President Ronald Regan Portrays Senator George Graham Vest
"Tribute to the Dog"
Warrensburg, Missouri Johnson County "Old Drum Trial"
Death Valley Days
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In 1870 Warrensburg, Missouri, George Graham Vest represented a farmer suing for damages after his dog, Old Drum, had been shot and killed. Vest’s closing speech included this quote, “The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.”
In 1958, a statue of Old Drum was erected on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn containing a summation of Vest’s closing speech, “A man’s best friend is his dog.”[7][8]
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| Warrensburg, Missouri Old Drum Statue on North Holden Street The statue was paid for by donations collected nationwide by the local Chamber of Commerce. Even President Harry S. Truman donated 25.00 dollars towards the 950.00 costs.  |
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| Eulogy on the Dog 1870 Warrensburg, Missouri
Trial of Old Drum on Youtube "Nathan Hale"
Conceptual Plan Announced April 2016 Old Drum Plaza Warrenburg, Missouri |
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| Arcturis Link |
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Old Drum Warrensburg, Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri 
1958 Statue Committee formed for Old Drum
Richard Raker and Arnold Riddle Spearhead
Warrensburg, MO
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| Old Drum - Tribute to a Dog Warrensburg, Missouri |
Daily star journal link
Public can listen to plan to erect public plaza
JACK “MILES” VENTIMIGLIA Editor | Saturday, April 2, 2016
The southern half of Maynard Street, based on one design idea, would extend Warrensburg’s reputation for being home to man’s best friend by featuring famous dogs from around the world. Each trellis, like the one depicted here, would be named for a famous dog, with a dog silhouette in bronze and a plaque describing the fame each dog achieved.
Warrensburg – The community has a chance to hear more about the proposed downtown plaza that could increase the city’s reputation as being home to man’s best friend.
“Everybody is invited to attend the meeting,” Warrensburg Main Street Director Julie Turnipseed said. “There will be open questions and answers after the presenters are finished.”
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at the Warrensburg Municipal Center, 200 S. Holden St., across from City Hall.
Three experts associated with the potential development will attend, she said.
Landscape architect Russell Volmert from Acturis, a St. Louis architecture and planning firm, will discuss plans for creating a plaza on the west side of the former courthouse on North Holden Street.
“It is not ‘the’ plan, but ‘a’ plan,” Turnipseed said.
The Missouri Development Finance Board’s Kim Martin will talk about the Tax Credit for Contributions Program.
The general manager for Chillicothe Comfort Inn and Suites, who also is that city’s chamber director, Chrystal Narr, will talk about a plaza development in Chillicothe.
“She is the person who implemented the Silver Moon Plaza,” Turnipseed said
Silver Moon Plaza became a centerpiece for downtown Chillicothe.
“It is very similar to the project that we will be doing with Old Drum Plaza,” Turnipseed said.
The Warrensburg plaza has been in discussion for more than a year and feedback is positive, she said.
“We have people asking about it, wanting to know what the status is,” Turnipseed said. “I feel strongly that this will come to fruition; that this project will become a reality.”
The community would benefit from the plaza, she said.
“This will be a great gathering place for our community for a lot of different things – if you just want to come and have your lunch, or if you want to have a community gathering, our farmers market, our Burg Fest, concert series… There are so many events that could use this space,” Turnipseed said.
The plaza would face Maynard Street on the west side of the square.
During last year’s design charrette, Volmert showed photos and presented ideas on what other communities have done to create a downtown, community meeting spot.
Volmert has more than 25 years of experience in the planning and design of public spaces, including streets, plazas and parks. He has worked on downtown projects in such cities as Chillicothe, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau and Sikeston.
Volmert in June presented slides with artist renderings of how the west side of Warrensburg’s square could look. The idea, subject to change, called for keeping some parking spaces next to the county building, but removing about 11 spaces. The freed space could be used for trellises, a small fountain and images telling the stories of famous dogs to complement the story of Old Drum.
