunk. 
After hard labor (and I bearing the principal part) we suc- 
ceeded in getting her afloat : then commenced the process of 
bailing with an old tin Kittle with as many holes as it had 
seen years and their name was "Legion." 

Tuesday, 23. — Therm. 98°. In the evening a part of our 
folks returned from the Eutau Springs, (as already stated, 
they were dried up,) leaving M"^ Gilmore and Martha with 
M' Dickson to ruralize in the cold water Grove. 

August, 1850. 

Tuesday, 13. — To-day the Wyandott National election 
comes off. 

The result of the National election : 

James Washington's majority 21 

James Rankin's '* 4 

J. W. Gray Eyes' " 5 

M. Mudeater's " 21 

For Principal Chief, G. I. Clark's majority... 31 

The Legislative Committee for this year stands thus : 

J. M. Armstrong, John Arms, M. R. Walker, H. M. 
Northrup and William Walker. Therm. 108°. 

To-day Jacob Warpole was found near F. Tremble's hav- 
ing severe cuts and bruises on his head, in an insensible 
state. So much for the sports of the Circus. 

Wednesday, 14. — Jacob Warpole^ died of his wounds this 

' Son of Eontondee or Warpole, known as Henry Warpole. Eontondee is buried in 
Huron Place Cemetery. He died November 17, 1843, aged 68 years. He waa the son 



314 THE JOURNALS OF [August, 185a 

morning. Peter Vieu, being suspected as the murderer, a 
warrant was issued, on the aflSdavit of J. W. Gray Eyes and 
he was arrested and the examining trial set for Friday. 

Thursday, 15. — Went to Kansas to hunt up testimony in 
the murder case. Came home somewhat indisposed. 

Friday, 16. — Went to Kansas again in company with 
Major Moseley and the Council to attend the trial of Peter 
Vieu. He had employed Col. R. C. Smart to defend him 
and the Council employed M"^ Hereford to prosecute. Af- 
ter the examination of a large number of witnesses, the de- 
fendant was discharged. Came home late in the evening. 

Sunday, 25. — Went to church. M'^ Shaler having no in- 
terpreter. Deacon Hicks held forth in an impressive address. 

Tuesday, 27. — Cloudy and cool. Ground the scythe and 
set the old truant to work. Went to the Council and heard 
the inaugural address of Geo I. Clark, the Principal Chief. 
The address was appropriate and marked with sound polit- 
ical principles ; but there was a barrenness and jejuneness 
in his language, unsuited to the occasion. 

October, 1850. 

Tuesday, 22. — Went to town. M"^ W. went to Kansas 
and got my mail. 

The Wyandott Treaty ratified with various amendments 
and alterations, but the main and vital part is there. All 
we wtinted.-^ 

The Sheriff arrested Boyd Peacock for stealing goods 

of the famous Chief Eontondee. When Wyandott City was first platted a street was 
named Warpole street in his honor, but the City Council, composed of men ignorant of 
the City's history, changed it into something else. The old name should be restored. 

' See Eeyision of Indian Treaties, 1021. It cost the Wyandots almost $40,000 for an 
attorney to make the treaty. The money was paid to one Eeed. There was bad man- 
agement somewhere, for the Government owed the money obtained by the treaty, and 
would have paid it without cost to the Wyandots. There was much dissatisfaction in 
the tribe about the amount of this fee, and some talk about it in Congress, but the 
scroundrel got safely away with his money. 



November, 1850] GOVERNOR WALKER. 315 

from G. B. Dameron, and committed to Jail, to be surren- 
dered to the officers of the State. 

November, 1850. 

Saturday, 2. — Went to Kansas to attend a Law suit, but 
had no trial owing to informality in my papers. " I'll pick 
my flint and try again." ^ 

Friday, 8. — Our Wyandotts are traveling off to New 
Madrid to hunt. " The ruling passion strong in death." 

Saturday, 23. — Clear frosty morning. Engaged in mak- 
ing out the Wyandott Pay Roll, preparatory to the annuity 
payment. 

M*" James H. Forsythe of Maumee, Ohio, accompanied 
by Joel Walker, called upon me. He is direct from Wash- 
ington. He made explanation in regard to the ratification 
of only a part of our treaty with the Gov't. The officers 
of the Indian Department, and especially the Indian Agents 
and Sub- Agents in the West, made a general but covert and 
insidious attack upon it. It was "gall and wormwood " to 
them. " Cause why ? " Their bread and butter was in im- 
minent peril. For their own special benefit the Indians 
must be kept in statu quo? 

Sunday, 8. — Had nothing from the Post office since last 
Monday — a dearth of news. This afternoon P. D. Clark* 
came and dined with us — all the company we have had 
to-day. 

Tuesday, 10. — At night I received a note from J. M. 

' An expression of the old-time hunters when the flints in their gun-locks failed to 
strike fire. 

^ The same thing holds to this time. In treaty making the interests of the agents 
and other hangers-on are often better guarded than those of the Indians. 

3 Author of the "The Traditional History of the Wyandots." He was a brother to 
George I. Clark, and a grandson of Chief Adam Brown. His name was Peter Dooyen- 
tate Clarke. The final e was always used in writing Clarice by most members of this 
family. His book was published at Toronto, Canada, in 1870. It is unreliable in its 
historical statements and conclusions, but on habits, customs, and usages of the Wyan- 
dots, and their traditions, it is genei-ally authentic. "Toronto" is derived from the 
Wyandot word "Toh-roohn'-tooh," meaning "plenty" or "abundance." 



316 THE JOUENALS OF [November, 1850. 

Armstrong informing me that the Legislative Committee 
was required to meet on to-morrow, Wednesday, the 11th. 

Wednesday, 11. — The Committee met and was organized 
and rec'd a Message from the Principal Chief. Proceeded to 
business, and adjourned at 4 o'clock P. M. 

Thursday, 12. — Went to attend the session of the Legis- 
lative Committee. Passed an Act regulating the National 
ferry for the year '51. Several bills were introduced, read 
the first time and laid upon the table. 

Windy and tempestuous. This day the Wyandott Chiefs 
paid the Delawares their instalment due this year. 

Tuesday, 17. — To-day the Council and Legislative Com- 
mittee meet in joint session to elect a Ferryman for the year 
1851. Lame and decrepit as I am, I am compelled to do 
my own work — cut wood, make fires, and feed my stock. I 
cannot get one of our vagabonds to work for me, no differ- ^ 
ence how extravagant may be the wages I offer. 

Judge Ewing and son called upon us, and [we] had a long 
chat upon public business. 

Went to town. The Legislative Committee and Council 
met in joint meeting and proceeded to the election of a 
Ferryman, when Isaac Brown was declared duly elected. 
Came home much pained with my Rheumatism in my ankle. 

Thursday, 19. — Harriet went to Major Moseley's and bro't 
me some medicines. Expecting M'^ Northrup to send me a 
sack of Flour to-day according to arrangements. M. E,. W. 
informs me that he sent over a quantity to divers persons on 
this side but none for me. My curses and execrations upon 
the little Polliwog! There is no dependence to be placed in 
him. He well knows that I am crippled and helpless. 

Friday, 20. — Clear frosty morning. Prospect of a fair 
and pleasant [day] . Heard of a sack of Flour lying in the 
Ferry Boat. Sent for it by Jacob Charloe, whether it was 
mine or not. He and Isaac Muskrat cut and hauled in a 
quantity of wood. 



February, 1851.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 317 

Saturday, 21. — Clear, but warm. Jacob Charloe and 
[Isaac] Muskrat came and butchered a hog. 

February, 1851. 

From this day [Sat., Dec. 28th, 1850] till now I have been 
sorely afflicted with Rheumatism and Neuralgia. The Com- 
plaint in my head affecting my eyes to such a degree as to 
cause almost total blindness. This will account for the long 
hiatus in my Journal. 

During all this time, I was unable to read or write, in con- 
sequence of the Neuralgia affecting my sight. This was 
hard on me — depending upon others to read for my amuse- 
ment. But I have now in some degree recovered my sight. 

Saturday, 8. — The Nation convened to-day upon the sub- 
ject of sending a deputation to Washington City on business 
connected with our late treaty with the Gov't : Geo. I. Clark 
and Joel Walker are the delegates, John W. Gray Eyes 
having been dropped. 

Monday, 17. — An incident. Just learned that John Big- 
Sinew and his half brother. Smith Nichols, while riding at 
full speed, returning from the Northern meeting, both on 
one horse, were thrown against a tree and seriously injured, 

Tuesday, 18. — The Kansas river has about run dry; there 
not being water enough to float the ferry boat, and conse- 
quently no ferrying. — In the evening learned that the ferry 
was now passable. 

Saturday, 22. — Rev. B. H. Russell and M' Dofflemeyer^ 
called and staid an half an hour. 

* Daniel Dofflemeyer. Governor Walker wrote the name in different ways — often 
DnflElemeyer. His descendants live in Kansas City, Mo., "to tMs day." I find the fol- 
lowing in the History of Jackson County, Missouri, page 762 : 

"Eev. Daniel Doflemeyer was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, August 21, 
1813, and resided there until the age of nineteen years. Then removed to Morgan 
county, Illinois, arriving April 1st, and there lived until the autumn of 1836. From 
this place he went to Van Buren county, then a territory, locating on a point near Ben- 
tonsport, where he remained until 1846. During this time, in 1842, his wife died, leav- 
ing four children, two of whom are living. In the spring of 1846 took up his residence 



318 THE JOUENALS OF [February, 1851. 

There is to be a celebration to-day in Kansas by the 
Masons, Odd Fellows and Sons of Temperance. 

Tuesday, 25. — Cloudy and windy. Went to James Big- 
Tree's and appointed him a member of the Legislative Com. 
to supply the vacancy caused by the absence of J. M. Arm- 
strong. 

Thursday, 27. — Wrote a Communication (dated 24th) to 
Cist, for the Advertiser, upon Reminiscences of Olden times. 

Friday, 28. — The Legislative Committee, by appointment, 
is to meet to-day. Went to meet the Committee, but Alas! 
not one [other] member appeared. Saw, for the first time, 
W. Linville, since his return from California. 

March, 1851. 

Monday, 3. — To-night at 12 o'clock Congress has to ad- 
journ sine die. I do not think wisdom and patriotism will 
die with this, 31st Congress. Tho' it numbers among its 
members some valuable men, still there is a great deal of 
offal, of fungi. Such men as Root and Giddings of Ohio, 
Wilmot of Penna. and such ilk. But they have had their 
'day,' and having had the one which providence and the 
current of public affairs have allotted them, they must now 
sink down to the level their deeds, good, or bad, has assigned 
them. "Ainse valle monde." 

in Fayette, Howard county. Mo., remaining until the fall of 1848, when he came to 
Kansas City. From here went to Shawnee Mission, at the same time receiving instruc- 
tion from Eev. Nathan Scarritt, of the High School. This he continued until May 17th 
following, in the meantime, being employed as a carpenter, to oversee and do the general 
repairing about the institution. His next move was to California, engaged in mining, 
there remaining until June, 1850, when he returned to the mission. In 1851 was 
licensed to preach, and was sent to Wyandott Mission, where he served in connection 
with Eev. Scarritt, three nations, Wyandotts, Delawares and Shawnees, for a period of 
one year. After this, was given exclusive control of the Wyandott Mission but left 
Wyandott, and went to Scaine, Mississippi, being interested to have settlements begin 
in Kansas. In 1856 went to survey a claim, when he came in contact with Jim Lane, 
who set up the right to the claim. After this Mr. D. returned to Scaine, Mississippi, 
with his family, and in 1857 settled permanently in Kansas City. His second marriage 
occurred June 8, 1851, to Miss Virginia T., daughter of P. Ellington, a native of Vir- 
ginia. He was among the first settlers of Platte county. Mo. By this union the family 
consists of six children : John T., Alice, Thomas J., Louis E., Virginia L., and Charlie." 



March, 1851.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 319 

Tuesday, 4. — Last evening a party from the Institution, 
Messrs. Dofflemeyer and Huffaker, and Miss Hester Russel, 
came and staid all night. The latter gentleman by some 
mishap got into the Kansas Kiver and had the benefit of a 
cold bath. 

Went to town to attend the session of the Council, but to 
my astonishment no one [was] there except the Sheriff who 
informed me that they imitated the 31st Congress adjourn- 
ing sine die. — So, I adjourned also. 

Wednesday, 5. — This day I complete my half century. — 
Fifty years old to-day; and I now enter upon my fifty first 
year. Dull day at [any] rate — depressed in spirit. Wrote 
to Joel Walker at Washington. The Highland Mary went 
up the river to-day. 

Friday, 7. — Sent up a note to F. Cotter demanding the 
town Plat of Wyandott City,i by Thos. Coon-Hawk. M"^^ W. 
and Sophia gone on a visit to M" Moseley's. Warm and 
pleasant day. Therm, at Temperate, at 2 P. M. 

A Wyandott social Levee held at the Council house to- 
night. 

Saturday, 8. — Yesterday Johnny O'Bludgeon unfortu- 
nately received a severe bruise or contusion upon his foot. 
"Och ! " said he, " but I am murther'd entirely." Screwing 
his face up most ruefully, [he] exclaimed, "Be me troth 
and I'm ruined, — sure and it's I that am hurted." 

Friday, 14. — Writing an Indian story for Cist's Adver- 
tiser. 

Sunday, 16. — I learn that our California men intend to 
swindle us out of our shares. 

Monday, 17. — St. Patrick's day. 

At daylight M^ Graham set out to invite my California 
substitute, W. Lynville, and his own, Ira Hunter, to come 

' This is another paper that I have searched for unsuccessfully for many years. The 
lots were about an acre in extent. 



320 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 18M. 

over to my house for a settlement. At 1 o'clock they ar- 
rived. 

After some Conversation with them, we discovered that it 
was their determination to play the villian. Though the 
understanding and bargain was, when they were outfitted, 
that on their return they were to divide with us equally, yet 
they would not so much as pay for their outfit ; and though 
they came back with upwards of two thousand dollars each, 
yet they, in rendering an account of their gains, were guilty 
of moral perjury. They were not smitten down by the ven- 
geance of Heaven as were Ananias and Sapphira before the 
Apostle Peter, but verily they will have their reward. 

Thursday, 20. — Finished my communication to Cist's 
Advertiser. 

Saturday, 22. — M. E.. W. starts to-day for Cass County. 
Sent by him to the Post Office a Com. for Cist's Adver- 
tiser. 

This afternoon M'" Dofflemeyer and M'" Griffin of the In- 
stitution came and put up with us intending to attend Quar- 
terly Meeting. At night, clear and cold. 

Sunday, 23. — Clear and cold ! A real hoar frost Pros- 
pects of a beautiful day. My family and guests going to 
Church. 

Major Moseley called upon me on his way to Church 
and gave me the current news, and among these .... 
"Hung be the Heavens in black!" The bill granting to 
the Pacific Rail Road Company the right of way and each 
alternate section, which passed the Senate, was killed in the 
house. So goes Democracy. This may be retrograde pro- 
gressive Democracy. 

Our folks returned from Church bringing with them M' 
Knight, Sr., from Kansas, who dined with us. 

From him I learn that Kennedy of the Commonwealth 
has moved his Press from Independence to Kansas, intend- 



1 



April, 1851.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 321 

ing to publish a neutral paper. Well, Democracy is on the 
wane in Jackson County. 

Monday, 24. — Clear and beautiful morning with a clear 
silver frost, with every indication of a beautiful day. 

Went over to Kansas for the first time for nearly five 
months. Spent some time quite agreeably with my friends, 
Dined with M'" Knight. Called at the Post Ofiice ; sub- 
scribed for the St. Louis Republican at $1.45, in a Club. 
Cheap enough in all Conscience. Came home. 

Tuesday, 25. — Went to attend the session of the Council. 

John C. McCoy commenced to-day surveying the Wyan- 
dott purchase.^ Commenced at the mouth of the Kansas. 

Wednesday, 26. — Finished Schoolcraft's enquiries into 
the In do- American language, i. e., Wyandott. 

Sunday, 30. — Russel Garrett bro't my mail. News from 
Ohio! 

On the 15th inst., on the 28th Ballot, Benjamin F. Wade, 
of Ashtabula County, was elected U. S. Senator, having 
rec'd 44 votes out of 81. Good ! 

April, 1851. 

Sunday, 6. — temporal mores! Oh what a biting and 
killing frost ! This frost has done the deed for the fruit for 
this year of 1851. 

At 12 o'clock I set out for Independence. Went to John 
C. McCoy's and staid all night. 

Monday, 7. — Cloudy and misting. Rain. Went in com- 
pany with J. M. McCoy to Independence to attend the session 
of the County Court Arrived midst rain "noise and con- 
fusion" about the Court House. Selling at auction negroes, 
horses, mules, etc. 

Here I must be allowed to make a remark upon the char- 
acteristics of the citizens of Independence. They are the most 

* McCoy surveyed most of the Indian Eeservations in what is now Kansas. He laid 
out and was the proprietor of the town of Westport, Mo. 
22 



322 THE JOURNALS OF [April, issi. 

selfish, exacting, grinding, mercenary people I ever saw in any 
Country, barbarian or Christian. Hospitality is an utter 
stranger and foreigner to them. A stranger might arrive 
and stay six months or a year and may form many acquaint- 
ances and be a stranger still. He will never see the inside 
of their dwellings unless forced there by urgent business. 
And it really seems that the citizens have completely im- 
bibed the notion that they have an indefeasible claim to the 
money a stranger may bring with him — that he ought not 
to be suffered to carry away from town any money, — that it 
is their prescriptive right. Independence is a spoiled child! 

Tuesday, 8. — Attended the Council. A joint meeting of 
the Legislative Committee and Council was held. Commit- 
tee adjourned sine die. 

Wednesday, 9. — Staid at home all day feeling quite un- 
well. 

Hired Russia Chop-The-Logs.^ Cloudy day. 

Monday, 21. — A most severe and biting frost! Farewell 
fruit. My Curse upon this Missouri Climate. Upper Mis- 
souri will always be subject to the drawbacks of an unstable 
and irregular Climate. From one extreme to another. 
Some winters rivaling Lapland and others mild as Louisi- 
ana, and spring varying from summer heat to zero. All 
this is attributed, by wise men, to the elevation or altitude 
and proximity to the snowy mountains. Well, there is no 
help for it. 

' Russia Chop-The-LoKS was afterward a soldier in the Union Army. While he was 
away in the war the late M. B. Newman, one Cooper, and others of Wyandotte County, 
supposing, or hoping, that he was dead, had an administrator appointed for his estate 
and sold his allotment of land. When "Chop," as he was called, came home sound 
and well Newman & Co. hid themselves, for he was a dangerous man, especially when 
nnder the influence of intoxicating liquors. He was furious when he found that his 
land had been sold, and that, too, on the representation that he was dead. He chased 
Newman up a stairway one day and said to him, " Oh, you scoundrel! I am mad now! 
I go fight while you cowardly devils hide at home ! Then you swear I am dead and 
steal my land. Oh, I am mad now! I wish I fight on the other side! !" They pre- 
vented him from injuring Newman, hut those concerned had to pay "Chop" for his 
land, and pay Mm well, too, to avoid serious trouble. 



May, 1851.] GOVEENOR WALKER. 323 

Just heard that Geo. I. Clark had arrived from Wash- 
ington. 

Monday, 28. — Wrote to G. W. Boyd, by Russia Chop- 
The-Logs to let Hamilton have the Store House for $8. per 
month for 5 months, to keep a Grocery.^ 

Wednesday, 30. — A most severe, biting frost. Farewell 
fruit! 

C. B. Garrett, M. R. Walker and myself having been ap- 
pointed by the Hon. Executive Council, School Examiners, 
we examined one applicant, M'^^ R. Garrett, and pronounced 
her competent. 

May, 1851. 

Thursday, 1. — Croesus! Jupiter!! What a Frost! The 
fruit totally destroyed. 

To-day Henry Norton and Hannah Hicks were partially 
united in the state of Matrimony by Rev. M'^ Shaler. They 
were married without the license required by law. The 
marriage is clearly illegal. 

Friday, 2. — Just received a line from Maj. Moseley an- 
nouncing his arrival last evening — and forthwith the An- 
nuity must be paid, ready or not ready — softly. Major. 

Special session of the Council appointed for to-morrow. 

Saturday, 3. — Clear and beautiful morning. Must attend 
the Council. 

The Council fixed on Wednesday, the 7th inst., as the day 
for the Commencement of the Semi-Annuity payment. 

Got my family stores from Kauses this evening. 

Sunday, 4. — Wrote letters, one to M. Butler, St. Louis^ 
and one to F. H. Hereford, Independence. 

Monday, 5. — Went to town — dined with Maj. Moseley,. 
Met with C. Graham. Came home and found a M^ Lunsford, 
who is an applicant for the Post of Pedagogue. He seems 

* A grocery in those days is a " saloon " in our day, and in the Kansas vernacular a 
"j'int." 



324 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1851. 

to have some knowledge of the Art of teaching the young 
"idea how to shoot." Refer'd him to F. A. Hicks, School 
Director. 

Wednesday, 7. — Examined Russell Garrett, a Candidate 
for School Teacher. 

Commenced paying out the Annuity and paid out till 2 
o'clock P. M. and adjourned for the day. 

Thursday, 8. — Beautiful, clear morning. All nature has 
put on her gayest attire of "Kendal green." 

Closed the Annuity payment at 3 o'clock P. M. 

Friday, 9. — The Council in session : Gov. M. Bartley from 
Ohio, had an interview with the Council upon the subject of 
T. W. Bartley 's claim upon the nation for Attorney's fees. 

June, 1851. 

Monday, 2. — Finished a written report and argument 
against the claim of T. W. Bartley against the Wyandott 
nation. Went to attend the Council and there learned that 
Isaiah Zane was in confinement in the Jail for having stabbed 
James Barnett on Saturday evening. Went to see the 
wounded man and my prediction is, he will die, as I regard 
the wound mortal. 

Made out the pay roll for the distribution of the Commu- 
tation money. Whole number entitled to receive, 609. 

Tuesday, 3. — ^Attended a called session of the Legislative 
Committee. 

M" H. Walker and Harriet set out for St. Charles. They 
went 'board the Yawl in company with H. M. Northrup, J. 
Walker and Sam'l Drummond to Kansas, intending from 
thence to take the Steamer, St. Paul. 

The Council and Committee both adjourned at 5 o'clock. 

Saturday, 7. — Special session of the Council to-day and 
also of the Legislative Committee. 

Reported to the Council their answer to the claim of T. 



Jane, 1851.] GOVERNOK WALKER. 325 

W. Bartley as presented by Gov. M. Bartley. — It was read 
and with some slight amendments, adopted. 

Sunday, 8. — In the evening M. R. W., J. W. Gray Eyes 
and M'' S. Drumraond called and staid a couple of hours. 

I have heard that there are some cases of Cholera in Kan- 
sas. May a kind providence deliver us from this scourge. 

Monday, 9. — To-day it is intended by the Council to bring 
over the National money from Kansas and I will avail myself 
of the opportunity of getting some provisions bro't over. 

Tuesday, 17. — Cloudy morning. So by order of the 
Council there is to be [a] convention of the Wyandott na- 
tion, convened for the purpose of determining by vote the 
admission or rejection of certain persons from Ohio claiming 
the rights of Wyandotts. 

By John Solomon, I have just learned that John Stand- 
ingstone died last evening with cholera. This, if true, is the 
first cholera case in the nation this season. 

This day the Wyandott nation extinguished the [balance 
of the] Delaware debt, |16,000.00. Our domain is, therefore, 
paid for. 

Tharsday, 19. — Cloudy weather. Just heard of the death 
of Charley Elliott.^ He died, as I learn, at Bigtown's House. 

' The following facetious biograpliical sketch was written by Governor Walker : 
" ' His life was gentle, and the elements 

So mixed in him, that nature might stand up, 
And say to the world, this was a man.' 

— Shakespeare. 
" Died at the residence of Big Town, in Wyandott Territory, on Friday morning 
last, Charles Elliott, in the 41st year of his age. He died suddenly: — and it is supposed 
from apoplexy. Charley, as he was familiarly called by all who knew him, was com- 
pletely identified with Kansas. When he left town for a season to enjoy rural life, 
there was certain to be something wrong, or out of joint about town — things did not 
move on as smoothly as usual — something out of fix — a screw loose here and a screw 
out of repair there. Business did not seem to move on with that celerity and briskness 
that was always noticed when he was present. It has been even said that the Captains 
of the Steamers have noticed the difference when landing at our port. 

"The Counters and floors of the Coffee Houses and Groceries have remained un- 
dusted and unswept and decanters and glasses uncleaned till Charlie's return, and his 
smiling face once more beamed upon the hitherto, dull town. His return was certain to 
revive business, if a degree of stagnation happened to occur, as is frequently the case 



326 THE JOURNALS OF [Jnne, 1851. 

He was apparently well when he came there. He died in 
the night, supposed from Apoplexy. Kansas has truly 
sustained a loss in the death of Charley. Some public dem- 
onstration ought to be made by the corporate authorities of 
that city. 

Friday, 20. — At night rain pouring, not upwards, but 
downwards "orfully." 

Saturday, 21. — A certain apology for a man named M 

recently from Cincinnati, and still more recently from New 
Madrid, called and sat — and — a — ah — ha and — a spoke and 
said — ye — es; bright boy, that chap. " Where little is given, 
little is required" saith a wise man. 

Dr. Wright called this evening: — thinks our sick out of 
danger. Ah Grand Dieu ! des marauguan ! C'est terrible. 

Sunday, 22. — Clear and beautiful morning. Wind from 
the east. Atmosphere in a more sanitary condition than 
yesterday. Cool and pleasant all day. The sick folks get- 
ting some better. M" Garrett staid all night. Sophia gone 
to Kansas. 

M^ Miguel Otero from Mexico bro't Harriet home in his 
carriage from Kansas, on her return from Lexington, where 
she has been paying a visit to her friends. 

Thursday, 26. — By M'" John Moseley, we just heard of the 

in all the River towns. His facetious and dry humor, his ready wit was enougli to dis- 
pel ennui from the most confirmed Hypochondriac. 

" The town Constable will not soon forget the good services rendered him in the way 
of advice in all doubtful questions of public duty. Charley's advice was as good as that 
derived from the Law Book. He was familiar with the Ordinances of the town; hence 
the value of his advice in all questions in Municipal law. As a faithful biographer I 
am bound to say that some transient person rather indiscreetly called Charley a Loafer. 
This was a calumny. Albeit, he was, in his habits, a little Loaferish; but he was invested 
by dame nature with a dignity that caused him to tower ' a head and shoulders ' above 
a wilderness of Loafers. 

' Charley was a Widower and has left an only child — an interesting daughter, Mary 
Elliott, who succeeds to his estate and honors according to the laws of the Wyandott 
nation. It is but just and a due regard to truth requires that, it should be stated that, 
Mary is not as discreet, prudent and well behaved as she would have been had she been 
more mindful of the precepts and admonitions of her lamented sire. 

" Stranger, tread lightly upon the sod which covers the remains of poor Charley. 

(Signed) "Guizot." 



July, 1851.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 327 

death of John Nofat. He is said to have died this morning 
of cholera. 

Sunday, 29. — John Williams, son of Geo. D. Williams, was 
committed to prison yesterday for an assault on one of the 
twin boys, who died from his wounds. A sad fix for John. 
Went down to make a call upon Major Moseley. Spent a 
couple of hours with him in general chit chat. 

July, 1851. 

Tuesday, 1. — Went to town to see what the Hon. Execu- 
tive Council was doing. Two members being missing and 
they being the oldest, James Kankin and James Washing- 
ton, the Council adjourned till Thursday. 

Friday, 4. — The glorious 4th spent in Kansas amongst 
very good company. 

Saturday, 12. — Cholera still raging in Independence. 

Tuesday, 15. — To-day John Williams will have his trial, 
if a Jury can be raised and the witnesses be had. 

Went to town and called on Major Moseley who had just 
returned from a Delaware Council. 

From reports from Independence the scourge is performing 
deadly work in that place. Six more deaths on Saturday. 

Went up to the Council House to witness the trial of John 
Williams and Tyson Big-Snake. I was unexpectedly forced 
upon the Jury. For the want of evidence they were ac- 
quitted. 

Wednesday, 16. — Adam Brown and Peter Bearskin called 
upon me to do some writing for them. By them I learned 
that Charles Graham had died of Cholera, probably the 14th 
inst. Just as I predicted and repeatedly told him. Poor 
Charley! he fell as an — a victim to the god mammon. The 
particulars of his death have not transpired. 

I have since learned that he was attacked in the forenoon 
and died that evening. M' Guthrie went to see him on busi- 



328 THE JOURNALS OF [July, issi. 

ness, but when he reached there, found him in the agonies 
of deatli and [he] died a short time afterwards. 

I have also heard of the death of Tondee. He died yes- 
terday of the flux. 

Saturday, 26. — Went over to see Uncle James Kan kin 
who has been sick for several days. Found him quite a 
promising convalescent. M'" J. Walker and a M"" H. A. 
Walter called upon us and spent some time. 

Several cases of cholera in Kansas. 

Sunday, 27. — Clear, but warm — the sun rises with a fiery 
and lurid glare. 

Went up to see Uncle James and staid till 1 o'clock P. M. 
Found him apparently free from disease but much weaker 
than he was on yesterday. 

Rev. M*" Scarritt preached to-day. After meeting, he and 
his lady came and dined with us. I then called on M*" Shaler 
and found him improving. Therm. 98°. 

Monday, 28. — I went over to see Uncle James and found 
him much better. 

