"History of Pettis County, Missouri, Including an Authentic History of Sedalia, Other Towns and Townships" by Special Historians, 1882 Index: 258 Col J.D.C. 266 J.D.C. 267 C.C.C., James McCormick 300 J.E.C. 304 J.E.C. 328 M. Crawford [probably not a relative] 365 G. W. Crawford [not a relative] 373 J.D.C. 378 C.C.C., J.D.C. 387 J.D.C. 412-3 J.D.C. 434,6 J.D.C. 465,7 J.D.C. 472 C.C.C. 489 J.D.C. 545 J.D.C. 587 J.C. 593 J.D.C. 616 E.D. Crawford [lives in Denver, married Claudia E. Blair] 631 Miss Crawford [of Jefferson City, married Thomas W. Cloney and died in 1857 635 Col J.D.C. 636 J.E.C., Sarilda Jane Crawford 663 Mary B. Crawford [Married Robert O. Harris Aug 12, 1868, two children] 777 George W. Crawford [born in PA, moved to Sedalia in 1868] 1008 C.C.C., J.E.C. 1081 J.E.C., James McCormick, Abram McCormick 1083 C.C.C., J.E.C., Sarilda Jane Crawford 1086 Wm.O.C., J.E.C. 1087 J.E.C., C.C.C. 1089 Mary A. Crawford [Married George Dump in 1875; parents came from Ohio] 1091 James H. McCormick -------------------------------------------------------------------------- HISTORY OF PETTIS COUNTY -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER V.--POLITICAL HISTORY. Page 258: ... Among the old-line Whigs we find the names of Geo. R. Smith, ... Col. Crawford, ... and Capt. Samuel Montgomery. ... Dr. E. MaGoffin is waid to have shot the first Union soldier of the county. This was in 1861. Col. Jeff. Thompson, of the Confederate army, marched into Sedalia in 1864, planted his guns near the cemetery, and fired over the city. At the alarm, Col. John D. Crawford, who, with a squad of militia, was sta- tioned in Sedalia, fled to Flat Creek, where it is said that they took refuge. Gen. Jeff. Thompson entered the town and after pillaging and suplying his soldiers with goods and provisions, he captured what horses he could and left the city. His most dastardly act was taking from a lady's possession a handsome sword, a souvenir presented to Col. John F. Phillips by his own regiment, and not returning the same as was due mil- itary courtesy. Page 266: Recorders. (prior to the election of 1866, circuit court clerks performed the duties of recorders. Florence Crandall, elected.........................1866--1870 J. D. Crawford, elected............................1870--1874 J. D. Crawford, re-elected.........................1874--1878 Samuel W. Richey, elected..........................1878--1882 John W. Conner, (vice-Richey, deceased, 1 year)....1882--1882 Page 267: Assessors. Alexander M. Christian, elected....................1844--1848 ... James McCormick, appointed.........................1858--1858 ... C. C. Crawford, appointed..........................1865--1866 C. C. Crawford, elected............................1866--1868 C. C. Crawford, re-elected.........................1868--1870 ... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER VIII.--RELIGIOUS HISTORY. The Baptists of Pettis County Page 300: The first Missionary Baptist church, established in the county, was the Providence church, situated about three miles southwest of Clifton, or- ganized April 4, 1842, by Elders A. P. Williams, and J. G. Berkley; the second was Flat Creek, five miles south of Smithton, organized Septem- ber 23, 1846, by Elders J. G. Berkley, and Elias George; the next in or- der of date, was Bethlehem, seven miles south of Sedalia, June 7, 1851, by Elder G. W. Sands, and Deacon J. E. Crawford. Following this was South Fork, in Blackwater township, September, 1855, by Elder G. W. Sands. At intervals of varying length others have been established, until there are now in the county seventeen Missionary Baptist churches, with twelve resident ministers. Page 304: The early preachers were ably assisted in their labors by prominent laymen, some of whom still live, and attest their continued devotion to their cherished principles by word and deed. Among these may be named, J. E. Crawford, of Bethlehem; M. W. Barnard, of Olive Branch; brethren Lorelace, and Bohannon, of Providence; Graham and Calvert, of Hickory-Point, and McCardy and Whitworth, of County Line. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER IX.--EDUCATIONAL HISTORY Page 327-8: In response to a call by A. J. Sampson for the organization of a teach- ers' institute, a number of teachers and citizens met at the court house at 11 o;clock A. M., May 13, 1869 ... The following are the names of the members enrolled, to-wit: ... M. C. Crawford, ... [about 90 names total] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER XIII.--PETTIS COUNTY--LIVE STOCK Page 365: "Crawford Lawn," the home of G. W. Crawford, situated three miles east of Hughesville, is one of the most valuable small farms in Pettis county. It contains one hundred and sixty acres, is well watered and surrounded and divided into fields of pasture meadow and plow land by a well culti- vated hedge fence. Mr. Crawford is doing a prosperous business at mixed farming, and sells annually a large amount of surplus stock and grain. