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AS A BUSINESS MAN

While pursuing the necessary details of his business, traveling about the State, always willing to drop the distasteful for the agreeable, Mr. Boomer’s attention was attracted by the beautiful scenery of the Osage River. His love of the artistic and poetical gave a peculiar charm to that part of the scenery which bore no traces of man’s handiwork.

The native forests which covered the winding banks of this beautiful stream were, in many instances, untouched by the woodman’s axe. These he could not sufficiently admire; and in the year 1854 he undertook an enterprise which afforded ample scope for his love of romance.

It seemed expedient, in carrying out successfully the bridge-building of the firm, that they should manufacture their own lumber; and for this purpose, mainly, Mr. Boomer bought of Government a township of heavily wooded land, eligibly located on the banks of the Osage river, fifteen miles from its mouth.

A saw mill was immediately erected, and with such good success, - so great seemed the facilities of manufacturing, and the location of the place was so fine for a residence, - that he conceived the idea of building a little town, on the genuine New England principle, as far as compatible with the manners and customs of the people, stimulating

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thereby, if possible, the country towns to greater internal progress.

This decision being made, his next step was to give his town a name. In vain did his friends urge that he should perpetuate his own name upon the archives of the State; but, seizing upon a common tradition of that region, that an old man by the name of Castle once lived in the cave of a rock upon a high bluff across the river, he called his town "Castle Rock;" although the place is at present more commonly known by the name of "Boomer’s Mills."

Some one has said that the glory of a State depends upon the nature of its lands and the spirit of its men. But Mr. Boomer discovered another ingredient in the resources of his adopted State, which was the character of its climate. He said that the State of Missouri had internal resources, which, if well developed, would add not only to its own glory, but to that of the whole Union. She had fertile valleys, noble rivers, minerals in great abundance and variety; she had splendor of scenery and richness of climate; but the question unsolved was, What would the spirit of her men do with their internal wealth?

That she failed of the enterprise which was the proud boast of the free States, and that she was far behind these free States for the reason of depending upon slave labor, was a stubborn fact; and the worst feature of the fact was, that the masses were not sufficiently intelligent to realize it.

The following notice will show the result of two years’ industry: -

"The new town of Castle Rock is situated in an eminently healthy situation, at the head of the most fertile bend

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in the Osage River, which is navigable for steamboats to that point ten months of the year; to Linn Creek, one hundred and ten miles above, for five months in the year; and to Osceola, three hundred miles above, two and a half months in the year."

"The valley of this river contains the finest body of timber west of the Mississippi, and from it must be obtained the only permanent supply of oak timber for the construction of all the steamboats that ply the western waters above St. Louis. The quality of the lands lying on the river, especially the upper part, is well known to be unequalled for fertility in the valley of the Mississippi. Five steamboats are owned and run regularly on the river, besides many others which during the season of high water, find profitable employment from the present large and rapidly increasing trade."

"Castle Rock is, by water, fifteen miles from the mouth of the river; by land, twelve; and from Jefferson City, the capital of the State, seven and a half miles."

"The town was laid out two years ago, by private interest, and it already contains a large and fine hotel, store, warehouses, church, blacksmith shop, wagon shops, and a number of private dwellings. Here is also one of the largest steam powers in the State, which drives a large flouring mill and a double saw mill of immense capacity; and there still remains a large surplus of power which can be furnished to various kinds of manufactures at a nominal price."

"Steamboat building is carried on here to a limited extent; four hulls have already been constructed."

The following testimony, to a sister of Mr. Boomer,

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from one of his friends in Castle Rock, gives ample proof that his ambition was not an ideal one:--

"Castle Rock, July 28, 1863"

"Mrs. S-----
"Dear Madam: Our first acquaintance with your brother began in the year 1855, about one year after he laid out the town of Castle Rock.

At that time his steam saw mill was in active operation, going night and day, turning out vast quantities of lumber, with which he was building steamboats, bridges, and several houses; and he also shipped large quantities to St. Louis.

