Old Men of Clay County

OLD MEN OF CLAY COUNTY IN 1870

and

PATRONS OF CLAY COUNTY ATLAS OF 1877

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Transcribed and compiled by

NADINE HODGES
705 West 38th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64111

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OLD MEN OF CLAY COUNTY IN 1870

After the Civil War, those men who had aided the Confederate cause or were suspected of having done so, or were even sympathic to the South, were not allowed to vote or register. 

The editor of the Liberty Tribune of Liberty, Missouri, decided to bring to the attention of the public the fact that many of the earliest settlers of the county, those who had helped establish the county and its institutions, could not vote. 

He asked that each citizen past the age of sixty send in his name, age, and any prominent circumstances connected with his life for publication in the paper. 

A great many citizens responded and the statements were published in the paper in the late summer and fall of 1870.

These statements are of genealogical value because the old man gives his age, place of birth, when he first came to Clay County, where he lived prior to coming to Clay County, and usually, whether or not his father or grandfather took part in the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.

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PATRONS OF CLAY COUNTY ATLAS OF 1877

The second part of this book is taken from the Atlas of Clay County, published in 1877. 

It is comprised of several hundred patrons or sponsors of the Atlas, and the list, as abstracted here, gives the name of the patron, his postal address at that time, the state and county where he was born and the year in which he first settled in Clay County. 

It does not state the year of birth unless, of course, the patron was born in Clay County.  The township and range locates the land on which the patron was living in 1877.

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JOHN A. FOSTER.

Born in Franklin County, Tennessee, in 1809. Moved to Clay County, Missouri in 1831.  Was a soldier in the Mexican War, and was always a Democrat.  Has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for many years with satisfaction to the people, and for many years was been a consistent member of the Christian Church.  Disfranchised.

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MILETUS BROWN.

Born in Coffee County, Tennessee, in 1812.  Moved to Chariton, Missouri, with his father in 1817.  Was a soldier in the Mormon War, raised a farmer, always a Democrat.  Disfranchised.

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T. S. DABINY.

Born and raised in King William County, Virginia. Moved to Missouri in 1837.  Always a Whig.  Enfranchised.

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JOSHUA B. GOTCHER.

Born in South Carolina in 1803, moved to Clay County, Missouri in 1831.  Was in the Mormon War and for many years has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church.  Disfranchised.

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JOHN BROADHURST.

Born in Cook County, Tennessee, April 18, 1791.  Emigrated to Howard County in 1815 and to Clay County in 1823.  Was in the War of 1812 under General Jackson.  Disfranchised.  His wife is still living, born in 1790.

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JOHN R. HALL.

Born in Fayette County, Kentucky, July 27, 1795.  Emigrated to Clay County in the fall of 1827; has been living here ever since.  Disfranchised.

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JOSEPH VIOLET.

Born in Woodford County, Kentucky, 5th October, 1805.  Emigrated to Clay County, 1829.  Disfranchised.

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JOSHUA VIOLET.

Born in Woodford County, Kentucky, 1808' emigrated to Clay County, Missouri, 1868.  Disfranchised.

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URIEL CAVE.

Born in Boone County, Kentucky, 1790; emigrated to Clay County, Missouri in 1826.  Was in the War of 1812 under General Harrison.  Disfranchised.

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JOSEPH COURTNEY.

Born in Garrett (Garrard) County, Kentucky, March 5th, 1803; moved to Clay county in 1824.   Disfranchised.  Always loyal. 

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DANIEL HUGHES.

Born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, September 28th, 1799.  Moved to Missouri in 1824, and to Clay County, October 1825. Disfranchised.  A subscriber to the Tribune for 25 years.

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W. D. LIGON.

Born in Powhattan County, Virginia, November 26th, 1808.  Moved to Clay County, 1831.  Disfranchised.

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KILLION CREEK.

Born December 7, 1807 in Barren County, Kentucky.  Moved to Lafayette County, Missouri in 1820 and to Clay County in 1821.  Disfranchised.

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MERCER BUSH.

Born in Clark County, Kentucky, 7th February 1796, moved to Clay County, 1835.  In the War of 1812 under Col. Francisco, Gen. Harrison's command.  Disfranchised.

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BENJ. GRAGG.

Born in Cock County, East Tennessee, Dec. 28th, 1791. Moved to Clay County in 1822. In War of 1812 under Gen. Jackson in the battle of Hillibytown with the Creek Indians.  Disfranchised. Have been a Democrat all my life, and my father before me.

Liberty Tribune, August 12, 1870

WILLIAM COLLINS.

I was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, the 25th day of April 1797.  My father served under Gen. Wayne in his campaign against the Indians after St. Clair's defeat.  I emigrated to Clay County, Missouri in 1828, and have lived here ever since.

I have been a member of the old Baptist Church for forty years.  I have never been intoxicated in my life.  In politics, I have always been a Whig.  I was never sued by anyone.  Am disfranchised, but do not know the reason.

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HENRY PENCE.

I was born in Scott County, Kentucky, on the 21st day of May 1800.  My father was one of the first settlers of Kentucky, and came out to that State from Virginia about the year 1775.  I removed from Kentucky to Clay County, Missouri in the fall of 1825, and settled on the place I now live at. 

I have always been a Democrat.  Am disfranchised, I suppose, on suspicion of Democracy, - and that is sufficient to disfranchise a man in Clay County - but at the same time I know no reason why I should be.

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ANDERSON I. TURPIN.

I was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, 15th of December, 1804.  Came to Missouri in 1854; moved to Kansas in 1860. 

Was a resident of Olathe, Kansas, when I was arrested by a body of lawless men, tried by a secret Court Marshal, and sentenced to be eaten to death by negroes - was bitten by negroes until they thought I would die, was placed in prison, and after five months' confinement, made my escape and fled to Liberty, Missouri.  Was and am a true union man, but because I do not now love the negro, I am disfranchised.

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JOSEPH THORP. 

I was born in Madison County, Kentucky, on the 13th day of December 1804.  My father - Elder William Thorp - emigrated from Bedford County, Virginia, to Kentucky about the year 1785. 

In the year 1809, I came with my father to Missouri, and we remained one season on Loutro Island, above St.Charles, and in 1810 passed on up the River to Boone's Lick Bottom, in what is now Howard County, about eight miles above old Franklin, and there remained until 1824. 

I was in Cooper's Fort three years after 1812, in consequence of the hostility of the Indians.  There were continued difficulties with the Indians in Howard County, Missouri, here settled and lived ever since, a period of 46 years.  I was one of the Justices of Clay County Court for the period extending from 1854 to 1858.  I have always been a Whig.  Am said to be disfranchised by the registrars.

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MICHAEL ARTHUR. 

I was born in Lexington, Fayette, County, Kentucky, 19th day of May 1800.  My father - John Arthur - was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and emigrated to America about the year 1785, and settled in Lexington, Kentucky. 

