History of Harrison County, Missouri

Preface

It is not an easy matter to write the history of such a county as Harrison. Many events had an influence in shaping its destiny. Less than a century ago, the territory comprising this county was a wild, unbroken waste, inhabited by the howling wolf, the fleet-footed deer, the roaming buffalo and the untutored Indian. Then came the white man, and all was changed, and the hum of peaceful industry is heard on every side. Where once the council fire blazed and the wigwams of the redman stood, commercial, industrial and social institutions have developed.

Prior to 1859 there was no newspaper published in the county. The inhabitants prior to that date were not privileged, as are we, to read the weekly chronicles of the events, in their community, and in writing of that time, we passed beyond listening to the statements of the oldest inhabitants and sought information from the most reliable and authentic sources, and in writings of others. In preparing this history much reference is had to articles heretofore written and published by Elder John S. Allen and Col. D. J. Heaston, and much information has been derived from contributors of today, to whom the writer is sincerely grateful.

History is a record of human events, the personal element ever being present, and the history of any community or county is merely a record of those who have contributed to its upbuilding and advancement. The rank and file of the people, each performing his duty at the right time and place, make the history of any locality. This work, therefore, contains personal sketches of many who have been identified with the development of Harrison County.

The men and women whose faith, courage, foresight and industry have made Harrison County what it is today are passing away. Therefore it seems but fitting, while we have yet with us some of these pioneers, or their descendants, that we secure from them and preserve the thrilling and romantic story of their adventures, struggles and achievements in the early days when their hearts beat young and their enthusiasm knew not the limitations imposed by "Father Time." Then, too, there are many among us whose ancestry blazed the pathway to civilization on other borders, and these with the younger generation of Harrison county are moulding the sentiment and shaping the destiny of this splendid county.

It is hoped that this work records a story worthy of being handed down to future generations for their inspiration and guidance in building up the rich and broad foundation laid by their fathers.

GEO. W. WANAMAKER.

Bethany, Mo., Sept. 1, 1921.