Other dogs that could be featured include Balto, which led a sled team through whiteout conditions to deliver life-saving serum to combat a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska; Sgt. Stubby, the Army’s most-decorated dog, which saved lives by warning of gas attacks in World War I, found wounded men, captured an enemy soldier and visited with President Woodrow Wilson; and Rin Tin Tin, a dog found on a World War II battlefield and became a Hollywood star.
(c)2016 The Daily Star-Journal (Warrensburg, Mo.)
Visit The Daily Star-Journal (Warrensburg, Mo.) at www.dailystarjournal.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Tribute to a Dog
George Graham Vest (1830-1904) served as U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1879 to 1903 and became one of the leading orators and debaters of his time. This delightful speech is from an earlier period in his life when he practiced law in a small Missouri town. It was given in court while representing a man who sued another for the killing of his dog. During the trial, Vest ignored the testimony, and when his turn came to present a summation to the jury, he made the following speech and won the case.
Gentlemen of the Jury: The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us, may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.
The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. He will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.
If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death.
George Graham Vest - c. 1855
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| The Current Local, Van Buren, Missouri Newspaper June 19, 1919 |
A Little Old Courthouse with a Big Trial for a Dog
1838 Courthouse
Made entirely of local materials, the foundation of sandstone, the handmade bricks and indigenous trees were all carefully constructed into the simple but lovely structure that was the seat of county business and justice from its completion to 1871. The ground floor interprets the original courtroom, while the second floor houses numerous exhibits. Though the courthouse was not completed until 1842, the court had ordered its construction by 1838. A special exhibit on the second floor is dedicated to the events of the Civil War in Johnson County. The Courthouse is also the site of special events, such as historic plays, exhibits, and the Eclectic Cafe Concert Series.
The Old Courthouse (1838-1871) still stands, carefully restored, in its original location at 302 North Main Street, Warrensburg, Missouri.
The period courtroom and upstairs offices pay tribute to the brave pioneers who built it. The Trial of Old Drum, where George Graham Vest’s Eulogy to the Dog was delivered, took place in this courthouse in 1870. To help commemorate this historic event, the town hosts an annual event called “Old Drum Day Festival” held on the second Saturday in April .
Main Street Museum
is the main museum of Johnson County Missouri history and partners with the Mary Miller Smiser Heritage Library in a two-level building. On the lower level are the Archives of Johnson County. The street level floor is divided between library holdings and facilities and the museum proper. Currently on exhibit in the museum are artifacts of early pioneer life in the county with lovely handmade local furniture. Also included: Letterwriting, Ladies Fashion and Housekeeping, Medicine and Health, Music, Schools and Pertle Springs.
Elm School
is an early 20th Century one-room school from western Johnson County. It was moved to the Original Courthouse Square of Johnson County in 1996.
Lovingly restored, it has been a site for reenactments of old school days, school tours, meetings and dinners. Just entering the quaint old school revives memories of days in similar schools.
The Trial of Old Drum
The shot that rang out on the night of October 18, 1869 affected dog lovers everywhere. On that night that Old Drum was shot, and when Charles Burden found his favorite dog dead he vowed someone would pay for the murder of his beloved and valuable hound.
That “someone” was his neighbor and brother-in-law, Leonidas Hornsby. A number of his sheep had recently been killed by dogs, and he vowed death to the first dog found on his property. Old Drum was that dog.
Burden could not let the death of Old Drum go unpunished, and the case went to court. Read more….
Festival for the Whole Family and their Dogs!
A reenactment of the trial of Old Drum the dog in the Historic Courthouse, Best Friends Dog Show, Vendors & Exhibitors. Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April in the 300 Block of North Main Street, Warrensburg, MO
Visit the Historical Society
302 N Main St
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: 660-747-6480 Museum tours are available 1-4, Monday – Saturday
Guided tours and group tours by appointment.
1. Selena Gomez and Baylor
Although Gomez adopted Baylor with her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber, Baylor is now all Gomez’s pup. In fact, Gomez is quite the rescuer–Baylor is her 6th rescue! Watch her gush about her pooch here.
