Dates
|
|
Source
|
1844
|
Early
in
life,
B.F. Massey had become interested in Politics, and in 1844,
after the liquidation of his business ventures, he ran for, and was
elected to, the Missouri State Senate.
|
2
|
1848
|
B.F.
Massey
was
Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives.
|
26; 2
|
1850
|
Before
his
ill-advised
trip to California, B.F. Massey was a candidate for
Missouri State Senate, but was defeated.
|
2
|
1850
|
1850
Census,
Jasper
Co., Missouri:
Name
|
Age/Sex
|
Birthplace
|
Occupation/Real
Estate
|
Benjamin
F.
Massi[sic]
|
40/m.
|
Mo.
|
Farmer/$1,000
R.E.
|
Mariah
H.
Massie
|
29/f.
|
Va.
|
|
Eliz.
Ellenor
Massie
|
10/f.
|
Mo.
|
|
Ben
U.
Massie
|
8/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
Julian
P.
Massie
|
6/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
Clarence
R.
Massie
|
4.m
|
Mo.
|
|
Logan
S.
Massie
|
2/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
Frank
R.
Massie
|
5/12/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
Sarah
L.
Pierce
|
23/f.
|
Va.
|
|
|
20
|
1854
|
Running
again
for
State Senator, B.F. Massey was again defeated.
|
2
|
Aug.1856
|
Running
on
the
Democratic Ticket headed by Trusten Polk, B.F. Massey was
elected by the people to a four-year term as Missouri's Secretary of
State, serving about three months under Gov. Stanley Price.
|
22; 26
|
Oct.1856
|
B.F.
Massey
was
inducted into Office as Secretary of State under Gov.
Trusten Polk.
|
27; 2
|
1857
|
But,
Trusten
Polk
had been elected to the U.S. Senate, and Lt. Gov. Harrack
Johnson acted as Governor until succeeding Gov. R.H. Stewart took
Office. |
2
|
|
B.F.
Massey
found
it impossible to rent a house in Jefferson City, and as
Polk had just been elected to the U.S. Senate, the Governor's Mansion
was unoccupied, and Gov. Johnson offered B.F. Massey the Mansion to
live in.
|
4
|
1857
|
When
B.F.
Massey
initially assumed Office, Missouri was divided on the issue
of Slavery; the dominant Democratic Party was strongly Pro-Slavery, but
the Republican Party was strongly Abolitionist, putting the
Missouri State Administration in a very difficult position.
|
13
|
1857
|
Nationally,
the
Industrialized
North, having long since abolished Slavery, was
strongly abolitionist, but the South, dependent on an agricultural
economy based on slavery, was understandably pro-slavery.
|
13
|
|
Ever
since
the
1820 Missouri Compromise, the question of whether
Missouri was to be pro-slavery or anti-slavery had been a very active
political issue. |
|
1857
|
B.F.
Massey,
having
worked so hard, and so long, within Missouri's
Democratic Party in behalf of the pro-slavery issue, was dismayed when
Missouri's Democratic Party also became divided on the slavery issue.
|
13
|
| 10
Nov.1859
|
B.F.
Massey,
preparing
to run on the Democratic ticket for a second
term as Secretary of State, wrote his friend, J.F. Snyder: "My
prospects are, I believe, very flattering" as he campaigned vigorously
as a pro-slavery advocate. |
5
|
26
Jun.1860
|
Mr.
John
S.
Mistier wrote J.F. Snyder: -"Col. Massey ought be re-nominated,
and I am pleased that there is no doubt about his re-nomination."
|
5
|
9
Feb.1860
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
J.F. Snyder, "I have no doubt for myself."
|
5
|
16
Jul.1860
|
1860
Census
-
Cole County, Mo.: B.F. Massey, Fam. Head:
Name
|
Age/Sex
|
Birthplace
|
Occupation
|
Benj.
F.
Massey
|
49/m.
|
Md.
|
Secy.
of
State
zero
R.E.
$3,600
P.P.
|
M.
H.
Massey
|
38/f.
|
Va.
|
|
Nina
E.
Massey
|
20/f.
|
Mo.
|
Domestic |
B.U.
Massey
|
18/m.
|
Mo.
|
Clerk |
J.P.
Massey
|
16/m.
|
Mo.
|
Student
|
C.R.
Massey
|
14/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
L.S.
Massey
|
12/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
F.R.
Massey
|
10/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
S.W.
Massey
|
8/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
Eliza
Massey
|
6/f.
|
Mo.
|
|
Mariah
Massey
|
4/f.
|
Mo.
|
|
Robt.
D.
Massey
|
2/m.
|
Mo.
|
|
|
22
|
12
Mar.1860
|
B.F.
Massey,
actively speaking and writing pro-slavery articles in
support of Missouri's Democratic Party, wrote J.F. Snyder:
| "I think I am entirely
safe, yet it is at the same time flattering to
see men who 12 or 18 months ago would prefer not to be seen in my
company, now are as friendly as whipped dogs." |
|
5
|
4
Jul.1860
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
J.F. Snyder:
| "It has been my intention
at the end of the Term for which I have expected to be
elected in August, to retire from all political life. The present
indications are that I shall have to retire just four years before I
expected. when I can not be of any service in sustaining the rights in
Missouri, I shall go where I can be, and I hope these tenderfooted,
mouthy pro-slavery men in Mo., who surrender at the time their services
are needed, will live to see the day when any big buck Negro in the
State will have the right himself alongside of them, their political
equal in every sense; and the political right being secured, the social
equality will soon follow as a matter of course. And I think they are
pursuing a course that if this does not overtake them." |
|
5
|
11
Jul.1860
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
J.F. Snyder:
| "I have a prevailing
anxiety for the good of our cause." |
|
5
|
Aug.1860
|
B.F.