Major Moseley and Joel Walker went up to attend a 
Council of the Delawares. 

Thursday, 31. — Clear and cool morning. This is the last 
day of July and with this month may terminate our exces- 
sive warm weather. 

This has truly been a dull, monotonous day; not a soul 
has come near us up to this hour, 5 o'clock P. M. Half of 
the Wyandott nation might be dead and we unconscious of 
the calamity. Well, well, ignorance is bliss. 

Within 20 minutes of 8 o'clock P. M. while I was sitting 
in the passage looking out upon the green, all of a sudden 
the yard in front became illuminated, [I] supposing upon 
the instant that a lighted candle was being bro't in from the 
kitchen, but upon looking up, a vast, brilliant illumination 
of a mixture of purple, crimson and yellow was looming 



August, 1851.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 329 

most magnificently in the South at, as near as I can recollect, 
about 45° above the horizon. The illumination lasted about 
5 seconds and suddenly disappeared. Whether this was an 
Aereolite or not, I am unable to tell. About a minute after, 
a distant rumbling like thunder was heard in the same direc- 
tion, which lasted a half minute, and gradually died away. 
I am certain it was not thunder, as at the time, the sky was 
clear and the stars twinkling all over the heavens — not a 
cloud was to be seen.^ 

August, 1851. 

Sunday, 3. — In the evening Rev. M'^ Dofflemeyer called 
upon me and spent an hour in quite agreeable chat. 

Monday, 4. — Finished reading Dickens' latest production, 
"David Copperfield, the Younger." 

Major Moseley called to-day and staid an hour, [which 
we spent] in social chat. Learned by him that M"" Cheau- 
teau's negro. Waller, died of cholera yesterday — a truly 
great loss to that family. 

Friday, 8. — Went to Kansas. Settled with M'" Coffman, 
a debt due the Estate of Leonard Benvist, $26.70. Came 
home in the evening. 

This evening our folks took the Steamer 'Clara' for St. 
Charles. 

Saturday, 9. — Staid at home all day. John Johnston lost 
his entire family — his wife and two children, by Cholera. 

Our neighbors all gone to the Camp Meeting at Delaware. 

Sunday, 10. — Warm. In the evening Major Moseley 
called and staid some time. Rain, rain. John Van Metre 
and William Taylor, clerks to Walker Boyd & Chick, died 
of cholera. 

' From the year 1850 to that of 1860 such phenomena as is descrihed here, and 
comets, and other strange appearances in the sky were often seen in Eastern Kentucky. 
People believed they were signs of approaching war. When the war commenced they 
were convinced that they had judged the signs aright. 



330 THE JOURNALS OF [August, 1851. 

Monday, 11. — Cloudy, and thro' the day more rain. 
What is this country going to come to? We shall have a 
pestilence. The Cholera is still carrying off its victims and 
other diseases will soon follow, especially those autumnal epi- 
demics so common in this country. 

Tuesday, 12. — Went to town to attend the National Elec- 
tion. Before going into the election a proposition was sub- 
mitted by John Kayrohoo, one of the Candidates for the 
Council, to enquire into the expediency of so Amending the 
Constitution as to do away with the Legislative Committee. 

It was, after some discussion, finally agreed to proceed 
with the election of members of the Council, and afterwards 
to elect members of a Convention to revise the Constitution. 

Present Incumbents. Nominees. 

James Washington, 62 Votes. John Kayrohoo, 28 Maj. 34 

James Eankin 58 " Towareh 37 " 21 

MatMudeater 52 " John Arms 45 " 7 

J. W. Gray Eyes ... 38 " J. S. Bearskin ... 67 " 29 

It was then proposed to proceed to the election of the 
members of the Legislative Committee. Agreed to. When 
the following men were elected : 

John Sarrahess, Esq, Gray Eyes, White- Orow, J. Kayro- 
hoo and J. D. Brown. 

This election being disposed of, the Convention proceeded 
to the election of thirteen delegates to revise the Constitution. 

John D. Brown^ Esq. Gray Eyes, M. R. Walker, White- 
Orow, John Sarrahess, John Kayrohoo, Towareh, Silas Arm- 
strong, J. M. Armstrong, Michael Frost, Matt Barnett, Thomas 
Coon-Hawk and Isaac Brown. 13. 

James T. Charloe declining to be a candidate Louis Lumpey 
was elected Sheriff in his place. John Pipe was re-elected 
Sheriff. 

Thursday, 14. — Deacon Shaler packing up his things. 



September, 1851.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 331 

Moved away in the afternoon. He left the Wyandott Ter- 
ritory under a shade. 

Friday, 15, — The Anniversary of the Green Corn feast. 
" Time honored day," in the annals of Wyandott history. 

Tuesday, 19. — Clear and pleasant. Major Moseley sent 
a dispatch to me, requiring my attendance at the ConnciL 
and in a few minutes Uncle James Kankin sent for me to 
come over and see his sick family, his daughter being con- 
sidered dangerous. I yielded to the call of humanity in 
preferment to unimportant official calls. 

Sunday, 31. — To-day a number of our folks set out, some 
for Ohio & some for Canada, viz.: — R. Garrett, M"^^ M. Gar- 
rett, Rebecca Garrett, M. Mudeater and several others. 

September, 1851. 

Monday, 1. — Went round to visit the sick. Uncle James 
Rankin sinking very fast with the consumption. 

Tuesday, 2. — Beautiful morning. Rode out to F. A. 
Hicks's. Then visited the sick. Rode up to John Hicks's, 
Senr. [and] bo't some Beef and a Bushel of fine Peaches. 

Scarcely a family to be found in the Nation without some 
one sick. 

Wednesday, 3. — Issued marriage license to authorize the 
marriage of John B. Curley-Head to M'^ Matilda Clark. 

Friday, 5. — Clear and warm. Went over to see Uncle 
James. He appears to maintain his strength and vigor in a 
remarkable degree. 

In the evening I was called upon to visit Sam'l Rankin 
who is also taken down. I went over and found him in a 
high fever. Staid with him till after midnight. Unusually 
warm night. 

Saturday, 6. — Went over in the evening to see Uncle 
James and family. Found Sam'l some better. 



332 THE JOURNALS OF [September, 1881. 

M. E.. Walker had a son born to him to-day; over which 
he doubtless rejoices greatly. 

Sunday, 7. — Martha passed thro' a bad night, having a 
high fever all night. 

In the evening went to pay a visit to Major Moseley. 
Found Dr. Eidge & W Northrup & lady there. Staid till 
sunset and came home. 

Sunday, 14. — Cloudy and misting rain. Went to Camp 
meeting. Heard a sermon from L. B. Stateler and one from 
M' Scarritt. Turned out to be a pleasant day. Dined with 
M' Doffiemeyer. Came home in the evening. 

Monday, 15. — Clear and pleasant. Went to Meeting again. 

Silas Armstrong not appearing, I interpreted for M'^ Scar- 
ritt his 11 o'clock sermon. 

Tuesday, 16. — Warm day. Visited M. E.. W. and family; 
found them improving. Then visited Uncle James, found 
him still declining. 

Nothing interesting transpired to-day, except the call of 
Doctor Doyle who wishes to be employed as Physician fw 
the Nation, and also a call by a M"^ Eucker, who wishes to 
open a Female Seminary in Kansas. Subscribed one session 
for Harriet. 

Wednesday, 17. — Heard yesterday that that Buccaneer 
Patriot Lopez has been captured by the Cubans and executed. 
It is to be hoped that the signal failure of this lawless and 
uncalled for interfeience with the affairs of foreign govern- 
ments, will teach Americans to stay at home and attend to 
their own business. It has been seen but too clearly, and 
severely too, that the oppressed Cubans do not thank Amer- 
icans for their sympathy, least of all for their invasion of 
their soil for the ostensible purpose of delivering them from 
oppression. Verily, the Americans that have been caught 
upon their soil have had "their reward"! 

Major Moseley returned from Potawotamie. 



September, 1851] GOVERNOR WALKER. 333 

Thursday, 18. — Clear and beautiful morning tho' some- 
what coo 

Went to pay a visit to Maj. Moseley. Found him much 
fatigued and indisposed. Saw a late No. of the Republican 
which confirms the reported capture and execution of Lopez, 
the Brigand. 

Went up to F. A. Hicks's and found Rev. L. B. Stateler 
and Lady there. Had a long conversation with him on the 
prospects of the Aboriginal race, connected with the policy 
of the Government towards them. 

Learned that the Circuit Court will adjourn next Saturday. 

Friday, 19. — Clear and pleasant morning, with the pros- 
pect of a warm day. Went to Independence to attend the 
session of the Circuit Court. Had my case continued till 
next term. 

Saturday, 20. — Spent my time in looking about town and 
chatting with acquaintances, and spending Some time in 
Court witnessing its proceedings. 

Sunday, 21. — Spent the day in town. Heard of the death 
of Judge McClelland of Sibley. 

Monday, 22. — Came home and found M' Gilmore had 
returned from Cincinnati. 

Sunday, 28.— Went to Church. While there M" Kelley 
and M" Lusk, the former from Wayne City, and the latter 
from Jefferson City, came in. They came on a visit. They 
dined with us and were compelled to return the same even- 
ing. Uncle James sent for me; I found him insensible and 
about winding up his earthly career. I, with C. B. Garrett 
and Henry Garrett, staid with him till he expired, at ^ past 
5 A. M. I and Henry closed his eyes. Thus terminated 
the career of James Rankin in the 76th year of his age. 

Monday, 29. — Arrangements made for the funeral, to take 
place to-morrow under the directions of the Council. 

At a special session of the Council it was agreed that at 



334 THE JOURNALS OF tSeptcmber, 185L 

11 o'clock A. M., the corpse be taken to the Church where 
an oration is to be delivered by John Hicks, Sen.; from 
thence to the burying ground, and after the burial, the 
company to disperse. 

Tuesday, 30. — Beautiful day. The funeral solemnities 
were performed in accordance with the above programme. 

Came home fatigued and worn out. 

October, 1851. 

Wednesday, 1. — Went over in the evening to see my Wid- 
owed Aunt's family. Found them improving. 

Thursday, 2. — Joel Walker called and informed me that 
the Council would meet to-day. After some time we went 
down. I called upon Major Moseley who had been sick, and 
I received a severe cursing from him for not paying more 
attention to him. 

The Council rejected Dr. Doyle's application. 

Friday, 3. — M" W. and I signed the deed conveying our 
Seneca County land. We both went to pay a visit to Major 
Moseley. Found him improving ; but a more obstinate, ill 
tempered, fretful and troublesome sick man I never saw. 

Saturday, 4. — Bro't over some cows from Aunt Rankin's 
to keep a few weeks, while the family was sick and unable 
to attend to them. 

Gut some wood and packed it on my shoulder to the 
House. This is outrageous for me to become a pack mule I 
— Harriet came home. 

Monday, 6. — Wrote out a Biographical Sketch of Uncle 
James E,. for publication. 

I learn by M. E,. Walker that Major Moseley is worse. 
When is our sickness to terminate ? 

In the evening my fever came on; lasted nearly all night. 
M" W. confined to her bed. 

Louis Lumpey, one of the Sheriffs, called and notified me 



October, 1851.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 335 

to attend a National Convention, for what purpose, he did not 
inform me. It is rather problematical whether I shall at- 
tend or not. 

Tuesday, 7. — Clear and cool morning with an unusually- 
heavy dew. 

I feel better this morning. I must avail myself of my 
good condition by going to Kansas to procure some family 
stores, medicines, &c. 

This morning a Boat in passing up grounded upon the bar, 
and there she lays. 

Went to Kansas and purchased some medicines. Came 
home, and as usual, had a chill, which prevented me from 
attending the National Convention. 

Wednesday, 8. — In the afternoon M'"^ Z. Armstrong called 
to see us ; and shortly after, M"" M. Hicks called. From her 
we learned that our son of the Emerald Isle of potato smash- 
ing memory, John Lynch, was married in Cass County to a 
M^ Susan Tull. Verily M'^^ Susan must have wanted a 
husband distressingly! 

Saturday, 11. — I went to Kansas and got my mail. There 
I learned that Col. Chenault had bro't on Major Moseley's 
Annuity. Dined with M"" Boyd at the " Union," reopened. 
The dinner nothing to boast of. 

Sunday, 12. — In the afternoon I paid a visit to Major 
Moseley and found him recovering; but Oh! what an ill 
tempered, wicked old sinner. Having a very sore mouth 
and unable to talk only by signs, but when in a gust of pas- 
sion he will swear like a pirate. His son John arrived on 
Saturday. Just heard that M'^ Long is not expected to live. 

Wrote a communication for the Ledger. 

Monday, 13. — Wrote to M"' Thomas Shipley of Cass 
County. M"" John Moseley called this morning and spent 
an hour with us. 

Addressed a note to M' Telegraph man demanding resti- 



336 THE JOUKNALS OF [October, 1861. 

tution of moneys paid for dispatches sent when their wires 
were broken. 

Just heard of the death of M" Long. 

Tuesday, 14. — Wrote to Sophia, enclosing $32. to her at 
Harrodsburg. Wrote also to O. Andrews at St. Charles, 
enclosing $6.00. [Wrote] also to Dr. Rodgers, enclosing 
$10.00. 

Mr. Long died last evening. 

Saturday, 18. — A deputation of Sioux, Cheyennes, Arap- 
ahoes, Crows and Snake Indians headed by Major Fitz 
Patrick were at the "Union Hotel " waiting for a Boat. They 
are on a visit by special invitation to Washington. 

While [I was] there the Clara came down and they took , 
passage on her. \ 

Sunday, 19. — M"* Dofflemeyer went to preach to the Del- 
awares. 

Monday, 20. — I must pay my respects to Major Moseley 
this morning. 

Went at 10 o'clock and wrote in the Agent's office. The 
Major paying off the employees in his Agency. 

Then went to the Council. The new Constitution was 
adopted and a poor thing — a piece of folly, the product of a 
set of sap heads, and a sappy concern it is. 

Just heard of the death of David Young. Died of con- 
sumption. 

James T. Charloe elected to supply the vacancy in the 
Council caused by the decease of James Kankin. 

Wednesday, 22. — Heard yesterday that the Steamer Her- 
man was sunk and her cargo, part belonging to Walker 
Boyd & Chick, lost and damaged. 

M*^ Gilmore and Martha gone up to F. A. Hicks's to see 
Dr. Fish the Oculist. 

Saturday, 25. — We had a tempestuous and windy night 
Cloudy this morning. Dry weather. The grass is parched 
up. 



October, 1851.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 337 

So it is in this Country. Everything on extremes. When 
we have rain it is a general deluge, and that over, then a 
drouth follows and the face of the earth is as dry as the 
deserts of Zaharra. The more I see and feel of this climate, 
the more I am dissatisfied with it. I have taken a severe 
cold. The wind is now blowing from the North and very 
cold. I have a severe pain in my breast, with some diffi- 
culty of breathing. 

Sunday, 26. — M"" Scarritt preaches to-day but I am too 
much indisposed to attend Church. 

Went down in the Afternoon to visit Major Moseley. He 
is evidently getting well and intends making the Annuity 
payment this week. 

So has this Sabbath day been spent. 

Tuesday, 28. — I suppose the Council will meet to-day and 
make out the Pay Roll. Preparatory to the payment of the 
Semi- Annuity. I must go down and aid them, and make 
out triplicates. 

At 10 o'clock I went to the Council. Found the Prin- 
cipal Chief & the two Sheriffs in attendance, but no Council- 
lors. I will wait no longer; having waited two hours, I 
came home, and they may get along the best they can, the 
lazy scamps. 

Wednesday, 29. — Went down to see Major Moseley. But 
he had flown from his " Rookery " and taken passage in M"^ 
Dofflemeyer's carriage for Kansas. Johnny O'Bludgeon 
passed on his way to Cass County. Came home. Then 
went to M. R. Walker's and bo't some fine Beef. Cloudy 
and threatening more rain. Russia hauling wood, and I 
doing nothing. M"^ W. bo't of M" Dofflemeyer a horse. 

I have been suffering for a week past with a severe Heart- 
burn. I have resorted to the usual remedies in such cases, 
such as Rodix Rhei Soda, weak ley &c., abstinence from 
oleaginous food, but all to no purpose — no relief afforded. 
What shall I do next? Yes, what? 
23 



338 THE JOURNALS OF [October, 185L 

l^'riday, 31. — Commenced making out triplicate Pay Rolls 
for the Annuity. Feel very unwell. Feeble and weak. 

November, 1851. 

Saturday, 1. — Pennsylvania and Ohio gone for the De- 
mocracy. 

Rec'd a letter from Dr. Kogers of St. Charles acknowledg- 
ing the Receipt of $10. Working at the Pay Rolls. 

Sunday, 2. — Went in company with Martha to the North- 
ern Quarterly Meeting. Heard a poor sermon from the 
Presiding Elder. Rev. L. B. Stateler preached at the Brick 
Church. 

In the evening M"" Henry Twyman called, and staid all 
night. 

Monday, 3. — Rec'd an invitation to a wedding at M" Ran- 
kin's. The happy couple was John Pipe and Miss Nancy 
Rankin. They were [married] by Rev. M' Dofflemeyer. 
There [was] a bountiful supper. Came home at i past 7 in 
the evening. 

Friday, 7. — Splendid morning! This is emphatically 
*' Indian Summer." We have had no rain for four weeks 
and the earth is parched up, and the grass as dry as flax. 

Went to Kansas and found Esquire Ladd & family had 
landed the evening before, and I suppose calculate upon be- 
coming residents of Missouri. 

Saturday, 8. — To-day Maj. Moseley makes the Annuity 
payment. 

Closed the Semi-Annuity [payment] to-day at 3 o'clock 
P. M., at $13.00 per capita. James Findlay, Esq., assisted 
in the payment. 

Sunday, 9. — Went over to Pharaoh's and spent some time 
in social chat. Heard of the death of Rev. James Porter. 
Also heard that Albert G. Boon was married to some East- 
ern Lady. 



December, 1851.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 339 

Wet and " mucky weather." In the evening the weatl^r 
cleared up and the moon rose in crimson majesty, and th 
Heavens were covered with brilliant stars. Felicitatus. \ 

Wednesday, 12. — We have had no one to call upon us to- 
day. Something unusual. 

Just at this moment Russel Garrett called in ; having been 
forced out, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, 
to hunt for some chewing tobacco. I furnished him with a 
slice of the weed. 

Sunday, 16. — Must go [to] the Synagogue to hear M"^ 
Scarritt preach, this being his day to preach at the Brick 
Church. Came home at h past 2 o'clock P. M. A rather 
thin Congregation. 

At 7 o'clock at night cosily seated by the fire we eat our 
last Water Melon. 

Our family is now reduced to our two selves and the do- 
mestic, and we "are a mighty civil family. ^^ 

Tuesday, 18. — Clear cold and frosty morning. To-day 
the Council meets and I must present, in M"^ Gilmore's name, 
the Calumet to the Wolf tribe, thro' James Washington. 

Went to town and got our horse, John, shod. Learned 
that a murder had been perpetrated near Westport by one 
Shawnee upon another, and another had been severely toma- 
hawked. Major Moseley returned in the afternoon. 

During the session of the Council I presented M"^ Gil- 
more's Pipe, with a suitable speech. 

December, 1851. 

Thursday, 4. — A National Convention of the Wyandotts 
is to be held to-day, but for what purpose, I am not advised. 

I went down and called upon Major M. Found him still 
quite indisposed. Attended the Meeting at the Council 
House. A little over thirty persons attended, not a quorum; 
but they recommited the new Constitution to the framers for 
certain amendments. I entertain for these Constitution 



•J4f THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1851. 

jakers and reformers but little respect either for their abili- 
ties or their pi^ofessed love for the ^^dear peopled They are 
a set of noisy demagogues — having no fixed, or established 
principles, either political, moral or religious. 

While there, I was taken with a chill and I took French 
leave. 

Friday, 5. — C. B. Garrett was thrown from his Wagon 
and badly hurt in his side. 

Saturday, 6. — Being a witness in the Case of McNees vs 
Hudson and the trial being set for to-day I went to K. The 
Plaintiff, however, had withdrawn the suit 

Sunday, 7. — Visited C. B. Garrett.^ Found him some- 

* Charles B. Garrett was born in Greenbrier County, (now) West Virginia, October 
28, 1794. He was the son of William and Winnaford (Bolt) Garrett. His father was a 
farmer and he worked on the farm until he was 17, when he formed a little company 
of his companions and went to Vincennes, where they joined the army of Genersd 
Harrison. He served through the war of 1812, being in the battle of Tippecanoe, and 
that of the Thames. At the close of the war he returned home, but he remembered the 
beautiful country of Ohio, and returned to Eoss County, that State, in 1816. Here he 
married Miss Kittle Ann White, August 29, 1818. Miss White's father came from 
Greenbrier County, West Va. He had been a Captain in the Eeyolutionary army. 
His wife was the sister of President Monroe. Mr. Garrett moved from Boss County 
to Ci:awford County sometime before 1823. His wife died there in that year. He mar- 
ried Miss Maria Walker, the youngest sister of Governor Walker, at Upper Sandusky, 
Ohio, October 31, 1826, and was soon afterwards adopted into the Wyandot tribe wiA 
much ceremony and pomp. He engaged in the wool-carding business and had mills at 
what was known as " Little Wyandot " in what is now Wyandot County, Ohio. In 
1843 he came West with the Wyandots. He built his house on what is now North Tth 
Street, Kansas City, Kansas. In 1849, he and other Wyandots formed a company to go 
to California to dig gold. They were six months on the way across the plains and 
mountains. They were on the North Fork of Feather Eiver and were successful. 
He was attacked by the mountain fever and his son Eussell brought him home, by 
way of Panama and New Orleans, in the Spring of 1852. He died December 2, 1867, of 
dropsy, at the home of his son, Eussell, in the old Brevidore House at the comer of 
Fourth Street and Nebraska Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. He is buried in the old 
Huron Place Cemetery, in that city. His family burying ground is immediately on 
the lines of Minnesota Avenue and some private property. In grading the street and 
this property the burial lot is left high above the street and the fine stone wall about 
it is tumbling down. On the marble shaft in the lot is the following: 

In 

Memory of 

Charles B. Garrett 

Died 

Dec. 2 1 867 

Aged 

73 Yrs I Mo A, 4 Ds. 

His wife is bailed in the same lot. She died May 30, 1866. The children of ClMrries 



December, 1851.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 341 

what comfortable but he is badly hurt. The weather being 
rather Labradorian I kept close quarters. 

Monday, 8. — M" W. and I went over to see the invalid. 
Found him in considerable of misery. Dr. Doyle, his Physi- 
cian was with him. Staid a couple of hours, and came home, 
leaving M"^^ W. there. Had a sick afternoon. 

Tuesday, 23.— M"" and M""' 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] ofiice 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 ac- 
company me to Kansas, we set out at 12 o'clock on foot. 
Thawing and slavish walking. 

B. Grarrett and Kittie Ann (White) Garrett were : 1. Amanda, born June 15, 1819, mar- 
ried 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 bom 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., 
bom December 16, 1827, died August 1, 1830; 2. Eussell, born September 29, 1829, mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth J. Lane, May 18, 1860, lives in Ventura, Cal.; 3. Cyrus, born May 1, 
1831, never married, died February 20, 1859, at St. Louis, of consumption; 4. Henry, 
bom 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 Septem- 
ber 8. 1843. 



342 THE JOURNALS OF [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 M' Geo. Armstrong called 
and had a long conversation upon the subject of the appoint- 
ment 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 taci- 
turnity and a singular waywardness of conduct unusual for 
him; during which he suddenly disappeared. He was after- 
wards 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 " ITe was pursued by a gang of fellows from 



January, 1852.] GOVEENOR WALKER. 343 

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 " know- 
ing not whither he goeth" amidst bitter Labradorian 
weather, 

Tuesday, 27. — To-day the Council meets and I must at- 
tend, 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 Catha- 
rine 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 ob- 
jected 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.^ 

Wednesday, 28. — Harriet was taken sick on Monday. 
Sick all day and much worse at night. 

Thursday, 29. — Sent M'" 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 medi- 
cine for Harriet. 

' 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 Biyer. 



344 THE JOURNALS OF [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 M^ Wilson of Kansas. 

Tuesday, 3. — M"" Nichols returned, and by him we learn 
that a M"" Jackson of Kansas died of Pneumonia on Satur- 
day 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 per- 
son $100.00 in gold. Just heard of the death of M' Arms. 

Thursday, 12. — Isaiah Walker^ called upon us and spent 

' 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 13, 1853. He moved to the 



March, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 345 

the day with us. Hauling stone. I greatly fear we shall 
have some rain. — "Heaven forfend"! Clear night, but 
very cold. 

Friday, 13. — The SheriflP 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 SheriflP. 

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 aflPair came oflf.* The mur- 
derer was Isaiah Zane and the murdered was John Kayro- 
hoo. The oflfence 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 float- 
ing down like an avalanche. 

Saturday, 28. — Went with James Washington to the 
Agent's oflfice 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 M'"- H. had been 
robbed in the early part of the winter, of some[thing] near 
$400.00, in his absence, and M'" Hilton having charge of the 

Indian Territory with the Wyandots. His home was near Seneca, Mo. He was draw- 
ing 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 sus- 
tained in the fall caused his death. 



346 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1852. 

Store at the time. Upon the return of M"^ H[ooker] he 
dismissed M' Hplton] and at the same time charged him 
with the robbery, or [with] being accessory to it. M' Hilton, 
smarting under the disgraceful imputation, sought satisfac- 
tion in various ways, but in vain. He then challenged M' 
H[ooker] thro' D"" 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 M"" 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.— W Hilton still alive. 

Apeil, 1852. 

Saturday, 10. — In the evening Rev. M"" Barker, M' Scar- 
ritt's successor, called upon us and spent some time with us. 

Sunday, 11. — Frosty morning. Went to Church and 
heard a good sermon from M"^ 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 oc- 
casion 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 unre- 
warded. 

Just heard of the death of John M. Armstrong, who died 



May, 1852.] GOVERNOE WALKER. 347 

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, 
M" Hester Fish, of Wakalusa. She was first cousin to the 
above, J. M. Armstrong. 

Went to Church and heard a sermon from M"" Dofflemeyer. 
M" 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 
Muucie 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.* 

May, 1852. 

Thursday, 6. — This morning my horse Draggon made his 
escape from the pasture. I pursued and recaptured him. 
Took my hand, M'^ Oliver, and made some additional repairs 
to my pasture fence. 

This day the Oregon Company, Consisting of M' Mc- 
Cowen and family, M^ Hunter and family, M^ Lynville and 

' The Muncies lived on the Delaware lands, and most of them lived in the vicinity 
«f the present Postoffice of Muncie, in Wyandotte County, Kansas. They are a sub- 
tribe of the Delawares; the Delawares only permitted them to reside on their lands 
temporarily. They came West with the Stockbridges. Some Muncies and Stock. 
bridges lived on the banks of the Missouri Elver, just below where Leavenworth City 
now is, and on the sites of the Soldiers' Home, and Mount Muncie Cemetery. 



348 THE JOUENALS OF [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 Con- 
vention 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 em- 
igrants. 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 M'^ 
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- 



lUy, 1852.] GOVEENOR WALKER. 349 

panied with hail, which lasted about two hours and a half. 
Per 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. — M"" 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 at- 
tempted 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 shoTcl and the hoe 
And haog up the fiddle and bow — " 



350 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1852. 

We are doomed to be without fruit this year. 

12 o'clock M., Raining still. Shall the rains forever devour f 

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, incon- 
stant, 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. Kaining. 

Wm. Mulkey called and spent an hour, and returned. 

Doctor Gemundt called to see M""^ W. for whom he is pre- 
scribing. 

Yesterday the Wyandott delegation for Washington set 
out, on board the Elvira. 

Thursday, 27. — M"" Muir is to be united to Miss Mary 
Rankin this evening. 

Rec'd a letter from my Attorney, F. Hereford, informing 
me that mv Ale ao;ainst 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 M*" King from Georgia. 

Sunday, 30. — Went to Church and heard a sermon by 
M' Dofflemeyer. Heard of the death of M^ 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 



June, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 351 

two things to do, — either Kill the young ones or lose my 
crop. I will do the former, " that's flat." 

Attended the session of the Council. 

Came home in the evening and found the dolorous and 
weeping and inconsolable and never to be consoled {till mar- 
ried again) Widow Graham. And like the weeping Phi- 
losopher her tears still flow like the tail race of a mill, as 
tho' never did woman lose a husband before but herself. 
FAUGH!!! 

Wednesday, 9. — Keplanted our field which has been taken 
by M" A's Pigs. While doing so, we Killed three of them. 

Thursday, 10. — Nearly the whole Nine acres were de- 
stroyed by the accursed swine. During this forenoon we 
Killed two more. 

Friday, 11. — Messrs. Elwell and Watkins, (the former a 
Daguerreotypist and the latter a Telegraph Operator) called 
upon us this afternoon. The latter Gentleman furnished 
me with a late Daily St. Louis Republican in which are 
given briefly the ballotings of the National Democratic 
Convention. On the 49th ballot Gen. Pierce of N. H., 
never named as a candidate for the Presidency, heretofore, 
was declared the nominee, to the great dismay and conster- 
nation of the old Fogies, the young Americas, the young 
Africas, &c. The same paper contains information of the 
passage thro' Congress of the Bill granting the right of way 
and the adjacent public lands to the Pacific and Hannibal 
and St. Joseph Rail Roads. 

Visited my Corn field and found three pigs in it taking 
up the Corn just replanted. I killed two of them with a 
Club and the third made his escape. Too bad, too bad ! 

