The Republican journal., 1872-02-08
The Last Duel Fought in Missouri
From the Kansas City Times

In 1886, Thomas c. REYNOLDS was prac-
tically the leader OF the Democratic party
in ST. Louis That wear Reynolds was
the anti-Benton candidate for Congress
against Frank P. Blair the Benton can
didate TruSten Polk. now living in St.
Louis, was INNING against Mr. Benton
for Governor, whom he defeated after a
sngularlv severe and comprehensive can
vass Reynolds had no earthly hopes OF
an election, and 50 expressed himself to
those friends who waited upon him, but
the party demanded that he should make
the race, and he did. The contest was
the most excited ever known in st. Louis
Luther NJ kennett was the W hlg candi-
date, but being in Washington City at the
time. took no part in the campaign. The
field being thus left clear to Blair and
Reynolds, they canvassed the entire county
and city together, making about forty
speeches each. The nominations had
been made in May, 1873, and the election
took place on the first Monday in August.
of the same wear Both OF these men
We're bold and aggressive in their manner
Of warfare, naturally aroused on either
side great deal OF energy and enthusiasm.
Reynolds was defeated, but ne carried the
Democratic vote up from about six
hundred in 1854, to over twenty-five
hundred in 1856, the gain electing the
entire anti Benton State ticket.
Mckee and Fishback, the present pre-
prietors OF the St. Louis Democrat, were
then its owners, ana B. Gratz Brown was
its editor-in-chief An article was written
particularly severe upon Reynolds, and
those who are acquainted with Browns
style know how mercilesslv bitter he can
be when he tries REYNOLDS replied
briefly and in manner none the less of
fensive. Brown challenged him immedi-
ately, and Reynolds as promptly accepted
Both men meant earnest work, and went
about it very calmly and very deliberately
Both represented a party, an idea. a
cause, both had large number of firm
and fast friends, and both We're cool,
brave and daring
Browns seconds were Colonel David
Mitchell, formerly Superintendent OF
Indian affairs III the West, and Of great
reputation as an Indian trader and fight
and Leo Walker, Esq, a gentleman from
South Carolina, who had married into a
wealthy St. Louis family, and who resided
there 1t was understood, also, that be-
sides these immediate friends. Brown had,
as advisers, Colonel Thomas H. Benton,
and Frank P. Blair REYNOLDS friends
were Colonel Ferd. kennett, of Selma
Hall, the best pistol shot in Missouri, and
Captain Thomas B. Hudson, leading
Democratic politician, who had distin-
guished himself under Doniphan and in
Doniphan's march to Mexico Although
everybody knew that duel was on the
taps, and that a challenge had been sent
and accepted, such was the tone of public
sentiment. and such the leniency with
which these things were regarded, that nc
efforts at arrest were made, and no inter
ference of any kind attempted.
Selma Hall, the place of meeting, was
an elegant country seat in Jefferson
County, Mo-, forty miles below St. Louis,
and the property of Colonel Ferd. Ken
nett Here nature and art had combined
to make the spot one of the loveliest in
the West Flowers and fountains abound
ed everywhere In the August moons
huge forest trees made grateful shade,
under which deer rested at ease, cropping
the rich grass at intervals, and crouch
ing low at intervals, as the memory OF
the old wild days of horns and hunts
men came up from the lowlands and the
river. There were steeds ever in stall
for the young bloods who swore by Ken
nett and his hounds; books tor the pale
students who stole away from medicine
and law to sleep one night with the hills
and the clover, costly wines for whose
ever would drink, and an open door and
ready string for every wayfarer, be-
nighted through chance or inclination
To this delightful place, on the 23d day
of August, 1856, Gratz Brown and his
friends repaired. Etiquette required that
Reynolds second, Colonel Kennett, should
receive them, which he did with princely
hospitality, and they were at once domi-
ciled and surrounded with every attention
and luxury possible. The night before
leaving St. Louis, Reynolds remained al
the house of Isaac H. Sturgeon, and slept