Massey
was
formally re-elected Secretary of State of Missouri by the
people of Missouri, for a second four year term, in the Administration
of Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson.
|
27; 8; 2
|
Dec.1860
|
Missouri
Democrats
met
in Jefferson City in an attempt to achieve unity in the
Party, but failed. |
27; 8; 2
|
21
Dec.1860
|
South
Carolina
had
already seceded from the Union, and Union Troops had
seized the Federal Arsenal at St. Louis, Mo.
|
10
|
5
Jan.1861
|
Missouri
Senator
M.M.
Parsons introduced a Military Bill at the Grand Assembly
to equip the State Militia, but the strong pro-Union St. Louis Germans
accused Parsons of thus planning to divert money from the State
Educational Funds.
|
10
|
11
Jan.1861
|
A
detachment
of
Federal Troops arrived at St. Louis, and Senator Parsons
introduced a Bill directing the Governor to ask the President what had
induced him to place Federal property within the State of Missouri in
charge of armed Federal Troops.
|
10
|
12
Jan.1861
|
Senator
Parsons
urged
Missouri to secede from the Union, but Missouri's
Commission on Federal Relations held that "No adequate reason existed
for Missouri to dissolve its connection with the Union."
|
10
|
4
Mar.1861
|
Abraham
Lincoln
was
inaugurated as President of the United States of America.
|
16
|
12
Apr.1861
|
Fort
Sumter
fell.
|
10
|
17
Apr.1861
|
Missouri
Gov.
Jackson
flatly refused President Lincoln's call for Troops.
|
15
|
24
Apr.1861
|
B.F.
Massey
signed
as Secretary of State a Commission by Gov. Jackson at
Jefferson City to Capt. Abraham Hicks.
|
23
|
26
Apr.1861
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
J.F. Snyder:
"Secession is tremendously popular, and
every day becoming more so. The Great difficulty now is to keep
secession back a while. Almost literally, we have nothing for our
people to defend themselves with. We want them to have a chance
to make and save a really big crop. In the meantime, everything
is being done to provide arms and ammunition. We will have little
difficulty, if any, about money, the arms and ammunition is the
divil. It we knew where
to get them, there would be great difficulty in getting them here,
but in a few months they must be provided, if we have to make them
ourselves; but about this the less said the better. All possible action
will be bad. The Republicans are making us out as more destitute than
we are. When the Legislature meets, my conjecture is that they will
meet with closed doors. It is probable that Price will call the
Convention shortly, to pass an Ordinance of Secession forthwith; the
idea now is not whether we will secede, but when, and this will depend
on the headway we make in arming and equipping.
|
|
5
|
28
Apr.1861
|
B.F.
Massey
to
J.F. Snyder:
"Nobody, or very few, have
any use for a Convention. Sterling Price is of the opinion that they
would pass an Ordinance of Secession, but I doubt it, and I would much
prefer that they should not be convened.
|
| "If the Legislature can
propose an Ordinance of Secession, and the People
ratify it, all is right. We are here entirely satisfied an Ordinance
would be sustained now by the People by a very large majority. |
| "A united North is fast
making a United South, and those who are not with us will have to keep
their mouths shut." |
|
5
|
29
Apr.1861
|
B.F.
Massey
to
J.F. Snyder:
"We are doing nothing in
advance of the action of the Legislature toward getting arms and
ammunition, although why I cannot tell you, as the Commander in Chief
and his Staff are very shy on the subject.
|
"A couple of steamboats of
powder arrived here yesterday and are now being discharged, about 6 or
7 thousand kegs, and I don't know how much saltpeter and brimstone.
There is something going on about guns too, but I don't know what; I
have purposely avoided knowing any particulars about these things, and
have advised as to what should be done, if, possible, and am then
content to leave the execution of them to those whose special duty it
is.
|
"The Secession fire is
raging, and if Lincoln shall not stay his hand, the Devil himself can't
keep Missouri in the Union.
|
"The chief object of an
arrangement with Gen. Harvey was to preserve the peace of the State, as
we claim, that the State has done nothing for which we should be
advanced on, and though the Federal Government had acted inexcusably,
we could only grin and bear it for a while.
|
"It is probable that
Harvey would act on it in good faith, but loyal Union men are
continually representing to him what Phelps is doing. This is causing
Harvey to establish Home Guards in different parts of the State
calculated to produce an armed conflict.
|
"The question with me, is
whether it is worth while to make any resistance in
Missouri. For long, as I believe you aware, I have despaired of
Missouri. I believe a large majority of the People oppose the issue
Lincoln is representing; that is, of fighting our way into the Southern
Confederacy, are opposed to it, and I have no idea we can get there in
any other way, and under the circumstances it is doubtful we can get
there in that way.
|
"The long and short of it
in my estimation, is that a very decided majority of the governing
influences act in favor of Missouri remaining with the old U.S. The
policy of the State for the last ten years has completely changed the
character of Missouri and everything of a political character, as the
State she has become since that time proves it.
|
"Anyone familiar with the
Missouri of ten years since, can have no doubt that in emerging like
the present would have been her course, and I hope almost everything
that has been done in that time, not alone because each in itself was
wrong, but also because its tendency was utterly and absolutely
demoralizing.
|
"P. S.- Get your house in
order to live under Black Republicans, or migrate. I shall leave; it
may however be a year first."
|
|
5
|
10
May
1861
|
The
Missouri
Legislature
passed the Militancy Bill, which provided for
organizing the State Militia "to resist invasion," also granting the
Governor sweeping powers considered of doubtful validity.
|
10
|
14
May
1861
|
Missouri's
Gen.
