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CHAPTER IIIHARMONY MISSIONGREAT HISTORIC FACT -- MISSION FAMILY -- RELIGION OF OSAGES -- OBJECT OF SOCIETY -- MISSIONARY ENTHUSIASM -- SPIRIT -- ORIGIN -- GREAT OSAGE MISSION -- COLONEL M'KENNEY -- DR. MILLEDOLER -- THE COVENANT -- APPLICATIONS -- FAMILY SELECTED -- PERSONNEL -- APPEALS AND RESULTS -- FAREWELL MEETING -- DEPARTURE OF "ATLANTA" AND "PENNSYLVANIA" -- COMMISSION -- REPORT OF SECRETARY -- DOWN THE OHIO -- DIFFICULTIES -- MISSIONARY STATION -- JOURNAL -- CEMETERY
The story of Harmony Mission has never been written as it deserves to be. From an historical viewpoint it is one of upstanding importance to a large section of this western country; and it is the great historic fact of Bates county. Practically a century has swept on since that devoted little band -- the Mission Family -- toiled up the Missouri and Osage rivers in 1821, slowly approaching, day by day, its destination in the land of the Osages. They were chosen because of their fitness for the work planned and sought to be accomplished, the sending of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the heathens of this, our own land; and to civilize and Christianize the Osage Indians, then in possession of a vast section of what is now Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma. Although we are warranted in saying the Osages, the Big or Grand, and Little Osages, as one tribe was one of the noblest in many respects of all the Indian tribes known to the white men of that age. Large, athletic, well featured and disposed to peace, this tribe may be fairly considered the most admirable of the Indian race. But they were heathen beyond question. They were so low in intellectual culture and so morally depraved that it cannot be said that they had any conception of right and wrong as an abstract proposition; and only a weird and uncanny notion of a Great Spirit -- a notion born of their experiences with the forces of nature as manifest about them in the storms and lightnings and other to them incomprehensible phenomena. In these powers of nature they saw dimly something above and beyond themselves and for the want of a better name they called it the Great Spirit, and ascribed to it all those events and forces which they could not understand. At least they seem to have had no conception of the God of the Christian world, and their moral sense was limited indeed.
It will become necessary, as we go on, to further discuss the Osages. It is sufficient here to say that the object of the United Foreign Missionary Society, by whom the Harmony Family was sent out, was to establish and carry on a work that would illuminate the darkness of heathendom and spread a light among these Indians that would forever bless that benighted race. Missions were to be schools where the children should be taught and trained in Christian knowledge.
One hundred years ago there was a great religious enthusiasm in the churches of this and other countries on behalf of both home and foreign missionary work. Men and women qualified were dedicated to the work; and history contains no chapter fuller of splendid self-consecration and heroic self-sacrifice than that which chronicles the labors of the missionaries, both men and women. Devout men and women, fired by a holy zeal and upheld by a Divine hand, left every thing behind them and went forth to conquer darkness with light, as it is in Christ Jesus. Prompted by holy and unselfish motives and sustained by sublime faith in God's constant love and care they met the difficulties and responsibilities in their course as real Christian soldiers.
The trials of an unexplored and unknown wilderness inhabited by heathen races and wild beasts, far from the supports of civilization, with sickness and death meeting them on the way and continuing with them at their point of destination, they met every obstacle, endured every sorrow and disappointment, suffered untold hardships of every kind, in the spirit of the Master whose Gospel they sought to preach and teach to a degraded and Godless people. They murmured not. They praised God for his mercies and constant care without ceasing. On the banks of the rivers they followed, amidst the great primeval forests, they rested every Sabbath morning during their long, tedious and difficult journey of about five months, and held divine worship at least twice each Sunday. There were usually two sermons and a "conference" each Sabbath; and a daily hour of prayer and praise, morning and evening on their boats. Thus they toiled from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Harmony beyond the head of the Osage river in the land of the Big and the Little Osages.
The origin of this mission we gather from the fourth annual report of the United Foreign Missionary Society, held in the Presbyterian church in Cedar street, New York City, May 9, 1821, which meeting was held while this Mission Family was on its way to their destination in the Osage country, where they arrived on August 2, 1821 -- not exactly at the site afterward chosen, but within a few miles of it. where they were obliged to stop on account of low water in the Osage river, about two miles east of the confluence of the Marais des Cygnes river. We quote from the American Missionary Register, 1821-22, the society report:
Great Osage MissionIn the early part of July 1820, a new field for missionary exertion was providentially opened to the board. An important communication, dated at the seat of government on the 5th of that month, was received from Col. M'Kenney, the superintendent of Indian trade. In this communication Col. M'Kenney thus remarks:
On receiving this communication, the board resolved to occupy the ground thus unexpectedly presented to their view. The Rev. Dr. Milledoler was appointed a commissioner, with full powers to proceed to Washington, and to form a covenant with the Indian chiefs. He left this city on the 17th of July; and on his arrival at Washington, was introduced to the chiefs by the honorable Secretary of War and the Superintendent of Indian trade. In the course of the interview, a covenant was formed, binding the board to send out a missionary family in the ensuing spring, for the purposes of teaching to the nation the principles of Christianity, and the arts of civilized life, and of establishing a school for their children; and binding the chiefs to receive the family with kindness, to treat them with hospitality and friendship, to protect them from injury, and to mark out, and secure to them, land, sufficient for the missionary establishment. On signing the instrument, the old chief observed -- "So soon as the family arrive at my nation I will go out to meet them at the head of my warriors, and will receive them as my friends. You want a piece of land. You may point it out, and it shall be yours, wherever you choose. It shall be for your use. I will mark it out with my finger. It shall be as much as you want for the family. Come soon." The counsellor said -- "I shall be at home when your family come out, I will help the chief to mark out the land, and will be your friend." The warrior also said -- "I am a warrior. It is my business to be about in the nation. I will defend your people when they come to us."