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER XIV.--RAILROAD HISTORY. Page 373: The Narrow Gauge Railroad, extending from Sedalia to Warsaw, in Benton county, was accomplished by Cyrus Newkirk, the prime factor in the movement, working about two years most valiantly before its organiza- tion; he was also treasurer of this company; Maj. Win. Gentry, presi- dent; D. H. Smith, vice-president; and Col. Jno. D. Crawford, secretary. Late surveys of this road extend to Springfield and Pierce City, Mo. The object that Mr. Newkirk had in view when he was to tenaciously working for this road was to checkmate the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas Railroad, and take charge of the old road-bed in Benton county, which was pledged to the company that would make the first road to that county. The bonds of this company were held by St. Louis parties, issued by the company, whose headquarters were in Sedalia. The road is now in the Jay Gould combination. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER XV.--MARTIAL HISTORY. Page 377-8: Among the Union officers that scouted in the county and had head- quarters in Sedalia, we mention Col. R. R. Spedden, Lieut. J. H. Brown, Maj. Gentry, Captains Jno. M. Sneed, W. K. Ramey, Geo. Lawes, Dr. J. P. Thatcher, Sam'l Brown and W. W. Croww. The soldiers in the M. S. M. were clothed, fed and paid by the state. Besides the regular militia, bands were organized and known as Home Guards for the protection of their homes. In some instances those who enlisted were no better than those for whom they were prepared to confront in battle. Col. Jno. F. Phillips organized the 7th M. M., which was not to go out of the state unless in defense of the state against invading enemies. These soldiers were paid and equipped the same as regular soldiers of the Federal army. Company "C," 40th E. M. M., had the following officers: Adjutant, Char. P. Townsley; Maj., Wm. Gentry; Lieut. Col., J. H. Brown; Col., R. R. Spedden; Capt., Jno. D. Crawford; 1st Lieut, C. C. Crawford; 2nd Lieut., Jno. F. Yankee. Page 384: Seventh Cavalry, Missouri State Militia ... Company "E." ... Nov. 18, '62 James H. Crawford 1st Lt. To rank from Nov. 8, 1862 Page 385: 40th Regiment enrolled Missouri Militia ... Company "C." Sept. 6, 1862 John D. Crawford Capt. To rank from Aug. 18, '62 " C. C. Crawford 1st Lt To rank from " " John F. Yankee 2nd Lt To rank from " Page 387-9: It was by the prompt and early organization of her citizens into militia bands that Pettis county was saved to the Union, and escaped much of the sad experience which fell to the lot of many counties of the state. The officers of the 4th Regiment, E. M. M., will be found elsewhere. This regiment was stationed at Warrensburg, during the winter of 1862- 63, Col. Spedden commanding the post. The field of operation was, for the most part, confined to Central Missouri. In the fall of 1863 a portion of the force was detailed to serve in 3what was claled provisional regi- ments. John D. Crawford, captain of company C, took command of com- pany K, 5th Provisional Regiment, and was stationed at Clinton, Henry county. Many of the soldiers enlisted in the 45th Missouri Volunteer Infantry. Some went to the artillery, while others entered the cavalry service. June 13, 1864, John D. Crawford was commissioned as colonel of the 40th Regiment, and on the 23d day of September following, was ordered by Maj. Gen. Rosecrans to report the effective strength of his command to headquarters, holding himself in readiness, together with his command, for immediate active service. September 26th, three days later, he was ordered to report his command to Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, for duty. At this time, besides Col. Crawford, there were only three commissioned officers in the regiment and about two hundred men subject to military duty. Gen. Sterling Price, of the Confederate forces, had entered the south- eastern part of the state, and all of the available forces of the govern- ment west of the Mississippi river were concentrating in that direction. The post at Sedalia had been abandoned. Col. Crawford took command of the post at Sedalia, and organized the citizens of that place and sur- rounding outposts for duty. There were many citizens who refused to enter the service or do any military duty, at that time, principally owing to the fact that guns and ammunition could not be had of such quality and quantity, as to effectually arm the command. They relied chiefly upon themselves for equippage. Earthworks were thrown up tempora- rily about town. The citizens enrolled and elected their officers and a strict discipline was enforced as the circumstances demanded. [7 more paragraphs describing the defense of Sedalia; the Confederates overran the city for one day, took prisoners, parolled them all, and left; there is several mentions of Col. Crawford]. