First years in EJC were rough on the settlers

When the word got out in 1825 that the U.S. Government was about to sign a final treaty with the Osage Indians that would open up this part of Missouri for settlement to the Americans, the pioneers came immediately. In fact, as the treaty was being signed, there were about 50 families waiting at the abandoned Fort Osage for permission to move into Jackson County.

Life on the frontier would be no bowl of cherries. These first pioneers would have to cope with chiggers, mosquitoes, ticks, snakes and spiders. Bear and wolves, not to mention the chills, fever cholera and plagues. The absence of sanitation and medical facilities. It was a story of white man’s struggle with the primeval prairie and forest, the visible and unseen enemies lurking in the wilderness. But they were a proud and hardy bunch, strong, able and determined.

The pioneer families generally brought with them their household effects, farming equipment and livestock, also food enough to last until a new crop could be harvested. Because after all, there were no corner grocery stores to stock up on food like we have today.

Small plots of ground where chopped out of the wilderness that first year so a small patch of grain could be planted for the first season. The new grain was beaten in a mortar. This meal was made into coarse, but wholesome, bread that was so gritty it hurt the teeth to chew.

Johnnycakes and pones were served at dinner and mush and milk was a favorite dish for supper. Of course there was plenty of wild game, like turkey, deer, rabbits and bear. Wild honey, greens, fruits and berries. The beverage on the table was usually sage tea, coffee was only served when company came a callin’.

The first year pioneers entered a plot of ground generally covered with timber. The ground was richer and easier to till than the prairies, they assumed if the prairies couldn’t grow a tree the ground must not be fertile enough for a crop, besides they needed the timber for fence posts and building materials.

First on the agenda was a shelter from the harsh Missouri weather. Those earliest homes were log cabins made from tree logs. The cracks between the logs were filled with sticks and clay mud. There were no nails and no matches. Generally, the log cabins were just one room and some times only a dirt floor. A fireplace was constructed at one end of the room made from fieldstones and clay mortar. In the fireplace hung a crane for a kettle and a Dutch oven for baking.

When the fire went out, flint stone and steel were used to strike a spark. Sometimes greasy tow, sprinkled with gunpowder, was shot from a gun in order to light the fire. The men made their own gunpowder and smelted their own bullets. The women made their clothing and were the family doctor.

There were no schools or churches, the preacher came to them. One of the earliest traveling preachers was the Rev. Joab Powell, a Baptist minister. He was a big man, and his simple unassuming manner won the hearts and confidence of all he came in contact with, however this God fearing man could hardly read or write. He never did master Roman Numerals. He gave his text from the two-eyed chapter of the one-eyed John.

The pioneers were forced to live a simple life, no indoor plumbing, no electricity, no televisions, but they were happy with that simplicity. The lack of luxuries did not vex these hard working rugged people.

Reference: Missouri, Crossroads of the Nation by Charles Phillips & Betty Burnett

 “Missouri, Crossroads of the Nation” is available at  the Blue & Grey Book Shoppe, 106 E. Walnut St. on the Independence Square.

To reach Ted W. Stillwell, send an e-mail to teddystillwell@yahoo.com or call him at 816-252-9909.