" . . . the faithful gathering, and the truthful narration of facts, bearing upon the early settlement of the country and the dangers,
hardships and privations, encountered by the early pioneers engaged in advancing the standard of civilization, is a work of no small magnitude, and the facts thus narrated are such as may challenge the admiration and arouse the sympathy of the reader, albeit, they have nothing to do with the feats of arms. . . ."

from the Preface to 'History of Monroe and Shelby Counties, Missouri', pub 1884

" . . . the faithful gathering, and the truthful narration of facts, bearing upon the early settlement of the country and the dangers,
hardships and privations, encountered by the early pioneers engaged in advancing the standard of civilization, is a work of no small magnitude, and the facts thus narrated are such as may challenge the admiration and arouse the sympathy of the reader, albeit, they have nothing to do with the feats of arms. . . ."

from the Preface to 'History of Monroe and Shelby Counties, Missouri', pub 1884