2. Charlize Theron and Tucker
Theron is a huge animal advocate and has been very active in that arena. Theron’s also adopted three other dogs; Tucker is actually her fourth rescue.
3. Hilary Swank and Karoo and Rumi
Swank is a longtime animal advocate. In fact, she told Petfinder: “I am a really big advocate for speaking up for animals that need to be adopted, and when you think about the statistics, to me, there is no other option but to adopt.” Swank is never without her furbabies and is often seen traveling with her pups to shoot locations.
4. Jake Gyllenhaal and Boo Radley and Atticus
Both of Gyllenhaal’s dogs are rescues and named after Harper Lee’s iconic characters inTo Kill A Mocking Bird. In an interview with Movies Online, Gyllenhaal said that he had a rather distant relationship with animals growing up, but after Brokeback Mountain, he felt like he was ready for a dog.
5. Zooey Deschanel and Dot and Zelda
As soon as she met Dot, Zooey fell in love with her. When she found out that Dot had a sister, she adopted the sibling as well because she couldn’t bear to separate this sweet sibling pair. Watch Zooey share her awwwdoption story here.
6. Rachel Bilson and Thurman Murman
Bilson’s famous for adopting multiple dogs throughout the years. (Remember her pup Penny Lane that she adopted with her O.C. co-star/then-boyfriend Adam Brody?) Though Brody and Bilson eventually broke up, (boo!) she continued to share a strong bond with Penny. She also has her current rescue pup Thurman Murman, a grumpy grandog extraordinaire!
7. Ryan Reynolds and Baxter
Reynolds says he was looking for a pooch for his friend when he quite awwdorably “fell in love” with his now pup. In an interview with ABC News Reynolds said, “I saw this big, dumb-looking Retriever staring up at me…I whispered to him, ‘Hey, let’s get the hell out of here.’ And he jumped up, like he spoke English fluently. He came with me, he jumped in the car, and we’ve been best buddies ever since.”
8. Jane Lynch and Olivia and Francis
“When I met my dog at an adoption fair, I said ‘Olivia’ and she gave me this look that said, ‘Yeah, whatever lady, just get me out of here!’” Lynch recounted in an interview forCesar’s Way. Her other dog Francis was an unplanned adoption. While playing with the dogs and cats at a Kinder4Rescue.Org adoption event she came across (what looks like) a Catahoula mix pup. She left without adopting–but then she came right back for him!
9. Kellan Lutz and Kola and Kevin
This scorching hot guy from Twilight also happens to be a huge animal lover and adoption advocate! (We’re swooning here.) In an exclusive interview with PETA, Lutz recalled the day he met Kola: “I touched her toe and said, ‘Hey, what’s your name?'” He also said, “She spoke to me.” Kevin, his Chihuahua, is also a rescue.
10. Jon Hamm and Cora
Hamm adopted Cora with his long-time girlfriend Jennifer Westdfeldt. In an interview with Animal Fair, Hamm said, “We went and saw her and fell in love, she’s been in our lives for eight years.”
11. Emma Stone + Andrew Garfield and Ren
Stone already had a dog when she decided to get Ren with her boyfriend, Andrew Garfield. According to People Pets, they initially fostered the Golden Retriever before falling completely in love and adopting her.
12. Kristen Bell and Lola and Mr. Shakes
We ALL know how much Bell loves sloths. (Remember that time her husband gifted her a sloth for her birthday and she cried and cried?). Well she absolutely loves dogs as well! Both her dogs are adopted. She even saved her pup Mr. Shakes from being euthanized! You can watch her sweet adoption story here.
13. Orlando Bloom and Sidi
Bloom rescued Sidi from Morocco when he was filming Kingdom of Heaven in Africa. His Saluki mix pup goes everywhere with Bloom! Watch him talk about his BFF and the meaning behind his pup’s name here.
14. Simon Cowell and Squiddly and Diddly
Cowell adopted his cute Terriers in late 2013. Turns out he’s quite the animal ruver. I mean, can you even picture Simon freakin’ Cowell talking all things doge and coo-ing over his pups? If you can’t, let me help you a little. You can watch him go all goo goo ga ga onThe Ellen Show.