My maternal grandfather, Jesse D. Winn, of Albemarle County, Virginia, was a soldier in the Continental Army under Washington.  I emigrated from Kentucky to Clay County, Missouri, in the year 1825. 

I came to Missouri without any money or property whatever, and was not so fortunate as to have been assisted when young.  I consider myself strictly the architect of my own fortune.  I entered 160 acres of land 2 1/2 miles southwest of Liberty - being parcel of the farm now owned by Darwin J. Adkins - in the year 1827.  I borrowed the money to do this, $200., from old David McElwee, and before I could pay it off, the principal and interest amounted to $500. and upwards. 

Since I settled in Clay County, I have given to my children, in the way of advancements, not less than one hundred thousand dollars, and hope that I have enough left to keep me comfortably during the remainder of my life.  I have always been a Whig.  The registrars disfranchised me.

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SAMUEL A. OLIVER. 

I was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, on the 19th day of March 1810.  I emigrated to Ray County, Missouri, in 1830.  In 1834 I went up to the Rocky Mountains and spent two years there in hunting and trapping. 

I removed to Clay County, Missouri, in 1840, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat and my first vote was for General Jackson as president.  I am a registered voter.

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JAMES BURNS. 

I was born on the 23rd day of December 1799, in the county of Tipperary, Ireland.  I came to America in the year 1832, and finally settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1836, and have lived here ever since.  My father, James Burns, was an architect by profession. 

In May, 1846, I volunteered in Capt. O. P. Moss' company from Clay County, for service against the Mexicans.  I went through Doniphan's Campaign, and was in the battles of Bracito and Sacramento.  I have always been a Democrat, "Dyed in the wool".  The registrars disfranchised me for no other cause, in my opinion, under God's heaven, except that I was a Democrat.

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JOSEPH LEWIS. 

I was born in Goochland County, Virginia, on the 15th of June 1781. Cornwallis encamped one day with his army in sight of my father's house some weeks before I was born.  I am confident my father was a soldier in the Continental army during the Revolution. 

I emigrated with my father to Mercer County, Kentucky, in the year 1790.  I volunteered in the war of 1812, but the services of my company were not required.  I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1835, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  I am disfranchised, but do not know wherefore.

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WILLIAM NALL. 

I was born in Scott County, Kentucky, the 18th day of June 1802.  My father and mother were both from Culpepper County, Virginia.  My grandfather, Col. William Nall, was an officer in the American army during the Revolutionary War.  My father served as a private in the War of 1812 and was in the battle of the River Raisin.  I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1832, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  I applied for registration as a voter, but was rejected.

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ALVAN LIGHTBURNE. 

I was born in Scott County, Kentucky, on Cane Run, on the 13th of December 1803.  My grandfather was a lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy of the American Revolution, my father was born at Port Royal, Virginia.  I came to Clay County, Liberty, Missouri, 1st July 1836, and have lived in Liberty ever since.  My fathers were Whigs and I have been always a Whig.  I applied for registration as a voter, was rejected for reasons I know not.

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JONATHAN COOK. 

Was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, in 1803; emigrated to Virginia in 1820.  In 1824 cast my first vote for the hero of New Orleans, for the Presidency, emigrated to Missouri in 1844; in 1847 went to Santa Fe in the quartermaster's employment; in 1849 went to California; in 1859 came back to Missouri, and for the last seven years, a resident of Clay County.  Voted the democratic ticket in Virginia, in North Carolina, in Ohio, in California, and in Missouri, as long as liberty lasted.  Disfranchised, of course.

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SPENCER ANDERSON. 

"Mr. Miller, Sir" - I see in your paper a request that all the old men over 60 years would report their names, age, where born, how long a resident of Clay County, or any incident worth notice.  My father was born in New Jersey, 1755, and fought through the Revolutionary war, was in several of the hardest battles, moved to Kentucky soon after the close of the war. 

Settled in Franklin County, Kentucky, where I was born in October 1799.  Cast my first vote for Monroe for president in 1820, and voted at every election since until my neighbor disfranchised me, for having too much sympathy for the South.  Col. Penick had me brought before him and could find no charge against me, but having sympathy for the South; for that he forced me to give bond and for that I was disfranchised. 

I moved to Clay County in 1852, with about $25,000 worth of property, which was all taken from me during the late Civil War, and now I am left to make a living the best way I can.  I was opposed to secession.  My motto was to stick to the Union and fight under the old flag.  I always loved the Stars and Stripes.

Liberty Tribune, August 19, 1870

JUDGE JAMES T. V. THOMPSON. 

I was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, on the 27th of July 1793.  My father was not old enough to serve in the Revolutionary War.  Several of my uncles were soldiers in the Continental Army.  My father emigrated with his family to Logan County, Kentucky, in 1798.  After he came to Kentucky, my father served under General Jackson against the Indians. 

I emigrated from Kentucky to Clay County, Missouri, in 1826, and have resided here ever since.  At that time, the population of Liberty could not have exceeded seventy five person, and the County was very sparsely settled.  Within one year after my arrival here, I knew every man in Clay County.  In 1828, I was elected one of the justices of the Clay County Court, and remained on the bench for five years.  My associates on the County bench during that period that I now remember were Andrew McIlvaine, Elisha Cameron and James Duncan. 

In 1833, I was elected to the State Senate and served therein continuously until 1842.  In 1858, I was again elected to the State Senate and served until the latter part of the year 1861, when the General Assembly was convened at neosho, Newton County, by Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson.  I was a delegate to every Democratic State Convention held in Missouri from 1828 to 1861. 

I was also a member of every County convention held by the Democratic party in Clay county during the same period.  I was likewise a delegate to every Democratic Congressional convention held in the district of which Clay county was a part during the same period, - particularly the famous "Gallatin Convention" in 1852 when Birch and King were rivals.  I was a Democratic presidential elector a number of times - particularly in 1844, 1848 and 1860. 

I approved of the "Jackson Resolutions" passed in 1849.  I opposed Col. Benton from about the year 1848 until his death.  Among my associates in the State Senate, I remember with particular affection, David Barton, Miles Vernon, N. W. Watkins, Col. Bogy, Col. Rozier, Col. Marmaduke, Benjamin Rives, A. B. Chambers, Benjamin J. Brown, and James Chiles.  I may add that I recollect Col. Marmaduke with especial veneration and kindness. 

I presume that it is needless for me to say that I am and always have been an old-fashioned, states'-rights, Jackson Democrat.  During my residence in Clay county, I have been connected with every public enterprise in the county of any moment - the founding of William Jewell College and various schools, the building of our railroad (K.C. & C.R.R.), the organization and development of the Clay County Agricultural and Mechanical Association, etc. 

In 1849, I donated to the Trustees of William Jewell College the grounds whereon the College edifice is erected.  I think that I have done my duty in the way of assisting in the development of the resources of Clay County - in adding to its material wealth - in making openings for its industrious and active young men - and in increasing the happiness of its people.