He employed a great many men, and, for so young a man, showed remarkable energy and judgment, such as would have become much older heads.

Mr. Boomer was a great favorite, and when he visited us from St. Louis he was warmly welcomed by all, -- so many crowding to see him that it would always be late before he could retire. He also loved to come among us; and so great was his perseverance, that, in failing to get a conveyance at the mouth of the river, he has walked the whole distance, fifteen miles, after nightfall; yet, however fatigued or immersed in business, the humblest always received a friendly recognition of warm grasp of the hand, showing that, in visiting us, he felt an interest in all.

He was ever ready to lend a helping hand to any object of benevolence, and in cases of destitution it was not enough for him to be told of it and give aid, but he must go himself, and with the donation show his sympathy, in such a kind manner as to greatly enhance the value of the gift.

Soon after the settlement of Castle Rock, he proposed

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to the people that he would give the land and lumber, and build half of a church, if they would pay for the other half; but the inhabitants were slow in accepting his offer, feeling but little interest in religion. After waiting some time, seeing the general apathy on the subject, he went forward and built the church, without much assistance from those whose interest it was to have a place of worship.

About this time the Bishop of St. Louis made him an excellent offer, in a pecuniary point of view, if he would build a Roman Catholic church, which was warmly seconded by the Germans in the vicinity; but I am truly happy to say that he did not listen to these propositions.

His sympathies were deeply enlisted in the Sabbath school, and although crowded with business, yet he took sufficient time to visit every house in Castle Rock, inviting its inmates to come to the school.

He took an active part in organizing the school, choosing officers, appointing teachers, and ever after, when in town, he always attended it, taking with him several persons in his employment, who would not attend at other times.

Mr. Boomer not only gave us his presence at our school, but he also seemed to take a deep interest in the subject of the lesson, giving us his views, and making appropriate remarks. He furnished us a library of nearly three hundred volumes, with spelling books, hymn books, readers, question books, and a small map of Palestine. I mention these particulars to show his liberal spirit toward us.

The next year after we came here Mr. Boomer added a flour mill to his other works, which made so fine an article as to stand with the very best flour in the St. Louis market.

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At this time Castle Rock was in a thriving condition. Houses were being built; the town was laid out into lots, and many who had bought them commenced building. Mr. Boomer had also erected a large cabinet factory, and nearly all branches of business were represented here."

In a letter to his mother, Mr. Boomer relates a touching incident in the early history of his new town: -

Castle Rock, October 21, 1855.

"Dear Mother: I was glad to receive your letter, and hear that you was well.

I should like to be at home this very day as much as you would like to have me there, and sit down to a good talk all quietly by ourselves; but it is not so to be. We are a long way apart, and there is a wide difference in our circumstances. You are quiet in your peaceful home; I am here quiet in my (home I cannot say) house, unfinished, sitting by the fire, in a large, dirty room, with a wash stand for a writing table, and a candle standing in each corner of it. This is the new hotel which we have just completed, although it is not opened really, because unfurnished.

It is, or has been, a cold, damp day. I came out here from Jefferson City, as I have to be here tomorrow, and could not come yesterday for the rain.

I felt rather sadly as I reached here. Our head sawyer’s child was to be buried. This is the first death we have had in the place. Rather a dreary funeral.

Mr. J--- and K--- (my agents here) had selected, this morning, the spot for the village graveyard, -- a beautiful spot, too, -- and all the inhabitants of our little place in the

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woods were at the house, ready for the funeral, - a few on horseback, but mostly on foot.

It was too wet for the ladies to walk so we put them in a large wagon, and started for the first grave.

It seemed so lonely, -- the little grave – and we had no clergyman to say a service to break the seeming solitude. If I only could have obtained a Prayer Book I would have read it myself.

Well, we came home; and as I sit before the fire, slipped down into my chair, with my feet resting upon the fireplace, looking steadily into the fire, I think of home, and when I was a boy, and the little grave, and other graves.

