In the Spring of 1854, Thomas CANNY and Michael BEVER left McClain County, Illinois, traveling in covered wagons. The first night out, Thomas and Michael slept with the Indians.

Thomas and Michael entered the first land from the government in what is now Lincoln township. The closest trading post was at Hopeville in Clarke County. Or, the men went down to the "strip." The "strip" consisted of nine miles of contested territory, claimed by both the Territory of Iowa and the State of Missouri. The trading point in the "strip" was Ringgold City.

When Thomas CANNY and Michael BEVER arrived in Ringgold County, there wasn't a white man from Madden Grove located in Union County to Ringgold City in Ringgold County.

Michael later settled in what is now Jefferson Township of Ringgold County in the Spring of 1855. He was known as a good and honest neighbor and friend.

NOTE: There is a Michael BEVER who died at the age of 72 years on January 20, 1892, and was interred at Harmony Grove Cemetery, Dennis, Labette County, Kansas, but it isn't known if this is the same person who came to Ringgold County in 1855.

SOURCE:
LESAN, Mrs. B. M. Early History of Ringgold County: 1844 - 1937 Pp. 20, 96. Blair Pub. House. Lamoni IA. 1937.

Transcription & note by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2010