Sunday, 13. — Clear and beautiful morning. To-day the 
Funeral Sermon of the late John M. Armstrong is to be 
preached by the Northern Preacher, M"^ Whitten, at the 
Brick Church. 



352 THE JOUENALS OF [June, 1852, 

One death in K. by Cholera last night — a stranger. 

All went to Church and M"^ W preached from Psalms. 

^^ Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His 
Saints." A large congregation attended, and many Citizens 
of Kansas were in attendance. 

Just heard of the death of Aaron Coon. M"" and M" 
Dofflemeyer dined with us to-day. 

Tuesday, 15. — I have resting on me to-day, to my great 
annoyance, not the spirit of heaviness " nor " the spirit of 
prophesy," (except that I prophesy we shall have no rain 
to-day), but the genuine spirit of indolence. So inveterate 
is it, that not even the Odic force of the Spiritual rappers 
can move me, or set my symmetrical frame into motion. I 
feel much inclined to the twin brother of my complaint, 
Somnolency. Wake up ! Wake up ! ! 

Addressed a communication to Major Moseley on et cet- 
eras. 

Thursday, 17. — Wrote a communication for Cist's Adver- 
tiser on St. Clair's defeat. 

Friday, 18. — M'" N . replanting corn and Killing 

pigs. I am resolved to extirpate every infant or minor 
swine that I may detect destroying my Corn ; no matter to 
whom they belong ; my own shall share the same inexorable 
sentence. 

Saturday, 19. — William Clark and Lady from Canada 
arrived to-day. Also, Adam Brown, who went to that 
country as refugee from justice.^ 

The Quarterly Meeting of the M. E. Church, South, com- 
mences to-day. 

' It was hardly so bad as that. This trouble was the quarrel spoken of by GoTcrnor 
Walker between Abelard Guthrie and Adam Brown. Guthrie was on the defensiye at 
all times, and wished to be on good terms with his father-in-law. He brought the sof- 
ter to the attention of Major Moseley, who submitted it to the Council with a recom- 
mendation to that body to intercede. I have Major Moseley's letter on the subject. 
Brown had shot at Guthrie. Brown's friends urged him to go to the Wyandots in Can- 
ada and remain awhile, which he did. It is more than probable that he ^'ent with the 
knowledge and consent of Guthrie and the Council. When he returned all parties to 
the quarrel became friends. 



Jaiy, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 353 

John S. Bearskin, one of the chiefs, called here to-day. 

We got no mail. "The Blue's up." 

Sunday, 20. — Had a visit from the Clergy, Bevs. John F. 
Peerey, Dofflemeyer and Wallace. We went to Church. 
M' Wallace preached. Dr. Beady and M*" Funk come home 
with us to dinner. 

Beceived a letter from Maj. Moseley. 

Monday, 21. — Waiting for news by Telegraph from the 
Whig National Convention. 

Went to Kansas and learned that Gen. W. Scott was the 
nominee of the Whig National Convention, and Wm. A. 
Graham of N. C, Vice P. 

July, 1852. 

Friday, 2. — The corpse of Gov. Calhoun, who died on the 
road from Santa Fe to Kansas was bro't in for burial. He 
is to be buried with Masonic Honors. What train bro't the 
remains in is yet unknown. 

Saturday, 8. — Wrote a letter to Scott and Bascom of the 
" Ohio State Journal." 

M' N gone to Kansas to bring our Mail, should we 

be so fortunate as to get one from the East; and provided 
always, "The Blue" is not up. 

Tuesday, 13. — Went to attend the National Convention to 
nominate candidates for the ensuing election. 



For Principal Chief. 




George I. Clark. 


John D. Brown. 




Council, 




James Washington 


vs 


F. A. Hicks. 


Mat Mudeater 


vs 


John Arms. 


Tauromee 


vs 


John Sarrahess. 


John S. Bearskin 


vs 


John Hicks, Jr. 



24 



354 THE JOURNALS OF [July. i852. 

Legislative Committee. 
J. W. Grey Eyes vs Silas Armstrong. 

Isaac Brown vs Thomas Coon-Hawk. 

W. Walker ys J. T. Charloe. 

Sam'l Rankin vs Louis Lumpy. 

John Gibson vs White-Crow. 

Saturday, 17. — Sent my letters to the P. O. by H. C. 
Long.^ Rec'd a letter from Major Moseley. 

Friday, 30. — The day set for the trial of Killbuck Stand- 
ingstone, charged with the murder of Isaac Peacock, who 
came to his end in a drunken brawl, but by what means is 
not yet known. The Council sent for me to attend the trial, 
but the family being quite ill, I begged off. 

M"" Barker spent the day with me in social chat. 
Saturday, 31. — Heard that the Court failing to get a Jury, 
the trial of the accused was postponed. 

August, 1852. 

Tuesday, 3. — The council in session; sent me a written 
request to prosecute Killbuck Standingstone at the ensuing 
trial. Replied that I would attend. 

Wednesday, 4. — Attended the trial and entered upon my 
duties as Prosecutor. After empannelling the Jury, pro- 
ceeded to examine a large number of witnesses; opened my 
Case and concluded my argument, and was followed by J. 
W. Gray Eyes for the defence. The case was then submit- 
ted to the Jury [at] 5 o'clock P. M., then [I] came home. 

Thursday, 5. — Daniel McNeal came to go to work for me. 

• Henry Clay Long was a son of Alexander Long, and a brother of Irving , 

and Isaac Long. Alexander Long was bom in October, 1793, came West with the Wy- 
andots and died in the " Wyandot Purchase," October 13, 1851. H. 0. Long married a 
Miss Hunter, sister to Zelinda M. Hunter, the second wife of Silas Armstrong. He did 
not remove to the Indian Territory with the Wyandots when they resumed their 
tribal relations, but remained in Wyandotte County, Kansas. His property increased 
in value and made him wealthy. He died in California about 1886, and was brought 
home and buried in Huron Place Cemetery, but afterwards removed to the Wyandot 
Cemetery, near Qaindaro. He was a member of Wyandotte Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M. 



August, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 355 

Learned that the Jury in Killbuck Standin^stone's case 
remained cooped up all night without agreeing. 

The Jury rendered their verdict to-day, Blanslaughter. 

Sunday, 8. — M"" Watkins called this evening and spent an 
hour. "Old Bullion is elected to Congress. 

Tuesday, 10. — This being the second Tuesday in August, 
our National election comes off to-day, with a Barbecue. 

Attended the election and Barbecue. The following is 
the result of the election: 

John D. Brown, Principal Chief. 

James Washington. 
M. Mudeater. 



T u XT . FT" T r Councillors. 

John Hat [l^uromeej. 

John S. Bearskin. j 

[Legislative] Committee. 

S. Armstrong. W. Walker. 

Isaac Brown. White-Crow. 

Louis Lumpy .^ 

Sheriffs, 

Wm. Gibson and John Sarrahess. 

Magistrate. 
J. W. Gray Eyes. 

Wednesday, 11. — Went to Kansas for a Doctor and some 
family stores. 

Arrived at Kansas, Agent Chenault, with a large deputa- 
tion of Sacs and Foxes on their way to Washington. 

Learned that Clark and Mudeater landed yesterday even- 
ing at the upper landing. What has become of their col- 
league and conductor? 

Saturday, 14. — M'^ A. Guthrie called upon us to-day. 

Isaiah Walker called in the evening and delivered our 
mail. 

' The name Lumpy was fonnerly written Lump-On-The-Head, and is a name belong- 
ing to the Deer Clan and refers to the horns on the head of the deer when they first 
begin to grow; they are then two large lumps. 



356 THE JOURNALS OF [Aug^t, 1852. 

Sometime about midnight he returned and informed us 
that M" Garrett was attacked with a bleeding at the nose 
which could not be arrested. Harriet got up, dressed and 
went over and he went after Dr. Wright, but failed in find- 
ing him. 

Sunday, 15. — At the dawn of day I went over; but she 
had succeeded in stopping it. 

Dr. Gemundt called upon us to-day, having recovered 
from his illness. 

Wednesday, 18. — My Ox "Brin" Committed a breach 
upon my corn field last night. After having gorged him- 
self sufficiently, he quietly gave himself up to repose. I 
awakened him with a heavy charge of Coarse Salt in his 
flank, which had somewhat of a stimulating effect upon his 
Cuticle; and while smarting, snorting rearing and pitching, 
I gave him a second, which instead of quieting him only 
made him worse. I have now got the Maurauder chained 
up to the Bar post, where he can quietly digest his Corn. 

Friday, 20. — The Girls went over to Kansas for some 
medicines and other supplies ; but as usual got no mail. My 
execrations upon these infamous Mail Contractors ! 

M"" and M" Dofflemeyer gone to the Shawnee Camp 
Meeting. 

Three Gentlemen, travelers, called this evening and wished 
to stay all night, but owing to our illness we advised them 
to stay at M" Garrett's. They accordingly went there. 

Saturday, 21. — They called over this morning and proved 
to be M' McDaniel of St. Louis and two Brothers by the 
name of Thompson. 

Monday, 23. — Heard of the death of B. A. Moseley, who 
died at sea, on his return from California. 

Thursday, 24. — Major Moseley called and stayed all 
night. There is some mistake about the de4ith of Beverly 
A. Moseley. 



September, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 357 

Learned that Joel W. Garrett had arrived. , 

Saturday, 28. — M'^ W. and I made preparation to go to 
Kansas. We set out about 9 o'clock and returned at 2 p. 
m. somewhat fatigued. Learned while gone that the widow 
G. D. Williams died this morning at 4 o'clock. The Dela- 
ware Camp Meeting going on. 

Sunday, 29. — There being no Clergyman to officiate at 
the Church, we all staid at home. In the evening M^^ Han- 
nah Norton called and spent an hour with us. 

Monday, 30. — Joel W. Garrett and Isaiah [Walker] 
called over and spent an hour with us. 

Night — And no doctor. Well, let them take my execra- 
tions and maledictions instead of a fee. 

Tuesday, 31. — 12 o'clock M., M"" Dofflemeyer returned 
from the Delaware Camp Meeting. 

M"" Muir and McNeal working at the Camp ground, 
building us a shantee. 

The weather is now remarkably dry and the face of na- 
ture now begins to assume the livery of autumn. Autumn 
leaves around me falling remind me .that I am nearing 
"the sear and yellow leaf" of life. 

Evening — No Doctor to visit M^ Gilmore. Fears are en- 
tertained that his Fever will assume the Typhoid form, and 
if it sliould, he being so very weak, it will run him hard. 

September, 1852. 

Thursday, 2. — Nature has this morning put on her gay 
green livery. The Sun rising in Golden Splendor. Cool 
and pleasant day. 

M^ Gilmore continues sick. His fever seems to have 
assumed, as I feared, the Typhoid form, and growing 
weaker every day. My own health is poor. 

Friday, 3. — M'" G. some better this morning, but this is 
all dehisive, nothing permanent. 



358 THE JOURNALS OF [September, 1852. 

Our folks all in a bustle, house up side down, moving to 
the Camp ground, Cooking utensils, provisions, Bed 
clothes, &c. 

In the evening I went to the consecrated ground and 
found a very comfortable shantee erected. Staid all night. 

Saturday, 4. — Splendid morning. Interesting religious 
exercises, with short intermissions, during the day. 

Splendid weather : — clear blue sky, pure air, good for in- 
valids and the infirm. 

Sunday, 5. — At the Camp ground. The great Conch^ 
shell was Sounded as the Signal to rise from our beds and 
prepare for morning devotions and breakfast. 

At 11 o'clock A. M. a large Congregation assembled 
under the Arbor prepared for the occasion and was ad- 
dressed by a Kev. M"" Love of St. Louis in a sermon of great 
eloquence and ability. The weather continued beautiful 
thro' the day. Devotional exercises were continued thro' 
the day, and till a late hour in the night. Several new 
members were received into the Church. 

Monday, 6. — Weather fine. Meeting continued. 

Some [time] in the night our negro boy, Henry, left his 
bed and mysteriously disappeared. He had been complain- 
ing of illness. When daylight appeared a general alarm 
was raised and search instituted. His track was at length 
found, [and indicated that he was] making his way West. 
About 8 o'clock A. M. John Sarrahess bro't him in. He 
had wandered off three miles. He could give no rational 
account of himself He must have been deranged at the 
time he went out. 

Meetings were kept up thro' the day. 

M" Garrett of Ohio, and family, arrived this evening. 

Tuesday, 7. — After the Morning Meeting, the Camp 

^ This shell is now in my possession. It was in the possession of the Wyandots for 
centuries. It is much worn and decayed, so much so that it can be sounded only with 
much difficulty. 



September. 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 359 

Meeting was adjourned sine die. The tents were struck and 
[soon] all [were] homeward bound. Dr. Gemundt paid us 
a visit. 

Saturday, 11. — Just learned that poor Jacob Charloe was 
dead. Alas! we could easier have spared a better man. 

Sunday, 12. — Wrote to Rev. John F. Peerey on Church 
matters. 

Reading Schoolcraft's "Thirty Yeaes among the In- 
dian Tribes. " I am disappointed in the character of the 
work. It is made up from extracts from his journals and 
his correspondence. Conversations with distinguished men, 
literary men, on Indian philology, etc — nothing Historical — 
nothing new on Aboriginal History. 

M" Nancy Garrett called over this evening and took tea. 

Jacob Charloe was buried to-day at 11 o'clock. 

Tuesday, 14. — We have had no rain to-day, tho' it has been 
oloudy all day. 

Rec'd a dispatch from Maj. Moseley, informing me of the 
death of M"" Perkins, the Shawnee Blacksmith. 

Thursday, 16. — M" W. set out for a little town down the 
river, called by some Richfield, and by others St. Bernard, to 
visit a Dr. Carter who has the reputation of being skillful in 
all sorts of Cutaneous diseases, for the purpose of being 
treated for a fiery and angry irritation [that is] breaking 
out upon her face. 

M. R. Walker returned this morning [from] the Circuit 
Court and reports that Isaiah Zane, indicted for the murder 
of John Kayrohoo, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment 
in the Penitentiary. He deserved no less than this. 

Sunday, 19. — Engaged in writing a long epistle to the 
Northern Bishop who is to preside at the Northern Confer- 
ence in St. Louis, upon their Missionary operations among 
the Indians. 



360 THE JOURNALS OF [September, 1852. 

Monday, 20. — In the evening F. A. Hicks and John D. 
Brown called and spent the evening in interesting chat. 

Tuesday, 21. — Rec'd a communication from Major Mose- 
ley enclosing some blank receipts to be signed by the assist- 
ant Smith and the Ferryman. 

No money to pay M^ Interpreter. 

Thursday, 23. — Dofflemeyer [is] running round the country 
like an insane man. No one can understand his movements. 
To-morrow he and his spleeny . . . are off for Platte. What 
takes them there, is beyond my power of divination. Nor 
am I much concerned, whether he be sane or insane. His 
conduct, to say the least of it, is quite strange. Could he 
have had an over gorge of Saur-Kraut ? 

He came over to pay me a visit at candle-light and staid 
till a late hour. I think he is sane. 

Friday, 24. — Cloudy and raining. My Rheumatism a 
little better. 

Learned that George Punch, of Ohio Penitentiary mem- 
ory, has the small pox. Finished my letter to the Bishop, 
making sixteen pages, in which I have attempted to show up 
these canting Methodist Abolitionists in their true colors. 
The preachers of the Northern Methodist Church prowling 
round on this frontier are the most contemptible, hypocriti- 
cal, canting set of fellows that ever disgraced Christianity. 

Saturday, 25. — M' and M"' Dofflemeyer started for Platte 
this morning. 

Sunday, 26. — McNeal came home from Kansas. In the 
dumps. Went off in the evening; where he went, I know 
not. But suppose he is "on a burst." 

Monday, 27. — McNeal came home this morning, bearing 
all the appearances [of] a night's debauch. Informed me 
he was going to quit. I told him I was very well satisfied. 
His clothes were packed up and he put out. Poor fellow ! 
he is one of the most indolent, trifling, worthless young men 
I have ever seen. 



October, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 361 

Presley Muir called over this evening in company with 
his Father, who has come out on a visit. "A fine old Gen- 
tleman, all of the olden time." 

Tuesday, 28. — Eec'd a dispatch from Maj. Moseley, by P. 
D. Clark, informing me that he had received orders from the 
Superintendent to repair to St. Louis for the Annuity due 
his Agency. 

Wednesday, 29. — M" W. and I went to Kansas, made 
some purchases of family stores, medicines, etc. 

Dined at M' Geer's. F. Cotter died this forenoon. Came 
home in the evening somewhat fatigued. 

October, 1852. 

Friday, 1. — Wrote to I. C. on a mystery. 4th Street, 

St. Louis. 

Went to Kansas and assisted M'* Geer P. M. in making 
out the Account for his P. O. Did not get done. Came 
home in the evening. Cloudy and damp all day. 

M"^ Porter commenced work to-day. 

Saturday, 2. — Learned yesterday that my worthy neigh- 
bor and present Pastor, D. Dofflemeyer was reappointed to 
this charge, and Rev. M"^ Barker to the Delaware Mission 
and Pev. John F. Peerey, Presiding Elder. 

At 4 P. M. F. A. Hicks called for Sophia, who owing to 
ill health, intends spending the winter with her relations in 
Hardin County, Ohio. Altho' it was raining, yet she and 
Miss Huldah & Harriet boarded his carriage and put out. 
Miss Huldah is going to Harrisonville to spend her winter. 
Sophia will go in company with M"^ J. S. Dawson who is 
going into that County. She will reside with her Uncle 
and Aunt, M"" and M" Smalley. 

Sunday, 3. — Raining. After breakfast the sky became 
clear. I then concluded I would go to Kansas and attend 
the dedication of the new Methodist Church by Bishop 



362 THE JOUENALS OF [October. 1852. 

Payne. We rigg'd up and set out, Martha accompanying 
me. The Bishop did not arrive, but a sermon, and an able 
one was preached by M'^ McAnelly, Editor of the St. Louis 
Christian Advocate. Turned out to be quite a pleasant 
day. 

Monday, 4. — ^Went to Kansas and learned that M' Dawson 
and Sophia got off this morning at 4 o'clock on board the 
"Brunette". 

Came home in the evening. John Brown still very sick. 

Tuesday, 5. — Cloudy morning and red in the East. 

Went up in company with M. B. Walker to the Council 
held at Matthew Mudeater's to make out the Annuity Pay 
Boll. Adjourned at sunset without completing our Boll. 
Came home sick; had a high Fever. 

Wednesday, 6. — Went again to M. M.'s to resume the Pay 
roll, and completed it in the afternoon. J. D. Brown getting 
better. 

Thursday, 7. — Commenced copying the triplicate Pay 
rolls. F. A. Hicks bro't home our Parlor Stove. 

Friday, 8. — Besumed Copying the Pay Boll. Sent Por- 
ter to Kansas for some family stores. He came home sick. 

In the evening I had a severe chill which was succeeded 
by a burning fever, which lasted nearly all night. Oh I 
such a night ! no poor devil suffered more than I did. Con- 
tinued copying the Pay Boll. 

Saturday, 9. — M''^ W. and Harriet went down to Kansas. 
On their return, gave us information of an atrocious and 
bloody recontre between M"" Alfred Dale and a man, name 
unknown, a stranger, which took place this forenoon. M' 
Dale received a horrible gash in the lower part of the ab- 
dominal region, letting out his intestines. His wound is 
regarded by tiie physicians as mortal. Finished my Pay 
Bolls. 

Sunday, 10. — M'" Gilmore set out this morning for Kansas, 



October, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 363 

in company with P. Muir, intending to take the Stage for 
Independence; there to remain under the medical treatment 
of Doctor Twyman for the Intermittent Fever. 

Heard, on the return of M' Muir, that M' Dale was alive 
yet. 

This evening I escaped my chill and passed a quiet and 
comfortable night. 

Monday, 11. — Cloudy and threatening rain. 1 o'clock P. 
M., our folks came home in the midst of a shower. They 
report that M'" Dale is still alive and getting better. 

Tuesday, 12. — M"^ Porter tore up our hearth, refilled, reset 
and contracted the width of the fire place to cure it of its 
smoking propensity. It has in some degree obviated the 
difiiculty. 

Attended the election for delegate to Congress from 
Nebraska Territory. A. Guthrie received the entire vote 
polled. 

Came home chilled and fatigued ; took my last dose of qui- 
nine and spirits. 

The Doffles got home. Now, stay at home. 

Wednesday, 13. — Wrote to Wm. Flemming on busi- 
ness, and to Lyman C. Draper of Philadelphia on Indian 
History. M'" Porter set up our Stove in the parlor. 

Doffle off again. What a fellow! 

Thursday, 14. — Expecting Major Moseley to land at Kan- 
sas to-day, I went down and waited till evening, but no 
Boat. While there, I called upon Mr. Dale and found him 
in a fair way of recovering. Came home after dark. 

Friday, 15. — S. Armstrong called this morning and in- 
formed me that he had seen Major Moseley since his arrival 
and [that he had] sent word requesting me to send the Pay 
Rolls over to his House. I accordingly employed Samuel 
Rankin to go as Messenger. Shortly after Samuel left, 
Peter D. Clark arrived bearing a dispatch from him to the 



364 THE JOURNALS OF [October, 1852. 

same effect as that sent verbally by S. Armstrong. He must 
be in earnest, and in a hurry. 

Saturday, 16. — Went down to attend, by invitation, the 
Council. The subject up was the Annuity payment. Came 
home in the evening. 

Sunday, 17. — Sent a dispatch to Major Moseley by Sheriff 
Gibson. 

Martha and [I] rode down to Kansas to hear Bishop 
Payne preach the dedication sermon for the new Church. 
A very large Congregation. The Church being in debt, a 
subscription was raised, payable the first day of January 
next, and upwards of One thousand dollars was subscribed. 
We came home. 

At 8 o'clock p. M. the Sheriff returned with a dispatch 
from Maj. Moseley, fixing upon Tuesday for the payment. 

Monday, 18. — M. R. Walker returned last night from 
Cass County. 

I went to the Council House, and finding nobody there, 
came home again. 

Tuesday, 19. — To-day Major Moseley pays out the Wyan- 
dott Annuity. Creditors and debtors have much to do — 
business on hand. 

Went down to the Council House and found Major Mose- 
ley on the ground ready with his du^L Commenced 12 M. 
paying out, and without finishing, adjourned at sunset. Sent 
Henry Warpole to the Calaboose for drunkenness and disor- 
derly conduct. 

Wednesday, 20. — Resumed the payment of the Annuity 
and closed the Pay Roll at 2 p. m., and Major Moseley de- 
livered a short valedictory to the Council and the nation — 
not expecting to pay another Annuity. 

M" W. went to take a Boat for Richfield to see her Phy- 
sician. 

The Council proceeded to settle up their public liabilities. 
Adjourned till next Tuesday. 



October, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 365 

Thursday, 21. — I am tortured with the Rheumatism in 
my left hip. M" Dofflemeyer spent the day with us. Writ- 
ing a long letter to Sophia. 

Friday, 22. — Rode out to M"^ Rankin's to settle up some 
money matters. Came home and found the Widow Squeen- 
dehtee. I settled up my money agency with her also, to 
her great satisfaction. 

Old Connecticut sick again this evening with what he 
calls the dumb ague. 

Saturday, 23. — On going out I found that my old ox, 
Brindle, had broken into my Garden and committed divers 
mischievous acts upon my fruit trees and shrubbery. 

Sunday, 24. — M'^ W. came home, escorted by James Pat- 
ton. 

Tuesday, 26. — Went to attend the settling off [of] the 
public national accounts. Were engaged all day without 
finishing. Adjourned till to-morrow. 

Wednesday, 27. — Went down to resume the auditing of 
the public accounts. Closed about sunset. 

Friday, 29. — We, that is, I and M'^ W., have in contem- 
plation a visit to our Estates in Cass County ; but the 
weather being so forbidding that we must wait for a change, 
as we are both invalids. 

A gloomy day, well calculated to generate ennui in a 
Frenchman. Blue devils, green devils. 

Sunday, 31. — Our folks gone to Church. M" Hannah 
Norton called in and handed me a letter sent over from the 
P. O. It proved to be one from my Agent, Col. Goodin, 
enclosing a draft for $133.64. 

M' Guthrie called and dined with us. We discussed 
politics, especially the election of delegate for Nebraska 
Territory. 



366 THE JOURNALS OF [November. 1852. 

November, 1852. 

Monday, 1. — M™ W. and I rigged up our horses and set 
out for Cass County to see to our Estates. Went as far as 
Westport and staid all night at Wesley Garrett's. 

The Shawnee payment going on. 

Tuesday, 2. — Resumed our journey — a cold morning. 
Reached M' Richard Berry's, 18 miles, [and] being fatigued, 
staid all night. In the morning, the 3rd,* raining; wind 
from the N. E. Notwithstanding the weather looked so un- 
promising, we set out on the boundless prairie. In the after- 
noon the sky became clear and the wind fell, and it became 
a pleasant afternoon. Reached the Farm about sunset, — 
distance, 23 miles. 

* Here I have committed a Faux pas. 

Wednesday, 3. — Rained and stormed the whole day. 
I had no chance of riding out and visiting the neighbors. 
We kept close quarters all day. Our tenant has raised a 
fine crop of Corn and plenty of vegetables. I am better 
pleased now than before, with my farm. 

Thursday, 4. — The storm continues furiously. I was de- 
sirous of visiting my Grand River land, but to ride out on 
such a day would be martyrdom. Kept housed up all day. 
Entered into another bargain with M"" Shipley for two year's 
farming at $40. per annum, he keeping the land clear of 
taxes. 

Friday, 5. — Started for home. A cold, raw, windy morn- 
ing. Suffering with Rheumatism. Came to Berry's and 
staid all night. 

Our Host is a Case — quisical, joculaVy garrulous and 
humorous : a man well fitted for a frontier life. 

Here I have committed an egregious blunder. Thursday 
and Friday we staid at the Farm, and, as already stated, it 
stormed all the time. We did not start home on Friday, as 
stated above, but on — 



December, 1852] GOA^ERNOR WALKER. 367 

Saturday, 6. — And [we] came to M'" Berry's. 

Sunday, 7. — Reached home at 4 P. M. Found all well. 
Truly glad to get home. 

Friday, 19. — I learned on yesterday that Doctor Clipper, 
the Northern Preacher, and his lady arrived on Tuesday 
last. He succeeds Rev. James Witten as preacher in charge 
of ihQ pitiful faction here. I hope the Doctor will demean 
himself, as a preacher of the Gospel, better than his degraded 
" predecessor," who rendered himself notorious as wanting 
the jewel, veracity. Poor degraded man he is sent to an- 
other field of labor. He could not be tolerated here any 
longer. He became known, hence he was shipped to an- 
other field, — whence he could, at least, for twelve months 
impose upon the ignorant, his " base coin."^ 

Saturday, 20. — Went to Kansas in company with A. 
Guthrie. Rain, snow, sleet. In the evening the storm in- 
creased in violence, and I came home in the midst of a per- 
fect *^pour dowriy^ after dark. 

December, 1852. 

Wednesday, 1. — This day at 2 o'clock P. M., my old and 
tried friend, James Washington,^ departed this life — aged ^b. 

' This is an injustice to Mr. Witten. He was a good man of more than average abil- 
ity. He was a Virginian (born m Tazewell County), and his family was closely related 
by blood to that of Lord Baltimore. He was a close kinsman to William Cecil Price of 
Springfield, Mo.; his mother was a Cecil. He remained in the M. E. Church, after the 
dlTision, and this caused many of his relatives, who were slave-holders, to condemn 
him. His brother Thomas was one of the founders of Portland, Oregon. 

» The following biographical sketch was written by Governor Walker. The friend 
that gave him the information was John Hicks, who died a little latter. (See note 1, 
page 373). Governor Walker was mistaken in his statement that Washington was a 
full-blood. He was a descendant of the famous Chief, Half King, and was not more 
than a half-blood: 

" Died of pneumonia at his residence in Wyandott, December 1, at the hour of 2 P. 
M., James Washington, one of the oldest Councilors of the Wyandott Nation, in the 65th 
year of his age. The subject of this brief sketch was a full-blooded Wyandott belong, 
ing to that subdivision of the nation into tribes or clans known as the 'Beaver tribe.' 
From my first acquaintance with him as an oflScial member of the Church I found him 
ft firm, inflexible and consistent Christian. Earely if ever, cast down with discourage- 
ment and as rarely carried away with any excess of excitement — not on the bill top 



368 THE JOUENALS OF [December. 1852. 

Tuesday, 7. — Rec'd a summons from the Principal Chief, 
ordering a meeting of the Legislative Committee. 

The Committee convened and organized by the appoint- 
ment of Jacob White-Crow as Chairman, and then pro- 
ceeded to the usual preliminary business. 

Saturday, 11. — Went to attend the Council, and there 
learned that a murder had been perpetrated the night 
before, in a drunken brawl, by John Coon, Jr. and Martin 
Big- Arms, upon the person of Curtis Punch. Both [were] 
committed for trial. John Hicks, Jr. was elected to supply 
the vacancy in the Council caused by the death of James 
Washington. Wrote to A. Guthrie. 

one day and in ' the slough of despond ' the next. In his religious profession he waa 
truly like an even spun thread. 