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- HISTORY OF SEDALIA -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER II.--FROM 1860 TO 1865. Page 412-3: [more rehashing of the Civil War, with several mentions of Col. Crawford] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER III.--CAPTURE OF SEDALIA Page 434-6: [more stories about the actual Confederate capture of Sedalia, including several accounts of some of the things Col. Crawford did that day such as running into Confederates while fleeing the town. This is all interesting, but too long to type now; here's one brief part:] ... The Confederate turned his gun towards Crawford and said: "Are you a Confederate or a Federal?" Crawford drew his big holster revolver, and as he got it leveled on the trooper said: "I am a Federal, give up that gun!" Before the Confeder- ate could fire, Baker, who was by his side, took hold of his gun, and had the man at his mercy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER IV.--SEDALIA AFTER THE WAR Page 464-5: From the issue of the Times of June 23, 1865, ... ... It also contains the announcement of the marriage of Col. John D. Crawford to Miss Annie Parberry. Page 466-7: Among the new citizens, who were here in the spring of 1866 and actively engaged in business, are the following: ... ... John D. Crawford (born and raised in the county and identified with the town from its very start, though a resident of the county); ... [the list includes over 50 names.] Page 472: In November [1866], the county officers were elected and all of them were Radicals. The talk and conduct of citizens previous to the election had been extreemly reckless and bitter. The registration law was in force and ex-Confederates could not vote. P. G. Stafford, editor of the Times, was elected Representative to the Legislature; ... C. C. Crawford, Assessor; ... This was another new era in the county and city. After the election, previous to which the people had been kept in a perfect turmoil and passion by the savage partisanism of their respec- tive newspapers, the public mind became quiet and thought only of business. Page 489: On Nov. 28 [1868], the President of the Lexinton and St. Louis Railroad, J. Lewis, met a number of the citizens of Sedalia. There were present: A. J. Sampson, Secretary; Gen. G. R. Smith, COl. Jaynes, C. Newkirk, Col. J. D. Crawford, Col. Marvin, Maj. Gentry, J. M. Sneed, Capt. Wm. Paff, D. H. Smith, Henry Suess, and a large number of other prominent men. Col. Lewis informed the meeting that Lafayette County was ready to issue $500,000 in bonds to aid in building the road as far as George- town, and that Sedalia would have to build the short piece between Seda- lia and Georgetown. A resolution was carried declaring that Sedalia would do this. Committees were then appointed to canvass each town- ship, to get all the citizens together in December and perfect plans to raise the money. ... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER VIII.--CHURCHES Page 545: (The First Baptist Church, Sedalia, Missouri) ... From the church records we learn that the following named have filled the office of superintendent: Rev. E. T. Brown, ... [10 people]. The present officers are Col. J. D. Crawford, Superintendent; ... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER IX.--EDUCATIONAL Page 587: (Sedalia University) ... Trustees of the University: ... Col. J. D. Crawford, ... [list of 20 people including Governor T. T. Crittenden] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER X.--SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Page 593: (Free Masons--Sedalia Lodge, No. 236.) Om 1873. tje ;pdge omvested $600 pf ots sir[;is fimd om Seda;oa cotu bpmds. wjocj fact wo;; sjpw ots fomamcoa; cpmdotopm/ Tje ja;; os sto;; om tje baml bio;domg/ Somce tje omstotitopm pf tje ;pdge i[ tp 1876, it has a total membership of 200. The following is a list of Worshipful Masters, up to 1882: ... J. D. Crawford, 1880; ... [list of 12 people] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 635-6: Col. Jno. D. Crawford Col. Crawford was born in Pettis County, Mo., March 1, 1838, and during his boyhood attended the common schools. He afterwards attended William Jewell College, at Liberty, Mo. When the war of the rebellion [Sketch of "Residence of Col. J. D. Crawford, Sedalia, Mo.] broke out he expoused the Union cause, and on Aug. 18, 1862, was com- missioned Captain of Company