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REV. WILLIAM RICE.

I was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky, in the year 1790, March 31st.  I removed to Clay County, Missouri, in the fall of 1834, where I have resided ever since.  I have been a minister of the gospel fifty-four years - have given little attention to politics.  Disfranchised.

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JAMES W. WALLER.

I was born in Somerset County, Maryland, January 29th, 1800 - raised in Kentucky - moved to Clay County, Missouri, 1855.  I was always a Democrat.  Disfranchised.

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ISAAC WOOD.

I was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, November 7, 1806, emigrated to Missouri in the fall of 1834; my father was a Virginian, born in Albemarle County, and was a soldier under Gen. Wayne, and emigrated to Kentucky when quite a youth.  I served as County Justice for many years.

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Elder HENRY HILL.

I was born in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 2nd day of January, 1805.  My father, John Hill, Jr., was born and raised in the State of Delaware.  My grandfather, John Hill, Sr., was a soldier in the Continental Army in 1776 and subsequently during the Revolutionary War. 

My father moved to Kentucky in 1811, and finally became a resident of Woodford County, in that State, where in 1823, I became a member of the Regular Baptist Church.  I was baptised by the venerable pioneer from Virginia, Elder John Taylor.  In 1825, the Church of Clear Creek licentiated me to preach the Gospel, and in 1826, I moved to Clay County, Missouri, where I continue to reside. 

In 1827, I was ordained to the Christian ministry by the well-known elders, William Thorp and John Edwards.  Have been a member of the Fishing River Association ever since and the moderator of that body for over thirty years.  I have united in matrimony between three and four hundred persons in Clay County, Missouri, besides others in the counties of Clinton, Platte, Jackson and Lafayette, and have been at the organization of nearly all of the churches in upper Missouri. 

I delivered the first sermon ever preached in the Platt Purchase (funeral of John Rupe's child), baptised the first converts and organized the first church in Platte Purchase, three miles northwest of Weston, about 38 or 40 years ago. 
Elders Jno. Edwards, Wm. Thorp and myself constituted the first church in Liberty, Missouri.  Elder Edwards and myself were chosen joint pastors of said church.  Elders Wolverton and Burris have been associate ministers, but all of them have moved to other counties or are dead.  I am still the regular pastor of said church. 

I have voted about 14 times in 44 years - have always been an old-line Whig - and am not disfranchised.  I have an undying hostility to any amalgamation of Church and State.

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ZACHRIAH THORP.

I was born in Madison County, Kentucky, January 22, 1809.  Moved to Howard County, Missouri, in 1818 and to Clay County in 1824.  Served in the Black Hawk War in 1832 under Col. Shubael Allen' and in 1833 served as a United States Mounted Ranger.  Been a member of old Baptist Church since '54, and have been a Democrat all my life.  Disfranchised.

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BENJAMIN SOPER.

I was born in Montgomery County, Maryland, April 7th, 1796 - emigrated to Kentucky in 1800 - joined the Baptist Church in 1817, of which I have lived a respectable member ever since.  Moved to Clay County, Missouri, in 1830, served as Justice of the Peace in this county 24 years.  Disfranchised.

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GRIFFIN BRYANT.

I was born in Woodford County, Kentucky, 25th day of December, 1808; moved to Clay County, Missouri, in 1834, and have lived here ever since.  Disfranchised.

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GEORGE B. OWEN.

I was born in Powhattan County, Virginia, May 29, 1802.  Emigrated to Kentucky in 1822, and remained 12 years.  Returned to Virginia in 1834, and in 1835 emigrated to Saline County, Missouri; raised a crop, and next year moved to Ray County, and bought land.  Sold out there in 1847 and went to Weston, Platte County. 

Came to Clay, near Smithville, in 1856, where I at present reside.  Was afflicted in '47 and have not been able to do any work since.  Was an old Line Whig, and voted the Whig ticket as long as there was a Whig party.  Disfranchised, and without a cause.

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WILLIAM PIRTLE.

I was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, on the 6th day of October 1790.  Settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1824, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat, and am denied a vote.

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BARTLEY ESTES.

I was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, on the 31st day of March, 1795.  My father was a native of Spottsylvania County, Virginia, and settled in Kentucky at a very early day.  My father and my two paternal uncles were soldiers in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. 

One of my uncles was wounded in seven different parts of his body in one battle.  I had two brothers in the War of 1812, and both were in the battle of the River Raisin and there taken prisoners.  They escaped the tomahawks of the Indians.  One was subsequently in the battle of the Thames. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, about 40 years ago, and have lived here ever since.  I have been a Free-Mason more than 40 years.  I have always been a Whig and am disfranchised.

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MARTIN FISHER.

I was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, in the year 1793.  I served against the British in the War of 1812, and was at the capture of Fort George, and battles of Chippewa and Williamsburg.  I came to Missouri in 1815, and finally settled in Clay County forty-seven years ago, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  Am disfranchised.


Liberty Tribune of August 26, 1870

ANDREW ROBERTSON.

I was born in Orange County, North Carolina, on the 22nd of June, 1796.  My father, Hugh Robertson, was a soldier in the Continental Army during the greater part of the Revolutionary War.  He was under Gen. Greene in the Battle of Guilford.  My uncle, Andrew Wilson, was in the same battle. 

My father was also at Yorktown and witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis.  My father emigrated to Wilson County, Tennessee, in 1798.  I was raised in Wilson County, within two miles of "The Hermitage".  I was at the "Hermitage" during Jackson's life many a time, and saw him at church and camp-meetings over and over again.  I was in the War of 1812, and was a Corporal in Capt. Jno. Wade's company.  Ralston's regiment, Carroll's Brigade, of Tennessee Militia. 

I was in the Battle of New Orleans and was on the left Wing of the American Army, and saw the entire advance of the British Army.  The British advanced in most imposing order and without a break in their ranks until after our fire was delivered.  The recollection of their scarlet uniforms and martial bearing is as fresh to me as yesterday.  I emigrated to Clay County, Missouri, in the fall of 1820, and have lived here ever since. 

There were but few settlers in Clay County then, and among the principal ones were the following, viz,:  Col. John Thornton, Col. Shubael Allen, Maj. Jno. Bartleson, Andrew Bartleson, John Dean, Thomas Campbell, Henry Estes, Beter Estes, Thomas Estes, James Hyatt, Samuel Hyatt, Richard Hill, James Gimore, Robert Gilmore, Ennis Vaughan, Eppe Tillary, Col. Martin Parlmer, John Wilson, Squire Hutchison, Samuel Tilford, Edmund Munday, William Lainhart, Eldridge Potter, Thomas Hixon, Edward Piburne, Hugh Brown, Hugh Brown, Jr., Joseph Brown, and David M. Bevins. 