Sterling
Price and Union Gen. William S. Harvey signed an
agreement that no more Federal Troops would enter the State, and that
Gen. Price's Militia would maintain Peace in Missouri, and resist any
Confederate move into Missouri; Gov. Jackson's policy was to gain time
to arm the State, but Confederate President Davis at first considered
this a complete break of faith, but Gov. Jackson was able to convince
Pres. Davis of his loyalty to the South.
|
8
|
21
May
1861
|
Gov.
Jackson
activated
the State Militia, and Gen. M.M. Parsons received
command of the Sixth Division of 500 men.
|
8
|
|
The
selection
of
Gen. Sterling Price as Commanding Officer of the State
Militia was expected to have a stabilizing influence. |
|
24
May
1861
|
B.F.
Massey
at
Jefferson City as Secretary of State signed and sealed the
Commission as Captain Absolem Hicks by Gov. Jackson.
|
23
|
30
May
1861
|
B.F.
Massey's
eldest
daughter, Nina Massey, was married to Warwick Hough at
Jefferson City.
|
5; 4
|
30
May
1861
|
State
Militia
Troops
at Camp Jackson near St. Louis were captured by Federal
Troops under Union Gen. Lyons.
|
2
|
30
May
1861
|
Gov.
Jackson
called
for the mobilization 75,000 of the State Militia to
assemble at Jefferson City to protect the City against Federal invasion.
|
2
|
1
Jun.1861
|
As
no
sufficient
Militia forces could be assembled at Jefferson City in time
to protect the City from invasion by the
oncoming Gen. Lyon, it was decided that the Missouri Government
officials should retreat from the City, carrying with them all records
necessary to conduct State business, including Missouri's Great Seal.
|
2
|
12
Jun.1861
|
B.F.
Massey
at Jefferson City acting as Secretary of State, signed and
sealed a proclamation by Gov. Jackson.
|
8
|
12
Jun.1861
|
After
nightfall,
the
State Records and the Great Seal were taken to a
friend's home at the back of the Capital Building.
|
24; 2
|
14
Jun.1861
|
After
a
day
or two the records were taken by wagon to Boonville.
|
24; 2
|
14
Jun.1861
|
State
Treasurer
Alfred
W. Harrison was captured at Jefferson City, but when
it was determined that he was not in possession of State funds, he was
released.
|
24
|
|
Attorney
General
G.
Prostor Knott was also captured, and when he refused
to take an oath of allegiance to the Union, he was imprisoned.
|
|
|
At
this
time,
the Federal Troops did not know the whereabouts of B.F.
Massey. |
|
17
Jun.1861
|
After
the
Battle
of
Boonville,
the State Records and the ...
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&illegible&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
|
2
|
6
Jul.1861
|
At
Coonskin
Prairie,
McDonald County, Mo., the State Militia spent six
weeks training to take the field against Union Gen. Nathaniel Lyon.
|
8
|
12
Jul.1861
|
Gov.
Jackson
travelled
to Richmond seeking financial and Military aid from
the Confederate Government.
|
8
|
19
Jul.1861
|
At
Little
Rock,
Ark., Gov. Jackson was officially welcomed by Arkansas
Gov. Henry Rector.
|
8
|
22
Jul.1861
|
At
Memphis,
Tenn.,
Confederate Leonidas Polk agreed to send Confederate
Gen. Gideon Pillow into Missouri via New Madrid, if Gov. Jackson would
agree to accompany Gen. Pillow's forces.
|
8
|
22
Jul.1861
|
The
Missouri
State
Convention met and declared vacant the Office of Gov.,
Lt. Gov., and Secretary of State.
|
25
|
22
Jul.1861
|
As
the
ousted
State Administration had been legally elected by the People
of Missouri in 1860, the ouster action by the "Gamble Convention" was
clearly illegal, and to complicate matters, back in Jefferson City,
Jeff. M. Thompson, calling himself "Acting Governor of Missouri," took
it on himself to issue orders, which the legally elected Lt. Gov.
Thomas C. Reynolds, acting in the stead of Gov. Jackson, absent on
State business, promptly countermanded.
|
8
|
|
Missouri
thus
had
an illegally appointed State Administration back in
Jefferson City, and a legally elected but fugitive Administration in
flight from Federal persuit in Missouri and the South West. |
|
28
Jul.1861
|
While
Gen.
Pillow's
Army occupied New Madrid, Gov. Jackson was in Richmond,
hoping to ensure Missouri's future welfare and position in the
Confederacy.
|
8
|
|
While
he
was
in Richmond, Pres. Davis gave assurance of continued material
and military aid, plus financial aid as quickly as authorized by the
Confederate Congress. |
|
8
Aug.1861
|
The
Confederate
Congress
appropriated ten million dollars for the use of
the Missouri Militia, as they cooperated with the Confederate Troops,
and Gov. Jackson arranged with Gen. Polk in Memphis to requisition
supplies for the State Militia.
|
8; 2
|
19
Aug.1861
|
Missouri
Gen.
Sterling
Price,
aided
by Confederate ...
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&illegible&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
|
8; 2
|
20
Aug.1861
|
The
Confederate
Congress
authorized negotiations with the State of Missouri
for Missouri's admission as a Confederate State.
|
2
|
20
Aug.1861
|
Missouri's
Fugitive
Rebel
Government was officially recognized by the Confederate
Government as "the legally elected and regularly constituted Government
by the People of Missouri" and was admitted to the Confederacy.
|
2
|
12
Sep.1861
|
Missouri
Militia
Troops
scored Victory at the Battle of Lexington, Mo;
&&&&&&&&&&&illegible&&&&&&&&&&&
issued
a
proclamation.
|
2
|
18
Sep.1861
|
Gov.