The proceedings of the commissioner, on his return from Washington, received the sanction of the board; and the committee of missions were instructed to look out for a mission family, and the committee of ways and means, to adopt measures for furnishing the necessary supplies.
A statement of these transactions was immediately laid before the public and in the course of a few weeks, applications for appointment in the Great Osage Mission, were transmitted by more than one hundred individuals, including both sexes, and embracing various occupations. Most of the persons furnished satisfactory testimonials of their character, and their qualifications for some kinds of service required in the mission. From this list of applicants a family was selected, consisting of ten adult males, fifteen adult females, and sixteen children -- residents of the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. This numerous and interesting family is composed of the following persons: -- The Rev. Nathaniel B. Dodge, and wife and seven children, of Underhill, Vermont; the Rev. Benton Pixley, and wife and one child, of East Williamstown, Vermont; the Rev. William B. Montgomery, and wife, of Danville, Pennsylvania; Doctor William N. Belcher, and wife, of Greenwich, Connecticut; Mr. Daniel H. Austin, and wife and five children, of Waterbury, Vermont; Mr. Samuel Newton, and wife and two children, of Woodbridge, Connecticut; Mr. Samuel B. Bright, and wife and one child, of Bloomsburgh, Pennsylvania; Mr. Otis Sprague, and wife, of Leicester, Massachusetts; Mr. Amasa Jones, and wife, of Rindge, New Hampshire; Mr. John Seeley, and wife, of Rockaway, New Jersey; Miss Susan Comstock, of Wilton, Connecticut; Miss Harriett Woolley, of the city of New York; Miss Mary Weller, of Bloomfield, New Jersey; Miss Mary Etris, of the city of Philadelphia; Miss Eliza Howell, of the city of Baltimore.
Besides the superintendent and assistant, there are, among the males of the family, a minister of the Gospel, who goes out as a teacher, with the privilege of preaching whenever his health will permit, and the circumstances of the mission require; a regularly educated physician and surgeon; a person capable of manufacturing machinery, performing most kinds of blacksmith work, and teaching music; a carpenter and millwright; a shoemaker, a wagon-maker, and two farmers. The females, collectively, are qualified to teach all the branches of industry pursued by that sex in this country; most of them have had considerable experience in teaching common schools; and two or three have taught in seminaries of a higher order. It is distinctly understood by the whole family, that each member is bound to perform, so far as practicable, any branch of duty which the general interests of the mission may require.
To the churches of the three denominations combined in this institution an appeal was made for money, and for the various supplies necessary for the outfit of so numerous and important a mission. The appeal, agreeably to the expectation of the board, was received with cordiality and answered with efficiency and promptitude. By churches, auxiliary societies, individuals, and associations of ladies formed for the purpose, money was contributed to the amount of more than nine thousand dollars, and garments and goods of various descriptions, to the estimated value of eight thousand -- an amount of both, which demands of the managers undissembled thanks to the generous contributors, and unmingled gratitude to Him, who rules alike in the armies of Heaven, and amongst the inhabitants of the earth.
The whole of the mission family, with the exception of the two females from Philadelphia and Baltimore, had arrived in this city on Saturday evening the 3d of March 1821. On Monday evening, the 5th, they were set apart to their missionary labours, and on Tuesday evening, the 6th, a farewell meeting was held in the Reformed Dutch church on Nassau street. The exercises on both evenings were similar in kind to those preparatory to the departure of the Union Mission, which were detailed at length in the last annual report. On the present occasion, therefore, it is sufficient to remark that never were churches in this city more crowded, not any religious exercises more solemn, appropriate, or impressive.
At three o'clock on Wednesday, the 7th of March, the family and their friends met the board at the consistory room in Garden street, where the general commission, the general instructions, and talk to the Indian chiefs, the whole enclosed in a box prepared for the occasion, were formally presented to the superintendent and assistants. Having then united in a parting hymn, and an appropriate and fervent prayer, the assembly moved, in procession, to the steam-boat "Atlanta," at the foot of the Battery. At four o'clock the steam-boat departed from the wharf, while the family on board were singing a farewell hymn, and receiving the last affectionate salutation of many thousands of citizens and strangers, who had crowded to the docks and the Battery to witness their departure.
On their way through the state of New Jersey, they were invited to attend missionary exercises in the churches of Elizabethtown, New Brunswick, Princeton, and Trenton; and to the liberality of our friends in those towns, and of the proprietors of the steam-boats "Atlanta" and "Pennsylvania," are we indebted, for the conveyance of the family, from this city to Philadelphia, without expense to the board.
At Philadelphia they arrived on the 10th of March, and were received with attention and kindness. Public meetings were held, and collections taken up in several of the Presbyterian and Reformed Dutch churches. Time would fail us to acknowledge the many tokens of respect to the family, and of regard to the missionary cause, with which they were favoured in Philadelphia, and on their journey westward. Suffice it to state, that they left that city on the 15th of March, and notwithstanding the bad state of the roads at that season of the year, arrived on the 10th, at Pittsburgh; and were everywhere received with affection, and honoured with benefactions important to the missions. We cannot however, omit to mention, that, at Harrisburgh, they found articles of value amounting in weight to more than a ton, much of which had been sent in for their acceptance, from various congregations in the county of Columbia and other parts of the surrounding country.
