Biography of Peter VanBibber

Peter VanBibber, originally from Holland, settled in Botetourt County, Virginia, prior to the Revolutionary War. He married Marguety Bounds and had a large family, including sons James and Joseph, the latter a surveyor in Missouri. Peter’s brother, Isaac VanBibber, a captain killed at the Battle of Point Pleasant, was raised by Daniel Boone. He later settled in Missouri, creating a profitable hotel on a Spanish land grant. Isaac’s descendants included Matilda and Ewing, and he passed away in 1836.

Biography of William B. Rice

William B. Rice, a revolutionary soldier, embarked on expeditions with Daniel Boone before settling in Montgomery County in 1825. He married Rebecca Arlington and had six children. His legacy continued through his son, David, who married Elizabeth Henderson and became the father of Louisa, who married Judge William G. Shackelford. Rice’s grandson, William G. Rice, served as a skilled assessor, renowned for his thoroughness and unique travel by ox. He also operated a tavern offering distinctive meal pricing, earning a reputation as an eccentric host.

Biographical Sketch of Jonathan Davis

Jonathan Davis, originally from Pennsylvania, married Elizabeth Bowen and had six children. Two of his sons, John and James, moved to Missouri in 1800. John was known for his hunting skills and had six children with Susan Bryan. James, after marrying Jemima Hays, daughter of Susanna Boone, returned to Missouri in 1819 and had eight children. Their brother Jonathan arrived in Missouri in 1820, wed Mahala Hays, and fathered thirteen children, with only four surviving by 1875.

The Shawnees

Payta Kootha

The Shawnees, a warlike tribe originally from the South, migrated northward to Pennsylvania, where they allied with the Delawares. They became a formidable force in the west, engaging in conflicts against southern tribes and other nations. Their involvement in early American wars, particularly during the French and Indian War, brought them into conflict with British forces, leading to significant battles. Pioneers like Daniel Boone had notable encounters with the Shawnees, highlighting their complex relationships with settlers and their impact on the westward expansion narrative.

Biographical Sketch of James Barnes

James Barnes, originally from Virginia, established his family in Kentucky, having three sons: James Jr., Noble, and John. James Jr. moved to Missouri, marrying Sarah Callaway and fathering twenty-two children, with sixteen surviving to adulthood. Notably, Flanders C. married Obedience Grigg and possesses heirlooms from his grandfather, Daniel Boone. Barnes had been an excellent swimmer in his youth, but his frequent immersion in water led to inflammatory rheumatism, afflicting him in later life.

Biography of Hugh Logan

Hugh Logan, originally from Ireland, ran away to sea at fourteen before settling in Kentucky. He married Rebecca Bryan, with whom he had five children. Tragically, he drowned in Flemings Creek after ignoring a premonitory dream. His sons, notably William and Henry Logan, ventured to Missouri, starting families there and contributing to early settler life. William’s widow still shares memories of early Missouri, while Henry gained a reputation for his eccentricity. Logan’s descendants reflected the adventurous spirit of their father amidst the challenges of frontier life.

Biographical Sketch of Frederick Griswold and Harvey Griswold

Harvey and Frederick Griswold, cousins from Connecticut, ventured to Warren County, Missouri, at an early age. Frederick opened the first store in Pinckney after marrying Rebecca Shobe, while Harvey, arriving as a teen, began as a clerk in Frederick’s store. Eventually, he established his own store in Marthasville, gaining significant wealth. Married to Mahala Shobe, they had sixteen children, though only six survived. Harvey notably owned the land of Daniel Boone’s graves, opposing their removal and planning to erect a monument there.

Biography of John Jones

Giles Jones, an Englishman, served in the American Revolutionary War before his son John arrived in Missouri in 1817 to pursue medicine. John, marrying Minerva Callaway, settled near Marthasville, becoming a notable physician with a vast practice. He was also an avid hunter, often frustrated by his horse, Nick. Involvement in combating local crime ultimately led to his assassination on January 22, 1842, inciting widespread alarm and efforts to track down his killer, although he was never found.

Biographical Sketch of the Lamme Brothers

William T. and James Lamme, sons of Robert Lamme from Bourbon County, Kentucky, played pivotal roles in early Missouri history. William T. settled in Warren County in 1803, served as a Major, and had ten children with Frances Callaway, a descendant of Daniel Boone. His lineage includes notable marriages, such as Zarina to Willis Bryan and Hulda to John Bryan. While most of his children have passed, Hulda remains influential in Franklin County, and Achiles and Napoleon reside in Montana and California, respectively.