Jackson
called
the General Assembly to meet in a Special Session at
Neosho, Mo. on 21 Oct.1861.
|
2
|
|
Gov.
Jackson
also
commissioned Carrington Cahell and Thomas L. Snead to
negotiate an Offensive-Defensive Treaty of Alliance with the
Confederacy. |
|
21
Oct.1861
|
The
Special
Session
of the General Assembly convened at Neosho and passed
an "Ordinance of Secession" an Act ratifying the Proclaimed Confederate
Constitution.
|
2
|
21
Oct.1861
|
Both
of
the
Acts were signed, attested to, and sealed with Missouri's Great
Seal By B.F. Massey in his capacity as Secretary of State.
|
2
|
29
Oct.1861
|
The
adjourned
Neosho
Assembly met at Cassville, Mo. Court House and
appropriated one million dollars, "to repel invasion and maintain the
integrity of the State," and chose Delegates
to the Confederate Congress.
|
2
|
|
The
Assembly
also
authorized the issuance of ten million dollars of State
Defence Bonds.
|
|
|
These
defence
bonds
were lithographed and printed by the Firm of
Keating and Ball, of Columbia, So. Car. using the British Defence spelling, under the Act of
8 Nov. 1861, in denominations of $1.00, $3.00, $4.00 and $4.50.
|
|
|
Another
Bond
Issue
called "Requisition for Missouri Defence Bonds" was in
denominations of $20.00, $50.00 and $100.00. |
|
4thQ,
1862
&&&&&&&
|
44.Benjamin Ulpian Massey, son of
B.F. Massey, wrote:
"I signed some of these
Bonds in the absence of my father, in my capacity as his Chief Clerk."
|
But a diligent canvass of experienced professional coin dealers for
specimens of these Defence Bonds evoked only an article written ca.
1920, that said that only a few were ever signed,, and that it was
doubtful if any had ever actually been circulated. One dealer had
an
obsolete catalog with facsimile lithographs of five $50.00 Bonds,
unsigned and not sealed,
offering them for sale at $50.00 each. I have failed to locate
any actual
specimens. |
3
|
28
Nov.1861
|
Missouri
was
admitted
to the Southern Confederacy.
|
8
|
1
Jan.1862
|
Gov.
Jackson
went
to New Orleans to arrange for the production of the
Defence Bonds.
|
8
|
1
Jan.1862
|
Gov.
Jackson
also
secured a large number of old guns, rifles, and muskets,
which he arranged to have re-tooled for his Militia Troops.
|
8
|
|
Gov.
Jackson
also
reported that six young ladies were raising money to send
a sword to Gen. Price. |
|
11
Jan.1862
|
Gov.
Jackson
left
New Orleans for Missouri with the guns, the supplies, the
$1 million in bonds, and, presumably, Gen. Price's new sword.
|
8
|
27
Jan.1862
|
The
Confederate
Congress
directed the Confederate Secretary of the Treasury
to advance to the State of Missouri, ten million dollars to pay their
troops.
|
8
|
|
Missouri
was
to
deposit an equal amount in State Bonds with the
Confederate Treasurer until final settlement was made between the two
governments. |
|
18
Feb.1862
|
The
Confederate
Congress
made another ten million dollars available to
Missouri on the same terms as their first ten-million-dollar
committment.
|
8
|
7
Mar.1862
|
Gov.
Jackson
and
Gen. Price's Missouri Militia were defeated at the Battle
of Pea Ridge, Ark.
|
8
|
| 7
Mar.1862 |
B.F.
Massey
had
Missouri's Great Seal in his possession at that battle and
carried it from Van Buren, Ark. to Des Arc, Ark.
|
8
|
|
Note
that
Missouri's
Fugitive Rebel Governments jealously guarded the Great
Seal as they fled through the South.
|
|
|
It
was
their
symbol of Authority as the legally elected Missouri
Administration that they hoped to restore to power after a Southern
Victory over the North. |
|
| 7
Mar.1862 |
Confederate
Secretary
of
War, Judah F. Benjamin, had requested Gov. Jackson and Gen.
Price to recognize Missouri's State Militia as a part of the
Confederate Army, and this Missouri Division - Consisting of two
Infantry Regiments, one Cavalry Regiment, and two
Light Batterys - was sent to the east of the Mississippi. |
2
|
|
Gov.
Jackson
remained
with
the
remnants of the Gen. M.M. Parsons.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&illegible&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
|
|
1862
|
After
the
Battle
at Corinth, Mississippi, a meeting had been scheduled for
the State Legislature at Corinth, Mo., but the close presence of
Federal Troops made this meeting so hazardous that it was not held. |
8
|
1862
|
The
U.
S.
Congress rejected Pres. Lincoln's suggestion of a gradual slave
emancipation by paying owners the value of their slaves as they were
freed. Northern States felt that this plan was too generous to the
Southern States.
|
13
|
1862
|
Gov.
Jackson
is
said to have purchased a home in Red River County, Texas,
and to have moved his family there.
|
8
|
Jul.1862
|
Gov.
Jackson
was
in Marshall, Texas, in conference with the Governors of
Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, to consider uniting the resources and
strengths of the four states.
|
8
|
Sep.1962
|
(Early)
After
six
weeks with his family in Marshall, Texas, Gov. Jackson left
for Little Rock, Ark. to help draw up plans for a campaign to be
launched with Missouri in the Fall or Winter of 1862.
|
8
|
1
Nov.1862
|
Gov.
