Thomas Sappington

Thomas Sappington died Tuesday morning, May 15, 1860 at 5 o'clock
at his residence in Gravois of bilious fever, age 79 years. He was
a noted pioneer of the West, having emigrated with brothers from
Lexington Ky. to St. Louis upper Louisiana in the spring of 1804,
settling upon a tract of land upon which he lived and died 56 years.

Was officer under Major McNair in 1814-15, passed through perils at 
Cap Au Grist, Fort Mason, Quiver on Loutre Island and the rough
marshes of Calhoun Co. and Illinois.

Was associated of Ramseys, Boones, Harrisons, Whiteside and Longs
in early struggles in Upper Louisiana from savage and hostile bands
of Redmen. Such was the confidence reposed in his courage and
Patriotisn he received as follows the complimentary note from Gen.
McNair

Sir;--

     Therefore to you and you only can I be fully justified in
entrusting this perilous adventure with your accustomed courage,
caution and humanity take the doctor (Dr. Farrer) and my assurance
that we expect success will crown your little spartan band of St.
Louisians.

                                          Alexander McNair
                                      Commander of Fr. Mason

Sergeant Thomas Sappington that spirited soldier and quiet citizen,
honest old farmer is now no more. Gone to meet officers and brother
soldiers in another field. To meet again his old Revolutionary
Father, his wives, brothers and sisters who have gone before him.
Leaves four orphan children of the second marriage to mourn his loss.
Rest in Peace.

_____________________________________________________________________

Thomas Sappington and his wife make an interesting paragraph in the
very earliest chronicles of the County. The original record of the 
marriage in St. Louis began in 1808. The first recorded marriage in
the book still in the original hand of the Justice of the Peace who
evidently had to make his own entries is that of Thomas Sappington,
who later figures himself as a Justice and who makes entries 
accordingly

                            BONHOMME TOWNSHIP

In the district of St. Louis, Louisana Territory.

     Be it remembered that on the 27th day of October 1808, Thomas
Sappington, of full age, and Mary Ann Kingkead, of full age, being
present and the parents consenting thereto, they were by me, Richard
Caulk, Justice of the Peace for the aforesaid Township, married in 
the presence of witnesses, who have thereunto set their hands.

                          Thomas Sappington

                                 Mary Ann Kingkead

[Thomas History of St. Louis Co., Mo. Vol. I page 86]