In 1822, I helped to lay off the town of Liberty, and cleared the public square of timber.  I laid off the first public road in Clay County.  That road commenced on the south side of the public square in Liberty and extended southwest to the ford of Big Shoal Creek where the upper Kansas City road now crosses the same.

I assisted in building the first female Seminary in Clay County.  The house built is the one in Liberty where Wm. H. Lance now lives.  I contributed $100 to that purpose and my friends, Cols. Jno. Thornton and Shubael Allen each contributed the same sum.  This was about the year 1838.

I represented Clay County in the Legislature two years.  This was about the year 1830, or a little later.  I think I was in some way connected with most of the public enterprises in Clay County, from 1820 to 1861. 

I have been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 1819.  I have not been intoxicated since I was a man and have not sworn a profane oath in 51 years.  I have raised seven children.  I owned many negroes and never separated a man from his wife or a woman from her husband. 

I was a Democrat until Jackson vetoed the National Bank measure, and after that I was always a Whig.  In 1861, I opposed secession conscientiously, and have never been desirous of seeing the Union disintegrated. 

When the Civil War actually commenced, under all circumstances, I could not sympathise with those who wished the absolution, coercion and conquest of the South, and the enfranchisement of the slaves.  I am disfranchised, but not as I think justly.

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EDWARD J. TURNER.

I was born in Spottsylvania County, Virginia, April 8, 1810.  My father moved with me into Fayette County, Kentucky, at the age of about 18 months, where I lived 15 years, and then to Caldwell County, Missouri, in the fall of the year that the Mormons went from this county, to that.  The next October, I came to this county, where I have lived ever since. 

I have always voted the Whig ticket as long as the whites were permitted to vote.  I have never applied for registration, nor voted since the war, and never will, until the Radicals consider me as good as a negro.

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DAVID M. BIVENS.

I was born in Madison County, Kentucky, in 1805.  My parents came to Kentucky from Virginia in 1803.  My grandfather, David Moore, served in the army under Washington in the struggle for independence. 

I came to Clay County in 1821 and settled the place John H. Williams now lives on.  When I first came, Liberty was a briar and paw-paw patch.  I have aided in all public improvements.  I built the U. S. Arsenal at Baxter's Landing. 

Before the war and under Democratic rule, I owned about 5,000 acres of land and had a vote, and paid $300 taxes.  Since the war, I have given my children 2,250 acres of land, and have $25,000 less of other property, and now under Radical rule, pay $1,200 tax, and am disfranchised. 

I have always been a conservative Union man.  My sons are also disfranchised because, they say, Bivens can't raise a loyal boy.

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JOHN S. HUSTON.

I was born in New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, October 14th, 1805.  Am a Democrat for which I take to myself no credit whatsoever, except to having followed in the footsteps of my forefathers, as the counties of Shenandoah, Rockingham and Page, up to the time I left for Missouri, which was in 1829, had failed to produce anything else politically.

Have never violated any law of my State, or of the United States, and all my acts were fully indorsed in our declaration of rights.  In 1863 it became necessary that I should prove my loyalty before the authorities at Washington.

I did so by as good and loyal men as there are in this State, yet that ever to be remembered and infamous Bill Penick of St. Joseph, who was at that time as far above his superiors, in his own estimation, as are the negroes above their masters at the present time, took the matter in his own hands.

I was put under bond and thrown into prison.  Am disfranchised.  And so expect to remain until the radical party, like the 'Kilkenny cats' shall have been used up, all but their tails, which will be looked upon by all true southern men with satisfaction until time is no more.  I have resided in Clay County, 16 years.

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JOSEPH COURTNEY.

I was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, on the 5th of March 1803.  In the year 1824, I emigrated to Clay County, Missouri; where I remained until 1828 when I returned to Kentucky. 

In 1839, I again came to Clay County, and have resided here ever since.  These trips from and to Kentucky were made by land. 

I was born a Whig.  My father, John Courtney, was a native of Pennsylvania, and emigrated thence and settled in Kentucky at a very early day.  He was a soldier in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary struggle, and served also in the early Indian Wars.

My first recollection of him is that he was a Whig and died one.  My father-in-law, Robert Burnsides, was also a soldier in the Continental Army and an Indian fighter. 

I can neither read nor write.  Though the Lord has favored me, yet when I was married I was so poor that I had to cut off the tail of my shirt in order to patch the back of it.  I am not a fair liver.  I am disfranchised without cause.

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REV. DAVID COULTER.

I was born in Sussex County, Delaware, on the 10th day of November 1808.  I am, on both the paternal and maternal line, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. 

My grandparents came to American just prior to the Revolution.  I received my collegiate education at Lafayette College, Pennsylvania, and my theological training at Princeton, New Jersey.

I came to Missouri in 1841 and settled in Callaway County.  I moved to Clay County in 1866.  I became a member of the Presbyterian Church in 1825, and was ordained a minister of that church in 1843.  I have been engaged in preaching the Gospel ever since I was licensed to preach in 1841.

The first vote I ever cast was for General Jackson for president.  I voted for Mr. Clay in 1844.  I have now nothing to do with politics.

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NICHOLAS MICHALUCINE.

I was born in Castiglione in Tuscany, Italy, on the 14th day of December 1797.  My family had lived at Castiglione from time immemorial. 

I came to America in 1833, and settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1839, and have lived here ever since.  I obtained my final papers (in naturalization) about twenty years ago.

I have always been a Democrat.  During the Civil War, I was strictly loyal to the United States.  I am disfranchised, but for what cause, I know not.

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EDWARD PICKETT.

I was born in Orange County, North Carolina, on the 18th day of February, 1804.  I am of Revolutionary stock.  My grandfather, Edward Pickett, served in the Continental army the greater part of the war, and was at the battle of Guilford under General Greene. 

My maternal grandfather was also in the Continental army.  I came to Clay County, Missouri, in the fall of 1829 and have lived here ever since. 

I have always been a democrat.  I am disfranchised.  I have been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church about 25 years.


Liberty Tribune of September 2, 1870

(articles continued weekly.)

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JOHN BAXTER.

I was born in Hawkins county, East Tennessee, on the 26th of November 1802.  My father, Stephen Baxter, was a native of Culpeper County, Virginia. 

My father was born in 1777.  I have no traditions connected with the Revolutionary War.  My father served against the Creek Indians under General Jno. Cocke and was at the battle of Hillabee Town. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, to live in 1825.  I had previously come to Howard County, Missouri, in October, 1817.  Have lived in Clay County ever since 1825.  I have been elected Sheriff of Clay County four times. 

I have always been a Whig in politics.  I was opposed to secession and the disintegration of the government.  I am a registered voter and no one questioned my right to be so.  I have been connected with the commission business on the Missouri River and 19 years past. 

I can remember distinctly seeing the first steam boat that ascended the Missouri River.  It was in 1819, and I think it was named the Enterprise.  The peculiarity of it was that the escape-pipe was in the form of an immense snake that projected over the bow of the boat.

