Missouri GenealogyWashington township was one of the last of those made in-the year 1870, when the County Court, on March 10th, divided the county into sixteen municipal districts, each being a congressional township of six miles square. Washington, as may be guessed, was named after the “Father of his -country.” The … Read more
The first wedding which was celebrated in Washington township was that of William Hardin and Miss Betsy Munn, in the spring of 1842. It was about the same time Joseph Gillespie was married, near the north line of the county, but who the bride was is not remembered. This marriage … Read more
The first marriage which is remembered was that of William P. Dunnington to Miss Elizabeth Osborn, which took place in the fall of 1840. The young couple were provided with o a regular pioneer outfit, consisting of a bake pan, a pot, a big fireplace in a brand new log … Read more
The first wedding that there is any account of in this township was that of Ephraim McCrary and Miss Rebecca Linville. This was in September, 1842, at the residence of the bride’s father, Lewis Linville. The first child born was Wiley W. Stone. The first death recorded is that of … Read more
One of the institutions of Benton township, and we might say of the county, are the famous Crystal Springs. They are situated on the farm of John Gagan, about five miles northwest of Pattonsburg, on Crystal Springs Branch, a small creek which empties into Sampson Creek, not far distant. There … Read more
One of the foulest crimes committed during those dark days of civil strife was the murder of David Lockwood. He was an old man, in the sixty-sixth year of his age, a Tennesseean by birth and a Missourian by adoption, having removed to this State in 1844. He located on … Read more
This township was first settled by the Mormons in 1836, and Colfax was surveyed somewhat earlier than its more northern sisters, forming a part of the Caldwell survey. The real growth and prosperity of the township did not commence until after the Mormons were driven from the county, and very … Read more
The first census of Colfax township was taken by the general government in 1870Colfax having been organized into a separate township the year before. A constable and two justices of the peace constituted the township officers until the township organization law was passed, which took effect in the spring of … Read more
The first saw-mill in the township was put up by Andrew Bauchman and David Crall, on section twenty-three. The mill had a forty-eight inch circular saw and was run by eight horses and had a cutting capacity of about 2,000 feet of lumber per day. There have been three or … Read more
The first marriage took place, and they who proposed to travel together in life’s journey were Robert Castor and Sarah Jane Kier. The nuptial ceremony was performed by the Rev. James Reed, a Baptist preacher, at the residence of the bride’s father, Robert Kier, on section thirteen, October 5, 1843. … Read more