Cecil D. Ball
Richard A. Bougham

This is the will and testament of Cecil D. Ball of Little Osage County, Missouri, dated April 16, 1859. In this document, Ball bequeaths $5,000 to the Presbyterian Church of Little Osage as long as the church never employs a preacher who promotes “in public or private any abolition or anti-slavery doctrines or principles.” Ball stipulates that if the church fails to comply, the bequest will be forfeited. A codicil dated November 15, 1860 voids this stipulation.

April 16, 1859

Bleeding Kansas, Bloodletting Missouri

Cecil D. Ball
Richard A. Bougham

Vernon County, Missouri

Legal Document

Bushwhacker Museum

Ball Collection

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