"I have been kindly furnished by an intimate friend of the deceased with a 
Biographical sketch; from which I will make [excerpts]. 'I became acquainted with 
my friend in the summer of 1814. He did not manifest a disposition to take part in 
the councils of the nation, but on the contrary shun'd public notice, prefering his 
former pursuit, the chase, to that of listening to the eloquence of chiefs and councilors 
or making any attempts at public speaking himself — ^prefering the quite camp fir© with 
a few of his friends in the deep dark forest to the noise and bustle of the council fire. 
He was, however frequently elected by the chiefs of that day as confidential messenger 
or bearer of important speeches in their diplomatic intercourse. The old chiefs looked 
upon him as, (to use their own peculiar expression,) he was a discreet and prudent yotmg 
man. Sometime in the winter of 1822 & 23, he was bro't under serious awakenings 
thro' the ministry of Eev. J. B. F. and sometime after was rec'd into the Church. At 
what time he experienced a change of heart and obtained the evidence of his accep- 
tance I know not. As the first I knew of the change that had taken place in my 
friends life was at a prayer meeting at a private house. As I approached the house I 
was astonished and amazed at recognizing my friend's Lion like voice employed in the 
delivery of an animated and stirring exhortation. He gave indisputable evidences of 
genuine piety and was at the proper time placed in charge of a class, and continued 
[in] that position the remainder of his life. In 1832 he was elected a councilor and 
served one term as principal Chief of the nation. Afterwards continued as Councilor 
of the nation till his death. I have been associated with him in public life for twenty 
years and can say with truth, he was a man you could with safety confide in. I havo 
seen him often placed in situations the most trying to a man's integrity and veracity — 
situations which would determine the stuff and material he is made of, but Washington 
invariably came out triumphant and at the same time came unscathed. He was one of 
nature's noblemen, hallowed and purified by the Christian religion.' Such briefly is the 
account given by his friend of his early history. Washington died as he lived enjoying 
the confidence in peace with God and his fellow men. He exhorted all who visited 
him to perseverance and faithfulness especially Brother J. D. Brown, the present prin- 
cipal Chief, who called to see him when very low. He committed his poor blind wife 
and his family to the God of the fatherless and widow, gathered up his feet and departed 
from among men to enter upon his reward." 



December, 1852.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 369 

Monday, 13. — Old Connecticut sick again. Attended a 
night session of the Legislative Committee. Came home 
at 11 o'clock. 

Tuesday, 14. — By my nocturnal labors and exposures I 
have bro't my old complaint back again. I have a most 
acute Rheumatism in my riglit shoulder. Attended the 
joint meeting of the Council and Legislative Committee and 
elected Nicholas Cotter Ferryman for 1853. I notified 
Bryan Shehea, a roving, vagabond Irishman to leave the 
Territory. 

Wednesday, 15. — Went over and notified Jonny O'Blud- 
geon to leave the territory within fifteen days. 

M""^" Mary Ann Garrett and Miss Sarah Zane spent the 
afternoon with us. 

Friday, 17. — Went to attend the trial of John Coon. Was 
appointed by the Council public prosecutor, and S. Arm- 
strong was retained as counsel for the defence. The case 
was submitted to the Jury about dusk, and I came away. 

Saturday, 18. — Staid at home all day. Quarterly Meet- 
ing commenced to-day. 

Sunday, 19. — The old widoiv 3Iononcue^ died last night. 

Went to Church. There learned that the verdict of the 
Jury was, "murder in the first degree." This was wrong. 
It is not in accordance with the evidence. He could not be 
convicted of anything more than "Manslaughter." But 
such is the verdict. 

Monday, 20.— M' Duffle[meyer], M' Barker & Son, Jonny 
O'Bludgeon, John Pipe and M""^ Guthrie called upon us this 
morning. Company enough for one morning. Sent my 
letters by Jonny to the Westport P. O. Went down in the 
evening to attend the session of the Legislative Committee. 
No quorum appearing, we adjourned at 9 o'clock. 

^ The wife of the Mononcue spoken of so often by Finley in his "History of the 
Wyandot Mission." 
25 



370 THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1852. 

Sunday, 26. — Old Connecticut was found by our niggers 
lying in the mud about fifty rods from the House stiff and 
nearly dead. M' Garrett and M"" Cox yoked up the Oxen 
and hauled him down to the House. He was then placed 
before the fire and thawed out. It took the whole night to 
bring him to consciousness. And then the impudent beast 
denied being drunk — said he had a fit. I being absent at 
the time, M" W. ordered him to leave the house — he re- 
fused to go; she thereupon made complaint to the Principal 
Chief, who ordere[d] the Sheriffs to take him and set him 
across the line, which was accordingly done. So ended our 
connection with Old Connecticut.^ He is without exception 
the greatest glutton — beast, and the most uncivilized white 
man I ever saw. 

Monday, 27. — Attacked violently with the winter fever. 
Dr. Wright attending on me — blisters, nauseating doses. 

January, 1853. 

Sunday, 9. — Went to Church to hear M. Scarritt's funeral 
sermon on James Washington. 

Monday, 10. — Went up to write John Hicks' will. He is 
fast sinking and cannot survive much longer. 

Tuesday, 11. — Drew up a petition to the Council praying 
that body to restrain Dr. Clipper from opening a Missionary 
Establishment in our territory as unnecessary and useless. 

Thursday, 13. — When shall we behold the sun ngain? 

Friday, 14. — Cloudy as usual. Well, I incline to the opin- 
ion that the sun has taken his departure and located himself 
on the other side of the Sierra Nevada, in the region of Cal- 
ifornia, attracted thither no doubt by the Gold that abounds 
in that country. We had a new moon on last Sunday, but 
it has not been seen. What has become of it? gone too? 

Went and spent the evening with M. R. W. Clear night 
and for the first time, got a sight of Old Luna. 

- A Mr. Porter. 



January, 1853.] GOVERNOK WALKER. 371 

Saturday, 15. — Presley Muir came and cut and hauled 
some wood. I went to attend a night session of the Council, 
where the arrangements were made for the public execution 
of John Coon, Jr., on Tuesday, the 18tli instant. Came 
home at 11 o'clock at night. 

Sunday, 16. — All feeling unwell, none went to Church 
but Harriet. 

Monday, 17. — Went in company with M. R. W. to select 
the ground for the public execution of the criminal. 

P. Muir butchered our hogs — Aggregate weight 698 lbs, 
Attended an extra night session of the Council. 

Tuesday, 18. — Clear and cold morning. Attended at the 
Council Hou.^e. 

At 1 o'clock the procession was formed at the Jail, the 
prisoner bro't and placed in a Wagon and proceeded to 
the place of execution. At * past 3 o'clock P. M., the exe- 
cutioners, James Barnet, Tho. Pipe, Isaac Zane, H. C. Long,. 
Louis Liimpey and Joseph White, under the command of 

M. R. Walker and Philip Brown, took their position 

the signal was given and [the executioners] fired — the pris- 
oner fell and was buried. Such was the fate and end of 
John Coon, Jr., a badly raised boy. He may be justly said 
to be the victim of a wicked and ungodly mother. 

Wednesday, 19. — Wrote to JMajor Moseley at Sarcoxie,. 
upon matters appertaining to tiie Agency, especially about 
the movements of the Northern Missionary. 

Thursday, 20. — John Lynch come and made some altera- 
tions in our chimney to prevent its smoking. He succeeded 
to admiration in Curing the evil. 

Friday, 21. — Wrote to A. Guthrie. 

Monday, 24. — Commenced yesterday a communication for 
Cist's Advertiser. Finished it to-day. Attended the night 
session of the Legislative Committee. Adjourned at 12 
o'clock. Clear and moonlight. 



372 THE JOURNALS OF [January, 1353. 

Tuesday, 25. — At 1 P. M. went to attend the session of 
the Committee. 

Wednesday, 26. — Sent by Jonny O'Bludgeon for our mail. 
But he had not returned last evening at dark. We greatly 
fear he has got into a sprey. 

Thursday, 27. — Clear and cold morning. No Jonny 
O'Bludgeon yet. The rascal has got into a drunken frolic, 
and has probably lost our mail. 

M" Z. Armstrong, Miss Hunter, and the Misses Garret 
[came] on a visit to spend the afternoon with us. 

Friday, 28.— Paid M. R. W. a visit. Heard of the death 
of Fighter. P. Muir called. No news of "Mister O'Blud- 
geon." 

Monday, 31. — Wrote to A. Guthrie. Attended the night 
session of the Legislative Committee. W. Mulkey supposed 
to be married to-day to Miss D. 

February, 1853. 

Tuesday, 1. — M"^^ W. gone to K. and Harriet and Mary 
Garrett to M' Mul key's infair at Esquire W. M. McGee's 
Mansion. 

Wednesday, 2. — Harriet returned from the party at Mc- 
Gee's. 

Thursday, 3. — At 2 P. M. went to attend the session of 
the Committee, but found no quorum. Came liome. 

Sunday, 6. — Paid a visit to M. R. W. Found his maimed 
foot getting well. The Kansas River frozen over above the 
Ferry. M' Dofflemeyer called this evening in company with 
John D. Brown, for the purpose of having written what was 
seen by the latter while in "a trance" last fall during his 
illness. I accordingly wrote what was seen. 

It smacks very much of transcendentalism and wild insan- 
ity. But enthusiasts will and must have their whims. 

Tuesday, 8. — Rec'd a letter from Nimrod McKuight, an- 



Fel.ra:uy, 1853.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 373 

nouncing the death of M'"^ Hannah Barrett, aged 79. Heard 
that Edmund F. Chouteau died on Monday at 2 A. M. 

Tliursday, 10. — Went to attend the session of the Legis- 
lative Committee. Came home with a severe nervou.s liead- 
ache. Wrote to N. McKnight and Thomas Moseiey, Indian 
Agents. 

Sunday, 13. — In the evening went with [the] family to 
witness the nuptials between Isaiah P. Walker and Miss 
Mary Williams, at 4 o'clock, at the house of Silas Arm- 
strong. A very respectable company was assembled and 
everything passed off very agreeably. 

Monday, 14 — At 12 o'clock Meridian the venerable John 
Hicks^ departed this life [aged] upwards of 80 years. He 

' The following biographical sketch was written by Governor Walker: 
"Died at his residence in Wyandott Territory, on the 14th inst., at 12 o'clock M., 
John Hicks, aged upwards of 80 years. The subject of this brief sketch was a half 
b'.ood. His father was a German, captured during the old Indian wars in some part of 
Maryland, it is supposed, and was in due time regularly adopted into the Wyandott 
Nation, where he remained all his life. His son John Hicks, was in his youth, acci- 
dentally wounded very severely in the right thigh, which, owing to mismanagement, 
rendered him a cripple for life. 

"In the year 1810, he with Between-the-logs, Mononcue, Matthew Peacock and George 
Punch, was called to the Council Fire by Tarhee, the then ruling Sachem of the nation. 
In this important post he soon distinguished himself for wisdom, firmness and decision. 
He often detected and exposed the intrigues and machinations of Tecumseh and the 
Prophet, previous to the late war, in their operations with the Northwestern tribes. 
He continued in this important post with increased usefulness till the death of Tarhee, 
when by hereditary right. Da on quot succeeded him as the ruling Chief. Hicks con- 
tinned in the same relation to the new Chief until the death of the latter in the summer 
of 1825. It was during his administration that Methodism was first preached among 
the Wyandotts. Being strongly imbued with the superstitions incident to heathenism, 
it was sometime before he could be convinced of the truth and reality of this ' New 
doctrine,' for it was indeed ' New ' to him ; as all his preconceived notions of the Chris- 
tian religion were derived from the Romish Church, and not a very promising believer 
at that. Possessing an inquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge and a disposition to 
' Prove all things and hold fast that which is good,' he availed himself of all opportu- 
nities when he could get the aid of a good Interpreter, of conversing with well informed 
Protestants upon religious subjects. In the year 1819 he, with his colleagues above- 
named (except Da on quot who opposed this new religion bitterly), was received into 
the Church under the ministry of Eev. James Montgomery. From this period until 
the close of his pilgrimage he has continued unwavering and steadfast in his religious 
integrity, showing by his daily walk that the salvation of his own, and the souls of all 
within his reach was the chief business of his life. His conversation upon religious 
subjects showed unmistakably that he was in earnest — that be meant and felt wiiat he 
said. He was exact and punctual in his attendance upon all the means of grace and a 



374 THE JOURNALS OF [Febmary, 1853. 

was the last of the hereditary Chiefs of the Wyandott na- 
tion. He has been for thirty-five years a member of the M. 
E. Church. 

Tuesday, 15. — M" W. and Harriet rode over to pay a visit 
to our old friend and neiglibor E. T. Peerey, who is laying 
very low with the Winter Fever. Attended the joint ses- 
sion of the Committee and Council. Both bodies adjourned 
to attend the Funeral of the late John Hicks. 

In the evening snowing, and continued till late in the 
night. 

Wednesday, 16. — Went to attend the session of the Com- 
mittee. Presented to the Council the last Will and testa- 
ment of John Hicks for probate. 

cardinal maxim with him was to "Have no communion with the unfruitful works of 
darkness but rather to reprove them ;" and in reproof he was proverbially severe ; yet 
none acquainted with him could take offence. The ungodly, the persecutor and scoffer 
have often been made to writhe under the lacerating reproof administered by him. As 
an Exhorter he was fluent, eloquent and impressive. His mind maintained its vigor 
till within two or three years ago. Last fall a year, he was selected by the Chiefs to 
deliver, at the Church, an address on the life and character of a deceased Chief with 
whom he had been intimate many years. It was in this effort, discovered that his 
mental faculties were indeed falling into ' the sere and yellow leaf,' — and the gigantic 
Oak was dying at the top. Mentally and physically, it was evident, he was sinking 
under the pressure of the hand of time. 

" Father Hicks was ill about seven weeks before he died. I visited him about ten 
days previous to our last Quarterly meeting, when he expressed a desire to have admin- 
istered to him for the last time, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at that time. His 
wife remarked that she did not think he would live that long. He seemed to be sud- 
denly roused and said, ' I feel confident that the Lord will spare me till then — yes, I 
shall live that long.' LTpon our arrival at the time appointed for that purpose, we 
found him drowsy and stupid; but upon hearing our voices, he woke up and recognized 
us both — Knew our business and was inclined to converse with us, but was too weak. 
Brother Peerey administered to him the sacred emblems. 

"Suffering much and long, he evinced great patience and resignation. In his con- 
versation with all who visited him he invariably stated he was ready to obey the sum- 
mons at any moment — exhorted his friends to faithfulness in the cause. Thus departed 
this veteran from his post on the watch tower. The last of the hereditary Chiefs under 
the old regime of the Wyandott Nation. 

" His age and feebleness extreme. 

Who shall a helpless worm redeem! 

Jesus, my only hope thou art: — 

Strength of my failing flesh and heart, 

O, could I catch a smile from thee, 

And drop into eternity! " 



March, 1851.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 375 

Friday, 18. — Went over to C. B. G.'s and spent some 
time in social chat with Major Kirby. 

Monday, 21.— Went up to appraise White- Wing's farm. 
Came home. Kaining. 

Tuesday, 22. — Went and attended the last session of the 
Committee. Passed the Annual Appropriation Bill and ad- 
journed sine die. Hired Monsieur Brouseau to work a 
while. 

Wednesday, 23. — Attended the sale of John Hicks Es- 
tate. Came home in the evening. 

Friday, 25. — Major Moseley set out for Delaware. 

Went at candle-light to attend a Temperance meeting at 
the Council House, Pretty fair turn out. 

Saturday, 26. — M"" Brouseau and Dudley commenced haul- 
ing in our corn from the brickyard Field. Wrote an obit- 
uary of John Hicks, Sen.^ 

March, 1853. 

Thursday, 3. — The loorthless Congress will be disbanded 
to-night at 12 o'clock. I pray Heaven this Republic will 
never be again cursed with such another Congress. Be- 
ceived two letters from Sophia informing us that her health 
was poor, and [that she] wanted to come home. Bec'd one 
from A. Guthrie upon the subject of our territorial organi- 
zation. 

Friday, 4. — This day Gen. F. Pierce is inaugurated Pres- 
ident of the U. S. Friday is an ill day, a day of bad omen. 

Saturday, 5. — My birthday! Fifty-three years old! that 
cannot be. I daily see men who are fourteen and fifteen 
years my juniors, w^ho look as though they were as many 
years my seigniours. I am not yet, I trust, "in the sere and 
yellow leaf;" but how natural for men, when somewhat ad- 
vanced in life, to vainly imagine they are still in 'Hhe dew of 
their youths 

' The biographical sketch given in note 1, p. 373. 



376 THE JOURNALS OF [March. 1853 

Monday, 7. — Attended, at night, a temperance Meeting at 
the Church. Came home at 11 o'clock. 

Tuesday, 8. — M"^ Broseau went home after dinner; being 
too stormy to work. Sent by him my letters to the P. O.; 

one to Judge C, Ph a; one to Rev. B. H. Russel, 

California. 

Wednesday, 9. — Sent Dudley to K., who shortly afterwards 
returned and reported that the ice above the ferry had 
broken loose and stove in the ferry boat and carried her 
off down the river, with a negro on board. 

Thursday, 10. — Sent Dudley again to K. He bro't our 
mail, with a Telegraphic dispatch announcing Gen. Pierce's 
Cabinet: Secretary of State, Marcy, of N. Y.; Treasury, 
Guthrie, Ky.; Interior, McClelland, Mich.; War, Davis, 
Miss.; Navy, Dobbin, N. C; P. M. G., Campbell, Penn.; 
Att'y Gen'l, Gushing, Mass. 

Friday, 11. — Sent Dudley after my Frenchman to come 
to work. Found the rascally Bullfrogeater in Kansas chop- 
ping wood in the Street. Went over to sit up with Cyrus 
Garrett, who is very sick with the Erysipelas. Staid all 
night. Heard of the death of Henry Warpole and Ann 
White- Wing. The former died in the woods while hunt- 
ing. 

Saturday, 12. — Sent Sophia's letter to J. Walker for him 
to enclose $40 to her. Dudley returned from K. bringing 
our mail. One letter from Sophia. Her health improving. 
Rec'd Senate bill organizing Nebraska Territory.^ 

Sunday, 13. — Went over to see Cyrus; found him im- 
proving. Staid till quite late. 

Monday, 14. — Cold and cloudy morning. Therm. 18°. 
I am apprehensive [that] cold weather is likely to continue 
thro' this New Moon. 

' I have been unable to learn anything of this bill. This entry would indicate that 
it was not the Hall-Richardson bill. But I can come to no other conclusion than that 
it was. 



March, 1853] GOVERNOR WALKER. 377 

Answered M. Edwards' letter. Just heard that Tom Coke 
had inflicted a mortal wound upon Solomon Kayrohoo, with 
an Iron poker. 

Tuesday, 15. — Clear and cold. Therm. 10°. Attended a 
special session of the Committee. Unpleasant day. Heard 
of the death of Dr. Gemundt. 

Wednesday, 16. — Commenced the copying [of] the Wy- 
andott laws. Warm wind from the south. Cyrus Garrett 
is still very sick. Typhoid Fever. Therm. 22°. 

Thursday, 17. — Went over to see Cyrus Garrett. Found 
him improving. 

Engaged in copying the laws. A perplexing job ! Amend- 
ments upon amendments come up like "spirits from the 
vasty deep "; incoherent, incongruous, and inconsistent with 
the original laws. Such are the fruits of having Nin-Kum- 
poops to make laws. 

Attended a Temperance Meeting at the Church. Deliv- 
ered a speech at the request of the Society. Came home at 
11 o'clock at night. 

Tuesday, 22. — Attended the session of the Council. Not 
much done. 

Wednesday, 23. — M' Dofflemeyer commenced witewash- 
ing our House. C. B. Garrett returned home. Also, Hon. 
A. Guthrie from AVashington. Our house upside doivn and 
topsey turvey. 

Thursday, 24. — M'" D. still whitewashing and painting. 
At 2 P. M. got through, and [I am] heartily glad of it. 

Friday, 25. — Cloudy morning; threatening rain. That 
aithy, greasy, loafing, poverty stricken, lying Frenchman, Bro- 
seau, has not returned to work. My execrations upon his 
pate! 

Saturday, 26. — Sick. I am unable to tell my complaint. 
Something like dyspepsia. Feel wretched. Took a dose of 



378 THE JOURNALS OF [March. 1853. 

Cook's Pills last night. Derived no advantage from them. 
Sick all day. Resumed recording the Laws — gave it up. 

Sunday, 27. — I feel some better this morning ; but my 
complaint is not doce with yet. "The snake is scotched but 
not killed." 

April, 1853. 

Thursday, 14. — While in Kansas strong suspicions were 
excited that a gang of desperadoes was lurking about intent 
upon robbery and plunder; a person was detailed by the 
citizens to keep a look out. He associated himself with ev- 
ery suspicious person — to chat with each quite familiarly, 
and [he] finally succeeded in discovering who they were, 
their plans of operation, and that they had already commit- 
ted a burglarious robbery upon a store in Parkville. He 
also ascertained where the goods were concealed, and [that] 
it was their intention to fire the town of Kansas that night. 
Prompt measures were then adopted for their arrest. Arrest 
succeeded arrest till nine were secured. They were sent to 
Platte City Jail to await their trial. They were a hard look- 
ing set of scamps. 

Saturday, 23. — Commenced writing a review of an edito- 
rial which appeared in the " Sandusky Register." It is a 
most scandalous calumny on the Wyandotts. This is the 
first instance of any of [the] Corps Editorial in Ohio at- 
tacking the Wyandotts. 

Sunday, 24, — Finished my fulmination. Visited by E. 
Garret and Henry Garrett, who staid [a] coui^le of hours. 
In the evening the Rev. JVP Jones called upon us. 

AVednesday, 27. — M. R. Walker bro't us our mail, among 
which was a letter from Sophia, announcing to us the aston- 
ishing news of her marriage with M^ D. V. Clements, of 
Hardin County, Ohio, on the 5th instant. WeW, perhaps its 
for the best. 



May. 1853.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 379 

Thursday, 28. — Just heard that Tom Coke was killed by 
Tom Mononcue, while returning from Parkville. Learned, 
as yet, no particulars. 

Saturday, 30. — Sent by Adam Brown for our mail, but 
this was the last we have seen of him. I fear he got on a 
hurst, and perhaps lost our mail and himself, too. 

May, 1853. 

Monday, 2. — Finished copying the Wyandott Laws.^ Fe- 
licitatus ! 

A great temperance meeting at the Church to-night. 
These Temperance promises and pledges may, peradventure, 
last till "Dog days," but I very much doubt it. They are 
seldom productive of any permanent good. 

Tuesday, 10. — Attended the session of the Council. Fri- 
day, loth, appointed for the trial of Thomas Mononcue. 

Heard of the removal of Thomas Moseley from the In- 
dian Agency and the appointment of a M' Kobinson from 
the South West part of the State. 

Wednesday, 11. — Wrote a long letter to the California 
Wyandotts. Wm. Priddee, Presley Mnir & Company set 
out from Wyandott Territory for California, with nearly two 
hundred head of Cattle. 

Friday, 13. — This is the day set for the trial of the crim- 
inal. 

3 o'clock P. M. — Some of the jury and some of the wit- 
nes.ses failing to appear, the trial was postponed till Tuesday 
the 17th. 

M"^ George Twyman called this evening. 

Monday, 16. — In the evening attended a Temperance 
meeting at the Church. The person chosen for speaker at a 
previous meeting not appearing, M'^ D '^ who always 

' I have searched for this copy of the Wyandot Laws, but liave not found them. 
They are not among the papers belonging to the Council in the Indian Territory. 
- Dofflemeyer. 



380 THE JOURNALS OF [May, iS53. 

likes to hear himself talk, took the floor, and with his usiuil 
wild and uncouth ranting and horrid screams soon came near 
driving his audience out of the House, when S. Armstrong- 
interposed and took the floor from him and delivered a short 
address in Wyandott, after which I followed in English. 

Tuesday, 17. — At 12 M. went down to attend the trial of 
Thomas Mononcue. The jury empanelled and sworn. J. 
W. Gray Eyes, Prosecutor. M. R. W. and myself for the 
defeiice. The case was submitted to the jury at 6 o'clock, 
and I came home. 

Wednesday, 18. — Just learned that the Jury bro't in a 
verdict of ''Man Slaughter in the Second Degreed The 
Court unjustly and tyrannically sentenced him [to] iuiir 
years solitary confinement. 

Sunday, 22. — Went to Church and heard a very good ser- 
mon preached by Rev. Thos. Ashby. Invited him and his 
lady to dine with us. 

Tuesday, 24. — Major Moseley and lady came and staid all 
night, by way of a farewell visit; he having been superseded 
in the Kansas Agency by a M' Robinson, of Polk County, 
Mo 

Thursday, 26. — Diable : Those drunken vagabondish fer- 
rymen have the lost Ferry Boat. They say some one or two 
broke the lock last night and took the Boat, no one knows 
where. This is too provoking. The rascals have been drunk 
and lost the Boat themselves. Now we have another Ein- 
hargo. 

Sunday, 29. — To-day a Union Sunday School celebration 
comes ofi" in Kansas. 

Our Ferry Boat was found and recovered near Randolph. 

Monday, 30. — Major Moseley came over in company with 
Major Robinson, his successor in office, and introduced him 
to us employees and such others as were present. Beauliful 
evening, tho' cool. 



June, 1853.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 381 

Tuesday, 31. — Sent a copy of the Ohio State Journal con- 
taining my vindication of the Wyandotts, for republication 
in the "Missouri Democrat." M" Priestley & M.'^ Doffle- 
meyer [came] on a visit [to us] and dined. Wrote to 
David Preston & Co., of Detroit, on the subject of Bounty 
lands. 

.Tu.Nj., 1853. 

Monday, 6. — M" W. and I went to Kansas to attend to 
some indisj^ensable business. AVhile in Kansas we found 
that "the Campbells" were not only "coming," but had act- 
ually come. We had a regular family interview. 

Saturday, 11. — Dressed out my Hominy Corn. 

Harriet, Miss Armstrong, Miss Hunter & Miss JNinnie 
went up to Muncie town and staid all night. 

Sunday, 12. — Our Clergyman being absent, there were no 
religious services at the Church. And as a consequence we 
all staid at home. 

A strange sort of Genius called upon me to-day, an eccen- 
tric, wild and impulsive German. He was making researches 
into the various Aboriginal dialects. I exhibited to him 
such works as I had on hand, from which he made extracts. 
His English was bad and, if possible, his French was worse. 
He was in the outward man, rough and filthy. 

Friday, 17. — In the evening Harriet found two swarms 
of bees hanging [to] a walnut tree. We turned to and pre- 
pared a couple of Gums and secured them. In the night 
we removed them to the Garden where they may accumu- 
late as much honey as they please. 

Sunday, 19. — M"" Doffleiiiever and Lady returned last 
evening from Platte County. The Korthern Quarterly 
Meeting going on. 

Wednesday, 22. — M'"^ Nancy Pipe is veiy sick. Having 
had a paralytic stroke on her left side, rendering her in- 
sensible. 



382 THE JOURNALS OF [J«««. isss. 

Thursday, 23. — M" Nancy Pipe continues insensible. 

Friday, 24. — Harriet just returned from sitting up with 
the sick. Nancy no better. 

Riddlesbarger Charivari'd last night. 

Saturday, 25. — At dark news came that Nancy Pipe was 
dying. Harriet and I went over. She died at 20 minutes 
past 10 o'clock P. M. We sat up all night. 

Sunday, 26. — After breakfast we returned to the afflicted 
family. A lai'ge concourse of our people assembled, and 
Rev. M' Dofflemeyer delivered an address. Funeral to 
take place at 10 o'clock to-morrow. 

Monday, 27. — Attended the funeral. The burial took 
place at 12 M. 

Thursday, 30. — M' & M'' Clement arrived. A happy 
meeting among the folks. 

July, 1853. 

Tuesday, 12. — Attended the nominating Convention. The 
following is the result: 



John D. Brown 


vs 


Tauromee. 


Matthew Mudeater 


vs 


John Arms. 


John Sarrahess 


vs 


Geo. I. Clarl: 


John S. Bearskin 


vs 


John Hicks. 


John Gibson 


vs 


Thos. Pipe. 



Wednesday, 13. — Capt. Black-Sheep called upon us to- 
day. 

Friday, 22. — Martha gone to Kansas and Harriet to Mun- 
cie town.^ 

Monday, 25. — Cool and cloudy morning. Resumed cut- 
ting my grass. Warm thro' the day. Sent Harriet to Kan- 
sas for some medicines for M"^ C. who has every other day a 
chill. 

In the evening three Gentlemen rode up and enquired if 

' Now Muncie P. 0,. Wyandotte County, Kansas. 



July, 1853.] GOVEENOK WALKEK. 383 

W. W. resided here. Upon being answered in the affirma- 
tive they stated they wished to stay all night. I sent them 
to M' C. B. G.'s. 

They said they were delegates to the Rail Road Meeting, 
in Nebraska, on the 26th inst. I would gladly have enter- 
tained them, but owing to family sickness I was compelled 
to send them where I did. 

Tuesday, 26. — Very cool and clear. 

Went over to C. B. G.'s and got my scythe ground. 

Warm and sultry. 

On yesterday morning One Hundred Snakes Standing- 
stone died of Hania a potu. 

At noon a messenger was sent for me to attend the Rail 
Road Convention. I saddled my horse and rode up to the 
Wyandott Council House, where I found a large collection 
of the habitans of Nebraska. 

The meeting was called to order and organized by the ap- 
pointment of Wm. P. Birney, of Delaware, President, and 
Wm. Walker, Sec'y. 

A Committee was then appointed to prepare Resolutions 
expressive of the sense of the meeting. James Findley 

Dyer, and Silas Armstrong were appointed. 

