I said, 66
'Captain, let me drive Mr. Well's team back with me."
Captain-"Can't; I dread it."

"Well, the two old lame mules in front; they will do you no good in the service; let us each have one to ride home."

Captain-"It is against my oath to do any such thing."

"Well, Captain, there is that saddle; I borrowed it from old Rube, a

real good old negro; you won't take that."

Captain--"You couldn't take it to him if you had it.”

I-"I would just hide it here in the brush and tell old Rube, and he would come and get it—he knows all this country."

Captain "Do you ever go to Kansas City?"

I-"I have been there often."

Captain-"I can't spare it now; the next time you go to Kansas City you come to Camp Union, on the hill, and I will either leave the saddle there or pay for it; you can come and get it for him."

I" All right, good bye;" and we shook hands with the Captain and started. We had not gone twenty yards when the Captain called to us to come back; we looked at each other, looked toward the brush, but was not long in turning back; the Captain had a little blank book in his hand and said that he had forgotten to take down our names; we gave our full names. He again told us that we could go. and we could hardly keep from running we felt so light and free. We crossed the branch and took the road for home. We had not gone far when Mr. Rippetoe squatted down and crept into the tall grass and wild sun-flowers; I followed as quickly as I could. With our heads close to the ground, we could hear a tramping sound, but it did not sound like horsemen. I whispered, “Perry, what did you see?" "I don't know," was his reply. I finally ventured to part the grass and peep out. I saw that it was a herd of cattle going toward the creek. I said, "Perry, it is nothing but cattle going for water." He said, "I can stand it if you can." We went ahead then on quick time until within about four miles of New Santa Fe, when a thunder storm came up; we took refuge in a little vacant house near the roadside. As the rain came rattling down and the thunder jarred the windows, I lay down among the pea vines on the floor and was soon asleep. My friend, Mr. Rippetoe, was more cautious; he had been west among the wild Indians and knew how to keep a sharp lookout. The shower soon passed over, my friend called to me; remembering where I was, I sprang to my feet. We arrived at New Santa Fe at daybreak. Seeing a light burning, we knocked at the door of Mr. A. R. White. Mrs. White came to the door; she was excited and talked very fast. She said, "the Federals have been here and taken Mr. John Davis' goods; we have been up all night; the men are all hid; the soldiers have been all over the neighborhood; we heard guns firing all around and no telling who is killed; but they are all gone now, won't you come in?" We said "no, thank you; they have had us and we must go home." I soon saw my friend Rippetoe buckle on his heavy revolver.

As he started south, he said: "they have forced that oath upon me, and I don't feel bound by it. They will never get me again alive."

After the war was over I saw a stranger turn into the yard; he looked as if he was tired; he came toward the house I recognized him as my old friend, Perry Rippetoe. As I took his hand I noticed that his revolver was gone, and he had on a palmetto hat that had been made and presented to him by the ladies in the extreme south. He said, "I heard that you were living here, and determined to stop and see you before going home." Since that time we both have been permitted to live peaceable and quiet lives at home.

CHAPTER XXII.

BROOKING TOWNSHIP.

The Youngest Township in Jackson County-The Order of Court, Organizing the Township, bears Date March 13, 1872-The Order Itself—First Constable-A Word from Rev. J. J. Robinson-Interesting Reminiscences-A Letter in the Spring of 1876-West Fork Baptist Church -A Farmers' Meeting.

Brooking township is the youngest child in Jackson county's family of townships, it was organized by order of the county court March 13, 1872. The following is the order:

The Court orders that a new Municipal township be formed out of Washington and Blue townships described as follows: Beginning at the mouth of Round Grove Creek, and thence up said creek to where it crosses half section line, running east and west through the center of Sec. 29, Tp. 49, R. 32; thence east with said line, to the range line between ranges 31 and 32, thence south to line of Prairie township; thence west to Little Blue Creek; thence up said creek to where the south line of Sec. 22, Tp. 48, R. 32 crosses the same; thence west with said line to the half-section line on south side Sec. 19 of said township; thence on the center of said section; thence west to Big Blue Creek; thence with said creek to place of beginning, and that said township be called Brooking township.

The Court appoints T. L. Cassell constable of Brooking township.

The following, bearing date of March 16, 1872, is from the pen of one of Jackson county's old and most respected citizens:

"Brooking township.-This is the name of a new township formed out of territory heretofore included in Blue and Washington townships. It is in the center of Jackson county, and embraces a large portion of Jackson county's finest lands. It is a good farming country, having good land, good water and good timber, three qualities not often found near each other.

"There are, perhaps, more good springs of water in this township than any of the same size in the State. Many of our farmers have not had to drive their stock off their farms to get water for them in the last twenty-five years.

"We have two post-offices-Raytown and Little Blue, and an industrious, civil community, erecting school-houses and churches to beautify and adorn the ennobling virtues of civilized society.

