Among the first white settlers who found their way into what is now Livingston County, it was the general belief that Grand River was destined to become a great highway to the markets of the world. At this time there were no railroads in this area. There were no roads -- only a few Indian trails existed. The only access to this region was for these early settlers to follow the streams with their small boats or canoes. A few of then traveled on foot or followed their pack animals along the Indian trails.

Most of the early settlers of this region came from Boone, Howard and Cooper counties A few came directly from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia where most of the settlers from the above counties had originally resided. They had slowly worked their way up the streams, finally reaching what is now Grand River Township in Livingston County.

Thomas Stanley was one of the early settlers who entered the land where Bedford now stands, It is said that he lived for a time in a hollow sycamore tree, and read Shakespeare by the light of a sycamore ball floating in a saucer of coon grease.

The original site of the town of Bedford was first laid out and platted in 1837. The name given to this town was Leborn. In 1839 a town was platted and recorded on the same site, including the same number of streets and blocks, It was given the name of Bedford. Bedford was located a few rods below a series of shoals in Grand River.

It has been quite commonly accepted that Bedford derived its name from the name of a

steamboat wrecked on the shoal of Grand River on this site. History does not bear this out. The steamboat Bedford did not ascend the Grand River until 1840, and the town of Bedford was platted and recorded in 1839. There is some reason to believe that the town was surveyed in 1838.

Through further research it was found that General Nathaniel Greene, the Revolutionary leader, was born in Bedford, Virginia on February 7, 1817. He came to Missouri, where he became one of the founders of the town of Bedford, named by him for his Virginia birthplace. Following his arrival in Missouri he was admitted to the bar, but practiced little because of the pressure of other interests. He became a large tobacco grower, owned a tobacco factory, had a number of saw mills, and was outstanding for his engineering ability of knowledge of lands, being considered the best civil engineer in the state. He was also active in public life and served a term in the Senate, His death on May 23, 1881 was considered a loss to the State and the funeral service was preached by Governor Dockery.

At this thriving point was another tobacco factory operated by Jim Baugh, these early settlers were farmers and tobacco was their chief crop, consequently the growing of tobacco became a natural crop for them on their newly established farms. Most of the settlers coming to this region were slave owners and brought their slaves with them. The census of 1860 shows that there were 605 slaves owned in Livingston County. Most of these slaves were found to be employed in tobacco fields in this area. The Jim Baugh factory was opened in 1868. In 1885 there were 25 employed in this factory. Tobacco from this factory shipped to Liverpool in huge hogsheads (barrels). There was a small man by the name of Elliott Boggs, who for many years was a skilled workman in the making of hogsheads. He was so small that he could work inside the hogshead without difficulty. Many colored people worked at this plant. The Negro women handled the Burley tobacco, a white man was boss over the colored people. They were not allowed to talk while they

were working, but they were permitted to sing and often they could be heard singing the spirituals they loved so well. Mr. Baugh rode horseback over the country buying tobacco from the farmers. Some he brought from back with him, some he sent for by the slaves. Mr. Baugh seldom bought tobacco that he didn't see with his own eyes, when Grand River was on a rampage, flat boats were used by Mr. Baugh to hurry his tobacco that was ready for market, down to Fountain Grove, because the Bedford station would be cut off from the town of Bedford. In "Bedford Drops," a weekly report in an old newspaper, the Avalon Aurora, was found this comment:

"J. H. Baugh's factory has been crowded all day March 23, 1885.

We love to see the farmers getting their tobacco off, for it is time

to begin sowing seed for another crop."

There were also cigar factories owned by P. J. Turner, H. Brafford and Joe Custer.

From the Jim Baugh factory came a pleasant aroma. The gangway made of earth, packed down by the tramped tramp of many feet, and the odor of tobacco had penetrated this earth until there arose from it an indescribable fragrance.

Besides the tobacco and cigar factories, there were saw mills, several stores, a chaw factory, and at a later date there was a bank. At the time the bank opened there were 300 persons in the population of Bedford.

The first ferry at this point was run by John Custer. This was the only mode of crossing the river at this point until 1866 when the first bridge was constructed.