At Pittsburgh, boats, for the conveyance of the family, were previously purchased, by order of the board. Having experienced much of the hospitality of the friends of missions in that city, and having received, by mail, a number of important documents from the secretary of war, and the superintendent of Indian trade, they embarked on their long and hazardous voyage on the 19th of April, under circumstances the most pleasant and propitious. In descending the Ohio, they are, in relation to the season, about six weeks in advance of the Union Mission (which went out the year before -- 1820); and when they enter the Missouri they will be borne, to the close of their journey, on waters which are generally navigated with safety in the severest heat of summer. What will be the issue is known only to that God, under whose banner they have enlisted. They have gone forth in this glorious enterprise, accompanied with the prayers and benedictions of their fellow Christians throughout our country, and, thus far, under the smiles of an overruling Providence; and whether they live to reach their destined station, or sink into an early grave -- whether they be rendered the honored instruments of converting a savage tribe, or doomed to labour in vain, and spend their strength for naught -- yet, they have the consolation to know, that, if they are faithful unto death they shall receive a crown of glory in the kingdom of Immanuel.
Commission to WashingtonIn this stage of their operations, the managers deemed it important to send a commissioner to the seat of government, with instructions to solicit of the secretary of war, and of the superintendent of Indian trade, the necessary letters and documents for the Great Osage Mission; to exhibit a view of the present and projected transactions of the board; to obtain, if practicable, immediate pecuniary assistance; to ascertain to what extent the managers may calculate on the aid of government in their future labours among the Indian tribes; and to adopt other measures to promote the views and subserve the interests of the institution. The Rev. Dr. Milledoler was appointed to perform the duties of this commission. On his arrival at Washington, he procured, under the hand of the secretary of war and the seal of the war department, a talk to the chiefs and warriors of the Great Osage nation, and letters to Governor Clarke and other agents of government in the mission territory. He was also furnished with similar papers, under the hand and seal of the superintendent of Indian trade. These documents were immediately transmitted by mail to Pittsburgh, and were received by the superintendent and assistant of the mission, before they left that city.
Besides furnishing these documents, the government agreed to make advances, to the Great Osage Mission, of one thousand dollars, on account of their buildings; and to allow, for the support of the schools at the Tuscarora and Seneca stations, the annual sum of nine hundred dollars. For the former sum, the board were permitted to draw at pleasure, and for the latter, quarterly, from the first day of January last. Assurances were also given, that further assistance should be granted to the managers, whenever schools shall have been commenced at Union and at Harmony.
ConclusionAs tending to show the spirit of the times, the missionary enthusiasm, and the consideration of this society to the great work -- not alone at Harmony, but at other points in the wide Osage country, we quote the conclusion of the report:
By order of the Board of Managers,
Z. LEWIS,
Secretary for Domestic Correspondence.
This devoted band -- dedicated and set apart by solemn church ceremonies -- embarked at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 19, 1821, and the daily report kept by them and printed in the "Missionary Register" from month to month, shows that the trip down the Ohio river on a good tide was practically a picnic until sickness and death came to mar their happiness. They met with a most cordial and beneficent reception at all the principal towns and cities on either bank of the Ohio; and they received donations of goods and money as they progressed. They preached and prayed and sang with the people who came to their Sabbath services. It is an interesting story, but too long for these pages. Soon after they had passed Louisville, Kentucky. Sunday, April 29, "a fine daughter" was born to Mr. and Mrs. Newton. The next day they ran seventy miles on a swift current and Sister Newton "was remarkably comfortable." On May 3, John W. Patterson fell overboard and was lost. Both the skiffs were gone. He was a hired boatman and nothing further is said of him. Sister Newton was worse and the "babe was dedicated to God in baptism." May 4, the babe died at three o'clock in the morning. The funeral was preached the next day by Rev. Dodge, and the infant buried at Mt. Vernon cemetery, Indiana. Sister Newton grew worse and died on May 6, at Shawneetown, where her body was buried. The daily record is sad and touching, but shows deep humiliation and unwavering dependence on God.
After leaving Shawneetown nothing of importance happened and the boats reached the Mississippi river at noon on May 9. An item of the chronicle of that day says: "We have now as we calculate, between six and seven hundred miles up-stream to perform, which will be laborious indeed, unless favored with wind." Their picnic was over. From now on they had hard work and many difficulties; but they never fainted nor faltered. But every Sabbath they rested and held religious services in a primeval grove. If there were any inhabitants about they were invited to the services; if not the services were conducted just the same, usually both Reverend Dodge and Reverend Pixley would preach, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The best they could do upstream was from seven to ten miles a day -- sometimes only four or five -- pulling by ropes along the banks. They complained much of the enormous flood trees coming down on the rise -- as thick as ice in winter. A short distance below St. Louis while tied to the shore at night "a tremendous raft of trees came driving in upon us. Some of the family were greatly affrighted, but we were mercifully preserved." They could not proceed. So Brothers Dodge and Pixley took the opportunity to "walk forward to St. Louis, about twelve miles, to make arrangements that the family might not be detained there." Here they met Governor Clarke, the younger and elder Chouteau. In discussing the location of the Missouri with the Chouteaus, the younger having just arrived from the Osage village, "in seven days," said, "It is their opinion that the junction of the Little with the Big Osage river, near the old village, will be the best place. They say there is there high prairie ground, plenty of wood, good mill-seats, excellent soil, and limestone for all the purposes of building." This statement will become important when we come to discuss the location of the village and of Harmony. The boats finally arrived at St. Louis, June 5, and on the 8th they entered the mouth of the turbid Missouri river, where they stopped at a small settlement "entirely destitute of the privileges of the Gospel" and at the earnest request of the people Brother Dodge preached. The 10th was Sunday and they held public worship on the bank near their boats. Monday, June 11. -- "The current this day very strong and with difficulty we make five miles." On the twelfth they arrived at St. Charles. "We here saw an Indian woman from the Osage nation." This was an interesting fact to them. The other people they saw were French to some of whom they gave Bibles.