In accordance with the Resolutions adopted the fol low- 
officers were elected as a provisional government for the 
Territory: 

For Provisional Governor, Wm. Walker; Sec'y of the 
Territory, G. I. Clark; Councilmen, R. C. Miller, Isaac 
Mundy, and M. R. Walker. 

Resolutions were adopted expressive of the Convention's 
preference of the Great Central Rail Road Route. 

A. Guthrie, late delegate, was nominated as the Candidate 
for re-election. Adjourned. 

Thursday, 28. — Clear and cool morning. 

M. R. Walker very kindly come to my aid with his hand 



384 THE JOURNALS OF [July, 1853. 

and team and hauled and stacked my hay in excellent or- 
der. 

A. Guthrie called upon and dined with us to-day. Bec'd 
the printed proceedings of the Nebraska territorial Conven- 
tion. 

Great credit is due to the Proprietors of the "Industrial 
Luminary " in Parkville for their promptitude in publishing 
the proceedings in hand bills in so short a time. 

Friday, 29. — Staid at home all day and rested by reading 
and writing. 

Saturday, 30. — Clear and warm. Prospect of a warm day. 
Well, by action of the Convention of Tuesday last I was 
elected Provisional Governor of this Territory. The first 
executive act devolving on me, is to issue a Proclamation 
ordering an election to be held in the different precincts, 
[for] one delegate to the 33rd Congress. 

At 10 o'clock A. M., a smart shower. This will in some 
degree, cool the ardor of the spectators of the exhibition of 
the Managerie of living animals in Kansas to-day. 

August, 1853. 

Monday, 1. — Issued my proclamation for holding an elec- 
tion in the different precincts in the Territory op the second 
Tuesday in October, for one Delegate to the 33rd Congress, 

Attended at a Council of Wyandotts, Dela wares, Shawnees, 
and Pottowotomies, in Delaware. Came home at midnight. 
Then [we] had a heavy rain. 

Wednesday, 3. — At the request of a friend, I wrote my 
own brief Biography. While doing so, I was visited again 
by the crazy German mentioned under the date " Sunday, 
June 12." While engaged in making extracts from my 
books, he was taken with a chill. He is evidently partially 
insane. During the paroxysm of the chill, we .discovered 
that the poor fellow was saris schme. He left in the evening. 



August, 1853.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 385 

Saturday, 6. — To- Uiy Se:;;itor Atci)i>on holds forth in 
Parkville, but I cannot go. 

Monday, 8. — Geo. I. Clark, Sec'y of the Territory, called 
this morning and delivered the printed Proclamation (200 
copies) for circulation. 

Tuesday, 9. — Yoked up my oxen to see how "Old Brin" 
would work with his new partner, Darby. Well, they work 
charmingly. I am pleased with my team. 

This is the day appointed for the Wyandott National elec- 
tion and Green Corn feast. 

Wednesday 10.— "The Dog Star rages." Therm. 95°. 

Hauled a part of our effects to the Camp Ground. I am 
almost sorry I consented to Camp, the weather being so op- 
pressively hot. 

Thursday, 11. — I have lost a day. My reckoning is 
wrong, but let it pass. Hauled a part of our effects to the 
Camp Ground to-day, not yederday. 

Friday, 12. — Located among "the tents of Israel," but in 
order to accomplish this, I suffered in the flesh. 

Saturday, 13. — Public preaching by Rev. F. Ashby. In 
the' evening we had a shower with a heavy wind creating a 
considerable clatter among the clap boards of our Shantee. 

Sunday, 14. — At 11 o'clock a very large congregation 
assembled in the Brick Church, filling it to its utmost 
capacity. 

Rev. F. Ashby preached an able sermon from the 1st 
Psalm. 

In the evening a very warm and interesting meeting. The 
Church members seemed to enjoy the exercises with great 
gusto. 

Monday, 15. — Religious services at short intervals, con- 
tinued. 

The ordinance of Baptism administered to M' and M'^ 
Priestly, and a large number of children. 
26 



386 THE JOURNALS OF [August, 1353. 

At niglit a warm and devotional prayer meeting. 

Tuesday, 16. — Broke up and all moved home. 

Tiiur.-day, 18. — Commenced a long letter to Presley 
Muir [who is] in California. Got my Kan.^^as mail. Two 
Whigs elected from Missouri, Liudsey and Caruthers. 

Sunday, 21. — I am vexed and tormented by my neigh- 
bor's hogs. A more devilish and unruly set of swine I 
never saw. Preacher's children and live stock, from such, 
" Libera nos, Donvine Deo ".' 

Thursday, 25. — Rec'd a letter from Major Robinson on 
official business. 

Saturday, 27. — I must to-day collect some school statis- 
tics for Major Robinson. 

Sunday, 28. — There being no services at the Church, all 
having gone to the Delaware Camp Meeting, we staid at 
home. 

Monday, 29.— M'"' W., M' Clement and myself went to 
Kansas. 

Getting sickly in this place. Many "pale faces. 

Wednesday, 31. — M"" Guthrie called upon us to-day. All 
sick. 

September, 1853. 

Friday, 2. — M""^ W. very sick. Our physician is very at- 
tentive to us in our afflictions, but our uncouth and clownish 
preacher attaches but little value to our spiritual interests, 
as he has never called to see us. 

Tuesday, 6. — M"" Commissioner Manypenny came over in 
company with Rev. Thos. Johnston to pay the Wyandotts a 
visit. The Council being in session, I introduced him to the 
Council, to which body he made a short address. 

Thursday, 8. — Harriet gone to Lexington and our emi- 
nent divine to the Conference in St. Louis. Dr. Wright 
called to see us. 



October, 1853.] GOVERNOR AVALKER. o87 

Saturday, 10. — The Territorial Council met and ado}ited 
rules and regulations for the election of delegate to Congress 
from this Territory. 

Sunday, 11. — A shower in the morning. 

It turned out a pleasant day, but a dull and lonesome day. 
Not a soul called upon us thro' the day. Wrote the Indian's 
experience in Spiritual Rappings. 

Tuesday, 13. — Attended the session of the Council. There 
met with Major Robinson, Indian Agent. Came home in 
the evening. 

Friday, 16. — Tauroomee, N. Cotter and Philip Brown 
called to get some writing done. The two latter [are] go- 
ing to California. 

Tuesday, 27. — T>. Dofllemeyer returned from St. Louis 
Conference, that^s all about him. 

October, 1853. 

Tuesday, 4. — Attended the session of the Council. Har- 
riet returned home from Lexington, ]Mo. 

A. L. Gilstrap, Bloomington, Mo. 

The above is the address of a Gentleman Avho called upon 
me and spent the evening. He has been exploring Nebraska 
Territory with a view of settling. 

Thursday, 6. — Kec'd a letter from Maj. Robinson, inform- 
ing me that Com. Manypenny wished to have an interview 
with the Council to-morrow. 

Friday, 7. — Attended a Council called by the Com. of 
Indian Affairs. Speeches were passed between the parties 
on the subject of the Territorial organization, selling out to 
the Gov't. 

Saturday, 8. — Completed my second Epistle to the Ohio 
State Journal on Tenitoi-ial Affairs. Then hunted up my 
villainous horses. Harriet gone to Kansas for our mail. 
Attended a called National Council. 



388 THE JOURNALS OF [October, 1853. 

Sunday, 9. — Harriet went to Sabbath School. M. E-. W., 
M^^ M. Garrett, and M'^ Sarah Garrett called upon us and 
spent an hour in social chat. 

Monday, 10. — Went to attend a special session of the 
Council. 

Tuesday, 11. — Attended the election for delegate to Con- 
gress, for Wyandott precinct. Fifty-cne votes only were 
polled. 

A. Guthrie, 33 

Tom Johnston, 18 

The priesthood of the M. E. Church made unusual exer- 
tions to obtain a majority for their holy brother. Amidst the 
exertions of their obsequious tools, it was apparent [that] it 
was an u[)-hill piece of business in Wyandott. 

Executed a Commission to J. B. Nones as Commissioner 
and Notary Public for Nebraska Territory. 

Thursday, 13. — Went down to Kansas to see M'" and M'^ 
Clement on board a Steamer on their return to Ohio. A 
pleasant trip to ye. Farewell. 

Thursday, 27. — Just getting over a most wanton and un- 
provoked attack of the Bilious Diarrhea which bro't me 
close to death's door. 

Friday, 28. — Hired Isaac Big-Tree and James Armstrong 
to chop wood. In the evening tliey went home. 

In the evening the M^^ Garretts and Miss Garrett called 
and staid till bed-time. 

Monday, 31. — I suppose we may safely set down Thomas 
Johnston's election for delci^ate as certain. It is not at all 
surprising, when we look at the fearful odds between tlie 
opposing candidates. M'^ Guthrie had only his personal 
friends to support him with their votes and influence, while 
the former had the whole power of the Federal Government, 
the presence and active support of the Commissioner of In- 



November. 1853.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 389 

dian Affairs, the Military, the Indian Agents, Missionaries, 
Indian Traders, &c. A combined power that is irresistible. 

November, 1853. 

Saturday, 5. — Kee'd a line from J. Walker informing me 
that Ma,]. Robinson, Indian Agent, had landed with the An- 
nuity, and intended paying out on Monday. 

Sunday, 6. — Wrote all day in copying the Pay Roll, hav- 
ing to make triplicates. 

Monday, 7. — Attended at the Council House at an early 
hour, tho' in poor health. The Agent having been fur- 
nished with only $17,500.00, leaving out $5,000.00 due under 
the Treaty of 1850, the Council refused to receive it. So 
ended the payment. The whole [matter] was adjourned in- 
definitely. 

The Territorial Council, Sec'y and Governor then pro- 
ceeded to open the returns of the Territorial Election. After 
canvassing the Returns it appeared that Thomas Johnston 
had received the highest number of votes, and was declared 
duly elected delegate to the 33d Congress. 

Came home having P. D. Clark as a guest. 

Tuesday, 8. — J. W. Garrett, Deputy Secretary, attended at 
my House, and we issued the Certificate of election to Thomas 
Johnston, delegate elect to the 33rd Congress. 

Friday, 11. — Beautiful, warm morning. This is "Indian 
summer." 

Yoked up my Oxen and hauled home the Cabbage we 
bought from M'^^ Rankin ; then all hands went to work and 
we made a h Barrel of Saur Ki^aut, as good as ever was 
stowed away in the stomach of Governor Von Twillerei-, or 
Peter the Headstrong. 

Saturday, 12. — M"" Guthrie called and examined the elec- 
tion returns for delegate, and intends taking copies of them. 

Sunday, 13. — Finished two letters. One to M' O. H. 



390 THE JOURNALS OF [November, 1853. 

Browne, of Maryland, and the other to M'" Gilstrap, Editor 
of the"BloomingtonE,epublican, both on Territorial Affairs. 

Monday, 14. — Went out to hunt my villainous horses, hut 
could lind nothing of them and gave up the chase. M'^ W. 
then went out for the same purpose, but returned fatigued 
and equally unsuccessful. C. B. Garrett returned from Ohio. 

Thursday, 17. — Bode out to hunt for my ox, but could 
not find him. Harriet gone to Kansas to see a sick friend, 
Miss Martha Smart. 

Friday, 18. — Went out again to hunt my runaway ox. 
Travelled over "hill and dale," through jungles and thick- 
ets, swamps and morasses, but could find nothing of the old 
Scamp. 

Sunday, 20. — Yesterday and to-day a})pointed for Quar- 
terly Meeting ; the weather being so unfavorable, there will 
not be much of a "turn out." 

The rainy appearance of the sky prevented us from going 
to Church. 

Monday, 21. — Went down to attend the Annuity pay- 
ment. After much parleying and delay, the payment com- 
menced. By omitting, for the present, ten deceased persons, 
the $17,500 netted |30 per capita to 585 persons. Not get- 
ting through, it was adjourned till to-morrow morning, 10 
o'clock. 

Tuesday, 22. — Besumed the payment of the Annuity, 
and closed at candle-light. A tedious job we have had 
of it. 

Wednesday, 23. — M""^ W. and Martha set out this morn- 
ing for Parkville, this [being] their. first visit to that place. 

Went to meet the Council and Maj. Bobinson. Bo't of P. 
D. Clark an Osage Pony for $28.00. 

Came home wearied of the bustle and turmoil of an In- 
dian payment. Our folks returned from Parkville about 
sunset. 



TleceiBbei, 1853] GOVERNOR WALKER. 391 

Thursday, 24. — Wrote a communication to Col. Many- 
penny, Commissioner of Indian Aflairs, correcting an error 
in a communication published in the Missouri Democrat by 
M"" A. Guthrie in relution to a speech delivered by the for- 
mer to the Wyandott Council. 

Friday, 25. — M"" P. D. Clark sent my Osage Pony by his 
man ''Friday." 

Saturday, 26. — Rode out to Matthew Barnett's to recover 
my runaway ox, but could not find him. E-eturned home. 

In the evening the Ladies from C. B. G.'s, accompanied 
by M'" Edgar Garret, came over and spent the evening witli 
us. 

Monday, 28. — Went the second time in pursuit of my ox. 
Found him at the Widow Kayroohoo's and had much trouble 
and difficulty in getting him home. 

Went to attend the session of the Wyandott Council. 
Met Maj. E-obinson there. Leai-ned that the Widow Bonu- 
CMj died yesterday. Came home in the evening. 

J. W^alker purchased the Agency buildings and other im- 
provements at $500.00. 

Wednesday, oO. — Turned out my Osage Pony, and my 
two horses took turns in chasing her round the pasture. I 
then expelled one of them, supposing the other would then 
become more friendly and sociable with her ; but no. He 
continued racing her round the pasture. I was compelled 
to put her in the stable for protection. 

December, 1853. 

Thursday, 1. — Went to Church to hear Professor South- 
wick of Chapel Hill Academy, a Cumberland Presbyterian 
preacher. That portion of the sermon I heard was very 
good. 

Saturday, 3. — Just heard that a deputation of Seneca 



392 THE JOUENALS OF [December, 1853. 

Chiefs had arrived, od public business with the Wyandott 
Council. 

Attended the Council. Found seven Senecas, a deputa- 
tion of Shawnees, and one of Delawares. 

John Hatt, the Wyandott Principal Chief, opened the 
usual ceremonies, when the Senecas delivered a speech em- 
bracing the object of their Embassy. 

The amount was to remind the Wyandotts that they were 
once appointed the keepers of the Council fire, and it was 
the wish of the Six Nations that they should re-kindle the 
fire in the West. 

They were replied to thro' the Shawnees, that the Council 
fire had been rekindled in the West five years ago last Oc- 
tober, and the reason why they (the six nations) were not 
invited to attend and assist in the ceremonies must be plain 
and obvious to them, viz: they did not belong to the An- 
cient Confederacy of N. W. Indians, but to the Iroquoise 
Confederacy; therefore could claim no rights, nor have any 
voice in it. 

Sunday, 4. — To-day the members of Congress, instead of 
going to Church and say[ing] their prayers, are busily en- 
gaged in canvassing and intriguing about the Speakership 
and Clerkship of the House. 

Monday, 5. — Rec'd a proposition to purchase our Piano, 
from Pev. Scarritt for his Select School in Westport. Low- 
est figure, $200.00. The matter considered. 

Beautiful day. Indian summer. To-day Congress meets. 

To-day a fearful struggle takes place in the House of Pep- 
resentatives among the Candidates for Speaker and for Clerk. 
If the House gets organized to-day, the President's message 
will be delivered. 

Sold our Piano Forte to Pev. N. Scarritt, Principal of the 
Westport High School, at |200.00, 9 months credit. 

Tuesday, 6. — M'' Dofflemeyer came with his Wagon to 



December, 1853.] GOVEKNOR WALKER. 393 

take the Piano to Westport. We packed it up and shipped 
it off. Farewell, dispenser of sweet, concordant sounds ! 

The Council sent the Sheriff after me to attend their ses- 
sion. Well, I promptly and very decidedly refused. I 
thought it was time to have a short cessation of these public 
gatherings, and time to attend to my long neglected domes- 
tic affairs. 

Friday, 9.— Finished reading "The Tenant of Wildfeld 
Hall." I consider it one of the best written things of the 
Kind I have ever read. I like its terse and vigorous style 
of the pure old Anglo-Saxon dialect. 

Wednesday, 14. — This evening a Cotillion party is to 
come off at the "Modie House" in Westport, but I cannot 
go, tho' invited, owing to my crippled condition. 

Thursday, 15. — Major Robinson sent for me to attend at 
the Council House. I went. He had received a communi- 
cation from the Com. of Indian Affairs upon the subject of 
the $5,000 — explaining the cause of its non-payment. 

P. D. Clark's Protest was read to the Council. 

Tuesday, 20. — Harriet and Baptiste set out for Kansas, 
but on arriving at the Ferry found the floating ice so thick 
and running so rapidly the Ferry Boat could not cross. So 
they gave it up and come home. M"" Dofflemeyer then pro- 
posed to Harriet that if she would go back with him, as he 
wanted to go over, he would venture with the Ferry Boat, 
and make the attempt to cross. They went and succeeded 
in crossing. 

Friday, 23. — F. A. Hicks and Adam Brown called upon 
me to-day. 

Finished a long letter in answer to one of enquiry about 
the general character of Nebraska, from some Ohio Yan- 
kees. 

Saturday, 24. — To-day the "Sons of Temperance" have 
a celebration at the Church. In the evening the Division 



394 ■ THE JOURNALS OF [December, 1853. 

was dismissed after its return to the Lodge Room. They 
made quite an imposing appearance when marching to, and 
from the Church. The repast, prepared for the Division 
and all who attended, was rich and bountiful. A social party 
at Isaac Brown's. 

Monday, 26.— M'^^ Hicks, W Williams, and W Charloe, 
all aged and venerable Widows, called upon us to-day to pay 
us the compliments of tlie season. They dined with us and 
took their leave. Shall we ever eat another Christmas Din- 
ner together? 

Wednesday, 28. — Harriet and our garcon, Baptiste gal- 
loping over the country for marketing. I, engaged in issu- 
ing cards of invitation. Thus the day passed away. 

Thursday, 29. — I, and my garcon hauled a load of chips 
from the woods, amounting to nearly a cord of solid wood. 

Kussell Garrett, in company with Harriet and some other 
company, gone to the Fair at Westport. 

Friday, 30. — M'^ Dofflemeyer called this morning, and as 
usual, in a hurry. Our folks who went to attend the West- 
port Fair, returned at 2 P. M. amidst the storm. 

Our women up to their "Eyebrows" in culinary oper- 
ations for to-morrow's " Dinner party." 

Saturday, 31. — The last and surviving day of Anno Dom- 
ini 1853. At 10 o'clock A. M., snowing. A most uproar- 
ish and squally day : rain, snow, hail and dust circling in 
clouds in the wildest confusion and disorder. 

At 12 M. our guests began to assemble. At h past 2 P. 
M., they were seated and the Dinner went off with a fine 
relish, and enjoyment. At 7 in the evening the young peo- 
ple assembled for a "Social party." The party went off 
with much hilarity and good feeling. Dispersed at 11 
o'clock. 



JannarT, 1854] GOVERNOR WALKER. 395 

January, 1854. 

Sunday, 1. — A bappy New Year! 

Clear and pleasant morning- for the first day of the year. 

The house is silent, our Company dispersed. A good time 
for serious reflection upon the fleeting and unsubstantial en- 
joyments of this world. The old year, '53, passed out last 
night amid the moanings and wild and unearthly slirieks oi 
a furious N. W. wind. 

Pleasant day. Lonesome — no one called upon us to-day. 

Wednesday, 4. — Invited to a dinner party at F. A. Hicks's 
to-day. 

Attended and found a goodly company. Plad a splendid 
dinner. At night the young people had a party. 

Thursday, 5. — Went down to attend the session of the 
Treaty Committee, and in the absence of J. Walkei-, was 
appointed Clerk. Proje[c]ts of Treaties were submitted to 
the consideration of the Committee by Clark and myself 
These were discussed till sunset, then adjourned. An aw- 
ful [iy] cold and windy day. Came home, and glad to reach 
my own fireside. 

Sunday, 8. — Wrote a long letter to A. Guthrie. 

Monday, 9. — Attended the session of the Committee, 
Came home in the evening. M. R. & J. Walker came over, 
and staid till bed-time, discussing treaty making matters. 

Tuesday, 10. — Harriet gone to Kansas on a visit to the 
Campbells. 

Sun set clear. Writing a long letter to Joseph Howard 
Washington. 

Wednesday, 11. — Got up too early. We were deceived 
by our silly Chanticleers tuning up their pipes at an unsea- 
sonable hour. 

Succeeded in extracting a troublesome tooth from my Jaw, 
with my fingers, instead of Forceps and Turnkeys. Fare- 
^•(41, old grinder/ Well, I am getting dismembered. I am 



396 THE JOURNALS OF [January, 185t. 

getting "small by degrees" and unhandsomely "less." I 
am in the beginning of '54, one tooth less than in '53. 

Thursday, 12. — Attended the session of the Treaty Com- 
mittee. Came home in the evening. 

Received two letters from A. Guthrie. In trouble asfain. 
Wants certificates to prove his charges against Commissioner 
Manypenny. I can't help him much. 

Friday, 13. — Wrote a long letter to A. Guthrie. Cold all 
day. 

Saturday, 14. — Harriet returned from her visit to the 
"Campbells." 

Monday, 16. — Commenced reading "Guy Mannering" by 
W. Scott. 

Wrote a memorial to the Department of the Interior on 
the subject of some grants of land by the Treaty of Upper 
Sandusky, O. 

Wednesday, 18.— Got our mail. Rec'd thro' M. R. W. 
some letters. One irom A. Guthrie, and [one] from J. T. 
Jones, of Circleville, O. 

Finished reading Guy Mannering. 

Thui'sday, 19. — Attended the session of the Treaty Com- 
mittee. Come home in the evening. 

Friday, 20. — The ground is white with snow and sleet. 

This day (it is now 2 P. M.) may well be compared to one 
of Iceland's brag days. Done nothing but carry wood and 
keep a burning log heap in my fire-place. Everything out 
doors bears a dreary and chilling aspect, at once depressing, 
and cheerless. Whew! but this will be a stinging night! 

Monday, 23. — Attended the session of the Treaty Commit- 
tee. Came home in the evening. 

Thursday, 26. — Attended the session of the Committee. 
In the evening, wind from the North, 

Saturday, 28. — Sent Baptiste to Kansas. Rec'd an "Ohio 
Stale Journal." This is the amount of my mail. Guthrie 



Februaiy, 1854.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 397 

out on Col. Manypenny again. The former, I fear, will 
come off second best. He is imprudent and rnsli. 

;^iss Armstrong and ]\P' Hunter called to-day. 

Sunday, 29. — Attended the session of the Committee. 
Warm alternoon. 

Tuesday, 31. — Went to town, expecting Maj. Robinson 
over. Staid till 12 o'clock. Came home. The Sheriff 
called upon me and informed me that he had arrived and 
desired my attendance. He paid over to the Chiefs the 
amount of the appropriation, |)2,285.00. Then gave notice 
tliat lie [would] pay over to the heads of families the ^5,- 
0C»0.00 of which he was minus at the Payment of the An- 
nuity last fall. 

February, 1854. 

Wednesday, 1. — To-day the Chiefs are to pay out the 
public liabilities. Attended to the disbursement of the pub- 
lic liabilities. 

Friday, 3. — Sick. 

Saturday, 4 — Engaged, sick as I am, in making out the 
Pay Rolls. Heck repaired the Clock. 

Sunday, 5 — Confined to bed part of the time, and a part 
[of the time] employed on the Pay Rolls. 

J. W. Garrett and Lady spent the evening with us. 

Tuesday, 7. — Finished the Pay Rolls. 

I was visited to-day by a creativre made after the manner 
of men, hut whose actions, talk, and every movement went to 
prove what I had ever before doubted, that it is possible for 
all the evils — all that is depraved. — all that is devilish — all 
that is abominable — all that is brutal, and, in short, all that 
disgraces human nature, can be concentrated in one individ- 
ual. I have known this creature about 30 years. I place 
on record that, from and after Tuesday, Feb. 7, '54, I know 
him no more as a Man. 

Wednesday, 8. — Bed-fast. Doctor Wright attending on 



398 THE JOURNALS OF [March, 1354. 

me. My complaint, inflammation of the lungs. Synitoms 
alarming. 

Makch, 1854. 

Saturday, 4. — I am now able to set up a few minutes at a 
time, being wearied with the recumbent position I have so 
long been compelled to submit to. 

Rev. E. T. Peery and Lady called over and spent the 
day. 

Sunday, I). — Our folks went to Church, and I kept my 
bed. M. R. W. and J. Walker called upon me. 

Monday, 6. — Mending slowly. The Treaty Committee 
meet to-day. 

Tuesday, 7. — R'^gaining my strength slowly. 

Thursday, 9. — Cold and blustering day. 

Ennui — Vaporish — Low spirits — . 

Friday, 10. — Clear and pleasant. Hai-riet and Baptiste 
went to Kansas. Got three newspapers — -read everything in 
them. 

Saturday, 11. — Clear, frosty morning. Sent B;ipti;,^te to 
the Post Office, and got one paper. 

Sunday, 12. — In tiie evening Mr. Searcy and a Doctor 
Bacon from Liberty called upon us. 

Monday, lo, — Heard that J. S. Coon was killed in a 
drunken brawl, by [a] Negro, near Memphis. 

Thursday, 16. — Isaac P. Driver engaged in repairing the 
yard and Garden fences. 

J. D. Brown called and spent the evening with us. 

Friday, 17. — Cold and blustering all day. It is said there 
are cases of Canine madness amona; the do2:s in the neieh- 
borhood. Exterminate them! 

Saturday, 18. — My boy Baptiste, having completed his 
three months service, the length of time for which I engaged 
him, went home to-day. 



March. 1854.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 399 

Sunday, 19. — Cold morning. Having but little else to 
write I will record the vote in the Senate on the passage of 
the Nebraska and Kansas Territorial Bill. 

Yeas. Adams, Atchison, Badger, Bayard, Benjamin, 
Broadhead, Brown, Butler, Cass, Clay, Dawson, Dixon, 
Dodge, Douglas, Evans, Fitzj^atrick, Geyer, Given, Hunter, 
Johnston, Jones, Masterson, Morris, Petit, Pratt, Rusk, Se- 
bastian, Shields, Slidell, Stewart, Thompson of Ky., Thomp- 
son of N. J., Toucey, Weller, & Williams 35. 

Nays. Belle, Chase, Dodge of W., Fessenden, Fish, Foot, 
Hamlin, Jones, Smith, Sumner, Wade, Bright. 

Monday, 20. — Raining. James Bearskin came to work. 
J. W. Garrett called and staid a while. 

In the evening J. D. Brown called and staid till niglit. 
It has been a damp misty day. 

Tuesday, 21. — The heavens hung with a black drapery. 

About 1 o'clock P. M. the sky cleared up and the after- 
noon was warm and pleasant. 

Thursday, 28. — Clear, frosty morning. I have my old 
difficulties in hiring hands. I hired James Bearskin for 
half a month. He went off last evening to get his Boot re- 
paired, but I suspect [he] has gone to Kansas and is on a 
sprey. This is the last of the vagabond. 

Went to Kansas, waited four or five hours for Major Rob- 
inson, who had requested me to meet him there, but [he] did 
not make his appearance. 

Sunday, 26. — Cold and cloudy morning. Furnished a 
Passport to Susannah Williams. 

Tuesday, 28. — AVhew! snow on the ground. Therm, be- 
low Freezing point. Storm, Rain, Snow, Sleet, "in an hor- 
jible tempest." March came in like a Lamb and is going 
out like the Devil. 

Wednesday, 29. — Everything out of doors covered with 



400 THE JOURNALS OF [April, 1854. 

ice. Rainins;, sleet and snow. 12 o'clock A. M., raining. 
Horrible weather truly. 

Heard that Hon. Thomas Johnston, Delegate elect from 
this Territory returned from Washington yesterday. 

"Turn a new leaf" for April. 

April, 1854. 

Saturday, 1. — "All fools day." Clear and frosty, Therm. 
25°. The fruit, I apprehend, is as dead as a mackerel. 

Sent a letter for M"" Green and one for D' Carter to the 
P.O. 

Some "warmint" has taken up his Quarters in either the 
corn-crib, Stable, or Hen-house and commits continual noc- 
turnal depreditions upon the poultry and Eggs. It is either 
a mink, Weasel, or Polecat. 

Sunday, 2. — Well this will do very well for the 2nd day 
of April. 

As soon as I got up I peeped out and lo! a white glitter- 
ing frost. I next peeped at the Thermometer and guess 
what? 15°!! yes, within 15° of zero. This temperature we 
ought to have had in January. 

Farewell Fruit! 

"Sic transit gloria mundi. 
Fifteen degrees for this Sunday. 

Machine poetry. 

Wind shifted "right about face," after having done all 
the harm by its cold Northern blasts and frost on the fruit. 

Monday, 3. — M'Brainson ploughing our Garden. Ground 
too wet, but go ahead. 

V/ent to attend a meeting of the Committee when the pro- 
ject of the Treaty was read and received, amended and 
adopted. 

Tuesday, 4. — To-day the Council meets and I really do 
not see how I am to attend, unless it calls a halt. I attended 
after the rain held up. 



April, 1854.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 401 

Thursday, 6. — Weut up to Westport to meet Major Kob- 
inson. Got my Quarter's pay. Came home. 

Saturday, 8. — This day 30 years ago I was made double 
by being spliced with a rib. 