About 1870 what is now known as the Wabash Railroad was constructed through this part of the country. The railroad followed the north ride of Grand River and established the Bedford station about two miles from the town. In 1877 a horse railway connecting the town and the railroad station was constructed by Ed. Austin and R. F. Davis. The Atlas of Livingston County, Missouri, 1878, shows this railway on one of its plats. It was operated only a short time and was discontinued in 1882. Austin and Davis sold this railway to James G. Houx, who operated it for a time. This road was nicknamed the African Central R. R. This name was given because so many Negroes who worked in Jim Baugh's tobacco factory located in Bedford rode on it, they lived in Chillicothe and would take the early morning train on the Wabash and transfer to this line.

The rails were of wood with an iron strip on the top for the wheels of the car to follow. The motive power was supplied by a mule. It was down a slight grade from the town to the station. Then the trip from the town to the station was undertaken, the mule was trained to stand on the rear platform of the car and ride as far as the car would coast, and then it was taken off the car the remainder of the way to the station and then back to town.

Mr. George Munro, one of the first pioneers, settled on a tract of land about two and a half miles west of Bedford. His large white house had an area of timber land between it and Grand River as a background, in his front yard he planted two rows of

cedar trees which became as stately and majestic as the famed "Cedars of Lebanon." This site could be seen from great distances from the south which was prairie country. The white residence framed in green by the trees, was familiarly known as the "Munro Place." Shortly after settling this tract of land, George Munro set apart an area of two acres for a cemetery.

On visiting this cemetery, one finds the names of many of the early inhabitants of the community on the monuments. In the northeast part of the cemetery one will see two monuments still standing erect although they have been there for many years. They mark the graves of Mr. and Mrs. George Munro.

In 1837, Spencer A. Alexander came overland with an ox team from Tennessee. On a forest-covered hill he erected a log cabin and began preparing a tract of land for farming, where he lived until his death in l899. According to records, the first farm developed by Alexander was deeded to Alexander Davis and wife, Priscilla McKay Davis, in l856. They lived on this farm until their deaths; hers in 1889, and his in 1895. Descendants of this pioneer Davis couple have been benefactors to Livingston County.

There have been many changes in that part of Livingston County since Munro, Alexander, and Davis settled an those tracts of land. Bedford soon became the market for farm products and livestock. Monday morning was like a wagon train. Men with high wheeled wagons loaded with hogs and perhaps driving cattle to be loaded on the train for the St. Louis market. During harvest season was the same sight, hauling the golden grain and loading in cars at Bedford Station.

The religious, educational and social life of Bedford was not neglected. The Methodist Church South was organized in 1852. Dr. Wolfskill and wife, S. A. Alexander and wife, Cyrus Ballew and wife, John and Mary Bailey, Harriett Hoffman, Judah Ballew, Mrs. Laura Saunders, and Mr. and Mrs, George Munro, met in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander to organize. These 13 people were the original members.

History indicated that John Silvey and John Ballew were early settlers in Grand River Township.

John Ballew did the preaching as a Methodist. It is presumed it was the Bedford Church where he did some of his preaching. The pastors of years long ago were Reverends: Devlin, Bell, Carter Kesan, Pyle Leeper, Rose Austin. Carlyle, Dockery and many others whose names have become unfamiliar through the passing years. The first church building was constructed at a cost of $2500. The cyclone of 1880 was very destructive to property in Bedford. It destroyed and badly damaged about fifteen buildings, among them the Methodist Church, on the site where it now stands. The first couple to be married in this church was John P. Alexander and Miss Jennie Mitchell. They were always faithful members and lofty pillars of the church until their passing.

A women's missionary society was organized in Bedford at the church, December 9, 1888, with a membership of six. The president was Mrs. H. S. Hall. This society was organized ten years after the women's missionary society in the Missouri conference in 1878, thus it was one of the first organized.

On January 8, 1928, the Bedford Church was again destroyed; this time by fire which was discovered shortly after services were dismissed that day. Through subscriptions and donations

from the members and non-members of the church, the present building was erected. Most of the work was donated by the people of the community who labored long hours so that they would again have a house of worship. After the completion of the church, a Homecoming and dedicatory service was held which was attended by many, some who had come great distances to help the good people of Bedford rejoice and give thanks for their blessings.

On February 2, 1950, 23 members answered the roll call of the newly organized Bedford's Women's Society of Christian Service. Mrs. Otis Dye was the first president. The third Thursday of each month was the time set for business meetings an lessons. But during all these years, the women's society met each and did hand quilting to make funds for the Lord's work. With the passing of time and members, in recent years, this group has become inactive.