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LITTLEBERRY ESTES.

I was born in Cabell County, Virginia, on the 17th of June 1803.  I am of pure old Virginia stock, - a fact of which I am exceedingly proud.  My ancestors emigrated from England to Virginia more than 120 years before my birth.

My grandfather, Joel Estes, was a Revolutionary soldier and served in the Continental army.  My people live to be very old.  My maternal grandfather, Jeremiah Ward, died about the year 1812 in Cabell County, Virginia, at the age of 114 years. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in the year 1823, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  I am disfranchised.  I have been a member of the Old Baptist Church about twenty-five years.

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JAMES R. JOHNSON.

I was born in the State of Georgia in .....County on the 4th day of April, 1796.  I was in the War of 1812 and served under Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in the year 1840, and have lived here ever since.  I have never belonged to any particular political party and always voted for those whom I thought to be the best men. 

I am not now a member of any political party.  I am not disfranchised.  My father was a soldier in the Continental army during the Revolution.

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ALFRED M. RILEY.

Was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, in 1806.  He and his whole family came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1827.  His grandparents moved from Maryland to Kentucky in 1792. 

Has been a member of the church 40 years - of the Baptist Church the first ten years of that time, and of the Christian Church the remainder.  Has lived at the place where he now resides ever since he came to the county.  Has always been a farmer and trader. 

Has been a Whig all his life, and accepted Democracy as a dernier resort.  Has nine children now living and has raised eleven to be grown.  Lives near Mt. Giload Church' has been an older of it for 28 years.  The church edifice (Mt. Gilead) was built twenty years ago and more, and he assisted in the erection of it.

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JAMES C. HOLLAND.

I was born in Cocke County, Tennessee, on the 20th day of May, 1794.  My father was from Wythe County, Virginia.  My maternal grandfather was killed by the Indians, at the house in Virginia.

My ancestors were among the first settlers in Tennessee and had a great deal of trouble with the Indians.  My uncle, Thomas Holland, was a soldier in the Continental army.  I was in the war of 1812 in General Cocke's command and served against the Creek Indiana. 

I came to Platte County, Missouri, in 1854, and lived there three years.  I moved to Clay County in 1858, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  The registrars disfranchised me.  I think I am fairly entitled to be registered as a voter.

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CASTILIAN C. TRABUE.

I was born in Powhatan County, Virginia, the 27th day of March, 1805.  My paternal ancestors were Huguenots, and emigrated from France at the time of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.  I have no traditions of the Revolution. 

I emigrated with my father to Kentucky in 1806.  I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1858 and have lived here ever since. 

I have always been a Whig in politics.  The registrars disfranchised me, though I am under the law entitled to registration.

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REV. JESSE BIRD.

I was born in Pendleton County, Virginia, the 24th day of May, 1809.  My paternal ancestors were from Holland my maternal ancestors from England.  I have no family traditions connected with the Revolution. 

My ancestors, then in Virginia, were frontiermen, and in close proximity to the Indians, and I suppose they were not in the Revolutionary struggle.  The death of my maternal grandfather was tragical.  he was at the time of his death living at Fort Redstone, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. 

In the summer of 1775, he and some ten or twelve companions were at work in a field near the fort.  They were suddenly attached by the Indians, near the fort.  They were suddenly attacked by the Indians, and all killed except Jno. Hardin and one other, who escaped.  Hardin saw an Indian kill my grandfather, cut out his heart, and sticking it on the point of a knife, flourish it mockingly above his head.  In the very act of doing this, Hardin shot the Indian dead. 

I emigrated to Hardin County, Kentucky, in 1819.  I became a member of the Methodist Church in 1822; and was licensed to preach in 1829.  I have baptised and received into the church as many as three thousand persons.  I suppose I have united in marriage as many as two hundred couples. 

I emigrated to Missouri in 1857 and have lived since in northwest Missouri, and now live in Clay County.  I was never in any war.  Several of my older brothers were in the war of 1812. 

I never meddled in politics, but was in opinion always a Whig.  I am disfranchised.  No considerations could induce me to swear that I did not sympathise with my friends in the South during the Civil War. 

I was arrested and committed to the jail of Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1866, for a brief time because I preached the Gospel without taking the "oath of loyalty".

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JOSPEH GIROS.

I was born in Alsace in France on the 11th of November, 1802.  My father was a soldier in the French army under Napoleon I, and served in the Peninsular War. 

I came to America in 1852, and settled that year in Clay County, Missouri, and have lived here ever since.  I am not as yet naturalized.  I have had nothing to do with politics in this country.

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GEORGE M. PRYOR.

I was born in Henry County, Kentucky, on the 20th of February, 1804.  My father was a native of Goochland County, Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1790. 

My maternal uncle - John Curd, now, if living, in Logan County, Kentucky, - was a soldier in the continental army and was wounded.  My father died when I was so young that I was unable to retain in memory any facts connected with the Revolution. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1835, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  I am a voter.

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WILLIAM V. HODGES.

I was born in Orange County, Virginia, on the 18th day of January 1805.  My grandfather, Francis Hodges, was a soldier in the Continental army under Washington and was at Brandywine and Yorktown. 

I emigrated with my mother to Fayette County, Kentucky, in 1815.  I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1826, and have lived here ever since.  I served in the Heatherly, Blackhawk and Mormon Wars.  I served 12 months in the militia in Clay County in the late Civil War. 
I have raised twelve children.  I have been a member of the old Baptist Church 34 years.  I have always been a Whig.  In my old age, my negroes that I bought with my own money have been taken from me.  I raised my children so that they did not do any stealing during the Civil War.

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JAMES CARSON.

I was born on the 29th day of November, 1795, in Jessamine County, Kentucky.  I have no memories connected with the Revolution. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1839, and have lived here ever since.  I have been always a Democrat.  Am disfranchised by the registrars, but not by law.

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JAMES. M. KELLER.

I was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky, on the 12th of October 1808.  My father was from Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. 

My grandfather, John Keller, was also a Virginian, and was a soldier four years of the Revolution under Washington.  My father served in the War of 1812, and was at the battle of River Raisin. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1841, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat and am disfranchised.

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EDWARD C. TILLMAN.

I was born in Chatham County, North Carolina, on the 18th of July, 1807.  My grandfather, Joshua Tillman, served as a soldier in the Continental Army. 

I am of English extraction.  I have resided in Clay County, Missouri, since 1842.  I have always been a Whig.  Am disfranchised.

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JAMES CHANSLOR.

I was born in Mason County, Kentucky, on the 13th day of November, 1800.  My father was a native of Pennsylvania and my mother of Maryland. 

My grandfather, Philip Chanslor, was a private in the Continental army during the entire Revolutionary war. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1835, and have resided here ever since.  I have always been a Whig.  The registrars disfranchised me.

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JOHN H. PRICE.