They had much hard luck and hard labor up the Missouri from St. Charles, but arrived at the mouth of the Gasconade river June 25. They met quite a lot of French people from time to time to whom they gave Bibles and tracts; and arrived at the mouth of the Osage on June 29. All were well. Sister Weller and others who had been sick had recovered and they were rejoicing with "gratitude to God for the blessings received at His hands." The next day they made about fourteen miles, and the second day was Sunday or Lord's day, as they put it. July 1. -- "Spent this day in the wilderness. One house not far distant. Attended public worship under the shadow of a great rock. The rock for several rods projects over about ten feet, and is capable of sheltering from the storms as well as from the rays of the sun. Brother Dodge preached this morning and Brother Pixley in the afternoon. A conference was held in the evening." This rock was probably near Wardsville in Cole county, though the chronicle does not say on which side of the river it was -- about fourteen miles from the mouth of the river. The record makes frequent mention of this beautiful river, and the next Lord's day, July 8, was spent on a gravel bar or island and Brother Montgomery preached under a large tent erected on poles, made of one of their sails. The river got low and increased their difficulties, but a big rain came and "raised the river about six inches. We passed on this day (July 13) to the Great Rapids, and ascended the first ripple." That night the waters rose about three feet so they were able to pass the Great Rapids, providentially, as they believed. July 15 was Sunday and the chronicler says: "We are now emphatically in the wilderness, but our God is here; Christian society is here; and the Sabbath of the Lord is here; and what privileges more can we ask for?" They preached and prayed and worshiped as usual. On Monday "our boys went out and cut a bee tree from which they brought a pail of honey." The water had fallen about two feet that day, but the next day "it was very high, insomuch that we find it very difficult to push our boats upstream." They had some difficulty with the hired men. "The whiskey which had been provided for their use, having all been drank, they demanded brandy, and threatened to leave us in the wilderness unless they were supplied." To the glory of God and the honor of His missionaries, it was refused and the hired men went on a strike all day. But they finally capitulated and consented to pull on. The river continued high and difficult of navigation, but by the twentieth they had arrived at the mouth of Grand river, now known as the Sac river. It continued to rain, and the 22nd, was Lord's day again and they "are now three week's journey from civilized society." All the next week they moved slowly, but safely -- the water going down from ten to twelve feet in that time. Tuesday, July 21 -- "This evening we met for business, and resolved to pass on to the mouth of the Little Osage river; and at the nearest convenient place, to take our stand until we can hold a counsel with the Osage chief, and learn where we are to fix our permanent establishment. We are now drawing near our destination. Oh! may the God of Israel go with us; and may He assist us in the discharge of the duties devolving upon us, that we may instrumentally save the people now sitting in darkness."
They had their first interview with Osage Indians on August 2. This is the chronicle for that day and it is worth remembering in connection with some disputed facts of history, to be discussed later: "This day moved on favorably. Passed the Little Osage river, and opened our eyes upon a most beautiful prairie. Came to Chouteau's establishment, where we found a number of families of the Osage Indians. We had an interview with them and made known the objects of our visit. They gathered around us in a friendly manner, and their countenances apparently brightened with gladness at our arrival. Having ascertained that most of the chiefs and warriors of the tribe were absent on a hunt, we moved on a little above Chouteau's settlement and landed for the present." The next day an Indian runner was dispatched after the chiefs to inform them of the arrival of the missionaries. "This day the brethren performed the task allotted to them last evening. No good situation was discovered on the Little Osage. Resolved to make a trial tomorrow to move our boats as near it as we can conveniently get." Saturday, August 4. -- "We started our boats up the stream, and passed very pleasantly until just at night when we came to a ripple which had not water sufficient to carry us up. We were obliged to turn back a little to a place where our boats could lie in safety, and to land for the Sabbath." Lord's day, August 5. -- "Attended public worship as usual. Brother Pixley and Brother Montgomery preached. We enjoyed a very peaceful season, having none to disturb us."
Place Settled for the Missionary StationMonday, August 6. -- "This day most of the brethren went up to the United States Factory to take another look for a situation for our establishment, and found a place which we all think very suitable for the object. Here we met with Mr. Williams, who is appointed interpreter at the factory. We conversed with him some time concerning this tribe of Indians, and then returned to the boats. Attended monthly concert in the evening." Tuesday, August 7. -- "This morning we concluded to make a further trial to get our boats up the stream. Unloaded part of the goods on board the first boat, and worked half the day, but could not effect our object. This evening we met for business. As our boats are stopped for the present, and we know not how long they must remain here; as the chiefs of the nation are not yet assembled, and we know not the particular time when they will convene; and as we have been informed that it is the general wish of the Indians that we should establish on the very spot which we ourselves have selected; under these circumstances we resolved to convey our goods to the station in our skiff, and to build a warehouse without delay."