The Church observed its 100th anniversary on September 7, 1952. Two members were recognized for fifty years membership. They were Mrs. John Akerson and Mr. W. F. Houx. Many is the word used for the hardships that encountered the establishments of these early settlers. The terrors of the Civil War came to Missouri. It was a border state, there were Bushwhackers, the Militia, unfriendly neighbors, the threats, and the reprisals, all from both sides to contend with. Many homes were broken from fathers going off to war and never returning. There is an account of one wife. Her husband went south with the Confederate Army and died the first year of the war. She was left with two small children and a fourteen year old Negro boy, to till the farm. She would take her children to the field and work all day, coming home to carry water from a spring, one-half mile away and after the evening meal was prepared, the Union soldiers would come and eat it up. But with the help of the Negro boy, they kept up her farm and always was ready to help the less-fortunate.

Mr. and Mrs. George Munro had one daughter and this is the account of her wedding. The wedding of David Allen Creason and Eliza Kingsbury Munro is believed to have been the largest wedding in number of guests. Their wedding took place May 25, 1854, at the Munro Homestead at Bedford. Every man, woman and child in the county was invited to this wedding, which united two prominent families of Grand River Township. The bride was the daughter of George Munro of the early settlers of Grand River Township. George Munro served with distinction in the Missouri Legislature, as did his son, William Munro ( who worked hard for securing the location of the State Industrial Home for Girls in Chillicothe).

The brilliant affair took place on the ridge above beautiful old Grand River, where the evergreens and elms spread their branches. Long tables were laden with cakes, pies and other dainties for the six hundred guests who came from all over the county. Some came on horseback, a few in buggies, some on foot, and a few came from the far south by water to see the cattleman, known throughout Missouri, in his broadcloth coat, a brocaded white vest and blue jean trousers, take unto himself the beautiful daughter of George Munro, who at that time was representative of Livingston County, and his wife.

The bridal party consisted of six bridesmaids and six groomsmen, who took their departure the next day, all on horseback for the home of the groom's father who lived sixty miles distant. The women wore sunbonnets and each one had a carpetbag hung on her saddle containing wearing apparel.

Charles H. Mansur, Representative in Congress, of Chillicothe, was the best man at the wedding.

The "infare" was held as soon as the wedding party arrived. This custom still prevails in some parts of the county. This an all day entertainment at the groom's house or is sometimes held at the home of the newly wedded couple. this entertainment or festivity at the home of the young couple is usually in the nature of a "Chivaree," a custom which has never been abandoned in Livingston County.

Alexander Lodge A. F. and A. M. was chartered in Bedford on October 13, 1870. It was consolidated with the Hale Lodge in October 1887. Avalon Lode A. F. and A. M. was chartered in Bedford October 12, 1882. It continued until March 8, 1817, when it

consolidated with the Wheeling Lodge. Other active Lodges were Modern Woodsmen, Royal Neighbors, Odd Fellows (Ioof) and Rebeccas. One of the big social events of these lodges were occasional fish fries. The fish were taken from Grand River and the nearby streams.

Hospitals were unheard of at this time and the doctoring was with home remedies by women, who had special knacks for this. There were several, but one we have an account of is Mrs. Allen Creason. She would keep a horse in readiness at all times, so to go when called. She assisted at many child births. At her home many mornings you could hear the father say, "Get up gals -- your Ma is gone."

One of the big social events around the 1890's was a Fair which was held across Grand River a short distance from Bedford. One of the special features was the famous Merry-Go-Around. It was made to go around by a heavy stick tied to a mule walking around in circles. Several mules were used and changed off at intervals. The music was furnished by Negroes with instruments. Plenty of watermelon was on hand for the occasion.

Thomas Jones, father of Joe and Fred Jones, settled near Bedford at an early day. It is related that Thomas Jones and Jollin Custer once had a terrific fight to settle the question of which should ride and which should hang on to the horses tail while swimming across Grand River. Custer came out second best and had to take the tail hold.

Elisha Herriford while riding through the woods near the mouth of Medicine Creek, which is a short distance up the river, encountered a panther, he coolly dismounted the horse and not having another weapon he grabbed a heavy club, and attacked the savage beast. After a fierce combat Mr. Hereford killed the panther and throwing it across his horse, bore it home in triumph.