Sunday, 9. — In the evening tho' kept a profound secret, a 
wedding came off at the Parsonage. But it was not as much 
of a secret as the getters-up supposed, for at night a real or- 
iginal CJiarivari wound up the evenings entertainment. The 
Bride was M}^^ Catharine Ann Dofflemeyer and the Groom, 
G. W. King, alias G. AV. Thompson. 

"The sweet concordant sounds" produced by a union of 
Drums, Tin Pans, Tin Horns, Sleigh Bells and everything 
capable of producing a racket, were faithfully used till 
11 o'clock to the no small annoyance of the Parson. 

Monday, 10. — My execrations upon mail contractors! 
Twice have I sent to the P. O. and the cry is "Nothing for 
you" : when I ought to have a half Bushel of papers. 

Tuesday, 11. — Attended the session of the Council. Mar- 
tha's application for a divorce from William Gilmore was 
taken up and considered. A decree made dissolving the 
marriage tie. 

The Delaware and Shawnee delegation left Kansas to-day 
for Washington, on board the "Polar Star," 

Saturday, 15. — Clear and cold morning, but thanks to a 
Kind Providence no frost. The fruit has thus far escaped. 

Sunday, 16 — A few days ago I received a letter from 
Lyman C. Draper, Esq., notifying me of my election to an 
Honorary ^Membership of the Historical Society of Wiscon- 
sin. So, I must prepare a paper for a contribution. What 
can I do? Well, I will hatch up something. 

Monday, 17. — Therm, at daylight, 22° ! A hard freeze. 
This may truly be called "a nipping frost." It lias efl'ect- 
ualiy nipp'd the fruit, the peaches and plums especially. 

Tuesday, 18. — And sure enough, another severe frost. So 
27 V 



402 THE JOURNALS OF [May. 1354. 

we have it. Keep it up till August. "Storm after storm" 
and frost after frost. 

Went to attend the session of the Council. 

M" W. went to Kansas to purchase family supplies. 

Another Boat-load of Danish Mormans landed at the Pond. 

May, 1854. 

Sunday, 14. — Wrote a long letter to John H. Cotter, in 
California. 

Monday, 15. — Went in pursuit of my horses. Found 
them, secured one, but could not drive the other, nor would 
he follow. I came home, saddled up and went in pursuit. 
I soon found him ; then we had a regular steeple chase. I 
ran him all over the country with a long Goad in my hand 
and whenever I got near enough, I plied him with it. Get- 
ting weary of the sport, he turned his head homew^ard. By 
way of punishment for his perverse conduct, I fastened a 
heavy toggle to his fore leg to regulate his powers of loco- 
motion. 

Tuesday, 16. — In the evening we were favored with the 
company of some young Ladies who staid all night. 

Thursday, 18. — Beautiful and calm morning. At 10 
o'clock the "Sons of Temperance " assembled at the Lodge 
and marched in procession to a grove near Silas Armstrong's 
to celebrate the Anniversary of the formation of the Division. 
The exercises commenced by the presentation to the Divis- 
ion of the Bible by M'^^ Tabitha Armstrong, accompanied 
with a suitable address which was received and responded to 
by Cyrus Garrett. An ode was then sung. Then the presen- 
tation of a Banner by the Ladies of Wyandott, thro' M'^^ 
Harriet Walker, accompanied with a tJi rilling speech pre- 
pared for the occasion. Then another Temperance Ode was 
sung. An eloquent speech was then delivered by a M"^ Mil- 



May, 1854.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 403 

ler of Parkville. Several [other J speeches were delivered 
when the Division marched back to their Lodg-e. 

Of the banner I would say the Upholster imposed uj^on 
the Ladies most scandalously. It is entirely too small, and 
the Artistic work bunglingly done; and [he] charged them 
119.00 [for it]. 

Friday, 19. — In the afternoon [I] employed myself in 
writing letters, or rather answering a pile I have on my table. 

Saturday, 20. — Cloudy and an occasional sprinkling of rain. 
Bat it turned out [a] pleasant and cool day. Wrote nearly 
all day. 

Sunday, 21. — Clear morning and it turned out a pleasant 
day. 

Wrote to C. Carpenter and P. Muir. Took a stroll and 
called upon Matthew [R. Walker] spent some time in social 
chat Avith him and family. 

JMonday, 22. — Cool morning. Worked in my Garden. 
Pleasant day. The Kansas River rising. Cool and pleas- 
ant evening. The Delaware and Shawnee Chiefs returned. 

Tuesday, 23. — Harriet gave a party to the young Ladies 
and Gentlemen of the neighborhood. They were a real set 
of romps, and enjoyed themselves to the life, and the party 
broke up about 11 o'clock at night, all in the best possible 
iiumor. 

Thursday, 25. — Rec'd two letters; one from Col. Browne 
of Maryland, and another from a G. W. Brown of Coneaut- 
ville, Penna., an Abolition Editor. 

It is supposed the Nebraska-Kansas bill has passed the 
House. So mote it be. 

Friday, 26. — Raining. This is the day for the Solar 
Eclipse. Showery and cloudy. Looking out for the appear- 
ance of the Eclipse. 

Well, the Eclipse came off, but if we had not been pre- 
viously informed by the Almanac, we never would have been 



404 THE JOURNALS OF [May, 1854. 

favored with the phenomena. By the use of a piece of 
smoked glass we could perceive the new moon which had 
just changed, passing over the Northern limb; but the ob- 
scuration was scarcely perceptible. This partial Eclipse 
lasted a little over two hours. The drifting clouds and 
occasional showers frequently hid the two luminaries from 
our view. 

Saturday, 27. — It is supposed the Nebraska-Kansas Bill 
has passed the House. 

The brethern of the "Mystic tie" are about forming a 
Lodge in Wyandott. 

Monday, 29. — To-day the great Rail Road meeting comes 
oflP at Parkville. It was my intention to have attended, 
but such is the inclemency of the weather that I am deter'd 
from venturing out. 

Went in search of M'^' Topsey who was supposed to be 
the happy mother of a young one. I searched all day, glen 
and thicket, hill and dale, without success. In the evening 
•she came up with the beautiful little one. 

Tuesday, 30. — Harriet and several of her cronies have 
gone up to the Prairies on a Strawberry frolic. 

Wrote to Col. O. H. Browne. Martha returned from 
Kansas, and all I got was an obscure Ohio Newspaper and 
M*" Senator Norris's speech on the Nebraska and Kansas 
Bill. Well, this was truly a sad disappointment! When in 
fact I expected to hear from the great Russo-Turco-Anglo- 
Oaulo War, and [to] hear of the Territorial Bill being 
passed, a few duels in Congress, the annexation of Cuba and 
the Polynesian Isles, the chaining oF the Devil a thousand 
years. But I have heard nothing ! 

Wednesday, 31. — Engaged in answering a letter 1 re- 
ceived from an Abolition Editor in Pennsvlvania. 



Juue, 1854.] GOVERNOR WALKER. 405 

June, 1854. 

Thursday, 1. — Kesumed my letter to the Penna. Editor 
and finished [it] , making eleven pages of manuscript. Wrote 
also to INP^ E. J. Barrett, now at Morristown, Ohio. 

Friday, 2. — Clear and beautiful morning. Settled with 
Dan'i Dofflemeyer for putting in my Oats crop and hauling 
cordwood. Sent the Domestic to Kansas lor our mail. 

The Charter grunted by King Charles the Second, to the 
Hudson Bay Company, is dated 1670. 

Saturday, 3.— M'^ AV. [and I] and W and M^^ Priestley 
went over to Esquire McGee's to execute deeds, but unfortu- 
nately he was away from home. We came home without 
accomplishing our business. So we have another trip to 
make. 

Sunday, 4. — Kaiuy. M' J. K. Goodin and family came 
over from Kansas to stay a few da3'S. They are from Hardin 
County, Ohio. 

Monday, 5. — Clear morning. M'' G. set out for Fort Eiley 
on an exploring tour. 

Lost our Ferry Boat again. 

Tuesday, 6. — Attended the session of the Council. 

Tuesday, 13. — Attended the session of the Council. Ma- 
jor Kobinson present, and paid to the Council the half year's 
School fund. 

A certain infamous Doctor landed, from Franklin County, 
Ohio, having his equally infamous family with him. 

Wednesday, 14. — M'"^ Goodin left, intending to go to 
Weston to rejoin her husband. 

Thursday, 15. — J. Walker, and the X called upon 

us to-day. Impudence brazen faced, on the part of the lat- 
ter. 

Saturday, 17. — Clear and pleasant morning. Went to 
mill for the first time in Wyandott, and got my grist ground. 



406 JOURNALS OF GOVERNOR WALKER. [Ju"e, i854. 

Heai-d of the recovery of the Ferry Boat. M"" McQiiiddy 
and a M"^ Allen called and spent the afternoon. 

Sunday, 18. — Staid at home all day. Wrote a communi- 
cation for the "Cadiz Sentinel." 

Monday, 19. — Clear and beautiful morning. M" W. and 
I took a ride on the banks of the Rio. Missouri. 

Tuesday, 20. — The Council held a session to-day, but I 
did not attend, 

Wednesday, 21. — Clear and bright morning. I do earn- 
estly [hope] these everlasting drenching rains will cease for 
awhile, that those sluices in the Clouds will be for a season 
closed up and if need be, sent to some drouthy part of the 
globe. 

We have had no mail for near two weeks for the want of 
a Boat to cross the river. Altho' the Boat was caught at 
Richfield, about forty miles from here, yet our worthless 
Council and still more worthless Ferryman take no steps 
towards getting it bro't up again. A pretty set of fellows to 
want to maintain a separate government. 

Splendid evening. The briglit Luminary of day receded 
slowly behind the AVesteru Hills with a most smiling and 
agreeable face. 

Thursday, 22. — Beautiful morning, promising a beautiful 
tho' warm day. 

Went to the city of Wyandott, and found the City de- 
serted; all gone out into the country. 

Saturday, 24. — Bright and warm morning. Harriet and 
Sarah Driver set out for Kansas, riding to the river and 
footing it the rest of the road. A warm time they've had of 
it. 

At night we were alarmed by Harriets illness. Nervous 
headache and vertigo. 

I have thus closed my scrap and fragmentary Diary. This 
the 25 day [of] June A. D. 1854. 



INDEX. 



A. 

Abbott, Major, trouble about Pawnee 
Indian frauds, 130. Samuel V. Niles 
attorney tor, 1;'.0. Sends James F. 
Leo-ate to Washinjjjton, 148. 

Abolitionists, Meiliodist, 360. 

Abston, 253. 

Allan}', 8. 

Adams, Hon. F. G., vi. 

Adams, John Quincy, death of, 233. 

Aicsworth, Miss Elizabeth, birth and 
marriages, 102. 

Allen, Senator, acts for Wyandot Chiefs, 
160. 

Anderson, Benjamin N. C, 26. 

Andrews, Bishop, visits the ''Wyandot 
Purchase," 266. 

Andrews, Captain Hugh, born August 
31, 1764; married Ann Speer; his 
children; married to Miss Elizabeth 
Ainsworth: moved to Dayton, 0.; 
children by seconti marriage 102. 

Andrews, James, marrit-fl Mary Corne- 
lia Van Cleve, 102. Informs Abelard 
Guthrie about their steti-mother, 125. 

Andrews, John Van Cleve, married 
Mary E. Hill. 102. Banker in Kan- 
sas City, Kansas, uncle of Abelard 
Guthrie, 101. 

Andrews, John, from Londonderrv. 
North Iieland, to Pennsylvania, 1737; 
married Miss Jane Strain; hischildren, 
101. 

Andrews, 0.. 336. 

Annals of Kansas, Wilder" s, 13, 83. 

Arapahoes, 336. 

Arkansas, 1'erritory, created from ter- 
ritory taken from the Territory of Mis- 
souri, 20. State, part of Indian Ter- 
ritory annexed to, 21. 

Arms, John, 313, 330, 344, 353. 

Armstrong, Antoinette, born February 
15, 1858: married T. B. Barnes; d,ed 
October '2, 1882, 308. 

Armstrong, Caroline, born December, 
lh37, 308. 

Armstrong, Catherine, daughter of Rob- 
ert Armstrong, 161. Born July 15, 
1843; married Shaifenberg, 308. 

Armstrong. Duncin, born January 23, 
1840: died February 22, 1850, 308. 

Armstrong, Elizabeth U., born Nov. 
27, 1854, 308. I 

(40 



Armstrong, George. 2-54, 263, 281, 313, 
342. Biographical sketch of, 161. 
Divorced, 176. Married the widow 
Barnett, 193. Appointed on the dep- 
utation to the Senecas, 191. 

Armstrong. Hannah, daughter of Rob- 
ert Armstrong, died at Wyandot Mis- 
sion, 161. 

Armstrong, John Mclntyre, son of 
Robert Armstrong, 161, 176, 193, 224. 
263, 281, 313, 318, 330, 346, 351. 
Biographical sketch of; children of, 
261. Maintains that slavery is for- 
eign to Wj'andot institutions, 47. Ap- 
pointed a commission. 228. 

Armstrong, Mrs. Lucy B.,v, 14, 17,267. 
Writes a letter to N. Y. Tribune, op- 
posing organization of Indian Terr., 
J 36 Replied to by Abelard Guthrie, 
137 

Armstrong, Mclntyre, born July 15, 
1852, 3U8. 

Armstrong. Minarrh C, bora July 12, 
1846 308. 

Armstrong, Naomi, born August 10, 
1861, 308. 

Armstrong. Robert, founder of the Arm- 
strong family in the Wyandot Nation: 
captured by Wyandots and Senecas 
on the Alleghany River in 1783; ac- 
count of in Finley's Life Anion;; 
the Jndmtis, and Howe's Historical 
Collections of Ohio; adopted by the 
Wvandots, marriage and divoi'ce. 160. 
Children of, 161. 180. Married 
Sarah Zane; children of, 160, 180. 
Born Augu.-it 19. 1835: drowned ii\ 
the Kansas River, Julv 15. 1858, 308. 

Armstrong, Mr. Russel B., vi. 

Armstrong, Sarah (Zane), 307. 

Armstrong, Silas, son of Robert Arm- 
strong, vi, 18, 25, 34. 161, 193. 220. 
229, 210, 256, 260, 262, 265, 277, 330. 
3J4 n.l, 351 n.l. 355, 363. Biograph- 
ical sketch of, 307. Appointed bound- 
ary commissioner. 100. Merchant in 
Wyimdot City, 222. Marshal at fu- 
neral of H. Jacc|uis,225. 

Armstrong, Silas W., 275. 308. ^ 

Armstrong, MissTabitha, born February 
6, 1834; married E. T. Vedder. Aug- 
usts, 1856; married Seymour Thomas 
in 187 l), 307. 



408 



INDEX. 



Armstrong, Winfield Scott, born Decem- 
ber 1, 1840, 308. 

Armstrong, Mrs. Z., 335, 372. 

Ashby, Thomas, 380. 

Atchison, Senator David R., 29, 32. Rev. 
Thomas Johnson put forward in the 
interest of, 83. Introduced bill to 
confirm "Wyandot Purchase,"' 243. 
Opinion on slavery in Nebraska Ter- 
ritory; opposed to organization of Ne- 
braska Territory, 77. 

Atkinson, William (Dayton, 0.), 126. 

Ayres, Jennie, married Joel Walker 
Gari-ett; daughter Nina lives in Kan- 
sas City, Kansas, 40. 

B. 

Babbitt, A. W., delegate from Utah, 68. 

Backus, Rev. C. W., vi. 

Bay, Georgian, 1. 

Baker, Isaac, 2(j, 348. 

Ballanger, Peter, 163, 204, 236, 296. 

Banks, General, 150. 

Barker, Rev., 346, 354, 361. 

Burr, Aaron, 235. 

Barrey, 343. 

Barnett, Eliza, married Matthias Split- 
log, 194. 

Barnett, Henry J., married Mary C. 
Passmore; son of, 194. 

Barnett, Izette, married Oliver P. De 
Honde, 194. 

Barnett, James, 324, 371. Married Jane 
Tullis; children of, 194. 

Barnett, John, 18. Married Hannah 
Cbarloe; children of 194. 

Barnett, Joseph, married a Shawnee; 
lived near mouth of Kansas Rivfr, 225. 

Barnett, Martha M., married William 
Priestly, 194. 

Baniett, Matthew, 330. 

Barnett. Serena, married Alfred Welsh, 
194. 

Barnett, Mrs., married George Arm- 
strong, 193. 

Barrett, Mrs. Evelina J., widow of Hugh 
Barrett; married Governor Walker, 
April 6. 1865. 12, 22'.3, 405. 

Barrett, Miss Hannah, a student at the 
Mission School at Upper Sandusky, 
Ohio; married William Walker; died 
Dec. 7, 1863, 12, 373. 

Barrett, H., 175, 227, 246, 2-55, 256, 
283. 

Barrow, candidate against Gnlhrie at 
election. Ft. Leavenworth, 27, 28. 

Barstow, B. F., 237, 245. 

Bartleson, Mrs. Marv, married C. Gra- 
ham, 253. 



Bartley, Gov. T. W., 824, 325. Fee of, 
for services to Wyandots, 175. Gov- 
ernor of Ohio in 1844, 176. 

Basure, Battiste, 53. 

Bates, Frederick, 20. 

Bearskin, John S., 330, 353, 355. 

Bearskin, Peter, 327. 

Bearskin, William, vi. 

Bellevue, or Traders" Point, precinct, 
election in 1853, 84. 

Bellmont County, Ohio, 342. 

Bennett, Hiram P., 85. 

Benton, Senator Thomas H., political 
relations with Abelard Guthrie. 36, 37, 
77, 83, 112. Had "Platte Purchase'" 
annexed to Missoui-i in 1836, 20. Re- 
lation to Pacific R. R. idea, 31, 45.^88. 
Piedicted the future greatne?? of Kan- 
sas City, 32. 114. In favor of organ- 
ization of Nebraska Territory, 28, 32. 
45, 59. Memorialized by the Wyai;- 
dots, 166. Fight iipon, in Mis.^onri. 
by William Cecil Price, of Sprint - 
field. 28. 

Benvist, Leonard, 329. 

Berry, Richard, 366. 

Berryman, J. C. 195. 

Beryman, Mrs., funeral sermon of, 191. 

Betton, Cora Estelle, born Aug. 18. 
1868, 17. 

Betton, Ernest L., born Julv 13, 1881. 
17. 

Betton, Florence, born Sept. 8, 1862. vi. 
17. 

Betton, Hon. Frank H., 234. Biograph- 
ical sketch of, 17. 

Betton, Frank Holyoke. Jr., boru Nov. 
17, 1865, 17. " 

Betton, Mrs. Frank H., vi. 

Betton, Matthew Thornton, vi. Born 
Julv 12, 1870, 17. 

Betton, Silas, 1SG1-1873, 17. 

Betton, Susanah W. J., born Dec •'». 
1871, 17. 

Between-the-Logs, 373 n.l. 

Big-Arms, Martin, 368. 

Bigelow, Miss Lucy, daughter of Rev. 
Russel Bigelow; sketch of; children 
of; married John Mclutyre Arm- 
strong, 261. 

Bigelow, Rev. Russel, 261. 

Big-Legs, Capt., Miami precinct, 53. 

Big-River, W. M., death and burial of. 
2-54. 

Big Sandy River, Wyandots ascended in 
an excursion South, 234. 

Big-Sinew, John, 276, 278, 302, 317, 349. 

Big-Sinew, Samuel, 302. 

Big-Sniike, Tyson, 327. 

Bigtown, 325. 



IKDEX. 



409 



Big-Tree, James, 318; United States 
stole the horse of, 804. 

Big-Tree, Joseph, judgment against, 190. 

Bill, Senate, organizing Nebr. Ter., 376. 

Birney, William P., of Delaware, 35, 
383. 

Blackwell, Miss, *257. 

Blair, Frank P., Jr., one of leaders of 
Benton Democracy of Missouri, 28. 

Blake, 143. 

Blue-Jacket, Charles, Head Chief of the 
Shawnees, 2. Biographical sketch of, 
18. 

Blue-Jackets, Delegates, 35. 

"Bogus Laws," 39. 

Bolt, Wiimifred, 340. 

Boon, Albert G., 338. 

Boulwane, John B., Old Fort Kearney, 
50. 

Bowen, 193. 

Bowman, 286. 

Bowring. 216, 217, 221. 

Bowers,' William, 181, 190, 260, 290. 

Bowyer, 286 

Boyd, 237, 335. 

Boyd, G. W., 323. 

Boye, Bazie, Miami precinct, 53. 

Bovs. Jack, Miami precinct, 53. 

Bradford, Hon. A. A., speaks in favor 
of Nebraska, 85. 

Brant, Joseph, 253. 

Brevidore House, 340. 

Briscoe, John W.. sells Dorcas, a slave, 
to Governor Walker, 194. 

Briscoe, Colonel, Louisiana Volunteers, 
109. 

Brown, family among the Wyandotts, 
founded by an adopted white, 3. 

Brown, Adam, 11, 47, 210, 230, 235, 
273, 303. 315, 327, 345, 352. 352 n.l. 
Chief of Wyandots, at Detroit, 6. 
Captured in Greenbrier Co., Virginia, 
in Dunmore's war, 6. Meets William 
Walker, Sr., and ransoms him from 
Delawares, 6, 7. 

Brown, Eldredge H., vi, 18, 172. 

Brown, Isaac, 26, 316, 330, 354, 355. 

Brown, John, believed the Free-State 
movement in Kansiis teraporarv, 113. 

Brown, J. D.. L'54, 258, 260, 296, 312, 
330, 344, 353, 355, 360, 362, 368, 372. 

Brown, Matthew, 290. 

Brown, Miss Quindaro Nancy, a Wyan- 
dot-Shawnee girl; born in Canada; of 
the Big Turtle clan of Wyandots; of 
Turtle clan of Shawnees: granddaugh- 
ter of Chief Adam Brown; married 
Abelard Guthrie; their children; died 
in the Cherokee country, April 13, 
1886; buried at Chetopa, Kansas, 103. 



Brown, Philip, 290, 371, 387. 

Browne, O. H., 389-90. Letter to Gov- 
ernor Walker, 55. jjptter iVom Gov- 
ernor Walker; came to Kansas. 5K. 

Browne, Kenneth 1. , vi. 

Brunette, steamboat. o62 

Buchan, Hon. W. J., 17. 

Buck. Peter, 263, 343. Fined, 88. 
Death, 344. 

Bull -Head, Captain, delegate, 35. Bi- 
ographical sketch of, 302. 

Burke, Edmund, works of, referred to, 
128. 

Burr, Aaron, character of, 236, 237. 

Butler. M., 323. 

Butterfield, C. W., vii, 19. 

Buttertield, General, 16. 

C. 

Caldwell, Prof. H. W., viii. 

Caldwell, Captain of steamboat. "United 
States," 108. 

Calhoun, Gov., 353. 

California, emigration, etc., 31, 68, 111. 

Caloway, 284. 

Calumet, 339. 

Campbell. Chairman Ho. Com. on R.Pi.. 
144. 

Camp-meetings, 189, 357. 

Cavaignac, Gen., 256. 

Carondawana, "Big Tree," married 
Madame Montour, 8. 

Carpenter, Miss Clari.ssa, married to 
Samuel Big-Sinew, 302. 

Carter, Dr., 359. 

Caskie, J. S. , Virginia Congressman. 55. 

Cass, Gen. Lewis, 16, 120, 259, 270. 

Cassady, Jefferson P., 84. 

Catholics, the, voted in a body at Quin- 
daro, 118. 

Cecil, 367, n.l. 

Cemetery, Oak Grove, 16. 

Certificate of election of Hadley D. 
Johnson, 84. 

Chaffee, Joseph, 291. 

Chaffee, Judge, 290. 

Champlain, Lake, 8. 

Chapin, -, of the Quindaro Co., 121. 

Charloe, Eliza, mairied Mathias Split- 
log, 34. 

Charloe, Lucy, daughter of James T. 
Charloe; married John Winney, 193. 

Charloe, Hannah, married John Bar- 
nett; children of, 194. 

Charloe, Jacob, 26, 293, 294, 316, 817, 
.341,344. Defith of, 359. 

Charloe, J. T., 227, 293, 312, 336, 354. 
Married Amelia Peacock, 193. 

Charloe, Jane, married John Pipe, 194. 



410 



INDEX. 



Charloe, John, 249. Children, 194. 

Charloe, Margaret, sister of H. Jacqixis; 

married Charloe: their children, 

19o. Married. 1st, Thomas Pipe, 2d, 
John Sarrahas, 194. Sister of H. 
Jacquis, 225. 

Charloe, widow, 193. Sues the estate 
of H. Jacquis, 246. 

Chase, Bishop, 15. 

Cheauteau, Mrs.. o29. 

Chenault, Col., 335. 

Cheuauk, James, Miami precinct, 52. 

Cherokee, Bob., 295. 

Cherokee Boy, 221, 234. Biographical 
sketch of; 19 V 

Chei-okees, warfare against, by Wyau- 
dots, 234. 

Chevennes, 336. 

Chick, Col., 199-200. 

Chick. Miss Matilda, 298. 

Chick, Mrs.. 287. 

Chick, W. H.. 284. 

Chick, W. M.; 252. Died April 7, 1847, 
198. 

Chick, William S., 252. 

Chief", Principal. 353. 

Childs, Mr., lost in the "Wyandot Pur- 
chase," 244. 

Chindoican, the newspaper edited at 
Quindaro by Walden, 116. 

Chippewa, one of the tribes of the North- 
western Confederacy, 62. 

Chivington, J. M., 25. 

Cholera, the Asiatic, in Kan.sasCity. 286, 
289, 292, 295, 311, 312. 325. 328; .348, 
352. In St. Joseph, 1850, 306. Day 
of fasting and prayer on account of, 
1849, 295. 

Chop-t'he-Logs, Rn.ssia, 321, 323. 

Chouteau. EdmondF., 373. 

Church, M. E., division of, 260, 269, 
278. 

Chronicles of Border Warfare, With- 
ers" s, 179. 

Cincinnati, 29. 

Cist's Advertiser, 352, 371. 

Civil Goverr.raent, brought to Nebraska 
by Wytiudots, 3. 

Claiborne, Mr., Governor of Mississippi 
Tj-. ; repre.-^ented the Covernmeut of 
the U. S. in receiving Lo xisiana from 
France, Dec. 20. 1863, 19. 

Clark .V Hall, swindled Shawnees, 130. 

Clark, Georo-e I.. 25. 26, 2-54, 258, 260, 
298. 303. 312. 313, 315, 317, 323, 3-53, 
383, 385. Biographical sketch of, 47. 
Elected to fill H. Jacquis' place; one 
of the Aduirs. of, 227. Native of 
Canada, 57. Delegate to Convention, 
34. Elected Secretary of Nebraska 



Territory, 86. Poll-books to be ad- 
dressed to, 49. Nominated for the 
Council, 189. Appointed a commis- 
sioner, 228. Illness. 282. Address of, 
as Principal Chief, 314. 

Clark, Harriett W., daughter of George 
I. Clark, 48. 

Clark, Lewis, 309. 

Clark, Miss Margaret, married H. M. 
Northrup, 303. 

Clark, Mary J., daughter of George I. 
Clark, 48. 

Clark, Miss Matilda, 831. 

Clark, Munson H., Judge of election, 84. 
Received 250 votes for provisional 
Secretary, 85. 

Clark, Peter D., 27, 265, 315, 361, 363, 
389. 

Clark, Thomas, father of Mrs. H. M. 
Northrup, 303. 

Clark, R. W., 17. Son of George L 
Clark, 48. 

Clark, William, 178, 352. 

Clark, Mrs. William, 352. 

Clement, 388. 

Clements, D. V., 378. 

Clipper, Dr., 367. 

Cloud, Peter, voted at Miami precinct, 
52. 

Cobb, S. A., an applicant for a position 
in the army; Mrs. Dole in favor of; 
Lane to give him a place in his army 
of 50,000 Negroes. 152. 

Coffman, Mr., 329. 

Cofl'man, L., 281. 

Coft'man, Lot, Justice of the Peace, 251. 

Coke, George. 303. Accused of the 
murder of Dan Punch, 277. 

Coke, Tom, 379. 

Commissioner of Indians, 347. 

Committee, Legislative, of the Wyandot 
Nation, Statement of, 62. 

Confederacy, the Northwestern, of In- 
dian tribes: opposed settlement of the 
territory northwest of ihe Ohio River 
by white people, 24. Its age: tribes 
composing: W3-andot tribe the head 
of and keeper of the Coiuicil tire, 62. 
Council fire of, how brought West; re- 
kindled in 1848; Wyaudots confirmed 
in their position, 63. 

Confederacy, the Huron, 1. 

Congress of Indian Tribes, held near 
Fort Leavenworth, in Oct., 1848, 4. 

" Connecticutt, Old," 27. 

Counelley"s Addition to Kansa.s City, 
Kansas, formerly the home of Mat- 
thias Splitlog. 35. 

Constitution. 339. 

'"Convent of the Sacred Heart, " at 



INDEX. 