Wednesday, August 8. -- "This morning we set two men and a boy to the skiff, while a number of the brethren went up to our intended station, to cut timber and begin our establishment. On these, and on all our future exertions, may the Lord add his blessing."
It is proper to say here that the ripple mentioned over which they could not get their boats at the stage of water is what is known as the Rapid de Kaw, about a mile and a half east of Halley's Bluff on the Osage, and about three miles east of the junction of the Little Osage and the Marais des Cygnes rivers, whose confluence makes the head or beginning of the Osage river proper. One statement in the foregoing is inexplicable. It is stated they "passed the Little Osage." This is clearly error, as shown by their later statement about looking for and finding no suitable site on the Little Osage. The government survey, shown on the map of Prairie township, fixes the location of Chouteau's place, but the exact location of the United States Factory where Mr. Williams was stationed is not now known; but everything points to its site about a mile down the Marais des Cygnes from Harmony Station, or practically right where the village of Papinsville is now situate. The precise location of Harmony Station, which has been much confused by writers, is shown on the lithographic copy of the government survey furnished by the general land office at Washington, found in this volume. There can be no error in this. The survey was made in 1838, only six years after the virtual abandonment of the mission.
Journal of the MissionThe sad story of their affliction soon after their settlement is so accurately and graphically told in the "Journal of the Mission" that we give it as there written. It is a story replete with human interest.
"Thursday, August 9. -- This morning Brothers Newton, and Bright took their departure for the Missouri to purchase horses, oxen, and cows. To-day we plant potatoes.
Arrival of Indian Chiefs"Saturday, August 11. -- After labouring until towards night we returned to our boats, where we found the chiefs of the Osages assembled together with near seventy of their people, anxious to attend immediately to the business of our establishment. But as the night was coming on, and the Sabbath approaching, we gave them to understand that they must wait until Monday; for we professed to regard the Sabbath as holy time, and we could not attend to any worldly business on that day. They then stated that they could stay until Monday; but that they were destitute of provisions. We then turned them out provisions for their support. This was an interesting season for our family, to see these tawny sons of the forest approaching in their warlike attitude, and seating themselves at their fires within a few yards of our boats.
"Lord's Day, August 12. -- This morning the Indians thought of moving up the river a few miles near our proposed station, as we had to hold our council at that place; but we invited them to remain with us through the Sabbath, to which they very readily agreed. We went on shore, and held public worship among the Indians; and although they could not understand our speech, yet they could form some idea of the propriety of our worship. Brother Pixley preached in the morning, and Brother Dodge in the afternoon.
"After our exercises were through, we brought our children out to attend to our Sabbath school lessons in the presence of the Indians. May a blessing attend the performance of this day. Had a talk this evening with the big soldier. He asked us how long we expected to remain with them. We replied, 'As long as we live.' He said, he now saw us we are men; and had the appearance of good men; but he wanted to see us next year, and the year after, and in about three years he could judge better whether we were good men. He said that when he was off on his hunt after buffaloes, he heard that the missionaries were coming to them, and on his return he met a man who told him that the missionaries had come, but, said he, they have bad hearts, but he was now convinced, as far as he had become acquainted, that what that man had told was false. We tried to turn his attention to the education of his children, but to this he had many objections, yet we thought it full likely he should be one of the first to send children to school when we are ready to receive them. Things seem to wear as favourable an aspect among this people as we could reasonably expect. May God direct us in the path of duty.
Indian Council"Monday, August 13. -- After breakfast we assembled our family, old and young, on the deck of our boats, and the Indian chiefs came on board, and in token of friendship shook hands with the whole. We then immediately repaired to the spot in which we proposed to erect our establishment, in order to hold our council. Previously to entering on business, we invoked the gracious benediction of heaven to rest upon us in our deliberations. After reading all the papers necessary from the general government, and expressed something with regard to our site, the chiefs expressed perfect satisfaction, and pointed out the bounds of a certain tract of land for our accommodation. On this tract we have the best mill-seat without doubt in this part of the country; a large quantity of excellent timber; several creeks of water; quantities of limestone and coal, and a great abundance of as good prairie land as we could ask for. This site is bounded south by the main branch of the Osage river, immediately on the bank of which we have a most beautiful spot on which to erect our buildings. In this grant there is perhaps fifteen thousand acres of land. A deed of this is to be given when we can get time to survey it.
"Tuesday, August 14. -- We now engage in good earnest to prepare for business, having the spot for our establishment fixed.
"We have a fine field before us for making hay. Some of the family employ themselves in that business, and others engage in fixing tents, tools, etc.
"Thursday, August 1. -- Our boats are seven or eight miles down the stream, and cannot at present be moved nearer. We keep three hands constantly employed in running the skiff to fetch up such things as are immediately necessary, and to move up our females, and the feeble part of the family.
"Lord's Day, August 19. -- To-day we held public worship at our station under the shade of some oak-trees. Brother Dodge and Pixley preached here, and Brother Montgomery at the boats. Several men who are employed at the government buildings attended with us.
Arrival of Messrs. Chapman and Fuller
"Monday, August 21. -- This day several of the members of our family, and three of our hired men, are attacked with the ague and fever, and other disorders. We are in the hands of God, and whatever he does will be well.