15. Anne Hathaway and Kenobi
In July of this year, Hathaway added Terrier mix rescue Kenobi to her family. She also has a beautiful Chocolate Lab named Esmerelda.
16. Bradley Cooper and Samson and Charlotte
Cooper rescued Samson when he saw the German Short-Haired Pointer on a kill-shelter site. He fell in love with 7-year-old Charlotte at an adoption drive. He shared his animal ruv on People Pets: “I lucked out, I got two great rescues…I’m sort of a hybrid of both my dogs. Samson is stoic and makes me earn it and Charlotte loves me undyingly. They’re my kids.” Watch him talk about his pups here.
17. Miranda Lambert and her SIX Rescues
Lambert rescued three of her dogs from a shelter and found the other three in various places. That’s some true doge love.
18. Josh Hutcherson and Driver
If he didn’t already melt your heart as Peeta in The Hunger Games, this is going to turn it into one soppy pile of mush. Hutcherson didn’t just rescue any pup, he rescued a Pit Bull puppy that was at the shelter for a 110 days! Talk about a whole lot of heart. Driver was dropped off at a shelter with two toes missing and a broken leg, but was able to get surgery right in time for Hutcherson to take him home. Puppily ever after indeed.
19. Kaley Cuoco and Shirley, Norman and Ruby.
Cuoco has THREE rescue Pit Bulls as well as her most recent adopted pooch, Ruby. Watch her share stories about her wonderful dogs and their quirks here.
20. George Clooney and Einstein
Silver fox, actor, humanitarian and all-around movie star, Clooney rescued his dog from a shelter in early 2010. He came across Einstein online. In an interview with Esquire,Clooney recalled, “So I go online and see Einstein. They had a whole film about him. It was actually really sweet. You see him all beat up and shit in the shelter, and they show how they cleaned him up. God, I love this dog. So I called and said, ‘I like Einstein!'”
21. Amanda Seyfried and Finn
The relationship between Seyfried and her Australian Shepherd rescue is seriously one of the sweetest ones out there (as evidenced by the picture is above). In an interview withEllen DeGeneres Seyfried said, “He cuddles with me and he listens to me, and he loves me and he looks at me all the time.” He’s also is the quite literally the most famous celebrity pet with his own posse of Twitter followers.
22. Sandra Bullock and Poppy and Ruby
Bullock actually has three dogs who are all rescues and who all happen to be special needs pooches! Poppy is a tripod, Ruby is a bipod, and Bebe (not pictured) is a Chihuahua with a missing eye. We’re seriously impressed with Miss Congeniality here.
23. Jennifer Aniston and Dolly and Sophie
Aniston rescued white German Shepherd Dolly in 2006. And she recently rescued a Pit Bull with her fiancé Justin Theroux whom they named Sophie. And in an interview Aniston said, ““We were there (at the shelter) for three hours, and I’m telling you, I…almost [walked] out with three puppies. It’s so hard. That’s why we named her Sophie, because it was Sophie’s Choice. I was crying – it was so hard.” Aniston’s love of dogs is very well known. After all, when Norman (the ruv of her life) passed away in 2011, she got a tattoo of his name in his honor. That’s proof enough that Aniston’s pup love runs deep and strong.
24. Kelly Clarkson and her Band of Rescue Pups
Besides Clarkson’s pup Joplin (who passed away in 2013) and her other furbabies Bear and Wyatt, Clarkson also cares for around 30 rescue dogs. And that’s not including the horses and pigs and other animals she has essentially adopted. She’s a glowing example of kindness as she used her huge ranch home to help all these animals. In an interview with NME Magazine Clarkson said, “It’s like a rescue ranch now. We have 30 dogs, 14 horses. We still only have three ponies and four minis, but we have goats now, two pigs we rescued called Miss Daisy and Boss Hog, I gave those to my brother.”
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| Pres. Ronald Regan Portrayed Sen. George Graham Vest, Tribute to a Dog, based on the the Old Drum Trial in Warrensburg, Missouri Johnson County |
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