Jackson,
a
sufferer from cancer for many years, drew up his Will, and
moved his family from Texas to Little Rock.
|
8
|
7
Dec.1862
|
Gov.
Jackson
died
suddenly and was buried in Mount Holly Cemetery in Little
Rock. He had died at the home of his son-in-law at Des Arc, Ark..
Lt. Gov. Thomas C. Reynolds succeeded to the Governorship, took
possession of Missouri's Great Seal, and held it in his possession
until after the end of the War.
|
8; 3
|
7
Dec.1862
|
B.F.
Massey
was
not present in Des Arc on this occasion, having resigned,
whether formally or informally we do not know, probably for reasons of
poor health, and had returned to a farm near Fayette, Howard Co., Mo.
|
3
|
7
Dec.1862
|
Gov.
Reynolds
at
once appointed Warwick Hough to succeed B.F. Massey as
Secretary of State.
|
8
|
Dec.1862
|
Warwick
Hough
shortly
resigned as Secretary of State to enter the Confederate
Army.
|
15
|
1
Jan.1863
|
Pres.
Lincoln,
under
his War Powers, issued his Emancipation Proclamation,
which had the effect of freeing the slaves in those States then in the
Union.
|
13
|
Jan.1863
|
Gov.
Reynolds,
disenchanted
with Gen. Price's ability, suggested that he be
removed from the command of the District of Arkansas.
|
10
|
25
Jan.1863
|
The
U.S.
Congress
ratified the 13th Constitutional Amendment, abolishing slavery.
|
13
|
Jan.1863
|
Warwick
Hough,
B.F.
Massey's son-in-law, was commissioned Captain in the
Inspector General's Department and was assigned to the Staff of Gen.
Leonidas H. Polk.
|
15
|
Mar.1863
|
Gov.
Reynolds
had
planned to re-establish the Missouri State Government at
Little Rock, but decided to temporarily establish it at Camden, Ark.,
where he found most of the State records. He summoned the Rebel
State Officials and went to work on the many State
problems. |
8
|
|
The
most
pressing
state problem was its finances. They recognized two
million dollars legally, with only a small portion covered by by
Confedrate Bonds in the State Treasury. |
|
|
They
set
up
a priority system, with top priority going to payments to
private soldiers. They expected funds from the Confederaate Government,
which was officially liable for military expenses. |
|
27
Mar.1863
|
Gov.
Reynolds
moved
the State Capitol to Little Rock, Ark.
|
8
|
Jul.1863
|
Vicksburg
and
Port
Hudson fell, and now the entire Mississippi River was under
Federal control; and the Confederacy was split in two, leaving Texas,
Arkansas, Missouri, most of Louisiana, and the Indian Territory
isolated from the Governor and armies east of the river, disastrously
weakening the Confederacy.
|
|
|
President
Davis
suggested
that Gen. Smith help make sufficient to prevent
any secession from the Confederacy the War until the River could be
re-taken. |
|
|
Gen.
Smith
called
a conference of the four governors at Marshall, Texas, and
they set up the Missouri State Capitol there in the home of
Judge Asa Williams and the Governors Mansion in the rented home of Mrs.
Mary Key. |
|
Fall,
1863
|
Back
in
Jefferson
City a rump Legislature, assuming for themselves
revolutionary powers, deposed Gov. Reynolds and his State Officials and
appointed their successors.
|
13
|
|
This
Legislature
also
decreed Emancipation with compensation to the slave
owners.
|
|
1864
|
Gen.
Sterling
Price
headed
an
ill-conceived ...
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&illegible&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
|
8
|
1864
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
to J.F. Snyder:
"Dear Friend, I am out of
liquor. If you can possibly accommodate me by the advance of about a
gallon, you will very greatly oblige me. By or before this is out, I
will have to send the wagon to Boonville, and I will return it dead
sure. I am working hard, can't you come out so as I can have an excuse
to stop.
Yrs. B. F. Massey"
|
This letter was posted from Fayette, Mo., where he had gone when his
career as Missouri's Secretary of State had come to an end. |
6
|
25
Jul.1864
|
Maria
Hawkins
Withers
Massey, wife of B.F. Massey, died at Boonville, Mo. at
the home of her mother, the widow of Col. Peter Pierce of Boonville.
|
2
|
|
Nina
Eleanor
Massey,
eldest daughter of B.F. Massey and wife of Warwick
Hough, then at age 24 became in effect the foster-mother of B.F.
Massey's younger chiIdren. |
|
Nov.1864
|
The
Missouri
State
Legislature held a Constitutional Convention and
abolished slavery in Missouri outright.
This
"Drake
Convention"
also imposed a "Test Oath" requiring taking an oath
of allegiance to the Union.
|
13
|
1
Jan.1864
|
Reconstruction
had
hit
B.F. Massey very hard, and he sought greener pastures.
|
5
|
13
Feb.1865
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
to J.F. Snyder from St. Louis:
"Mr. Col. Doct. Snyder, My
Dear Friend and Pitcher. In the name of God: Amen. I am worried,
bothered, distressed &c &c beyond my power to express. I have
been away from my dear poor children for over a month, a good part of
the time in Illinois trying to find a home, and have been entirely
unsuccessful. the getting away from my present abode involves, in my
opinion, the small matter of life and death, hence my anxiety in the
premise. I have just met with John Wilson here, and he suggested I had
better write to you. - If you can hear of any place that you think
would suit me. I want you to write to me. You know about the sort of
house I could get along with. - As to farm, the boys and I could
manage, with the help of the gang plows they have in Illinois, 100
acres of corn land. I would like some pasture and some meadow &c
&c, but these are my likes. Something less than my likes I could
manage under the circumstances to get along with. - The difficulty in
the matter may be to get a man to wait until you could hear from me,
should you meet with a place, and could be minute in your description,
I can write at once whether I should take it or not.- If you should
meet with a place less than 100 acres of corn land, and other land
contiguous can be rented, that would suit. - As to price or terms, I
have but little choice between a money and grain rent, but would rather
have the former. - It was my intention, on my return from Augusta, Ill.
to have gone out to your place in Virginia, Ill., but I made a mistake
- I thought the new place on the Railroad was New Berlin, Ill., but,
when I got there I found it was 30 miles and no Railroad, so I had to
give in and get out. I wish now I had gone to see you any how. - You
will address me at Fayette, Mo. - Give my regards to the lady.