Then my business comes into my head and troubles me a little; and Mr. J—occasionally says, ‘Mr. Boomer, what do you think we’d better do about so and so? Shall we not do and get that?’ I say yes, and still look at the file, and think of everything I ever thought and believe. And now tomorrow I shall, sort; although we all imagine that something different from what we have is desirable.

But when I think of it, I am very happy, and have the greatest reason to be thankful. Almost everybody in the country is sick with fever, -- more than half our men, -- and I am remarkably well, -- better than I have been for a year. We have had pleasant weather – good roads. I have a fine horse to ride, and the prospect that I shall before long be through with my business troubles.

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Give my love to father; ask him to write me. Love to all my friends.

I am your affectionate son,
George"

In a letter to his sister, Mr. Boomer writes: --

"I take much comfort when at Castle Rock, my Osage place, as I always delight in the idea of being in a little world of my own, and seeing it improve and grow up with myself. The thought is pleasant that, as we live along, we are doing something which is not to perish or change as the moment passes by, but which will live, not only with us, but after us."

To his mother, under date of July 10, 1856, he writes: --

"I have been at Castle Rock for nearly three weeks, and enjoyed real pleasure there.

Three weeks today we inaugurated our Sabbath school, of which I took the charge on that day, and saw that it was well organized.

The villagers have all taken a great interest in it, and I believe it will result in much good to every one.

We had from fifty to seventy-five scholars, the majority of them Bible scholars.

Mr. P – and myself presented them a fine library of three hundred and fifty volumes, and an excellent melodeon, so that they have everything a school ought to have.

We have also secured preaching every other Sabbath; we have opened a singing school, and there is a universal interest in all these things by the residents of my dear Castle

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Rock; and I assure you, my dear mother, if I ever enjoyed anything in life it was in being there, giving my personal assistance to these things, of such vital importance to us all."

The following extracts are from his journal:--

September 5, 1856
"Have made a pleasant trip to Castle Rock.

The day was beautiful, and the Osage lay placidly among its shaded banks, as a cloud lies lazily floating in the midsummer sun.

We had a lunch, after our arrival, when I sent General G – back in a skiff.

The auction sale of lots commenced about half past one o’clock. We walked about in the hot sun, till, coming into the shade of the wood, the prices rose.

I have made good sales, have inspected the church, laid plans for new streets, and have rested myself. I needed that.

Went to Sabbath school, which lasted for two hours, and I then sang a long time at Mrs. P---‘s. I love those good, sacred hymns, and feel better for singing them. They make the heart softer and the life purer."

May 12, 1857
"Dear Castle Rock! I am here in this peaceful atmosphere again, and am somewhat at a loss to know why I love this place so much. It is plain to see why I should have a pride in it; why I should be ambitious for it. That is my selfishness. But I love this place from the best of feelings; my heart yearns over it, and the kindhearted people who have a home here.

Perhaps this is all indulgence of my vanity again, as,

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of course, this is my own realm; but I will not doubt my honesty of purpose for this place, for I believe it is a field for usefulness, which I shall be blest in filling to the best of my ability."

In the mean time, while Mr. Boomer was engaged in building up his new enterprise at Castle Rock, he was not forgetful of his duties as a citizen of St. Louis. Late in the autumn of the same year that he laid the foundation of his country town, he thus writes his mother: --

"I have taken quite an interest in the new Baptist church which is trying to erect a place of worship. They have a fine lot, which was in part donated to them, and they are now erecting a chapel in the rear of it, which will cost them one thousand dollars. I gave them one hundred and fifty dollars, and promised to raise them one hundred more, making one-fourth of the expenses. If they are prospered and it is justifiable, they will build their church in the spring, which the Second Church will assist them to do, and I have promised them five hundred dollars.

I have been unable, however, to attend many of their meetings, having been in town only two Sabbaths. They are a small body, numbering about eighty members; are not wealthy, but are strongly united. Their minister is not a man of the first order of talents, but he is a worthy man and a sensible preacher, so that I am well enough contented.

This is in future to be my regular place of worship, because I shall feel more interest than in the old church, where I could do comparatively little good."