This is an account of Postmasters in Bedford

Established as Fairland on January 17, 1850

Name changed to Bedford on April 20, 1858

Discontinued on March 21, 1864

Re-established on June 2, 1865

Discontinued on January 1, 1931

Postmasters: Date of Appointment:

Roderick R. Mills January 17, 1850

Spencer A. Alexander June 9, 1854

John Y. Porter April 29, 1858

John Smith October 3, 1861

Willard Perry May 20, 1865

Isacc Harris June1, 1865

James G. Houx September 4, 1867

John W. Strubble April 20, 1869

Charles S. Husan June 18, 1869

A. A. Merrill February 18, 1874

James C. Frazier July, 26, 1880

James H. Staton November 15, 1882

Charley E. Kenyon August 12, 1885

Tyre M. Cawthorn August 20, 1888

Herman Held December 14, 1888

George W. Wolfskill, Jr. June 24, 1893

John Pearman August 9, 1897

Jefferson D. Ballew July 6, 1901

Bernice Alexander January 22, 1925

Neal Dye (acting) March 21, 1929

David Israel February 14, 1930

The earliest reference to a mail contract for service to this Post Office that we have been able to locate is the Mail Route Contract No. 10494 from Brunswick, via Little Compton, Bedford and Dido to Chillicothe, which was let to Joseph Fowler of Chillicothe, Missouri for the period 1862-64.

In this community was a Negro named Bud Cobb, who had been brought here as a slave. He lived north of the River Bridge a short distance and raised tobacco. He passed away in 1934 at an unknown age. Services were held at the Bedford Church.

The Bedford Railroad Station when first erected was one-half mile down the track from where the railroad crossing is now. In 1907, the building was taken down in sections and placed where the crossing is now. the first depot agent was Wolfskill. He held this position until his death in March, 1924. A constant companion of Mr. Wolfskill all the time he was agent was a Bull Dog by the name of Bob. he was always by his side and made the rips daily with him. No fear could have possibly come to him. The dog died soon after Mr. Wolfskill's death and is buried along the fence of the old Wolfskill place in Bedford. The transportation for passengers catching the train or carrying the mail from the depot to Bedford was by "hack", drawn by horses. Some cars were now used in extremely dry weather. The next appointed agent was Mr. B. Pettigrew. This position was held for several years. Then Mr. Silas Keeler held the position for a short time and the agency was ended and later the building was removed.

Just when the telephones were installed in Bedford we do not know. But around 1900 a switchboard was run by a Mr. and Mrs. Allen. It was then moved and run from 1904 to 1921 by Mr. and Mrs. Wolfskill. Then at this time it was taken over by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Norris and they ran it approximately 12 years. Then it was moved to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Smith and with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Smith, it ran for several years. The Mrs. Jack Lisenby had it for a few years. Then the switchboard was moved to Avalon and service was through there until 1964. Then it was purchased by the Wheeling Telephone Company. Construction began for a dial system and on January 1, 1965, our telephones were dial. This stopped all time line listening. This was really nice, and to be able to talk to California and hear well. However, this did away with neighborhood news and gossip. We didn't know when Bossie had twin calves, baby cut that first tooth, or fire broke out.

The Grade School was erected on the block just north of where the School building now stands. Once in the early days it had burned and was rebuilt. On January 20, 1927, this building was again destroyed by fire. With helping hands and determination it was rebuilt with part of the lumber saved from logs from nearby timber. The first School in Livingston to consolidate was Bedford in 1914. It consolidated with Independence, located west of Bedford. It was the building that now stands and was built by Mr. Doane and the land was bought from the late Paul and Sarah Stephens. The basement was built in 1915 and the year was very wet and the building was finished the next year. Some of those helping were: Mr. Doane, his son Leslie, Harry and Dell Stephens, and Don Jagger. After consolidation and before the High School building was constructed the 9th and 10th grade classes were held with the Grade School. So the first graduating class from the 10th grade was in 1916; after the High School building was completed, all four years of high school classes were held and the first graduating class to complete the four years was in 1921. In 1942 the High School was abolished. Then in 1948, they transferred Center, Independence and Fairland into Bedford, thus all schools were placed in the High School building. The Grade School was sold and torn down and later the ground was sold.

On July 27, 1958, on a Sunday morning with the river being two-thirds bank full, a tree fell taking out the north span of the bridge. Later the other was removed.

For several years Bedford had one store, a filling station, and a garage. The garage closed around 1956, the store in December 1957, and all that stood was the buildings. The building known as the Bank Building was made into a home. On March 25, 1965, a grass fire was set and a high wind came up; thus destroying all the former business buildings.