Yrs. B. F. Massey."
|
|
5
|
15
Apr.1865
|
President
Lincoln
was
assassinated.
|
13
|
15
Apr.1865
|
Gen.
Sterling
Price
demanded a Court Martial to answer Gov. Reynolds'
complaints, and at a Court of Inquiry at Shreveport, La., Gov. Reynolds
refused to testify, but instead published a blistering attack on Gen.
Price.
|
10
|
9
May
1865
|
Confederate
Gen.
R.E.
Lee had surrendered the Conferate Army at Appamatox, but Gov.
Reynolds counseled continuing resistance to Federal Troops. |
10
|
29
May
1865
|
Missouri's
Gov.
Reynolds
stated that Missouri would accept whatever surrender
terms the authorities decided upon but refused to sign the Surrender
Document because he felt unsure of the fate of ex-Confederates.
|
10
|
18
Jun.1865
|
After
the
surrender
Gov. Reynolds joined a group of ex-Confederates in flight
to Mexico, and there he served political appointments under Emperor
Maximillian and then, later on, under Pres. Benito Juarez.
|
10
|
1
Jun.1868
|
B.F.
Massey,
after
farming near Fayette Co., Mo., moved to a farm near St.
Louis, where he wrote J. F. Snyder:
"Mr. J.F. Snyder, How are
you and the family. I have about 225 Texas steers in the neighborhood
of Sedalia, Mo; four years old and upwards; rather an extra lot: will
weigh in present condition. - Now I want to know if there is any market
for such in your vicinity. - I would be glad to sell them for 50$
hundred but not a cent less. - If I can't get that, will keep them till
Fall. - It don't cost much to graze them on the prairie and isn't much
trouble. - Now, if you will oblige me by inquiring around some of your
Cattle Men of Cass County, Ill. about this matter for me. Please tender
my most sincere regards to Mrs. S. - I would deliver the cattle in the
R.R. Stockyards at Sedelia for the price above spoken of. - Address me
at Sedalia, or if you can, send purchaser. - I have no time, or
inclinations, to write you a syllable about public
affairs.
Yrs. truly B.F. Massey"
|
|
5
|
15
Jul.1868
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
to J.F. Snyder from Newtonian, Mo.:
" Col. J.F. Snyder, My
dear sir. - I am now, and have been since last
Nov. 6, in this historic village. - I am selling goods for an old
acquaintance of mine; entirely penniless, but making my board and
clothes. - My children are scattered. My youngest, now 10 years
old, I
have here with me. The two little girls are at Columbia going to
school. The rest of the boys are at Springfield. Julian has
been at the
Asylum at Fulton for about 18 Mos. until about the first of June last;
he is now at Springfield, not improved, and I have but little hope that
he will ever recover. - My older boys are helping to take care of
the
little ones. - Hough is at Kansas City, and I suppose making a living.
- How are you and yours getting on? - I don't suppose I can tell you
any news, even about Mo.; the people are docile and busy. - I have done
very well on the farm, in this part of the State since the War. - The
people are docile but Hell is in their necks, and by voting they will
show it, so far as radicals are concerned, should they ever get a
chance to vote, which is rather doubtful. - Drake says possibly a Rebel
may be allowed to vote after the Negro gets his right, but no chance in
the World till then. -What the devil is this generally abnormal
condition of things politically, to result in? My opinion is it can't
stand at what it is - last Fall I noticed that you Illinois people were
voting about calling a Convention to amend the U. S. Constitution; I
haven't noticed whether it arrived or not. Neither did I even
understand, what they proposed to do in the way of
Amendment. I suppose the object was to disenfranchise Copperheads - the
corn crop here is very backward and unpromising, although if there
shall be a good season from this on there will be a pretty good crop. -
the Wheat was barely tolerable, but there was a large crop in, owing to
rains in Harvest: I think it will be found it is trashing or stacking.
- Oats are very fine. - Health good. I am very seldom at Sarcoxie ie -
Bill Tilton, you are I suppose aware, is selling goods there, generally
merry as a cricket, habits pretty fair, - Ed Wilson sells drugs and
practices Medicine. Both, or each, I perceive are making a
living; at all events, they live. - In Jasper County, Mo., more than in
any other County in this section, there is a new population, and a heap
of them. -Carthage is terrible, and expects to be shortly more so. -
Bob Crawford has returned and has a Law Office in Springfield;
Springfield is growing wonderfully for the purpose of receiving the
RailRoad in a becoming manner, where is now confidently expected will
reach them in the course of events, if not sooner. - Remember most
kindly and sincerely to your better half, and you can say to her that
Nina is now the mother of 4 children, and I believe they all have red
heads, 2 boys and 2 not boys. - Write to me right away,
and believe me truly yours &C.