About the same time he wrote his father, showing not

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only the interest he felt in sustaining the preached gospel, but his personal need of the same.

Buffalo, December 12, 1854
"Dear Father: I expected to have been at home today, and am quite disappointed that I cannot be.

I have been in Buffalo the last few days with Mr. S ---, and am detained so long that I cannot go beyond here, as I must be in St. Louis within three or four days.

I should so like to be at home, if only for a short time; for, aside from the quiet charm with which home is invested, I wanted much to have seen you and mother; to have sat down in the twilight and talked as we used to do, -- talked as happy families and friends are wont in that holiest and happiest spot on the wide world’s bosom -- ‘home!’

As I am more and more entangled in the tumult and strife of life, -- for, though young, I have many cares, -- a hurried scene appears of expectations realized and disappointed, surprises pleasurable and sad, excited pleasure, with an occasional hour of quiet happiness. I do not forget that the past is past; that the present is fast hurrying where memory will soon recall it as past; that the longest future must soon be numbered with the rest; and I solemnly resolve that my life shall not be a mere ephemeral existence, -- a bark, without oars of sails or helm, borne misguidedly down the stream of life.

Yet I am at times painfully – though not enough so – reminded that the great current bears me on, almost as purposeless as the ship without a guide, -- as one who knows not where he’ll end; although there are times when I hope for the better. I believe I have some purposes which are not

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unworthy of a man, and am conscious that in carrying out these purposes my heart must be imbued with love to God."

Mr. Boomer spent quite a portion of the years 1856 and 1857 in different parts of the State. This was a consequent necessity of his business; but he also found it interesting and profitable to familiarize himself with the present condition and future prospects of Missouri.

That the development of all new States must have for its foundation agriculture, was doubtless one of the principles which governed him in his Castle Rock enterprise. It seemed an easy thing to him for any man of industrious habits, surrounded by such regions of fertile soil, abundantly watered, and in so fine a climate, to become of real importance to the wealth of Missouri as a farmer; therefore he gave to that department of labor his personal encouragement by clearing a township of land.

But notwithstanding the value of the farmer and the merchant, the men most needed in his opinion, in building up the State into a structure of real beauty, were mechanics. He says that recent investigations have shown that the richness of this State in iron ore is incalculable: and the people of Missouri should be earnest in turning this vast resource to their immediate and perpetual prosperity. They should, without delay, offer every inducement to manufacturers to convert it into use, - which will tend greatly to complete the material civilization of the State.

He also became interested in the lead mines, and the firm made an extensive purchase of three thousand acres of pine and mineral land in Washington County. This property

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was located in the town of Potosi, on a branch of the Iron Mountain Railroad, sixty-five miles from St. Louis.

These lands were selected with great care, on account of their heavy growth of timber, and from the fact that there were no pine forests in the western part of the State, or in Kansas or Nebraska. The market for this lumber would not only be good in St. Louis, but large quantities must be annually sent up the Missouri River. This property was also the centre of the great lead fields of Missouri. The mineral wealth was valuable, and several exceedingly rich mines had been discovered.

As a natural result of this enterprise, a little settlement sprung up, comprising a large sawmill, with circular saws, edging and lath saws, a shingle machine, and a blacksmith shop. These workshops necessitated dwelling-houses, a store, etc.

This additional field of industry gave him not only a wider range throughout the State, but it imposed upon him corresponding obligations connected with its inhabitants – obligations which he did not tire of performing, when by so doing he could gratify or benefit them.

He was invited to address the citizens of Westphalia on the 4^th of July, 1857. Some extracts from his remarks on that occasion are here introduced: -

"It is reasonable and wise that we, as citizens of a great, progressive, and free nation, should, during one day in the year, repose from our various labors, and assemble to thank the great Giver of all blessings for the continuance, thus far, of those mercies which he gave our forefathers strength to win for us, and to ask of him, in a becoming manner, their perpetuity unto our posterity.