"Saturday, August 25. -- This day we finish unloading our boats. It has been a heavy job, as we had to raise our goods up a very steep bank. We have them now secured under shelter. The family have all left the boats, and arrived at the station. We are now all dwelling in tents. May the God of Israel overshadow us, and cause that our tents may be the tents of Zion, where the Lord God Omnipotent may delight to dwell.
"Lord's Day, August 26. -- This morning we have the pleasure of hearing the word dispensed by Brother Chapman; and Brother Dodge preached in the afternoon. At the close of the exercises, we were visited by a number of Indians.
"Monday, August 27. -- The chastisements of the Lord are upon us. A number of our family are in a state of debility; but, as yet, there is no case very alarming.
Visit from Sans Nerf"Friday, August 31. -- To-day held a talk with Sans Nerf; in which he expressed a wish, that we would aid him in preparing a communication for the government, requesting that all white men, who have not been suitably authorized, might be kept from trading with his people. Such irregular traders, he observed, are the cause of the young men being so bad. Government, he said, told him that there should be but one road to the Osage nation; but he found that there were two, -- that is, one by the family here, and another on the Arkansas. In reply, he was told, that, although there were two roads, or families; yet they led in one direction. They were sent out by one society to accomplish one and the same object, which is to do them good as a nation. He was also informed, that, in respect to helping the chiefs by advice, or any other way, to guard against any depredations of bad traders, we would do all in our power. We held a long talk upon the concerns of his nation, and of our mission, in which he manifested many things which were very important. After this talk. Sans Nerf, while partaking of some roots and nuts, said, "You see the diet upon which we principally live." He was told to set his blacksmith to work in making plowshares and hoes against next spring, then to plow and plant the ground, and he would soon have a better living. This evening received a visit from Major Graham, the principal agent among the Osage Indians.
"Saturday, September 1. -- Brothers Newton and Bright returned from the Missouri, with a pair of horses, four oxen, and seven cows, with their calves. They have brought with them a number of letters; among which there is one from the secretary of the board, bearing date the 8th of July, which we received with gladness. Our whole family are now collected together at our station for the first time. Brothers Chapman and Fuller, from the Union Mission are still with us. Sister Howell is about to leave us; and altogether we have no church organized, yet we conclude to hold a communion season at the table of our Lord to-morrow. We held a season of prayer this evening. May God prepare us for the duties of the coming day.
"Lord's Day, September 2. -- This morning at eight o'clock, we meet for a preparatory conference, in view of attending the communion. Brother Pixley preached in the morning; and Brother Dodge administered baptism to Brother Seeley's child. Brother Chapman preached in the afternoon; and the Lord's supper was then administered. This day six months ago, we held communion with our dear brethren in New York. This evening Brother Fuller and Sister Howell were married.
"Monday, September 3. -- This evening join in concert with the Christian world in supplicating mercy upon the perishing heathen.
"Tuesday, September 4. -- Our hired men are now debilitated, and there are but four of the brethren who are in sound health. What the Lord is about to do with us, we cannot tell.
"We are now all in tents, and our kitchen and dining-table in the open air. The winter is drawing on, and we have not begun to erect our houses for want of a team. With what strength we have, we are now about to commence, as we have been furnished with a good team for the business.
"Wednesday, September 5. -- This day we commence hauling timber for our houses. May God grant to us strength to accomplish our undertaking, or grace to be submissive to his will. A number of our family are this day taken down with our common complaint.
"Friday, September 7. -- Four men out of sixteen, are able this day to labour. May we rejoice that the Lord gives us as much strength as we still possess.
Sickness Increasing"Monday, September 10. -- Our number for business is this day diminished one-half. Last week we had four, to-day two. Blessed be God that we have any. Had a very heavy thunder-shower to-day, which thoroughly tried our tents. Most of our people were drenched with the rain, but the Lord is our Protector, and will guard our health as far as is for His glory. May we be content with that.
Departure of Messrs. Chapman and Fuller"Tuesday, September 11. -- We experienced a very powerful rain during the night. Brother Chapman and Brother Fuller and his wife, leave us to-day, to return to their station. May God go with them and bless them. Visited this evening by one of the chiefs, and number of the people of the Little Osage village. This chief made a formal introduction, by showing some papers signed at the city of Washington, in 1812, by some of the heads of department, signifying his good behavior, etc. After showing these, he informed me that he had a talk to deliver to-morrow.
Talk with the Little Osage Chief"Wednesday, September 12.-- Held a talk with the Little Osage chief, in which he made inquiries as to our object in coming to this place -- how long we expected to stay among them -- and what we calculated to do. After receiving answers to these questions, he expressed satisfaction. We then inquired whether he and his people would be willing to send their children from their village to our school when we should be ready to receive them. He said he was going to a great council at St. Louis. The people there had always used him well, and what they told him he would do. We gave him to understand, that we were sent by good men in the great city of New York, with the approbation of their Great Father, the President of the United States, to do them all the good in our power. He appeared much pleased, and said that if any of the people in his village should steal any thing from us, he would see that they were returned.
"Saturday, September 15. -- This day and evening we are again drenched with rain. Our situation is rather uncomfortable, but we have reason to bless God that it is no worse. We are thronged with the Indians, and have been all the week. What a view we have of the human family in its native state!
"Tuesday, September 18. -- This evening met for business. Brothers Newton and Bright reported as follows with regard to the business transacted at the Missouri. The cost of two horses, four oxen, and seven cows with their calves, including their expenses, amounted to $295 96-100. Cash paid out by them at Franklin for postage, $9 79-100, making in the whole $305 75-100.