41] 



St. Charles, Mo.: the luaiuieriu which 
children were educated at. 124. 
Convention, the, which formed the Pro- 
visional Govern luent oi Nebraska 
Territory, 59. Descrilx-d by llus.sell 
Garrett, 3o Number of Deiegates; 
how Delegates were summoned; kind 
of day on which held. ;]4. Only 
written account ot, contained in Gov- 
ernor Walker" s Journal. o-3. Hand- 
bills containing a record of the pro- 
ceedings of, })rinted and disttibuted 
and copied into newspapers, 36. 
Convention, National Democratic, 1852, 

851. 
Convention, National, of Wvandots, 

1851, 339. 
Convention, Railroad, 383. 
Convention Whig. National, 1852. 358. 
Conway. M. F., called upon by Abelard 
Guthrie, 132. Action on Tianc's ab- 
sence from the Senate, 133 \'oted 
against law to make U. S. notes legal 
tender, 135. 
Corn, one of the principal articles of 

food of the Wyandots, 158. 
•(Joon, Aaron, 352. 
Coon, John, 369, 311. 
€oon, John, Jr., 279, 308. Killed by 

Bob Cherokee, 295. 
Coon, J. S., 398. 
Coon, Robert, 349. 
■ oon, Mrs. R., death of, 849. 
Coon-Cripple, Joun, 277. 
Coon-Hawk, Thomas, 26, 319. 330, 343, 

3-54. 
Copperfield, David, the younger, 329. 
Cornbury, Lord, 8. 
Cotter. Mr., sold tallow, 223. 
Cotter, Francis, 26. 
Cotter, F., 361. Had possession of the 

plat of AVyandott City, 319. 
Cotter, John, 246, 249." 
Cotter, Nicholas, 26, 369. 
(^otters, the, vi. 
Counci', 353. 
Council. Territorial. 387. Composition 

of, 57'. 
Council Bluffs, urged as the initial point 

of the Pacific Railroad, 31. 
Council Bluffs, citizfiis of, invade Ne- 
braska Territory for purpose ol hold- 
ing a fraudulent election, 84. 
Council fire, 392. 

Council tire, the great, of the North- 
western Confederacy of Indians, re- 
kindled at Fort Leavenworth in Oct., 
1848, 24. 
■Cormcil House, the Wyandot, its exact 
location. 32. 



Council House, the Wyandot, Terri- 
torial Council met in to canvass th 
votes, 39. 

Councilors, 855. 

Cwan, Mrs., aunt of Willl.nm Walker 
Sr., captured bj' the Delawares at th- 
same time, 5. Final separation fronr 
her nephew, William Walker, Sr., 6 

Ciawford Countv, Ohio, 340. 

Cromwell, 262. " 

Crows (Indians), 336. 

Cubans, do not thank America for their 
interference, 332. 

Cummins, Major, Indian Agent, 193. 291, 
292. Addresses the Wvandot Coun- 
cil. 229. 

Curley-Head, John B., 331, 344. 

Currv, A. P., 202. 

Curry, A. R.. 213. 

Curti.s. Col. Samuel H., speaks in favor 
of Nebraska, 85. 

Cusick, David. 263. 

Cusick, James, 263. 

Cusick, Nicholas, 263. 

D. 

Dameron, G. B., 315. 

Da on Cjuot, 373 n.l. 

Dairnett, Lucian, married Sarah (Driver) 
Payne, 203. 

Dagnett, Mrs Sarah, vi, 18. Descrip- 
tion of the Wvandot Council House, 
32. 

Dale, Alfred, 362. 

Darlington, sViliiam M., 10. 

Davis, 212, 231. 

Davis, M. L., author of Memoirs of 
Aaron Burr, 235. 

Daws. Mr., of the House, opposed to 
Guthrie's claim for mileage and per 
diem as delegate from Nebraska, 128. 

Dawson, J. S.. 361. 

De Honde, Oliver P., married Izette 
Barnett, 194. 

Delegate, 384, 389. 

Deb^gate to congress from Nebraska 
Territory, 363, 365. 387. Proclama- 
tion for election of, issued by Gov- 
ernor Walker Aug. 1, 1853; Price- 
Atchison Democracy determine to 
participate in election of; Benton and 
Guthrie hoped no opp(<s:lion to the 
regular nominee would develop, 37. 
J'ilection, 388. Proclamation for elec- 
tion of, issued, 59. 

Delegation, Wyandot, in Washington. 
350. 

Delaware Chiefs, meet the Wyandot 
Chiefs, 193. 



412 



INDEX. 



'• Delaware Crossing," location of, 34. 

Delaware, Sam. Miami precinct, 5o. Tri- 
party treaty between Government and 
Wyandots, 228. At the Great Indian 
Congress of 1848, 265. Installment 
due from the Wyandots for 1860, 316. 
Annuity, 325. 

Democratic National Convention, 1852, 
351. 

Democratic party of Missouri, divided 
into two factions, one in favor of or- 
ganizing Nebraska Territory — the 
other opposed to that measure, 28. 
Divided by the fight upon Senator 
Benton, 28. 

De]aw;ires, one of the tribes of the 
Norlhwestern Confederacy, 23, 34. 62, 
347. Sold the land in the fork of the 
Missouri and Kansas Rivers to the 
Wyandots for H6,080.00; William 
Walker, Sr , purchased from, 47. The 
pay-house of. used by Governor 
Walker as a home. 66. Efforts to 
have them assist in building a bridge 
over the Kansas River at Ciiillicothe, 
117. Enter into treaty with other 
tribes, 200. Commissioners appointed 
to treat with, 223. Factions of, deter- 
mined to secure delegate to Congress 
to be elected in Nebrask i Territory, 
36. Price-Atchison iaction of, be- 
lieved they could prevent recognition 
of the Provisional Government of 
Nebraska Territory; determine, nev- 
ertheless, to participate in the election 
for Delegate to Congress, 37. 

Dennis, 204, 211, 222, 2.6, 227. 

Dequine, Lewis, Miami precinct. 53. 

Detroit, 1. 

De Shane, David, 18. 

Deshler, D. W., v.'ritten to for certifi- 
cate, 171. 

Dews, I. M. , .-speaks in favor of Nebraska, 
85. 

Dickinson, Hannah, married Isaac Lane; 
children of, 180. 

Dickson, 313. 

Dickson, George, 242, 248, 251. Called 
upon Governor Walker, 164. Writes 
to Governor Walker, 192. 

Dickson. Mrs., 268. 

Diondadies(Petuns, or Wyandots), 8, 10. 

District Court, U. S., of Missouri, 21. 

Dodge. Hon. A. C, introduces Hadley 
D. Johnson to Senator Douglas, 87. 
Speaks in favor of Nebraska, 85. 

Dodge, General Henry, led Manuel Lisa's 
exploring party, 03. 

Dofllemeyer, Catharine Ann, 401. 

Dofflemeyer, Rev. Daniel, 319, 320, 829, 



332, 336, 337, 338, 347, 350, 352, 353. 
356, 357, 360, 361. Biographical 
sketch of, 317. 

Dofflemeyer, I\Irs., 337, 341. 

Dog-Skinning, incident of, 2G7. 

Dole, Wm. P., of Kansas, 143. 

Dole, Mrs., solicits a position from Lane 
for S. A. Cobb, 152. 

Donnelly, Father, a priest in Kansas 
City, 240. 

Doolittle, Senator, Chairman Committee 
on Indian Affairs; asked to have 
Pomeroy of Kansas put on the Com- 
mittee in place of Lane, absent, 133. 
Conceives a prejudice against Guthrie. 
148. 

Dorcas, the slave of Governor Walker; 
bill of sale of, 194. 

Douglas, Senator, introduces bills pro- 
viding for Territorial Government for 
Nebraska Territory, 22. Chairman 
Senate Committee on Territories; re- 
ported the bill for the organization of 
Nebraska Territory Feb. 17. 1853, 30. 
Bill for organizing Nebraska Territory, 
60. To blame for failure ot the bill 
1853, 61. Efforts to oraauize Ne- 
braska Territory, 72. Chairman Com- 
mittee on Territories, 86. Repre- 
sented by Hadley D. Johnson as leav- 
ing the location of the line between 
Nebraska and KiJUSMS to him, 88. 

Dover, Doctor, lost in the "Wyandot 
Pun ha.se," 244. 

Dowi;s, H. P..^Clerk of Election held in 
Old Fort Kearney; notice of. from 
"Outposts of Zion,"' 50. Received 
283 votes fir Treasurer, 85. 

Downs, , speaks in favor of Ne- 
braska, 85. 

Downing, Major J., quoted by Governor 
Walker. 231 

Doyle, Dr. ,"332, 334, 341. 

Draper, Lyman C, 363. Editor of 
Withers" s Chronides of Border War- 
fare, 179. 

Driver Family, general sketch of, 202. 

Driver, Caroline, married, 1st, Edward 
Kirkbride; 2d, Louis Lofland; child- 
ren of, 203. 

Driver, Francis, sketch of, 202. 

Driver, Mrs. Matilda, character ot": mar- 
ried Francis A. Plicks, 189, 202. 

Driver, Sarah, married, 1st, Dr. W. A. 
Payne; 2d Lucian Dagnett: lives at 
Seneca. Mo., 203. 

Driver, Mrs., buried March 3, 1848. 232. 

Driver, William, died unmarried. 2i^ ;. 

Duncan, Rev. Mr , a Cherokee, i': cached 
in Wvandot Nation. 184. 



INDEX. 



413 



Duriwoodie, James, had a slave Gover- 
nor Walker wished to buy, 195. 

Dyer. W. F., Delegate to Couvention, 
remaiks concerning, 34. 

Dvke, Mr., the wit at celebration of 
"Washington's birthday, 1848, 231. 

Drummond, Samuel, 324, 325, 342, 344. 

E. 

Edgerton, Mr., presents memorial of 
Abelard Guthrie for mileage and per 
diem, 70. 

Edgington, D., employed by Governor 
Walker, 1H9. 

Edmonson, John, ?ellsafarm for $600.00 
!0 Governor Walker, 192. 

Egle, William Henry, M. D., A. M., 
author of "Pennsylvania Genealo- 
gies,"' 101. 

Election, Certificate of, to Thomas 
Johnson, 54. 

Elections Committee, Report of, on ap- 
plication of Abelard Guthrie for mile- 
age and per diem, 67. 

Election of Delegate to Congress, rules 
^ for, 48. Form of PoU-book for, 49. 

Election, the Presidential, in 1848; vote 
of the States in, 282. 

Ellington, P.. 318. 

Ellington, Mi^s Virginia T., married 
Rev. Daniel Dotilemeyer, 318. 

Elliott, Charles, biographical sketch of, 
325. 

El well, 351. 

l^lvira. steamboat, 350. 

Emigrants, more than one hundred 
thousand passed through Nebraska in 
^ 1849 and 1850, 68. 

English, Wm. G., speaks in favor of Ne- 
braska, 85. 

Erie, Lake, 2, 9. 

Estes, 221. 

Eut.au Springs, the, 312. 

Ewing, Judge, 316. 

F. 

Faimtleroy, Colonel, 27. Commanding 
ofricer of Fort Leavenworth; threatens 
arrest of Guthrie, 79. 

Ferries, 380. 

Fillmore, Millard, 251. 

Fifer, Edward, 27. 

Finances, 397. 

Findiay, James, 338, 388. Delegate to 
Convention; biographical sketch of, 
34. 

Finley, Rev. J. B., sent a communica- 
tion to the Wyandots, 227. Called 
the Arch Bishop of the Ohio State 



Prison; sketch of and Indian name of, 

239; memorial sent to, 244. 
Finlev, Marshall, Judge of Election, 84. 
Fire, "Council, 392. 
Fish, Dr., 33ti. 

Fish. Mr., married Hetty , 217. 

Fish, Mrs. Hester, 347. 

Fitz-Patrick Major, 336. 

Flemming, William, 363. 

Flint, Mr., a Shawnee preacher, 287. 

Folkes, Wm. C, voted at Old Fort 

Kearnev, 50. 
Forsyth, Jamos H., 315. 
Fort La Motte, 8. 
Fort Leavenworth, second election for 

Delegate to Nebraska held there, 27. 
Foxes, the tribe, 63, 265. 
France, to interfere in our civil war, 135. 
Free Masonry, introduction of, into Kan- 
sas, 25. 
Fremont, Gen., one of the Generals of 

the Army of the Potomac, 150. 
French half-breed.s, had a settlement in 

the bottoms between the Missouri and 

Kansas Rivers, 163, 290. 
French, Mr., 301. 
Frost, Dr., 252. 

Frost, Michael, 260, 266, 289, 830. 
Funk, 353. 
Fulton, Dr., 312. 
Furnas, E.x-Governor Robert W., viii. 

G. 

Garrett, Amanda, 341. 

Garrett, Byron, 341. 

Garrett, Charles B., 25, 26, 34, 181, 213, 
248, 323, 333, 340, 341, 377, 390. Del- 
egate to Convention, 34. Indicted for 
forcible use of ferry boat. 187. Fined 
$5.00 for taking ferry boat, 188. Mem- 
ber of the Wyandot Mining Company, 
2'.^0. Biography, 340. 

Garrett, Cvrus, 25", 26, 341, 376. 

Garrett, E", 378. 

Garrett, George, brother of Charles B. 
Garrett; married Nancy Walker, sis- 
ter to Gov. Walker, 40. Letter to, 
163. Death of, Feb. 17, 1846, aged 
46, 170. 

Garrett, Harriet P.,. 341. 

Garrett, Henry, 26, 333, 341, 378. 

Garrett, Jane, 341. 

Garrett, J. B., vi. 

Garrett, Joel W., 25. 2^>, 241, 357, 389. 
Delegate to Convention, 34. Deputy 
Secretary of State: biographical 
sketch of. 40. Signature to certificate 
of election, 54. Written to by Gov- 
ernor Walker, 219. Portrait, 48. 



414 



INDEX. 



Garrett, Mrs. Maria, 253, 331. 

Garrett, Mrs. Mary Ann, 369. 

Garrett, Mary, 372. 

Garrett, Mrs. Nancy, 248, 308, 859. 

Garrett, Mrs.. 356. 

Garrett, Rebecca, 331. 

Garrett, Russell, 16, :5. 26, 31, 321, 324, 
331, 339, 340, 3-11. Recollections of 
the Convention that ibrmed the Pro- 
visional Goveriinient; lives in Ven- 
tura, Caliioniia: the only Delegate to 
the Convention known to be living at 
this time (Dec, 1898). 33, 34. Mined 
in Calii'oriiia, 112. Member of the 
Wj'andnt Mining Company, 290. 

Garrett. ?i[issR . 323. 

Garrett, Theo. F., member of the Wy- 
andot Mining Companv, 290. 

Garrett, William. 340, "341. Married 
Mary Ann Long, 171. Death of, 211. 

Garrett, Wesley, 341, 366. 

Garretts, the, slave owner.-;, 77. 

Gallatin, Albert, article of, upon the 
Mexican war, 22S. 

Cazctie^ Wyandotte, Guthrie's address, 
taken from, 79. 

Geuoe, Eli^>, Miami prr-cinct. 53. 

Gemundt, Dr., 346, 349, 350, 356, 359. 
Death of, 377. 

Georgians, engaged in a battle in the 
Mexican war, 109. 

Geyer, Senator Henry S. (Missouri), 29. 
Opposed to Nebraska Ter., 77. 

Gibson, James S., vi. 

Gibson, John, 354. Appointed Super- 
visor, 196. 

Gibson, Wm., 26, 263. 355. 

Gilmore, Mr., 235, 291. 292, 313, 333, 
339. 357, 362. Munied Martha R. 
Walker, 298. 

Gilmore, Mrs., 256. 

Gilpin, Wm., Delegate to Convention; 
remarks concerning; afterwards Gov- 
ernor of Colorado, 34. 

Gilstrap, A. L., 387. 

Gipson, John, deceased; administrators 
of, sell Dorcas, a slave, to Governor 
Walker, 194. 

Gist, Christopher, 10. 

Givens, Mr., 255. 

Gere, Hon. C. H., viii. 

Goodin, John, employed as attorney by 
Goveinor Walker, 167. Writes to 
Governor Walker, 190. Tran.'^acted 
business for Wyandots, 219. 

Goodin, John R., Judge and Member of 
Congress from Kansas. 177. 

Goodin, John, 252, 257, 365. 

Government, Provisional, 383. 

Graham, C, 161, 190, 2U7, 214, 219, 222, 



228, 233, 235, 236, 237, 246, 289. 319, 
323, 350. Agencv blacksmith for the 
Wyandots, 191. Delivers $7n5.(» to 
sheriff to pay for house bought by 
Governor Walker, 197. Removed from 
position of Agency-blacksmith: Wyan- 
dots resent it, 207. Council convened 
to consider his removal, 208. Re- 
stored to his position of Agency-black- 
smith, 209. Very sick, 215. Married 
Mrs. Mary Bartleson, 253. Died of 
cholera, 327. 

Graham, Mrs. Mary, very sick, 211. 
Death of, 212. Obituary notice of, 
written by Governer Walker for the 
Expositor, 214. 

Graham, Mrs., 342. 

Graham, William A., 353. 

Graham, W. C. 298. 

Grasshopper River. Military Crossing of, 
34. 

Graves, Chai'les, married Abalura Guth- 
rie, 103. 

Gray, Alfred, meeting in interest of 
Quindaro at oiiice of. 119. 

Gray, Peter, employed to build smoke 
house for Governor Walker. 163. 

Gray, M. M . 18 

Gray-Eves, I'uclor. 254. 

Gray-Eyes, Squire, 227, 254. 260, 303. 
330. ■ His prPii^'liinor, 223. 

Grav-Eves, John W." 18, 25, 258, 263, 
3i2, 313, 314, 317, 325, 330, 3.-^4. 355. 
Delegate to Convention, 35. Chief by 
inheritance, 173. Appninted Super- 
visor, 196. Information concernius 
Indian Congress. 201. Death of his 
wife; biographical sketch of, 254. Por- 
trait. 256. 

Gray-Eyes, Robert, buried Fe!>ruary 25, 
l'-'47, 195. Administiator's sale of 
effects of, 197. 

Greer, John, 235. 

Greer, , Knox Countv,0., purchased 

Gov. Walker's lands, 213. 

Green Corn Feast of the Wvaudots, 385. 
Aug. 9, 1853, 30. 

Green, Rev. Thomas A., 238. 301. 

Greenbrier Co., W. V., 340. 

Greeley, Horace, written to bv Guthrie 
about the first delegate from Nebraska, 
149. 

Greenwood, Judge, speaks in favor of 
Nebraska, 85. 

Griffin, , 320. 

Grinter, John C. 17. 

Grinter, W. H. H., 17. 

Grist mills, 405. 

Giover, , Delegate to Conveation; 

biographical sketch of, 34. 



INDEX. 



415 



Grover, Charles H., 34. 

Grover, D. A. N., 34. 

Gurley, , 274. 

Gurley, Rev. James, 271. 

Guthrie, Abelard, 22, 25, 26, 30, 37, 47, 
53, 61, 76, 88, 116, 122, 125, 126, 129, 
130, 131, 134, 135, 136, 137, 168, 230, 
232, 251, 327, 345, 352 ii.l, 355, 363, 
365, 368, 371, 372, 377, 383, 388, 391, 
396. A brief sketch of, 101. Dele- 
gate to Congress, 27, 28. Benton's 
representative, 36, 83. Set out for 
Washington, Nov. 20, 1852, 29. Del- 
egate to Convention, 35. Received 
33 to Johnson's 18 in Wyandot pre- 
cinct, 38. Election, 39. Contests the 
election for Delegate to Congress; 
visited Washington; attacks Commis- 
sioner of Indian Affairs, 40. Attacks 
Col.Matiypenny in Ohio Slate Journal: 
feeling Ijetween him and Rev. I'homas 
Johnson, 41. Claims, 42, 67. Official 
action endorsed by the Convention, 46, 
Eh^ctiou, -IS, 61, 67. Efforts to secure 
a Territorial Government for Nebraska 
Territory, 75, 78, 112. Ti-avels from 
St. Louis to Cincinnati, 77, 277. Ad- 
dress to voters of Kansas, 79. Op- 
position of Commissioner of Indian 
Affairs, 81. Married Miss Quindaro 
Nancy Brown; children of, 103, 107. 
Adopted into the Bear Clan of Wyan- 
dots; his Indian name; Lis deiith; 
character and personal appearance; 

104. Chief clerk in office or John 
Johnston, Indian Agent at Piqua,Ohio; 
took much interest in the Wyando s 
and was of service to them; appointed 
Register of the U. S. Land Office at 
Upper Sandusky, Ohio; his uomina 
tion rejected: departure for the West, 

105. Arrival at the mouth of the Kan- 
sas River early in 1844. 106. Fnig- 
ment of Journal written while in Mex- 
ico. 108. A pioneer in California, 
1850, 111, 308. Efforts to establish 
an Indian State, 112. Identified witli 
the Free-State movement in Kansas; 
a Delegate to the Big Springs Conven- 
tion, 113. Ruined by the Quindaro 
City venture; nature of his Journals, 
115. Delegate to the "Free-State" 
County Convention, 117. Description 
of the election held in Quindaro, 118. 
Arrangement with Mrs. Nichols to 
edit the Chindowau, 119. Illness of 
his father, 123. Visit to his father, 
Sept. 13, 1859, 124. In Washington 
Citv, 1862, 127, 128. Dealings with 
Gen. Lane, 130, 132, 133, 134, 138,142, 



143, 146, 147. Transactions with 
Charles Robinson, 120, 121, 123, 151. 
Letters to New York Tribune. 81, 139, 
150. Independent candidate for Con- 
gress, 152. Delegate from the Wyan- 
dot Nation in Washington, 161. Re- 
turned from Washington, 174. On 
his way to Ohio, 187. Called '• Esau" 
by Governor Walker, 236, 246, 251. 
On his way to Santa Fe, May 24, 1849, 
289. 

Guthrie, Abalura, daughter of Abehird 
Guthrie; married Charles Graves: 
died leaving a son, Clarence Graves, 
103. Attended the " Convent of the 
Sacred Heart," 124. 

Guthrie, Mrs. Anna, stepmother of Abe- 
lard Guthrie, 123, 125. 

Guthrie, Jacob, vi. Son ot Abelard 
Guthrie; married Dora — — ; their 
children, 104. 

Guthrie, James, vi, 103. 

Guthrie, James, son of Abelard Guthrie, 

married Grace ; their children, 

103. 

Guthrie, James, brief sketch of ; mar- 
ried Mrs. Elizabeth (Aiusworth) An- 
drews, 102. 

Guthrie, Miss Lucy, daughter of James 
Guthrie, matron of the Government 
School at Wyandotte, Indian Terri- 
torv, 103. 

Guthrie, Mrs., 237, 369. 

Guthrie, Norsona, married Edward S. 
Lane, 103; their children, 104. 

Guthrie, Mrs. Quindaro, 122, 124. At- 
tended the "Convent of the Sacred 
Heart," 124. Portrait, 112. 

H. 

Haff, Mrs. Marv, 11, 17. 

Haff, Sanford, 17. 

Hale, John A., vi. 

Halo, Mrs. Lillian Walker, 8, 17, 25. 

Half-King, Chief, 367 n.2. 

Hall, Franklin, 84. 
I Hall, Luther A., 165. 

Hall, Willard P., a leader of the Ben- 
ton Democracy of Missouri, 28. Bill 
for organization of Nebraska Terri- 
tor}-, Dec. 13, 1852; bill never I'e- 
ported, 29, 59, 78. Endorsed by Con- 
vention, 45. 

Hamilton, Rev. William, candidate for 
Provisional Governor, 85. 

Hand, E. B., member and physician of 
Wyandot Mining Companv, 26, 191, 
192, 204, 212, 290. iMarriage, 218. 

Hanson, , 202. 



410 



INDEX. 



Harlan, Dr., 196. 

Harlau, Senator, 147, 148. 

Harmer. General, 18. 

Harris, H. T., 17. 

Harrison, Gen. W. H., 105, 340. 

Hamlin, Miss Carrie, vi. . 

Harrv, Major, 200, '207, 209, 210. 257. 261. 

Hat, John, 35.5, 392. 

Hedges, Thomas I., 52. 

Heiskell. William A., 52. 

Heisler, E. F., 17. 

Herald, Wyandot, 15. 

Hereford, , 314. 

Hereford, F. H., 323, 350. 

Hellenstein, Judge, 144 

Helvey, Joel, Old Fort Kearney, 50. 

Helvey, Thomas, Old Fort Kearney, 50. 

Henn, Honorable Bernhart, 84, 87. 

Hepner, George, 85. 

Hewitt, Dr.. 161, 181, 182, 205, 207, 208, 
216, 221, 237, 238, 246, 247, 258, 259, 
279, 280, 288, 293, 294, 297, 305. At- 
tends Governor Walker, 161. Arrives 
in Wyandot Reserve, June 7, 1845, 158. 

Hicks, family founded by an adopted 
white. 3. 

Hicks, Friiucis A., 25, 26, 217, 228, 254, 
258, 260, 262, 265, 272, 287, 312, 324, 
331. 333, 336, 360, 361,362. Delegate 
TO Convention, 35. Slave-owner, 77. 
Biographical sketch of, 189. Married 
TO Matilda Driver. May 24, 1847, 202. 

Hicks, John, Sr., 260, 2!32. 265, 331, 334, 
367 n.2, 370. 373 n.l, 375. 

Hicks, John, Jr., 260, 353, 368. 

Hicks, Hannah. 223, 233. 

Hicks. Henry, 18. 

Hickv^ Russia, 219. 

Hightower, Mr.. 211, 215, 244, 246. 

Hill, Geo. W., 43. 

Hill, Margaret, divorce, 191. 

Hill. Miss Mary E , married John Van 
Clp^"e Andrews, 102. 

Hill, Russell B.. divorce, 191. 

Hill, Sarah, death of, 344. 

Hilton, 345, 346. 

Historical Collections of Ohio, Howe's, 
12. 

Historical Society of Wisconsin, Library 
of, 13. 

Holland, Isham, Old Fort Kearnev, 50. 

Hooker, Charles, 345, 346 Hooper, 
Jacob, appointed to Wyandot Mission; 
cume from Lancaster, Pa., 202. 

Hopocan, or Captain Pipe, 235. 

Houston. Samuel, Senator, 55. 

Hovev, Geo. U. S., 17. 

Huhe'r, Col., 211. 

Hudson Bav Company, 7. 
Hufl'aker, Miss, death of, 290. 



Huffaker, Mr., 319. 

Hummer, Michael, 17. 

Hunter, 247, 347. 

Hunt, Adam, 217, 247, 268, 290. 

Hunter, Ira, 239, 290, 319. 

Hunter (Mrs. H. C Long), 354 n.l. 

Hunter, M. T., Senator, 55. 

Hunter, Robert, war chief of Oneidas, 8. 

Hunter, W., 183. 

Hunter, Zelinda M., born December 3, 
1820; married Silas Armstrong; died 
February 10, 1883, 308, 354 n.j. 

Hurlburt, Rev. Mr., 262, 265, 274. 

Huron Confederacy, 10. 

Huron Place Cemetery, 48. 



Independence, Mo., 321. 

Indian Bureau, influence of, 36. 

Indian Congress, at Fort Leavenworth, 
1848, 63, 265. 

Indian Territory, bounds of, in 1835, 21. 
Bills for establishing Territorial Gov- 
ernment in, 134, 136. In 1834, 21. 
Recommendation of Secretary of War, 
22. 

Indiana, Territory of, 20. 

Indians, the, 118," 120. 

Industrial Luminary of Parkville, 37, 
384. 

J. 

Jackson, J. C, letter to. 199-200. 

Jackson, James, 239, 240. 

Jackson, , of Kansas City, 275. 

Jackson, Shawnee Chief, 348. 

Jacquis.H., 176, 189, 193, 198, 204, 221, 
223. Sickness, 224. Death of; fu- 
neral ceremonies of; biographical 
sketch of, 225. Widow of; obituary 
notice of, written by Governor Walker 
for the Ohio State Journal, 226. Sale 
of the property of, 227. Estate of, 
sued, 246. 

Jameison, Rev., 306. 

Jebo, Joseph, 52. 

Jersey. West, name of Governor 
Walker's homestead in the Wyandot 
Purchase, 64. 

Jersey Creek, 64. 

Jesuits, the, 1, 9. 

John-Go-Long-Up, steamboat, 170. 

Johnson, Hon. Allen, Jr., Head Chief 
Wyandot Nation, 18, 62. 

Johnson, B. F., 18. 

Johnson, Cave, 209. 

Johnsou, Hadley D., 31, 37,41, 59, 83, 
84, 87, 88. Statement of, concerning 
election of Delegate for Nebraska 
Territory, 83. 



INDEX. 



417 



Johusou, Rev. Thoma.-. ;]4, ;J9, 41, 54, 
59, 60, 81, 88, 251, 257, 297, 386, 388, 
380,400. Missionary of M. E. Church, 
South, to the Shawiiees, resided in the 
Shawnee country, near Westport, Mo., 
nominated for Delegate to Congress 
by the Kickapoo.s, 38. Nomination, 
81. In Indian Department, 82. Pat 
forward in the interest of D. R. Atch- 
ison, 83. At Wa.shington, 60, 86, 87. 

.lohnston, Catharine, death of, 343, 344, 

Johnston, John, Agt. 0. Indians, 12, 108. 
329. 

Joncaire, Lieut, le Sieur, 8. 

Jondron, C, 204. 

Jordan, Rev., 191. 

K. 

Kansas City, Kansas, 8, 340. 

Kansas Territory, struggle for freedom 

in. 113. 
Kansas, north line of, 88. 
Kansas-Nebraska Act, passed May 30, 
^ 1854, 21, 42. 
Kansas River, for Pacific Railroad, 31. 

"Delaware Crossing" on. 34. 
Kanzas, Indian Congress of, 1848, 265. 
Kiiufman, , a J. P., Jackson County, 

Mo., 198. 
Karrahoo. Milton, 246, 249. 
Kayrohoo, John, 330, 345, 359. 
Kayrohoo, Solomon, 377. 
Kaskaskia, Andrew, 52. 
Kearney, Gen., 264. 
Kellev, Mrs., 333. 
Kerr," Samuel, 262. 
Ketcham, Captain, 310. 