"We have given the name Brooking' to our township in respect to the memory of the late Hon. Alvin Brooking, who, in his long and faithful public life, was true not only to the finances but to every great interest of Jackson county. And, sir, may our new township prove worthy to perpetuate the name and memory of so true and good a man. J. J. ROBINSON.”

Brooking township is too young to have a very long historical sketch. The first church organization of any denomination took place on Round Grove in 1831, near or on the lands now owned by Capt. H. C. Brooking. It was a United Baptist church. Elders Moses Stayton and James Kinsley, preached to them. They partly built a log house, which was used for both church and school purposes. This church was dissolved in 1838 (or 9). The first death and burial was that of Samuel Kimsley. His grave was made July 7, 1832, near this house. James Kimsley, in 1831, built a horse-mill at Round Grove, near Rock Falls. It was washed away in 1833. Water six feet deep, fell from a "water spout,"

and came in a flood against it. James Kimsley and another man were in the mill, but escaped unhurt.

After this Wm. Cox built another horse-mill about one mile south of this, on the place which has the honor to be the oldest settlement in the township. Johnson Kimsley states that his father Samuel Kimsley settled the Cox farm in 1831, and that the first settlement east of Heart Grove was made by Wm Pierson in 1835. Tp. 48, R. 32, was then known as "the condemned townships.” Long after this it was surveyed and brought into market. George W. Rhoades, who as surveyor platted the town of Independence, lived here. For many years he was a prominent citizen of the county, and also County Surveyor-they never had a better surveyor.

About the year 1840, a Mr. Slusher built a water-mill on Little Blue. It was not a success. Then Reuben Harris built another horse-mill. It was a great convenience; but otherwise of little profit.

George W. Howel also built a horse-mill.

Kimsley mill.

the owner.

It was about one mile west of the

It was also of greater convenience to the people, than profit to

For many years education and schools did not receive that attention which their importance demands. The age in which we now live, tells to each reflecting mind, these are a part of the body politic. But pioneer life had its charms, in roving among the wilds of nature. Education and schools did not occupy enough of their thoughts. It required an effort to build the first school house. This rude structure was about three hundred yards south of the present residence of Mr. T. W. Green. The people then called it "Science Hill." But one and another taught several good "subscription schools" there-averaging from fifty to sixty scholars. Now, within four miles of the spot where stood "Science Hill school house," are eight or nine well organized school districts—each having a good school house; and furnished with the latest and best patented seats, etc. Few if any of them have less than seven or eight months' school in each year. Self interest, if nothing else, will compel them in the near future to build a high school at Raytown, and perhaps also at other places. When this shall be accomplished Brooking township will be one of the most inviting localites for a country residence to be found any where in the great State of Missouri.

Brooking township has two villages-Raytown and Little Blue. Raytown occupies a central location in what is called the "Blue Prairie "—being on the ridge between Big and Little Blue, eight miles from Independence and ten from Kansas City. It has a Masonic hall, one meeting house, one store and saddler's shop, one blacksmith shop and a doctor's office, also a post-office and school house. Little Blue is on the Mo. P. R. R.; has one store, a school house; is a "station;" has a telegraph office, and several other houses.

Brooking township has ever been the home of good, skillful physicians. Dr. Samuel Hobbs, deceased, was one of the most successful practitioners the county ever had. Dr. R. Hewitt, was also a good physician, and resided for many years in Raytown. Dr. M. T. Smith now has an extensive practice, and is a skillful physician.

Brooking township has, perhaps, more good, "never-failing" springs than can be found any where else in the same extent of territory.

Raytown is the center of many roads. A good road runs by the house of every family in the school district. And a good ridge road could be located from Raytown to Kansas City.

WEST FORK BAPTIST CHURCH.

The following church history was furnished by Rev. J. J. Robinson: West Fork Church, situated one mile east of Raytown, was organized in December, 1842, by Elders Moses Stayton and Henry Farmer, at the house of John Davis.

The following were the constituent names: John Davis, Sarah Davis, Alvin Brooking, Fannie Brooking, Lewis Jones, Sarah Jones, C. S. Stribling, Elisabeth Stribling, Joseph Davis, Annie Davis, James Beckham, Eliza Beckham, James Allen, Edwin Allen, Mahala Slusher and Ellen Mobly.

This was the first permanent church organization of any denomination in the central southwestern portion of Jackson county. It has ever held a prominent position among our churches. Elder J. Farmer, of Cass county, was the first pas

He is a man of good mind and of pleasant address, and by his prudence. did much to harmonize the Baptists and allay prejudice against "Missionary Societies." During his ministry the church increased in numbers almost continually.

The church, when organized, had no meeting house, but met in private dwellings, or in some grove. At this time Brother A. Brooking became so fully impressed with the idea the Lord's "set time to favor his Zion" here had come, that he not only built a stand," but also prepared a place before the meeting began to baptize. Twenty-two were received at that meeting-the greater part by experience and baptism.