I was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, on the 13th of September, 1809.  My father was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1781. 

My father was under Wayne in his campaign against the Indians after St. Clair's defeat.  He was also under St. Clair when he was defeated.  I do not know whether my grandfathers were in the Revolution.  My father was too young. 

I have lived in Clay County, Missouri, since 1844.  I have always been a Whig.  I am a voter.

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THOMAS HARRINGTON.

I was born in Bedford County, North Carolina, in the year 1790.  I moved with my family to Kentucky in 1795, and to Tennessee in 1810. 
Returned to Kentucky in 1815.  I moved to Howard County, Missouri, in 1817.  I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1820

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JOHN McCORKLE.

I was born in Augusta County, Virginia, six miles from Staunton, on the 2nd day of March, 1798. 

My father was a Virginian and served through the entire Revolutionary War in the American Army.  He was at Yorktown, and saw Cornwallis' sword handed to General Lincoln (?). 

I emigrated to Kentucky in 1800.  I came to Missouri in 1816, and settled on the Cuivre in what is now Lincoln County. 

I came to Clay County in 1824 and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  Am disfranchised.

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ROBERT WALKER.

I was born in Estill County, Kentucky, on the 3rd day of January 1802.  My father was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky many years before I was born.  I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1829, and have lived here ever since. 

I was in the Hesterly and Mormon Wars.  I have always been a Democrat.  I am giving this narration August 1, 1870, and it reminds me of old times when our elections were held on the 1st Monday and Tuesday in August and every white man was free - told to the world who he voted for, without hiding it in a ballot.  I am disfranchised, but don't know what for.

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JAMES WALKER.

I was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, on the 1st day of March, 1797.  My father, Solomon Walker, entered the Continental Army at the beginning of the Revolutionary War and served three years.  He then re-enlisted and served out the battles of Bunker's Hill, Brandywine, Trenton, and at the siege of Yorktown.  I cannot now name all the battles and skirmishes he was in. 

He saw the surrender at Yorktown, and was detained to guard the prisoners taken there.  I had two maternal uncles who also served during the Revolutionary War - one in the army and one in the navy.  I was out a short time in the war of 1812, in the Virginia militia, to resist the British when they threatened to land at the Belle Plains on the Northern Neck below Fredericksburg.

I removed from Virginia and settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1848, and have resided here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  I have served my country seventy and three years and am now esteemed unworthy of saying at the polls who ought to rule it.

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AMOS GROOM.

It was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, on the 5th of February, 1803.  I moved to Clay County, Missouri, in 1827.  Born a Democrat.  Have not voted for 20 years.  Josiah Vaughan killed a deer on the public square since I moved to Clay County.

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WILLIAM JEFFRIES.

I was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, on the 14th of September, 1809, and moved to Clay County, Missouri, in 1850.  My father served in the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812.  I am a Democrat "dyed in the wool". Disfranchised.

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JAMES H. BENSON.

I was born in Sussex County, Delaware, February 8th, 1803; removed to Maryland, and from there to Ohio in 1835, and to Indiana in 1853, thence to Clay County, Missouri, in 1858.  Not disfranchised.

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FOUNTAIN WALLER.

I was born in Fauquier County, Virginia; emigrated to Kentucky in 1831, and thence to Missouri in 1834; settled in Clay County, and have been a farmer all my life.  I have never taken any part in any war, and have always voted Democratic.  Disfranchised.

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JOS. GROOM.

I was born in Clark County, Kentucky, July 22, 1787.  Moved to Clay County, Missouri, about 45 years ago.  I was in the Black Hawk War, and been always a Democrat.  I have never made an effort to vote since the war.

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ADAM PENCE.

I was born in Scott County, Kentucky, in the year 1803.  My father was one of the first settlers of Kentucky, and came out to that state from Virginia about the year 1775.

I moved from Kentucky to Clay County, Missouri, in the fall of 1825.  I have always been a Democrat.  Am disfranchised, I suppose on suspicion of Democracy; and that is sufficient to disfranchise a man in Clay County, but at the same time, I know no reason why I should be.

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CHARLES WARREN.

I was born July 31, 1793, in Bourbon County, Kentucky; served in the War of 1812, under Captain Davis, guarding the prisoners at Newport, Kentucky. 

Emigrated to Clay County, Missouri, in 1827, lived here ever since, and been a member of the Regular Baptist Church over 40 years.

Been registered twice as a qualified voter - first time I voted first when the poles were opened - second time my name was erased from the voters' list.  I know not for what.  I am a "Democrat all over".

Liberty Tribune of September 9, 1870

MAJ. WINFREY E. PRICE.

I was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, on the 4th of October, 1796.  My father was a native of Prince Edward County, and my mother of Spottsylvania County, Virginia.  My family was an old one in Virginia, and settled there not far from the year 1700.  I am of Welsh descent on my father's side and of Scotch descent on my mother's side.

My father, Col. William Price, late of Jessamine County, Kentucky, was a soldier in the Continental Army during the entire Revolution.  He was a member of the first company organized in Virginia for service against the British.  This company was raised at Harper's Ferry, and was commanded by Capt. Stevenson.  As soon as organized, it was sent to Boston.  At Boston, my father was transferred to Washington's life-guard, and remained in it for three years.

He was then stationed at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and continued to remain there until near the close of the war, when he raised a company of volunteers in Spottsylvania County, Virginia, - joined the army under Washington, - and participated in the siege of Yorktown.

In the year 1782, he emigrated to Kentucky.  He was with General Wayne in his campaign against the Northwestern Indians, after St. Clair's defeat, and commanded the advance-guard of Wayne's army.

I emigrated to Clay County, Missouri, in the year 1825, and have resided here ever since.  I have been a member of the old Baptist Church since 1829.  I am and ever have been a Democrat.  I support General Jackson until about a year after his famous "proclamation". 

I then re-examined the whole question in issue between Jackson and Calhoun and came to the clear conviction that Calhoun was right.  In that conviction I remain.

In 1861, I espoused the cause of the South - entered the Southern army and remained in it until the final surrender in 1865.  I was not a then secessionist "per se", so that term is commonly understood, but I was a secessionist from the "action" of the North, because I then believed - and still do believe - that the North had departed from the Constitution.

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WALTER HUFFAKER.

I was born in Wayne County, Kentucky, January 15th, 1810, moved to Clay County, Missouri, April 28th, 1830.  I have always been loyal and never was required to take an oath during the war.  Disfranchised.

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ALEXANDER JUDY.

I was born in Clark County, Kentucky, on the 6th day of February, 1803.  My father emigrated to Kentucky about the year 1785.  He was from Pennsylvania and my mother from Maryland.  I have no traditions of the Revolution connected with my family. 

I emigrated from Kentucky to Clay County, Missouri, in 1852, and have resided here ever since.  I have been a member of the old Baptist Church since 1832.  I have always been a Democrat.  I am disfranchised.