Keyser, . 216, 221. 

King, Asburv, 220. 

King, G. W." (Thompson). 401. 

King, Governor, 309. 

King. Matthew, 130. 

Kirby, M. H., 352, 375. 

Kirkbride, Edward, married Caroline 

Driver, "iOo. 
Kickapoo, town, 59. 
Kickapoos, 23, 38, 230. 
Knight, Mr., Sr., 320, 321. 
Knight, Preston, 350. 
Kramer, Mr., 169. 



Ladd, John Wanton, born in Warrick, 
R. J., Aug. 10, 1793: died in Wyan- 
dotte, Kansas, Sept. 25, 1865, 27. 

Ladd, Lydia B., married Matthew R. 
Walker; one of her daughters Mrs. 
Lillian Walker Hale, 25. 

28 



Ladd, John Wanton, 27, 338. 

Ladd, Mary Ann, married Joel Walker, 
26. 

Lane, Edward S., married Norsona 
Guthrie, 103. Children, 104. 

Lane, Elizabeth J., 341. 

Lane, James H., 130, 132, 136, 140, 141, 
145, 146, 147, 148, 149. 152, 318. 
Seat contested, 127. Absence from 
Washington, 133. Military talents: 
Texas scheme, 134. Treatment of 
Guthrie, 138, 143. 

Lane, Miss Mina, vi. 

Lane, Hon. V. J., editor of the Herald, 
18, 25, 104. 

Lanniwa, Territory of, 112, 146, 149. 

La Serge, John, 190. 

Latta, Dr., 281. 

Lattiniore, Robert, 310. 

Laussat, M., represented France in t!uj 
delivery of the possession of Louisi- 
ana to the U. S., Dec. 20, 1803, 19. 

Laws. Wyandott, 3, 379. 

Legate, James F., 148. 

Legislative Committee, the, of the Wy- 
andot Nation, its powers and impoi'- 
tance; statement of, 62. 

Leonard, Mrs., 208. 

Lester, , hanged, 162. 

Letcher, J., Virginia, 55. 

Lewis and Clark, 93. 

Light, Jacob, married EloLsa Guthrie, 
103. 

Lincoln, Abraham, misjudged bv the men 
of his time, 28, 115, 125, 135." 

Line, north boundary, of Kansas, 88. 

Liugenfelter, L., 85. 

Linnville, William, 289, 290, 318. 

Lisa, Manuel, 93. 

Little Chief, 262, 272. 

Lofland, Mrs. Carolina, vi, 18. 

Lofland, Louis,married Carolina (Driver) 
Kirkbride, 203. 

Long, Alexander, married Catharine 
Lane, 275, 354 n. 1. Children of, 180. 

Long, H. C, 17, 26, 35, 371, 354 n.l. 

Long, Irvin P., 35, 43, 260, 290, 354 n.l. 
Biographical sketch, 275. 

Long, Isaac, 26, 354 n.l. 

Long, James. 18, 26, ;;54 n.l. 

Long, Miss .lane R.. 247, 253. 257. 

Long, John, Chief ot the W'yandots, 173. 

Long, Mary Ann, married to William 
Garrett, 171. 341. 

Long, Mrs., 335. Death of. 336. 

Longs, the, v. 

Loomis, Hon. Mr., report on Guthrie's 
claims. 67. 

Lopez, Buccaneer Patriot, 332, 333. 

Love, Rev., 358. 



418 



II^DEX. 



Loiiisaua, province, 10. District and 

territory, 20. 
Louisianians in Mexican W;ir, 100. 
Lumpey, Louis, 330, 834, 354, 355 n.l, 

371. 

Lnusford. , 323. 

Lusk, Mrs., 333. 

Lucas, John B. C, 20. 

Lykins, David, voted in Miami precinct, 

52. 
Lykins, Miss, 257. 
Lynch, John, 27, 216, 217, 218, 221, 228, 

231, 232, 233, 255, 335. 348, 371. 
Lynville, 347. 

M. 

McAlpine, Miss Jessie S. , vi. 26. 

McAlpine, John W., 26 

McAlpine, Mary A., 26. 

McAlpine, Nicholas, 17, 43. Marriage, 

26. 
McAlpine, Robert L., 26. 
McAnelly, 362. 

McClellan, Gen., 131, 135, 137, 205, 333. 
McColloch, Z., 311. 
McCowen, 347. 

McCoy, Isaac, 229. 230. Death, 289. 
McCoy, John C, 321. 
McCulloch, Samuel, 180. 
McCulloch, William, 180. 
McDaniel, 356. 
McDowell, William, 220. 
McDowell, General, 150. 
McElvain, Andrew, 238. 
McElvain, Col. Pardy, 211, 
McEweu, Wm., 85. 
McGee, W. M., 372. 
McKissick, C. W., 85. 

McKnight, , 295 

McKnight Nimrod, 372. 

McLean, , 253. 

McNeal, Daniel, 27, 354. 

McMullen, William Walker, vi, 12, 17. 

Mackinaw, 1. 

Malott, Hiram, 17. 

Manypenuy, Col., 40, 41, 386. 

"Margaret, French," 9. 

Martin, George W , Kansas City. 18. 

Mason, J. M., U. S. Senator, 55. 

Masonry, first in Kansas, 25. 

Matney, John R,, vi. 

Mayo, Abel Upshur, 55. 

Means. Hon. W. C, 85. 

Meigs, R. J., 20. 

Methodism among the Wyandot.s, 2, 3, 

11, 352, 369. 
Mexican War, 109. 
Miami Rapids, battle of, 3. 
Miami Precinct, poll-book, 51. 
Miamis, 23, 265. 



Michigan Territory, 21. 
Mih-shih-kihu-ah-kwah, or Little Turtle. 

Chief of the Miamis, 18. 
Miller, R. C, 36, 57, 383. 
Mills, Grist, 405. 

Mining Company, the Wyandot, 288, 200. 
Missouri Compromise, repeal, 81. 
Missouri River, 31. 
Missouri Territory, 20, 21, 22. 
Mitchell, D. D., "Supt. Ind. Aff., 294. 
Mononcue, Rev., 161, 373 n.l. 
Mononcue, Mrs., 369 n.l. 
Montgomery, James, 373 n.l. 
Montour, Andrew, alias Henry, 10. 
Montour, Catherine, 10. 
Moutoui-, Louis, 10. 
Montour, Mary, married James Rankin; 

boi'n in 1756, 10. 
Montour, Madame, born in Canada 

about 1684, 8. Influence, 9. 
Montour Famil}', founder, 8, 10. 
Monture, James, 279. 
Morman Emigrants, 348. 
Morris, Bishop, 271. 
Morton, Mrs. Hanna, 357. 
Morton, Hon. J. Sterling, viii. 
Moseley, Beverly A., 356. 
Moseley, John, 335. 
Moseley, Major, 293, 312, 314, 316, 320, 

323, 326, 327, 328, 329. 330, 332, 333. 

334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 341, -343, 344. 

346, 347 n.l, 348, 349, 352, 356, 360. 

363, 364, 371, 373, 379. 
Mo.seley, Thomas, 292. 
Moses, "^Mr., 252. 

Mudeater, name and family, 3, 234. 
Mudeater, Alfred J., v, 18', 234, 235 
Mudeater, Benjamin, 18, 235. 
Mudeater, Ida, 235. 
Mudeater, Irvin, born 1849, 235. 
Mudeater, Mary, born 1847, 235. 
Mudeater, Matthew, 17. 25, 234, 254, 258, 

296, 312, 313, 330, 331, 348, 353, 355, 

362. Married Nancv Pipe; children 

of, 235. 
Mudeater, Matthew. Jr., 235. 
Mudeater, Mrs. Julia, 18. 
Mudeater, Mrs., 237. 
Mudeater, Russia, 235. 
Mudeater, Silas, 235. 
Mudeater, Snsanuh, 17, 235. 
Mudeater, Thomas Dawson, 235. 
Mudeater, Zelinda, born 1815, 235. 
Muir, Presley, 26, 36, 361, 363, 371. 
Mulkey, William, 350. 372. 
Muncie Tribe, 252, 347. 
Mundav, Isaac, 36, 57, 383. Biography, 

34. 

MuUikan, , 297. 

Muskrat, Isaac, 316, 317. 



INDEX. 



419 



N. 

Nebraska City, site, -51. 

Nebraska Territory, 'io, SI, 67, 83, 88, 
376. Description. (iS. Movement to 
organize, 24, 28, 33, 36. 42, 72. Bill 
ot 1844, 22. Bill of 1848, 22. Bills 
of 1853, 29, 30; 86, 399,404. Bounds, 
36, 61.^ Delegate, 26, 27, 80. Elec- 
tion of Delegate to Congress for, 80. 
Attitude of pro-slavery party, 82. 
Notes of Gov. Walker, 58. 

Negroes, at Quindaro, 115. 

Newman, Moses B., 17, 134, 138, 321. 

New Mexico, 68. 

New River, 234. 

Nichols, Mrs., edits Ghindowan, 119. 

Nichols, Smith, 18, 247, 278, 317. 

Niles. Hezekiali, Register, 132. *' Princi- 
ples and Acts of the Revolution," 140. 

Niles, Samuel V., 130, 140, 143. 

Noble, Tho. H., 220, 223, 228. 230, 239, 
240, 241, 247, 249, 250, 265, 286, 296. 

Nofat, Administrators sale of eifects of, 
200. 255. 258, 327. 

Nofat, Margaret, death of, IGO. 

Nominations, Wyandott, 382. 

Nones, J. B., 39^ 388. 

Northrup, Andrus Bishop, 304. 

Northrup, Mrs. A. B., vi. 

Northrup, H. M., v, 17, 43, 240, 251, 
313, 316, 324, 332. Biographical 
sketch, 303. 

Northrup, Mrs. H. M., 251. 

Northrup, McHenrv, 304. 

Northrup, Milton, 304. 

Northrup, Thomas Clark, 304. 

Northrup & Chick, 304. 

Northwestern Confederacy,renewal, 265. 

Norton, Jlrs. Ha una, 365. 

Norton, Henry C, 26, 297, 323, 345. 

Nottawassaga Bay, 1. 

0. 

"O'Bludgeon, Jonnv," 27, 319, 337, 

369, 372. 
"Oft in the Stilly Night," in English 

and Wyandot, 14. 
Ohio State Journal, 41. 353. 
"Old Bullion," 355. 
"Old Connecticut," 27, 365. 369, 370. 
Old Fort Kearney, 50, 51. 
Oliver, Judge, 32. 
Oliver, Mordecai, vi. 
Oregon, 68. 

Oregon Company, 347. 
Orleans, Territory of, 19. 
Overton. Major W. P.. 275. 
Otero, Miguel, 326. 



Ottawa Indians, 62. 
Owen, Col. S., 185. 



Pacitic & Hannibal R. R., 351. 

Pacific Railroad, 1853, 32, 88. 

Pacific states, the; Southern sentiment 

in, 80. 
Palmer, R., 290. 
Palmer, Mrs., death of, 211. 
Parker, Greenberry, 194. 
Parks, Captain Joseph, Chief of the 

Shawnees, 117, 120, 345. Sketch of. 

120. 
Parkville, 342. 
Parrott, Rev., 200, 202, 204. 
Paschal, John, 52. 
Paschal, Luther, 52. 
Passmore, Mary C, 194. 

Patten, , 191. 

Patton, James, 365. 

Payne, Bishop, 361. 

Payne, Dr. W. A., 203. 

Pay-House, the Delaware, 66. 

Pawnee-s, the, 200, 310. 

Peacock, Amelia, 193. 

Peacock, Boyd, 314. 

Peacock, Isnac, 354. 

Peacock, Matthew, 373 n.l. Sketch of. 

232. 
Piacock, Moses, 210, 250. 
Peerev, Mr., 274. 
Peeiev, Mrs., 190, 191. 
Peerev, Rev. E. T., 181, 190, 193. 194. 

214: 221, 222, 225, 228, 243, 251, 255, 

295, 374. 
Peerey, Rev. John Thompson, 271, 277, 

280, 296, 297. 
Peerey, Rev. John F., 353, 359, 361. 
Petuns, the Tobacco Nation, 1, 10. 
Perkins (Shawnee blacksmith), 359. 
Perkins, Stephen, 17. 
Peoria, Baptiste, 35, 52. 
Peoria, Joe, 53. 
Peorias, Indians, 265. 
Pierce, Charles W., 85. 
Pieto, Jose Antonio. 26. 
Pillow, G^n., 229. 
Pigram, B. R., 86. 
Pipe, Captain, or Hopocan, 235. 
Pip<', John, 194, 330, 338, 369. 
Pipe, Mrs. Margaret, 18, 4 i. 
Pipe. Nancv (Mrs. Matthew Mudeater), 

2;5. 81, '382. 
Pipe, Thomas, 194, 274, 371. 
Pittsbi rg& Gulf Railroad, 35. 
Pharoah, 210, 233. 

Phelps, Hon., U. S. Ho. of Reps., 70. 
Phips, , 220. 



420 



INDEX. 



Platte County, 341. 

•• Platte Purchase," 16, 20._ 

Platte, Valley of, as a route for railroads, 
;;1. 

Polk, James K., 282. Death of, 291. 

Poll-book, 49. Miami precinct, 61. Old 
Fort Kearnev precinct, CO. 

Pomeroy, Senator, 128, 129, 1:^3, 135, 
138 ; requested by Abelard Guthrie to 
present his Resolution, 129. 

Pontiac, 1. 

Pore, Mr. Charles, 258. 

Porter, Henry W., 27. 

Porter, Rev. James, 252, 338. 

Pottawattomies, 62, 207, 310. 

Pratt, Major John G., 17, 34. 

Preston, Miss Sarah, 307. 

Preston, Sarah (Mrs. S. Armstrono:),.307. 

Price, Sterling. 29. 

Price, Judge William Cecil, vii, 32, 307 
n.l. Biographical sketch of, 28. Por- 
trait, 32. 

Priestly, Samuel. 26. 

Priestly, William, 194. 

Prince, Col. John, 210, 273. 

Prior, Roger A., 132. 

Proceedings, Nebr. Terr., 384. 

Proclamaiious, Territorial, 385. 

Proclamation, election of Delegate, 47. 

Prophet, the Shawnee, 18. 

Providence, John. 168. 

Provisional Government of Nebraska 
Territory, 31, 32, 36, 37, 42, 57, 81, 
383. Organization, 32, Hi. Oiiicers, 
36. Duration, 60. Termination, 42. 

Punch, Curtis, 368. 

Punch, Dan, frozen to death, 276. 

Punch, George, 360, 373 n.l. 

Purchase, Wyandott, map, x. 



Q. 



Juindaro City, 3(1, 114, 115. 



R. 



Railroad. 85, 383. See Pacijir J?. R. 

Rankin Family, 7. 

Rankin, Catherine, dau. James, 11, 

Rankin. James, 7, 8, 10, 222. 227, 254, 
258, 265, 312, 313, 327, 328, 330. 331, 
336. Death, 333. Marriage, 10. 

Rankin, James, Jr., 11. 

Rankin, Mary Montour, 10, 350. 

Rankin, Miss Nancy, 338. 

Rankin, Samuel, 26, 255, 312. 354. 363. 

Ready, Dr., 353. 

Rector, Hon. Benjamin, 85. 

Reed, , married Elizabeth ( Zane) 

Robifaille; children of, 180. 



Reed, , 314. 

Reeder, A. H., Gov., 42, 60, 80. 82. 
Rej>ublican, the St. Louis, 28. 
Republican party, made by efforts of 

Abelard Guthrie, 76, 79, 144. 

ReesQ, , 236. 

Resolutions of Convention '.vhich formed 

Provisional Government of Nebraska, 

43. 

Reynolds. , 214. 

Rice, Dr., 348. 

Richardson, R., 200 

Richardson, William A. Ho!:., 29. 

Richardson Bill, 29. 

Richfield, town, 359. 

Ridge, Dr., 2 3, 332, 3t3. 

Ridjewav, Joseph, :;!]. 

Ridijeway, .)., Jr., 24S. 

Riggs, Harlan, 220. 

Rile^y, Fort, 34. 

Roberts, W. Y., 121. 

Robinson, Charles. 115, 116, 120. 121. 

123, 150. 
Robitaille brothers, vi. 
Robitadle, Mrs., death and bu'ial of. 283. 
Robitaille. Robert, eniplovei to toaeh 

school, 160, 169. 
Robitaille, , married Elizabeth. 

Zane; children of, 180. 

Roberts, , 219. 

Rodgers, Dr., 336, 338. 

Ronncay. Mrs., death o!'. 391. 

Roseberry, 341. 

Ross County, Oliio, 3U). 

Route, Railroad, ■'■^'■>. 

Rowand, J. R., Phila., 193, 198, 215. 

Rucker, Mr , 332. 

Rusk, Thomas J., Hon.. 55 

Russell, Rev. B. H., 301, 317. 

Russell, Rev. , 279, 297. 

Russell, Mrs., 213 
Russell, Miss Hester, 319. 

S. 

St. Mary's, treaty of, 16 

Sacs, Indian Congress, 1818, 63. 

Sager, Henry, 252. 

Sandusky, 3. 

ISaiidiisk}/ Register, 378. 

Sarpv's trading house, 84. 

Sarrahess, John, 187, 189, 191. 252. 330, 
353, 355, 358. Sketch of, 193. Mar- 
riage, 194. 

Sawyer, Hon. A. J., viii. 

Sawyer, , Hon.. 165. 

Savior, , 209. 214. 

Scarritt, Rev. Nathan, 40, 297, 302. 318, 
328, 3.32, 337, 339. 

Schoolcraft, Works on Indians, 321, 359. 



IXDEX. 



421 



School Fund. 1852, 348, 405. 
Scott, Fort, 34. 
Scott. Gen. W.. 229. 353. 
Seneca Chief, 187, 191, 208, 392. Ar- 
rival at mouth of Kansas, 187. 

Shaler, , 314, 323, 328, 330. . 

Shawnee Indians. 2, 23, 34, 35, 38, 62, 

117, 120, 130. 200. 265. 
Sharp, Col. J. L.. 85. 
Sharp, S. S.. 17. 308. 
Shehea, Brvan. 369. 
Shelly, Genoral. 32. 
Shepard, Col. Moses, of Va., 179. 
Sherman. John, L61. 
Shiplev, Thomas. 335. 

Shipley, , 366. 

Shrunk, J., of the Loiver Sandusky 

Telegraph, 214. 229, 248. 
Simpson, D. W.. 19M. 
Simpson, Dr., 272. 

Sims. Col., 127, 131. 132, 146. 

Sioux, 336. 

Skah-mehn-dah'-teb. daughter of Me- 
nomonee and wife of George Arm- 
strong, 161, 176. 

Skan-ho-nint, or One-Bark-Cauoe, Wy- 
andot Chief. 7. 

Smallev, H. H., 15. 

Smallev. Leonard, 220, 252. 293. 

Smart," Col. R. C , 314. 

Smith, Caleb B., 143. 

Smith. Gerritt. 270. 

Smith, Hugh N., 68. 

Smith. , President of the Masonic 

College at Lexington, Mo., 204. 

Smith, Rev. William D., 225. 

Snake Indians, the. 336. 

Snow, R. P., 84. 

Snyder, Judge, 85. 

Solomon, Dan H . ^^^j. 

Solomon, John, .325. 

South Pass, 92. 

South Table Creek, 51. 

Speer, Hon. John, vi. 

Split-the-Logs. Charles, 223. 

Splitlog, Matthias, v, 17, 194, 263. Biog- 
raphy, 34. 

Spurlock, Sarah, 341. 

Squeendehtee. Mrs., 365. 

Squeendehteh, 268. 

Standingstone, Killbuck, 354. 

Standmgstone,Oue-Hundred-Snakes,35. 

Stanton, F. P., 127. 

Stand-In-The-Water, Thomas, 231, 252. 

Standinwater, Theo., 190 

State Line, Nebraska and Kansas, 88. 

Stateler, Rev. L. B., 173, 198, 222, 223, 
257, 273, 286, 287, 302, 306, 332, 333, 
338. 

Stannard, Mrs. W. H., 18. 



Slavery, in Kansas Territory, 57. Atti- 
tude of Wvandots, 174. 

Steel, George. 294. 

Stephenson, Miss Matilda, 203. 

Stern, Jesse, 162, 166. 227, 232, 233. 
247, 248, 249, 251, 262, 287. 

Stevens, Eliza, 126. 

Stewart, John, 2. 

Stewart. Martin, 122. 

Stiles, Geo. P., 85. 

Still, , 268, 293. 

Stockbridge Indians, 347 ii.l. 

Stockton, John S., vi, 254. 

Stoddard. Amos, Gov., 19. 

Strohm, Isaac, 103, 123. 

Sunday Schools, 380. 

Symmes, Capt. John Cleves. 214. 



Tacket, Mr., 311. 

Tall Charles, 163, 165, 223. 272, 313. 

Sketch, 163. 
Tarhee, 373 n.l. 
Tavlor, 216, 221. 
Taylor, William, 329. 
Taylor, Zacharv. 251. 258. 270. 283. 312. 
Tauromee, 35," 161, 173, 187, 189. 191, 

228, 312, 353, 355. Biographical 

sketch of, 173. 
Tazewell County, Va., 367 n.l. 
Temperance, 377. 
Territorial Council, canvass the election 

returns, 39, 40, 48. 
Territory, Nebraska. See Xebraska. 
Territory of Lanniwa, 112. 
Thayendeuagea, or Joseph Brant, 253. 
Thieving, by Wyaudott Chiefs, 347. 
Thompson, , 202, 206. Stonemason, 

worked for Governor Walker, 202. 
Thompson, Mrs., 138, 140. 
Thrall, W. B., 196. 

Tibb, , 231. 

Tobacco Nation, the. 1, 10. 
Tondee, 328. 

Ton.son, , 204, 207, 

Toranto, word, 315. 

Towareh, 330, 344 

Traders' Point, or Bellevue, 84. 

Trager, A., 197, 244. 

Treaty of April, 1850, 348. 

Treaty Committee, 395. 

Tremble, Francois, 296, 313. 

Tribe, Muncie, 347 n.l. 

Tribe, Wolf. 339, 

Tnbune, N. Y., 80. 

Trowbridge, William, 27. 

Tullis, Jane, married James Barnett, 

194. 
Turkey Creek, 284, 310,311, 313. 



422 



INDEX. 



Turley, Marshal, 85. 
Turner, Nat, o07. 
Twightvvees (Miamis), 8. 
Twyinan, Dr. L., 242, 363. 
Twyman, Henry, .3.38. 
Twyman, Miss, 291. 
Twyman, W., 191. 
Tyler, President, 105. 

V. 

Union, the Washington, 129. 
Van Buren, Martin, 259, 270. 
Van Cleve, Mary Cornelia, married 

James Andrews, 102. 
Vandreuil, Marquis de, 8. 
Van Metre, John, 231, 293, 329. 
Vaughau, Major, 165. 
Vedder, E. T., 307. 
Vien, Peter, 314. 
Vincennes, 340. 

W. 

Wade, Benjamin F. Hon., 321. 

Wapstaff, Capt. Robert, 162, 163, 171. 

Waiden, Editor of Chindotran, 116. 

Waldo, Captain, 229. 

Waldo, 228, 291. 

Walker, Catherine, 25, 162. 

Walker, Everett, 1853-1888, 26. 

Walker, Florence, 26. 

Walker, Mrs. Hannah, 216, 218, 324. 

Walker, Harriet, 343. 

Walker, Ida E., 185] -1866. 26. 

Walker, Isaiah, vi, 25, 343 n.l, 344, 344 
n.l. 355, 357, 373. Portrait, 288. 

Walker, I. P., 290. 

Walker, Joel, vi, 17, 25, 26, 33, 34, 114, 
183, 189, 197, 204, 208, 244 246, 2-50, 
251, 2.52, 253, 257, 269, 287. 803, 317, 
319, 328, 334, 391. Sickness, 215. 
Portrait, 8. 

Walker, John T., 166, 171, 217, 221, 224, 
249, 264, 283, 294. 

Walker, Justin, '^6. 

Walker, Martha C, married William 
Gilmore, 298. 

Walker, Maria, 1847-1891; married Nich- 
olas McAlpine, 26, 340i 341. 

Walker, Mrs. Mary, 18, 343 n.l. 

Walker, MatthewR,, -.^6,33, 35, 36, 57,77, 
186, 193, 196, 198, 226, 227, 229, 237, 
246, 260, 265, 304, 307, 313, 316, 320, 
323, 325, 330, 332, 334. 337, 359, 362, 
364, 371, 372, 383. Biographical sketch 
of, 24. Portrait, 304. 

Walker, William, Senior, 5, 11. 

Walker, Governor William, vii, viii, 6— 
14, 16, 24, 26, 27, 29, 33, 35, 36, 43, 



55, 58, 60, 61, 64, 76, 77, 78, 108, 122, 
285. Son of William and Catherine; 
born in Wayne County, Mich., March 
5, 1800, 11, 232. Clan, 12. Marriage, 
12. Character, 13. Death, 15, 43. 
As Governor, 37, 42, 47, 49, 54, 65. 
As funeral orator, 173, 225. Por- 
traits, frontispiece and 153. Journals, 
first, 1-53-288; second, 289-400. 

Walker, Mrs William, 347. 

Walker, the family, v, 3, 5. 

Walker, Boyd & Chick, 329, 336. 

Walker, Northrup & Chick, 304. 

Wallace, 353. 

Walter, H. A., 328. 

Warpole, Henry, 313, 344, 364, 376. 

Warpole, Jacob, 313. 

Warpole, Mrs., death of, 343, 344. 

Warpole, Peter, 280. 

Washburn, Hon. Israel, 67. 

Washington, James, 161, 166, 167, 169. 
171, 189, 193, 198, 219, 221, 223, 237, 
254, 260, 262, 263, 281. 293, 312, 313. 
330, 339, 345, 353, 355, 367 n.2, 370. 

Washington, Mrs. James, 193, 220. 

Watauga River, 234. 

Watkins, 351, 855. 

Wattles, Augustus, 134, 136, 141, 143, 144. 

Wayne, Gen., 3. 

Welsh, Alfred, 194. 

AVeh-yah-pih-ehr-sehn-wah, gr:indfather 
of Charles Blue-Jacket; Shawnee 
Chief, 18. 

Wells, Capt., 3. 

We.stport, Mo., 34. 

Wheeler, James, Rev., 178, 207. 

Wheeler. John, 200, 202, 240. 

Whig party, 105. 

Whig National Convention, 1852, 353. 

White, Joseph, 263, 371. 

White, Kittie Ann, 340. 

White Church, Kansas, 85. 

White-Crow, 330, 354, 355, 368. 

White- Wing, Ann, 376. 

White-Wing, James. 230. 

Wilcox, Orange D., 239. 

Wilcoxen, Rezin, 18. 

William, Col., Mexican War, 108. 

Williams, Geo. D., 284. 295, 327, 357. 

Williams, John, 246, 327. 

Williams, Mary, 344 n.l, 373. 

Williams, Nicholas, 843, 344. 

Williams, Thomas J., 69. 

Williams, Mrs., 268. 

Wilkinson, James, Gov., 20. 

Wilkinson, Senator, 148. 

Wilson, F., 200. 

Wilson, James, 252. 

Wilson, , Hon., 133. 

Wilson, 53, 200. 



INDEX. 



423 



Wingard, Chas. W., 123. 

Winnebagoes aud Poitawatomies, "207. 

AVinslow, Mrs., 131, 11]^. 

Witteu, Rev. James, 367, 367 u.l. 

Witten, Thomas, 367 n.l. 

Wolf tribe, 339. 

Woods, . 208, 209. 

Wright, George, 18. Sketch of, 308. 

Wright, Dr.. 356. 

Wyandots, the, 1-4, 10, 11, 23, 24, 26, 
30, 58, 60, 193, 200, 207, 223, 303, 
315, 385. Allotment of their lauds 
in severalty, 3. Cession of lands, 2. 
Council tire, 63. Relegates of, in 
Washington, 159. Food, 158. Gen- 
ealogy, 1. Government, IGo. Laws, 
379. Mining Company, 111 Num- 
ber, 3. Removal, 2. ' Slavery, 114. 
Treaties, 200, 228. 

Wyandott City, the plat of, 319. 

Wyandot County (Ohio), 2. 

Wyandotte Gazette, 8. 

Wyandot Purchase, 34, 321. Map, x. 

r. 

Yah-nyah'-neh-deh, 302. 



Young, David, 222, 223, 258, 260, 262, 

272, 293. 294, 312. Death, 336. 
Young, John S., 250. 
Young, Margaret, 344. 

Z. 

Zaue, Catherine, married Alexander 

Long. 180, 273. 
Zane, Col. Ebenezer, 18, 179, 180. 
Zane, Elizabeth, married, first, 

Robitaille, and second, Reed ; 

children of, 180. 
Zane, Hannah, 308. 
Zane, Isaac W., 121, 161, 221, 371. 

Marriage and children, 180. 
Zane, Isaiah, 324, 345, 309. 
Zane, Jonathan, 179. 
Zaue, Nancv, married Samuel McCul- 

loch, 180.'^ 
Zane, Noah, 179, 210, 295, 296. 
Zaue, Sarah, mari-ied Rol>ert Armstrong, 

160, 180, 369. 
Zane, Silas, 179. 
Zane Family, v, 3. 179. 180. 
Zanobia, 109. 
Zinzendorf, Count, 9. 



n 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




016 088 122 7 «