"Wednesday, September 19. -- This day Brother Dodge, who has been complaining for several days, is very ill, and but few in the family are able to labour.
"Wednesday, October 10. -- From the 20th of September to this day, such has been the state of the family, that no regular minutes have been kept. It has been with great difficulty, that we can find sufficient help to take care of the sick; but so it has been the providence of God, that when one has been taken down, another has been raised up to assist in the kitchen, thus far. Our buildings have been for several days entirely suspended, and no business attended to, but taking care of the family. We have, however, got our warehouse in a situation to receive goods, and have secured the greater part of them in it. The Lord has seen fit, in His all-wise Providence, to make another breach upon us. On the 5th of October, He called Brother Seeley's child to Himself. Thus He is lopping off our tender branches. Oh, that the Providence of God, in relation to this family, may serve to humble us. and bring us near to Him. We have had much rain, which has rendered our situation uncomfortable. But the Lord has helped us through the whole, and we have abundant cause of gratitude. In this interval, our horses have broken away from us, and as yet, we have not heard from them. Brother Newton has now gone in search of them to Fort Osage. Three men came over from the Arkansas yesterday. They are on their way to St. Louis, and they offered to assist in putting up a house or two.
"Friday, October 12. -- This day very pleasant, after the rain of yesterday. The men above mentioned, go to work to erect us a house. This is a Providence which we looked not for.
"Saturday, October 13. -- The missionary family continues very feeble. A number are very low. What the Lord is about to do with us, we cannot tell. Oh, may the afflictions which we are called to endure, serve to humble and to quicken us in the path of duty.
"Monday, October 15. -- To-day an Indian brought home our horses, which had been strayed a number of weeks. He found them near the mouth of the Osage river.
"Tuesday, October 16. -- This day, the men on their way to St. Louis leave us. We are left again feeble-handed, but little can be done besides taking care of the family.
"Wednesday, October 17. -- Our family are generally shaken with the fever and ague. How easy it is for the Lord to bring down the stoutest constitution to the borders of the grave; and it is equally true, that He is able to raise it up again. May we trust in Him.
"Friday, October 19. -- This day Brother Newton returned from the Missouri, with several hands to assist us in putting up our houses. He also agreed with a man to come soon, and put up four or five by the job. This begins to cheer our prospects. May we suitably notice the good hand of Providence in this event.
"Saturday, October 20. -- Our family still remains feeble, but we trust it will do us good to be afflicted. We need chastisement, to prepare us for our work.
"Tuesday, October 23. -- This evening, met for business. Brother Newton reported, in relation to his late jaunt, that he had purchased a horse for twenty-five dollars; that he had engaged a number of men to assist in erecting our buildings; that he was treated with great hospitality by the people below, and that his expenses during the ten days he was gone, were only seventy-five cents.
"Wednesday, October 24. -- This day one of our houses was finished, and Dr. Belcher and wife. Sister Comstock. and Sister Weller, all very feeble in health, removed from their tents to the building.
"Thursday, October 25. -- Our family are yet feeble, and Sister Montgomery's case seems to be somewhat alarming. The Lord has brought us down in sickness, and lopped a tender bud; but in all these, His hand has been gentle. Perhaps we are verging on to more severe trials. Oh, may we hear the voice of God, and be humble.
Death of Mrs. Montgomery and Her Child"Saturday, October 27. -- This evening Sister Montgomery was delivered of a living child, but it did not survive until morning. She appears to be as comfortable as can be expected.
"Lord's Day, October 28. -- Attended public worship as usual. Sister Montgomery appeared to be comfortable this morning, until about eleven o'clock when her countenance changed, and she fell into a swoon, in which she continued till evening, when she expired. Thus fled that immortal spirit, which from a youth has had a longing desire to spend her life in the missionary field. God. in His providence, suffered her to enter it, and took her to Himself. It may be said of her, as it was of David, that she did well that she had it in her heart to build God an house among the heathen. We have no doubt of her real piety and devotedness to God. We believe she has gone to reign with Christ. Oh, that we may all be prepared to follow.
"Monday. October 29. -- This day we follow the remains of our dear Sister Montgomery to the grave. Solemn indeed is the reflection, that she must be cut down so soon; but it is the will of God, and we would not murmur. We rejoice in the consolation, that what is our loss, is her gain; that while we grovel here in the dust a little longer, she is rejoicing in the Heavens, where neither sin nor sorrow can ever enter.
"Tuesday, October 30. -- This evening Sister Belcher is delivered of a living child. She has been in a low state of health for a long time. She is under as favourable circumstances as can reasonably be expected. The child is very feeble, and life of each is very precarious. What the event will be, time will determine. The doctor himself is very low with the fever and ague. Oh. may the Lord bless them, and soon raise them all to health, together with all the sick of the mission family. But submission is our duty.
"Wednesday, October 31. -- This day four hands arrived from the Missouri, to put up some of our cabins.
Preservation of Their Goods"Friday, November 2. -- We have this day examined the principal part of our goods in our warehouse. Our provisions, such as hard bread, flour, and meat, have saved remarkably well; and very little of our clothing has received any damage. When we open our packages, and find the great abundance of the necessaries of life, which have been collected for our use, our hearts are impressed with gratitude to our Divine Benefactor, and with thankfulness to our Christian friends for the great kindness they have manifested to us for Christ's sake. Oh, that we may remember that ours is the responsibility for the improvement of these tributes of Christian benevolence. This night Dr. Belcher's child expired.
