It is the intention of the publishers to present an accurate and brief account of the settlement, growth and advancement of our county. Statistics are dry reading for the average person, and may be found in carefully prepared public documents. We only use such as are necessary to verify specific statements. Believing that a work compiled from the narratives of those of the early settlers who yet remain with us, but whose ranks are becoming broken and wavering, and will prove most interesting reading to the thousands who are today enjoying the fruits of their early toil, and having the greatest respect for the memories of the past, as well as for the participants in the various processes and stirring events which have wrought such wondrous changes in this beautiful and fertile county of ours, manifest by a comparison of the conditions existing a half century ago with the immediate present; and believing that it is only by awakening an interest in, and encouraging investigation of the numerous striking incidents of real life yet stored in the minds of the few remaining ones of the pioneer period, that those valuable mementoes of the past may be preserved from oblivion we have compiled this work and hereby wish to acknowledge our indebtedness and in some degree express our appreciation of the kindness of Hon. J. B. Newberry, Clark Wix, S. C. Sturtevant, Judge C. F. Robords, Judge Bartlett, C. C. Blankenbecker, Prof. L. B. Allison, Judge C. P. Boxley, John Divinny, Ed. S. Austin and others who have greatly assisted us in our work by submitting invaluable articles, reminiscences, etc. And further desiring to cultivate more friendly and fraternal relations among those who have endured the trials and enjoyed the pleasures incident to pioneer life and early citizenship in our beloved county: We do most respectfully dedicate this work to The Old Settlers' Society of Bates County.
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