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CALEB W. BAKER.

I was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, on the 17th of May, 1801.  My father was a native of Prince Edward County, Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky at a very early day. 

My grandfather, Caleb Baker, late of Prince Edward County, Virginia, was a Revolutionary soldier and was in numerous battles against the British.

I emigrated from Kentucky and settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1839, and have lived here ever since.  In politics, I have ever been a Whig.  I am a registered voter.

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JEREMIAH PEEBLEY.

I was born in Claiborne County, Tennessee, on the 1st day of January, 1808.  My father was a native of Bottletourt County, and my mother of Washington County, Virginia.

My grandfathers both on the paternal and maternal lines were soldiers in the Continental army.  My grandfather Pebley was killed in one of the battles of the Revolution.  My father served under General Jackson at Mobile.

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1840, and have lived here ever since.  I have always been a Democrat.  I was strictly a union man during the late civil war, but am disfranchised notwithstanding.

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Capt. JOHN ECTON.

I was born in Clark County, Kentucky, on the 7th January, 1803.  My father and mother were both natives of Virginia.  He emigrated to Kentucky at an early day. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1837, and lived here ever since.  I was a Whig as long as a Whig party existed, and since its dissolution I have voted with the Democracy.  I am disfranchised.  I have raised nine children.

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NATHAN CHANEY.

I was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, on the 6th of July 1791.  My father was a native of Maryland, and emigrated to Kentucky about the year 1785.  He was a soldier in the Continental Army and served the greater part of the Revolution. 

He also served against the North Western Indians and was severely wounded in St. Clair's defeat.  He only saved his life by hiding himself in the leaves of a fallen tree, and after night-fall, slipping away. 

I was in the War of 1812.  I was a private in Col. Dudley's regiment of Kentucky volunteers and was in his defeat.  I was not captured.  In the charge made by Dudley only twenty or thirty of us got back to Fort Meigs. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, about the year 1821 and have made my home here ever since.  I have been married twice and have raised sixteen children.  I have fifteen children now living.  I believe I have reared all my children to be honest men and women. 

I have always been a Jackson Democrat and strictly loyal to the government.  I now act with the Radical party.  I am a voter.

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ANDREW MEANS.

I was born in Randolph County, North Carolina, on the 23rd of March, 1791.  My wife was born near Bean's Station, S.W. Virginia, October 15th, 1791. 

My father, Andrew Means, was a soldier in the Continental army during the greater part of the Revolutionary war.  He was at the battle of Guilford and served a good deal of the war in South Carolina.  He was once captured by the British and remained a prisoner for a short time. 

I emigrated to Overton County, Tennessee, in 1808.  I was under General Jackson in the Battle of the "Horse-Shoe".  I was a private in Col. Copeland's regiment of Tennessee Volunteers.  I emigrated to Missouri in 1817 and settled in Howard County above old Franklin. 

In 1821, I removed to Clay County, and have resided here ever since.  I have always been a Jackson Democrat.  I have had 11 children - five girls and six boys - and all are now living.  Of all my descendants, only one has departed from the Democratic faith. 

I have never violated a law of the State where I lived or of the United States in my life, yet the registrars refused to register me as a voter. 

I have preserved my mental and physical powers to an unusual degree.  I have this year attended my own crop, and ploughed all day last Wednesday.  I am living on the first piece of land I ever owned.  My wife is still living - is in full possession of her faculties and health - and attends to all necessary household duties.

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ARTHUR T. TAUL.

I was born in Clark County, Kentucky, on the 2nd of October 1800.  My father was a native of Maryland and my mother of Kentucky. 

My grandfather on the maternal side was a brother of Daniel Boone.  My ancestors emigrated to Kentucky with Daniel Boone.  My grandfather assisted in the recapture of Boone's daughter and Edmund Callaway's daughter when they were stolen by the Indians at Boonesborough. 

My grandfathers on the paternal and maternal lines were both in the Continental army during the Revolution.  My uncles, Col. Micah Taul and Capt. Thomas Cofer, were both in the War of 1812.

I settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1850 and have lived here ever since.  I was always a Whig.  I was opposed to secession and strictly a Union man during the Civil War. 

I was registered in 1866, but in 1868 was disfranchised because I refused to administer the "oath of loyalty" to jurors in trials before me as a Justice of the Peace.

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JOSEPH S. SIMMS.

I was born in Stafford County, Virginia, on the 22nd of December 1805.  My father, Richard Simms, was a soldier in the Continental Army during the Revolution, and served three years.  He was at Valley Forge, and in the battles of Brandywine and Stony Point.  I had two brothers in the War of 1812. 

I settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1829 and have lived here ever since.  I was always a Whig.  I have always been a Union man.  The registrars never asked me another question after I told them I was from Stafford County, Virginia, but disfranchised me straightway.

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JAMES M. MORRIS.

I was born in Mason County, Kentucky, on the 3rd of January 1810.  My father was a native of Essex County, New Jersey.  My mother was a native of Stafford County, Virginia. 

My grandfather on my mother's side was in the Continental Army during the Revolution, and was at the siege of Yorktown.  Washington and his army encamped for some days on my grandfather's, David Morris's farm in Essex County, New Jersey.  My father was in the War of 1812 and was on the staff of General Desha. 

I settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1849 and have lived here ever since.  I was always a Whig.  I am disfranchised, but believe I am entitled to registration.

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GEORGE B. LINGENFELTER.

I was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, on the 19th of September, 1806.  My father was a native of Maryland, and my mother of Culpepper County, Virginia. 

My maternal grandfather, John York, of Culpepper County, Virginia, was a soldier in the Continental Army during the entire Revolution and was at the siege of Yorktown. 

I settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1826, and have lived here, with exception of the period extending from 1832 to 1852, ever since.  I was a Whig always.  I am disfranchised.  (Note: from 1832 to 1852, he lived in Clinton County, Missouri.)

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THOMAS SLAUGHTER.

I was born in mercer County, Kentucky, on the 18th of April 1803.  My father, Jesse Slaughter, was a native of Culpeper County, Virginia.  He emigrated to Kentucky about the year 1795.  My mother was a native of Caroline County, Virginia. 

My father was too young for service in the Revolutionary struggle and his father too old.  My father's brother, Charles Slaughter, was a soldier in the Continental Army throughout the war. 

My father's cousin, Capt. Philip Slaughter, (living in 1844) of Culpeper County, Virginia, served with much distinction throughout the entire war. 

Two of my brothers were in the War of 1812.  My uncle, Col. Gabriel Slaughter, late of Mercer County, Kentucky, commanded a regiment at the battle of New Orleans. 

I came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1826.  In 1847, I removed to Andrew County, Missouri, and in 1865, returned to Clay County.

I have always been a Whig, and my fathers were Whigs before me.  I have been a member of the old Baptist Church thirty-seven years.  I am disfranchised.