B.F. Massey
|
|
5
|
1870
|
The
"Test
Oath"was
declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.
|
13
|
1870
|
After
the
Test
Oath was removed B.F. Massey was a candidate for the
Democratic nomination for Secretary of State of Missouri, but it was
considered too soon for an "ex-Rebel," and he was defeated.
|
2
|
24
Oct.1870
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
J.F. Snyder:
"Doct J.F. Snyder - By a
couple of numbers of the "Jacksonian" which I shall send you, you will
see I am trying to be an Editor, in the interests of the so called
Rebel. - It is probable you have noticed we are likely to again be
allowed to vote. -When that is so, I expect we will jump higher than
dogs in high Rye, so we probably in a year or so will have to be
Reconstructed, unless in the meantime we can be the means of
reconstructing the General Government. -there are a great many
Illinoisians in the part of the World, Pierce City, Mo., and I suppose
would take interest in matters from Ill; I am told they are chiefly
Democrats. - Now, I would take it as a favor if you would drop me a
communication occasionally. - chose your own subject, either of a
general nature, of your own State, Political. - of course I would
exchange with your Paper, but I am not certain of its name; I believe
it to be "Jeffersonian", but I am not certain,- Remember me kindly to
your wife.
Truly yrs. B.F. Massey"
|
|
5
|
18
Jun.1870
|
1870
Census
-Newton
County, Mo. - Head of Family:
Person
|
Age-Sex-Birthplace
|
Occupation
|
Massey,
Benjamin
|
59-male-Md.
|
Clerk,
store
|
Massey,
Robert
|
11-male-Mo.
|
|
Tatum,
Drury
|
45-male-No.Carol.
|
Dry
Goods
Merchant
|
Tatum,
Evaline
|
43-female-No.Carol.
|
|
Tatum,
George
T.
|
20-male-Mo.
|
|
Tatum,
Benjamin
F.
|
15-male-Mo.
|
|
|
29
|
7
Nov.1870
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
to J.F. Snyder from Pierce City, Mo.:
"I am pressed for time
right now, but will see you at length in a few
days. - I noticed the article in the "Jeffersonian," it will count for
high marks. - I ask you now to send me as soon as possible a copy
(Pamphlet) of your new Constitution. - And much oblige.
yrs. B.F.
Massey.
P.S. - Stages leave every night except Sunday, for Fort Smith and every
other place, almost." |
|
5
|
1873
|
B.F.
Massey
wrote
from Springfield, Mo. to J. F. Snyder:
"Dr. Doct, for the time
being I am at this place. - Yours of the 30th.
Ult. directed to Pierce City, reached me today. - I am glad to hear
that you are making a living. - Sorry to hear Mr. Sanders is failing,
though that is Natural. - I am not making a living, indeed not even
trying to - I have two sons keeping house here, and for the time I am
staying with them. - My children are all taking care of themselves, or
trying. - I have not been able to do anything in that way for several
years, - I have no longer the least interest in life - Until the events
of the Campaign of 1872, I still felt a great deal of interest in
Politics. - the experiences of that Campaign eradicated all of that. -
Now I am waiting, as composedly as I can, to make the last change,
which cannot be long away. - Please to remember me Kindly to Mrs. S. -
With the best wishes of both of your, I am , with much regard, Most
Respectfully Yrs.
B.F. Massey"
|
|
5
|
14
Dec.1873
|
B.F.
Massey
writes
from Neosho, Mo. to J.F. Snyder:
"Mr. J.F. Snyder, Dear
Doct. - I am staying at Neosho. - One of my sons, Frank, my 6th. child,
and now in his 25th year, married 2 or 3 years since, a Miss Jones, -
Doct. Richard Jones, a Merchant for a long time at this place. - Mr.
Jones died 2 or 3 years ago, and in dividing the property, the Store,
with some Real Estate, fell to Frank's wife, and Frank, with a brother
of hers commenced to run the Store, and Frank is still at it. - Old man
Jones left no Will; the Widow took a child's part.- I understand there
was something over Ten thousand dollars to each heir. - and that is the
reason I am here. - Very glad to hear that you and Mrs. Snyder are in
good health. - Please to tender her my most sincere regards.- the
result of the Election, Nov. 3 has encouraged me greatly. - It was a
necessity it should take place, if we were again to have the Government
under the Constitution. - I still have some doubts - If old William
Allen shall be solicited for the Democratic Nomination in 1876, he will
be of course elected and shall select Thurman for his Premier,- Four
years will suffice to start everything in the right direction,- Thurman
is a Virginian raised, and he has the sort of political function eked
out by old Sam Medary. - If the Government shall be perpetuated as near
in the [lien ? - GL,III, ed.] it was carried on from 1800 till
1860, it will be owing to Thurman and Allen - If Allen has the
constitution like his voice used to be, he will live to 100 easy. - My
health is good, though I am sensible of physical failures generally.- I
shall be glad to hear from you often - Direct to Neosho. - I don't
agree with you altogether, in reference to Phelps for the Senatorship.
Yrs. Truly, B F. Massey"
|
|
5
|
15
Feb.1875
|
B.F.