In 1845 Mr. A. S. Tackard, now of Independence, gave the church two acres of land on which to build a meeting house. A stone house was built. The expense of building this house was borne mainly by Alvin Brooking, J. Mickleborough and Archy Rice. In 1859 a good brick house was erected, costing about $2,300.

In 1847 J. J. Robinson began to preach. He has preached to the church once a month (either as pastor or otherwise), most of the time since. He was

In 1852 J. Bowers was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry.

a man of good ability, and had a very strong voice. He lived only a few years, dying of pneumonia soon after the close of a sucessful meeting, at Pleasant Valley church.

Howard Chism was also a minister of this church. He was a man of good practical sense, and also a good preacher, strongly devoted to the doctrines of the Baptist.

The names of the other ministers who have preached to this church statedly, either as pastor or otherwise, are: H. Farmer, L. Franklin, J. B. Bowers, H. Chism, W. A. Durfey, J. W. Swift, J. Lee, R. Thomas, E. Wood, A. W. Chambliss, DD., and J. O. Anderson, the present pastor. J. J. Robinson continues to preach on the fourth Sabbath in each month.

This church has been blessed with many precious revivals. In 1880 forty-six were added to the church; forty-four were baptized in one day. West Fork Church has dismissed many valuable members to aid in the organization of the First Baptist church in Independence, Blue Ridge, Lee's Summit, Besonia, etc. At present the church has 170 members.

Their deacons have been Alvin Brooking, Peter Courtney, J. J. Robinson, W. C. DeBord, Jesse Davis, J. Cummins, S. R. West, L. M. Dehoney, H. C. Brooking, B. Brown, B. Rice and T. W. Green.

It was at this church that the first country Sunday-school was organized in Jackson county. Alvin Brooking, ever ready and willing to lead in every "good work," was the first superintendent. Then J. J. Robinson, J. B. Bowers, T. W. Green and J. B. McKeever.

In the list of members of West Fork Church we find the names of three of Jackson county's court judges, viz: Alvin Brooking, Richard Fristoe and John Davis. Of these Judge Brooking represented jackson county four years in the State Senate, and Richard Fristoe represented the county two years in the House of Representatives.. We also find the name of F. H. Lane, who for many years was the honored President of the Jackson County Agricultural and Mechanical Association.

It will soon be forty years since the organization of West Fork Church. Of the original members only one yet remains on the church book-Fannie Brooking, the honored relict of Judge Brooking. Few churches have a more inviting and useful field to occupy; and its members feel as if its usefulness was only begun. Long may West Fork continue to be one of the "land marks" of Jackson.

CHAPTER XXIII.

KAW TOWNSHIP.

When established and its original extent— The establishment of Washington and Westport townships -The first settlers and first officers-The first and second elections, etc.

Kaw township was established by order of the County Court, dated May 22d, 1827. This was at the second day's session of the first County Court of Jackson county; the judges-Abraham McClelland, Richard Fristoe, and Henry Burris-holding their office by appointment from the Governor, and having been sworn into office the day previous. This order established Kaw, Blue and Fort Osage townships. Kaw township, as established by this order, embraced all that part of Jackson county lying west of the Big Blue. On the 9th of February, 1836, the County Court, by order, established Washington township and included in it that part of Kaw township now embraced in Washington west of the Big Blue. On the 17th of May 1869, Westport township was cut off of the south end of Kaw, reducing it to its present dimensions, which include but about twenty full sections of land.

On the day that the County Court established the first three townships, it recommended to the Governor for appointment as Justices of the Peace certain gentlemen in each township, those for Kaw being Samuel Johnson and Andrew P. Patterson, who were appointed and were the first Justices of the Peace in Kaw township.

The first white man, probably, who ever entered the territory of Kaw township was Col. Daniel Morgan Boone, a son of the celebrated Daniel Boone, who is said, in a memoir of him written some years ago by Dr. Johnson Lykins, to have trapped beavers twelve winters on the Blues prior to 1800, at which time he was married at St. Louis and ceased trapping in that way. The first settlement in Kaw township was that made by the French fur traders, opposite Randolph bluffs, in 1821. Francois Chouteau was the head of this party, of which a more extended history will be given in the history of Kansas City.

The territory embraced in the township not having been relieved from Indian possession until 1826, there was no real settlement in it until 1826 and 1827. Among the early settlers were William Lewis, John Bostic, Abraham Linville, Perman Henderson, Dyer Cash, Benjamin Hancock, Major Hancock, Lewis Haneau, Paul Lacoot, Francis Tromley, William Johnson, Thomas Linville, Pierre Revellett, Taplaw Bingham, Andrew Patterson, John Savage, Andrew Gaudy, Isaac Ray, Joseph Boggs, Robert Y. Fouller, Silas Hitchcock, Samuel Son, Michael Farrer, Lewis Levantieur, Sampson Hitchcock, John Young, Andrew Patterson, William Master, James Jennings, Richard Hancock, James Johnson. These parties were all residents and voters in 1828, by which time there were probably, a number of others in the township. It was about this time that James H. McGee came into the township, and at that time Francois Chouteau and a num