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GEORGE W. MADDEN.

I was born in Washington County, Virginia, in 1804; moved to Tennessee when but a boy, and in 1846, moved to Clay County, Missouri, and have been a citizen ever since. 

I have been a Union man all my life and am yet.  I never lost but one vote given for president, and that was for Douglas.  Disfranchised.

Liberty Tribune, September 23, 1870.

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M. M. ROBANETT.

I was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, in 1809; moved to Illinois in 1818, and in 1868 moved to Clay County, Missouri.  A Jackson Democrat opposed to succession.

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JAMES F. SCOTT.

I was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, January 27th, 1798.  I removed from there to Clay County, Missouri, in the year 1854. 

My father was a Revolutionary soldier for five years without compensation, other than the heritage of liberty left his children. 

I was always a Whig while there was a party.  I am now a Democrat.  I have been disfranchised without any cause known to myself - other than being a Democrat.

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LEONARD BRASFIELD, JR.

I was born in Prince William County, Virginia, a few miles northwest of what is since known as the Bull Run Battleground, on the first day of June, 1800.

I was left an orphan boy in 1816, and traveled to Kentucky with an orphan brother in 1818.  I removed from Woodford County, Kentucky, to Clay County, Missouri, in the fall of 1830. 

I have paid tax and worked roads forty years in Clay County.  I don't owe at this time any man a dollar.  I formerly voted the Whig ticket, but I am now disfranchised.

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ELISHA MAJORS.

I was born in "Birk" County, North Carolina in 1804; moved to Kentucky in 1813; moved to Missouri in 1837, and settled in the northeast corner of Clay County, and I am now living on the same farm I first settled. 

I am a Democrat, and believe in the Government as our fathers made it, and for no other sauce than that, I know of, I am now disfranchised.

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VICTOR M. TULEY.

I was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, December 31st, 1807.  Moved to Howard County, Missouri, 1842, and to Clay County, Missouri, in 1845.

My father was in the War of 1812, under Harrison, and in the battles of Tippecanoe and River Raisin.  Have been a Democrat all my life.  Have raised 8 children.

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WILLIAM NORTHERN.

I was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, in 1795.  I moved to Kentucky in 1810, and to Clay County, Missouri, in 1855.  My grandfather was a soldier in the Continental Army.

In politics, I have ever been a Whig, but act at present with the Democratic party.  I am disfranchised and without cause.

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REUBEN SEARCY.

I was born June 30th, 1799, in South Carolina, Union District, moved to Kentucky in 1814, and to Missouri in 1850. 

I united with the Baptist Church in 1819, and was ordained a minister of the gospel in 1840.  I have always voted the Democratic ticket.  My first vote I cast for General Jackson.

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BENJAMIN RICKETTS.

"Mr. R. H. Miller" - In reply to your public solicitation, I make the following statements. 

I was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky, July 29th, 1801.  I was raised to farming and have followed it ever since.  I emigrated to Missouri in 1831 and settled in Clay County, were I now live; always made it a point to do good in preference to harm. 

Have served the community with whom I have lived in various petty civil offices; part of which was Trustee of Common Schools, thirty odd years; Justice of the Peace, ten years; Justice of the County Court, four years.

I have always been a Whig in politics; cast my first vote for President Henry Clay.  I am a voter at present.

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EBENEZER TITUS.

I was born in Augusta County, Virginia, on the 11th April 1782.  My forefathers were a stiff necked, and rebellious people when their rights and liberties were invaded.

They fought against Great Britain seven years for their independence, in which my uncle, George Mathews, was conspicuous.  He was an officer during the war, taken prisoner, but in what battle I know not. 

After the war was over, he emigrated to the State of Georgia, was there elected Governor, and held that office when that State ratified the Constitution of the United States and signed his name to it.

My father emigrated to Kentucky in 1782.  he built the first water mill that was ever built in Madison County.  About this time he joined the Separate Baptists - continued with them until 1800, when the union took place between the regular and separate Baptists, which took place at the big meeting house in Madison County, Kentucky.  I was present and heard the terms of union agreed upon. 

Shortly after the union took place, about 700 of the Separate Baptists withdrew from the union.  A great many of them embraced the doctrine of Arius and Sebeineous.  My father continued in the union and from the time he first embraced religion, his time was partly spent in beseeching and praying the people where God in his providence cast his lot, to be reconciled to God, and to seek the Lord while he might be found and to call upon him while he was near.  He died in Howard County, Missouri, on the 23rd of April, 1838. 

I joined the United Baptist in 1818; have been both Clerk and Deacon until the infirmity of old age forbid. 
In 1824 I emigrated to Missouri, lived in Howard County, 18 years; then moved to Ray County in 1842 - lived there until 1869, when I lost my beloved and ever affectionately remembered companion. 

I then divided my household and kitchen furniture and part of my land between my children.  I now live with my son-in-law, John McCorkle, and my daughter Elizabeth. 

If the illustrious dead participate with the concerns of this world, I invoke the shade of my venerable departed father and uncle to look down with scrutiny on the conduct of their disfranchised son and nephew, and see if he ever has departed from rectitude which was their good pleasure to instill into his youthful mind, or if he ever hesitated to support, defend and protect the Government which they fought seven years to establish. 

I was a old line Whig, but shall henceforth vote with the Democrats if permitted.

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ALEXANDER HARDWICK.

I was born April 16th, 1803, in Halifax County, Virginia, moved to Missouri in 1823, and to Clay County in 1824, and have been a citizen ever since. 

I helped to cut out the first State road through Clay County.  I am now 67 years old, but not allowed to vote.

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FREDERICK MILLER.

I was born in Stokes County, North Carolina, July 6th, 1787; moved to Clay County, Missouri, in the spring of 1837; and have lived in Clay County 33 years. 

I was a volunteer in the War of 1812, and my father before me was a soldier under General Washington in the Revolutionary War, and fought for our liberty.  I am now 83 years old and not allowed to vote.

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EMSLEY CRAVENS.

I was born in Randolph County, North Carolina, September 17th, 1801; moved to Missouri in 1822.  I served in the Mormon War.  I am disfranchised.

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GEORGE B. FINLEY.

I was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, May 15th, 1792.  I was a volunteer in 1812.  I moved to Clay County, Missouri, in 1831, and have lived here ever since.  Difranchised.

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JOHN PARSONS.

I was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, November 17th, 1792; moved to Tennessee when young.  I served a campaign under General Jackson against the Creek Indians in 1812. 

I moved to Missouri in 1834, and settled in Clay County.  I have always been a Democrat and am one yet.

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CHARLES SAMPLES.

I was born in Russell County, Virginia, November 19th, 1792; moved to Kentucky in the spring of 1815, and in the fall of 1840, moved to Missouri. 

I am now 78 years old, and have been a citizen of Missouri for 30 years, but not allowed to vote.

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This page was last updated November 13, 2012.