C, Fortieth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, and June 13, 1864, was commissioned Colonel of the same. Dur- ing a portion of 1862-63 he served as Provost Marshal at Warrensburg, Mo., and as Captain of Company K, Fifth Provisional Regiment, in South- western Missouri during the latter part of 1863. His military career as Commander of the Fort at Sedalia, and as an efficient officer in many other fields of operation, won for him the lasting gratitude of the Com- monwealth and approbation of his fellow-citizens. He was married, June 21, 1865, to Miss Annie E. Parberry, daughter of N. N. Parberry and Elizabeth H., nee Joplin, formerly of Virginia. In November, 1870, he was elected as a Republican to the office of Recorder of Deeds for Pettis County, and before his first term of office expired in Nov., 1874, was re- elected for another term of four years. He is now (July, 1882,) engaged with A. P. Morey, in the real estate, abstract and loan business on Ohio street, Sedalia, Mo., and his success as a business man is a source of grati- fication to himself and friends. Being well and favorably known through- out the county he commands the largest patronage of any similar firm in Central Missouri. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, son of Col. John E. Crawford and Sarilda Jane Crawford, nee Donnohue, both from Kentucky. His father is still living, though at the advanced age of eighty years. Mr. Crawford is a prominent member of the Baptist Church in Sedalia. His generous impulses and enterprising spirit place him before the public as one of Sedalia's most valuable citizens. A cut of his elegant residence on West Sixteenth street is represented on the preceding page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- HISTORY OF TOWNSHIPS -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER XXII.--HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP Page 1008: (Flat Creek Baptist Church) [Organized in 1846, J. E. Crawford is listed as Deacon and in 1850 as Clerk. In 1851, J. E. Crawford, C. C. Crawford, and others withdrew and organized Bethlehem Baptist Church.] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER XXV.--HISTORY OF FLAT CREEK TOWNSHIP Page 1081-2: (Early Settlers) ... In 1835, Jacob Yankee came to this township from the "Blue Grass State," and still resides in this township. Col. John E. Crawford came to this township in 1838, and still resides on section four, township forty-four, range twenty-one. He is eighty years old, and is probably the oldest person living in the township. He came with his family when there were only seven or eight houses in the township, and those were on the south side of the creek, and were all made of logs with sticks and clay chimneys. Mathias Ray came into the county and settled in this township in the year of 1840, from Kentucky. He still resides in this township, a respected citizen. Abram McCormick came in 1833 from Kentucky. James McCormick came from Kentucky in 1833. ... Flat Creek Township was sectionized in 1832, the Government Sur- veyor being Mr. Shields. The first school was taught by R. A. McFar- land, on his own farm. The first marriage in the township was Henry Small to Nancy Mosby in the year 1836, and the first death was that of Samuel Marshall in the year 1836. The first administrator's sale was in the year 1836. The first minister was Rev. Millice, who held services at Abram McCormick's and W. R. Anderson's houses. The first church was erected at what is called Brown's Springs, and the first Sunday School was held on Col. J. E. Crawford's farm. Judge Yankee was the super- intendent. The first school house erected in the township was on Col. Crawford's farm; this was after school districts were organized. This was a rude structure built of logs, and had the uncovered ground for a floor. After a while another was erected and for years these were the only two school houses in the township and were also used for church worship. The first physician to locate in the township was Dr. Brown. The first post-office was called Spring Fork, and J. E. Crawford was postmaster. In 1847 the township recorded its first suicid. In that year a man named Calvin Hall hung himself, and since that date there has been no other in the township. Page 1082: (Churches) Bethlehem Baptist Church is situated on section four, township forty- four, range twenty-one, or in the northern part of the township. It was organized June 7, 1851, by Elder G. W. Sands and Deacon J. E. Craw- ford. The first house of worship was erected in 1860, at a cost of $1,000, by Henry Ebiling, and was dedicated on the 27th of May, the same year, by Elder C. J. Teas, who preached from the second chapter of Ephesians 21st and 22d verses. The second house was erected in 