"Thursday, November 8. -- This day another of our buildings is finished, in which Brother Jones is accommodated.
"Saturday, November 10. -- Brother Dodge's youngest child, which has been sick a number of days, appeared to be extremely low through the day, and died in the evening. The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away -- bless be the name of the Lord. Brother Seeley is attacked with a violent pain in his side.
"Tuesday, November 13. -- Brother Seeley's case grows more alarming. He has a violent pain in his side, and a severe cough. Dr. Belcher and his wife are very low. Brother Bright, and a number of others, are feeble.
"Thursday, November 15. -- Brother Seeley continues to be very sick. He thinks he shall not recover. He stated that he had a note against a man in the place from which he came, the avails of which he would will to this mission.
"Friday, November 16. -- Brother Seeley's house is finished; but his health is such, that it is very doubtful whether he ever enters it. The hand of God is upon us, and O, that we may profit by it.
"Monday, November 19. -- We moved Brother Seeley into his house. He is very weak, but we hope his symptoms are a little more favourable.
"Tuesday, November 20. -- A house is finished for the accommodation of Brother Dodge. Brother Chapman and Brother Requa, from Union, arrived this evening at our establishment, and are calculating to continue here a few weeks, for the purpose of studying the Indian language with Mr. Williams. Brother Pixley joins with them. At a meeting for business this evening, it was agreed that we set apart the 25th day of December next, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer.
Death of Mr. Seeley"Thursday, November 22. -- This morning Brother Seeley seemed to be as comfortable as could be expected. At 11 o'clock, he was taken out of his bed for the purpose of having it made. He was apparently refreshed by the change; but in the after part of the day, his countenance suddenly altered. His eyes were set, and he became speechless, and in a short time, gave up his immortal spirit to the God who gave it. Thus death is making ravages among us, and lessening our numbers for the labours of the mission.
"Friday, November 23. -- This day we attend the funeral of Brother Seeley. How solemn and instructive are the providence of God. Although He is afflicting us, yet His mercies are abundant, and entitled to our warmest gratitude. May we not be left to repine at the afflictions which are laid upon us, but may they, through Divine Grace, work within us the peaceable fruits of righteousness.
"Tuesday, November 27. -- This evening met for business. Resolved that by the consent of Brother Jones, he take our children to his house, and school them. Considering the situation of our family, the present state of the health of our physician, and the liability that he may be sick, as well as others, we therefore Resolved, That Brother Montgomery turn his attention to the study of physics, as he can find leisure.
"Wednesday, December 6. -- Since the 28th of November, nothing material has taken place. Our sick generally are gaining very fast, and we hope the family will soon enjoy a comfortable state of health. The business of erecting our buildings has gone on very prosperously, and we are all comfortably situated in our log cabins."
The CemeterySince the foregoing was written we have been enabled to locate and visit the Harmony Mission cemetery. It required considerable inquiry among the oldest inhabitants of the vicinity to locate it, so completely has it been lost; and it is known to the few who know anything about it as the "old Indian burying ground."
The old Mission trail from Harmony north to Ft. Osage and other points on the Missouri river is still perfectly plain, and from the site of the cabins and school at Harmony it runs a little west of north for some distance. The cemetery is situate about fifty yards to the west of this trail and about a quarter from the site of Harmony, on a rather high, dry roll of the land, now timber land, many of the trees being nearly a foot in diameter. It is apparent that this cemetery was located on the open timberless prairie; and that the timber has grown up since. Only one grave has any stone or monument at this time, though old settlers say there used to be more of them marked. The head stone stands about two feet out of the ground and the one at the foot only about a foot high. Both are just ordinary sand-stone slabs stuck in the ground; and on the face and smoother side of the head stone three letters, "D A P," are deeply cut, as if by a common chisel.
The depression of graves was marked and plain, and they were in rows about six to eight feet apart, there being several rows north and south; and the gentleman with us on our recent visit counted thirty-eight depressions or graves.
It should be recalled that the last entry in the Journal was on December 6, 1821. It appears from the record that two adults and four children had died and been buried prior to the last Journal entry -- Mrs. Montgomery and her infant, and the infant of Mrs. Seeley, in October, and in November Mr. Seeley, an infant of Mrs. Belcher, and the youngest son of Superintendent Dodge. The initials "D. A. P." can not stand for any of these; but just who died of the Mission family during the succeeding ten years the Mission remained is not recorded in any history available to us. From all that we know it is fair to conclude that the missionaries and the Osage Indians made this place a common sepulcher, and that it was under the control of the missionaries; else why its system and regularity? The location of this cemetery tends to show that the body of the Great Osages lived at that time in that vicinity, else there would not have been so many graves: for it must be recalled that by the treaty of 1825 the Osages were removed from the boundaries of Missouri.
It seems too bad that so much of historic worth should be permitted to perish within a century of the sad and heroic events of Harmony Mission. Even yet, it would seem, the story of these devout missionaries should appeal to the Presbyterian and Reformed Dutch churches so strongly that benevolent members would take steps to erect suitable monuments to the heroic men and women who sacrificed so much for the Master at Harmony. The few acres actually occupied by the cabins and other buildings could be cheaply purchased and readily converted into a beautiful park, with appropriate memorials, and thus made a sacred place in the history of the work of the United Foreign Missionary Society.
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