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It is reasonable and wise that, on such a day as this, the stillness of the land should testify to that peaceful prosperity which the industrial promptings of social equality have brought us; that the sound of the mills should cease; that the fabric of the factory should stand in the loom or the lathe; that the hammer should rest on the forge; that commerce should repose at the wharves; that the harvest should await the husbandman; and that old men and matrons, young men and maidens, childhood and youth, should come together, bid industry adieu awhile, send memory back to the past with its pleasant face, and turn towards hope, which holds up the future with a smile.

The youth, when walking the road up those mountains on whose heights history has builded her temple, reposes by the wayside in the heat of the summer’s day, and refreshed by the hour, cheered by the journey past, is stimulated for the ascent beyond. So then, to-day, in the heat of the summer’s sun, we rest an hour by the way-side, while walking steadily the road of progress up those heights where we hope to finish a structure, already begun, better than this proud world has ever reared before; and, cheered by the past, we shall gather strength by the hour to work on the way beyond.

If we may justly claim to be free, great, and prosperous as a nation, the causes that have worked out for us such a position are worthy our frequent and earnest study. If we are basking in the splendor of a government better than the world has ever known, a fact so marked in history must be underlaid by causes which that history has not yet unfolded concerning those states which have already risen, flourished, and passed away. Yet the truths of that record have their negative importance, to teach the legitimate effect of the

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causes producing them. So, by analysis, when we discover those various causes working out, with the certainty of universal law, sooner or later, their legitimate end in the sure destruction of each state or organized society in which their operations can be traced, we may hope for a happier result; a result which will teach us not to miss the better law, developing its inherent principle in a beneficent, and, we may hope, an enduring prosperity. Thus, learning error, we may discover truth.

The one great deception, which the world has perniciously clung to, has been reliance upon physical, material power. ‘Might makes right’ has been the world’s practical philosophy, religion, and morality, from the age of the Pharaohs until now, so that each growing age pulls down the weaker one passing away.

Great, progressive, and free! Potent words, pregnant with thought, action, and principle; pregnant with power, progress, and perfection; pregnant with the greatest finite result of humanity – civilization.

There is a question pendent here which the world is solving, which we are solving, which posterity is yet to solve; a question fraught with interest to humanity; a question vital to its finite perfection; and that question is, the extent of the human capacity; whether there be in man a germ of progress, which, if planted in the early gardens of the world, cultivated in the fields which civilization has prepared, will ripen into a harvest whose fruit, when the gathering time shall come, will be deemed fit to be transferred to a new earth, a better land; whether, in fact, civilization, in its proudest and best sense, is progressive. I believe it is; and this has induced

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me to say that we are a nation great, progressive, and free; that we are bearing a part, and a great one too, in the march of progress, - pressing on to fuller developments of civilization.

The fatality attending ancient civilization is attributable to its limited character or narrow extent. Intellectually, ancient society contained but one element, or represented but one power, which uprooted others. Not that the various elements natural to an organized society did not incipiently exist and contend for their relative positions, but one of those many assumed proportions too great for the existence of the others, and they were overshadowed, died, and left society subject to one idea, one element, one power, and that power was theocracy.

For the development of profound thoughts and ideas in the fine arts, we are directed to ponder the ‘mouldering records of ages,’ and read there the perfections of those ripe years. True, the lustre of that age has remained almost undimmed by the shades and mists of many centuries; still, we may look for fairer, more harmonious proportion in the building of our glorious Republic, if, as architects, we study with becoming interest the grandeur of our work.

This beautiful structure of ours is not entrusted to the genius of one mind, whose whole thoughts and life have been given to the investigation of real and ideal excellence, the blending of external and internal perfection. No; we each, and every one of us, as citizens of these United States, have a part to act in forming the beauty of this structure.

Let us see to it, then, how we use the materials of our work. Let us see to it that we do not undermine the strength

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of our Union through selfishness, ignorance, or willfulness, -- a Union which God has given us the means of making perfect in its arrangement of mutually supporting parts, mutually related forces, all combined to attain a perfect and glorious end."