1870 by Mr. Smith, and cost when completed $1,800. ... The original congregation consisted of ... Jno. E. Crawford, Sarilda J. Crawford, Chris. C. Crawford, ... [13 people] Page 1086-8: WILLIAM O. CRAWFORD Born in Cooper County in the year 1832. Removed to Pettis County about the year 1840. Is a son of Col. J. E. Crawford. Was married in the year 1855 to Miss E. J. Harvey, whose father was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was educated in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father married in 1835, Nancy Allison, of Cooper County, Mo. There are three brothers and three sisters of her father's family living. Mr. Crawford has five chil- dren--two sons and three daughters: Nannie J., born April 8, 1858; Rosa A., Dec. 11, 1862; James E., Jan. 23, 1866; Judge C., Sept. 27, 1868, and William J., Dec. 1, 1873. He grows thirty-five bushels of corn, twelve bushels of wheat and forty bushels of oats to the acre, and is a man of irrepressible public spirit and unimpeachable honor, and for generosity and hospitality has no superior in the county. COL. JOHN E. CRAWFORD Was born Sept. 24, 1802, in Cumberland County, Ky. His parents, John Crawford and Martha Crawford, foermely Martha Robinson, emi- grated from Cumberland County, Penn., to Kentucky in 1790. Mr. Crawford's father died when he was eleven years of age. He had two brothers and seven sisters. In March, 1827, he rode on horseback to Missouri, and in 1828 went to the lead mines at Galena and in Wisconsin, returning to St. Louis in the summer of 1829 in a flat-boat. He has been twice married, first to Miss Elvira McFarland, of Cooper County, Mo., by whom he has two children: Christopher C. and William O. His wife died in Henry County, Mo., Sept. 8, 1834. His second marriage was to Miss Darilda J. Donnohue, belonging to a family of the first settlers in St. Genevieve County, Mo. By this union they have six children living. Mr. Crawford settled within three miles of Georgetown when Pin Hook was the county seat, before Georgetown was made the county seat. On March 15, 1840, he removed to Spring Fork, six miles south of Sedalia. Politically, he was a Whig till 1861, then a Republican. He served in the Missouri State Legislature of 1842-3, when Sterling Price was speaker and Claiborne F. Jackson was also a member. He voted for Thomas H. Benton for United States Senator, and took a lively interest in many of the exciting campaigns of those days. In 1830 he was Adjutant of a reg- iment and commissioned Colonel of the Forty-fourth Regiment, Fifth Division Missouri Militia, May 28, 1839. He served as Captain of a vol- unteer company in an expedition against the Mormons at Far West. Of this company Jeremiah Odell was First Lieutenant, Geo. Douglass, Sec- ond Lieutenant, and Wm. Gentry, Orderly Sergeant. George R. Smith, Wm. K. Ramey, Samuel A. Powell and Chas. Cravens were among the members of the company. They were held as minute men until the sur- render of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader. He was raised by Scotch Pres- byterian parents, but became a member of the Missionary Baptist Church subsequent to 1840, and since then has been instrumental in building sev- eral churches. For many years he has been Deacon of the Bethlehem Church, which is near his residence in Flat Creek Township. THis worthy pioneer, exemplary Christian and faithful citizen still lives to enjoy the fruits of his labors and see his children occupy positions of honor and usefulness. Page 1091-2: JAMES H. McCORMICK Was born in Cooper County, Mo., in the year 1825. His parents emi- grated to the State of Missouri in 1819. His father was a native of Kentucky and his mother of North Carolina. His father assisted in building the first house in the city of Boonville, Mo. His parents are both dead. His mother died in the year 1860 and his father in 1861. He came to Pettis County in 1831, and was married in 1850 to Armilda J. Bohon, who was born in the State of Kentucky in the year 1829. Six children, have been born to them, four sons and two daughters, two of whom are dead. William E. was born July 27, 1854; Martha A., born Feb. 13, 1851; Nettie, born May 5, 1852; Walter V., born Feb. 2, 1858; George H., born Septs. 22, 1860, and James E., born in Aug., 1863. He owns 383 acres of fine land, 100 acres of which is timber. 283 acres are under fence and in good cultivation and fine pasture. He entered 120 acres, eighty acres at $1.25, and forty acres at 12 1/2 cents per acre. His farm is admirably watered, and grows about thirty bushels of corn, twelve bushels of wheat and forty bushels of oats to the acre. He feeds about 100 head of cattle, and has a good line of horses and other stock. He is a popular man, and one of the representative farmers of the county.