Massey
writes
to J.F. Snyder from Neosho:
"Doct. J.F. Snyder. Yours
of the 31st Ult is in my possession. - I don't feel as you do in
reference to our Senatorial elections. - I know nothing of Cockerill
and thats whats the matter.- No doubt his vote can be counted on with
certainty as anti-Republican.- If Phelps was a shade too loyal, his
politics was undoubted. 0 You ask, "Do not the glorious victories of
the Old Democracy of the last half year resuscitate and invigorate
you?" - No. _ with the exception of old Bill Allen, I hear of no
victories of the Old Democrat. - I try to be glad over the successes of
the so-called Democrats as Senators, and hope most ardently they may
develop themselves as really worthy of the name. - there was a time
when I would rejoice over the election of Andy Johnson, but it is not
now. - "Haven't recent elections caused me to drop my graveyard tone,
and don't they inspire me with hope and faith for the future?" - Not
much, but some.- the doubts, my dear, true friend. I am too near the
grave to take much interest in this World. - In my circumstances, and
at my time of life there is mighty little to live for. - Owing to the
partiality of friends, I was induced in Nov. last to run for the Office
of Circuit Court Clerk, and though a Nominee, I was beaten. - I did not
care for the place for any congeniality there was in my feelings there
was in the duties, but I could have discharged the duties, and as the
term was for four years, it would have most probably have lasted me all
my life. - Friends induced me to again run for the Constitutional
Convention 26th last Jany. - I was again the Nominee, and this time
elected. - I feel no interest in this. - the Drake Constitution had
been amended so that it is quite an enduring thing. - We meet early in
May. - I agree with your in reference to the "Minority Representation"
feature of your Constitution. - I have no idea such a thing will find
any favor in our Convention. - Recently I do not see Billy Tilton very
often - up to the time I left Pierce City some 1 1/2 years ago, I saw
him often - I am about as near blind now as then. - He has left
Sarcoxie and is going the first of next month to live on his Shoal
Creek farm, or what he has left of it. - He is now, and has been for
the last 6 months, near Newtonian or Olivier Prairie, living on a farm
and not farming, only occupying the house. -His habits are much as
usual. - Pecuniarily, he is a failure. - Doct. Wilson is like Tilton,
only a great deal more so; I suppose he is utterly bankrupt; everything
is encumbered, as least as far as he can do it; I am not advised as to
whether Eliza joined him in Deeds of Bank and Mortgage but I suppose
she did, as otherwise he could not have got the money he appears to
have gotten on his own encumbrances. - I lived in the town, Pierce
City, with Eberle some three years, and it was always a wound to me and
to all others, what he did with his money; he was as great an anxiety
as any to make money, but he reminds me of the cow that died in the
Mire; every wiggle she made to get out, only got her into it deeper -
Tilton has three children, all boys, Wilson, I think, has 3 also.-
Wilson has been through; I think he is trying to practice Medicine;
pecuniarily he is a No. One failure.- I am pleased to hear of your
family, but you don't say how many children your have, and I have quite
forgotten. - I have all I every had, Ten, or when last heard from.-My
eldest, Nina, is married to Hough and living at Kansas City, - the
second, him at home we used to call Ulpian; now they call him Ben, is
with Phelps at Springfield, and has been since about the commencement
of 1866. - Julian, the third, is in the Asylum at Fulton, and has been
some three years. - One in clerking for somebody at Brunswick, in
Saline County. - Another is a Journeyman Printer and has been at it
some 10 years - another is in business in this place on his own hooks.
- Another is a printer also and has been at it about 5 years. - there
are all over from 21; they are all making their living and have been
for 5 to 10 years, entirely unaided by me. - then there are two girls,
both living sometimes with Nina at Kansas City. - and then my baby,
Bob, now passed 16, is here in the Store with his brother, Frank. - I
have not seen the two Printers, nor the one at Brunswick, for several
years, but as far as I can learn they are behaving themselves
admirably. - Ulpian and Frank are married; the former has two children;
the latter, none, although he has been married some three years - My
health is good, but physically I am failing fast. - Please remember me
kindly to Mrs. S.
Yrs truly, B.F. Massey."
|
|
5
|
1876
|
B.F.
Massey
served
as Member of Missouri's State Constitutional Convention.
|
30; 5
|
17
Jan.1879
|
44.Benjamin Ulpian Massey wrote
from Jefferson City to J.F. Snyder at Springfield, III.:
"Father is living at my
home in Springfield - Is in bad health - Had last Spring a paralytic
stroke - one side of his body being affected. - His articulation is so
impaired that he can
hardly speak intelligently - His mind, of course, is somewhat impaired.
- I am glad to hear that you are again in a field of usefulness similar
to the one occupied by you in Mo. is days of yore.
Yrs. Truly, Benj. U.
Massey."
|
|
5
|
17
Jan.1879
|
J.F.
Snyder
added
to B.U. Massey's letter, in his own handwriting:
"For a year or more before
his death, Benjamin F. Massey was paralyzed,
totally helpless and speechless; his mind totally gone so that he knew
nothing, recognized no one, and could not make his wants known, nor did
he know them himself. - His death was indeed merciful relief - What a
sad ending for so noble a man! - and yet the Preachers will tell us of
the 'The Mercy and Goodness of God.'
Bosh! J.F.S." |
|
5
|
17
Dec.1879
|
B.F.
Massey's
health
grew steadily worse and he required the
around-the-clock nursing service that was not available in Jefferson
City. - So he was moved to Sisters' Hospital in St. Louis, where he
died. - He was buried in the Massey Family lot, Maple Hill Cemetery,
Jefferson City, Missouri.
|
3
|
20
Dec.1879
|
B.F.
Massey's
Obituary
in the Jefferson City newspaper read:
Funeral of the late Hon.
B.F. Massey - Jefferson City, Mo:
| "The
remains of Hon. Benj. F. Massey, former Secretary of State, who died
recently in St. Louis, were received there this afternoon, and were
escorted by the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Secretary of State,
and other public officers, to the residence of Judge Warwick Hough, a
son-in-law of the deceasd, and from thence to the cemetery, followed by
a large number of friends and other citizens. Rev. W.B. Palmore
conducted the ceremony." |
|
|
|
