January 7

The Missouri State Convention of 1865 was called to order on January 6th in St. Louis. On the second day, Saturday, January 7, 1865, a prayer was led by Rev. Thomas Cole, and the Secretary called the roll. The journal of the previous day’s proceedings was read and approved. The Committee on Credentials respectfully reported its findings. Everyone had presented their certificates of election except James Mitchell of the Fifth District, George Husmann of the Twenty-First District, whose certificates had been left at home, and Rankin and Rohrer of the Seventeenth District; those issues had been resolved, and everyone was approved.

The Committee appointed to report on the permanent officers needed by the Convention for the transaction of business then gave their report, and Nominations were made. “The vote being taken, Mr. Krekel received 36 votes, and Mr. Clover received 20 votes. Mr. Krekel having received a majority of all the votes cast, was declared duly elected President of the Convention, which on motion of Mr. Bush, was declared the unanimous choice of the Convention by acclamation, which was agreed to.” (1)

The Committee then proceeded to elect a further slate of officers. Mr. Charles D. Drake was the unanimous choice for Vice-President, Mr. Amos P. Foster was unanimously elected as Secretary, Mr. Thomas Proctor was Assistant Secretary, Mr. Henry J. Stierlin was elected Doorkeeper, and Mr. John W. Stephens was elected Sergeant-At-Arms.

After that, they appointed a Committee of three to arrange with the loyal clergymen of St. Louis to attend the meetings of this Convention each morning to open them with prayer.

On motion, the Convention adjourned until next Monday morning at 10 o’clock.

[January 8th of 1865 was a Sunday]

NOTES

1)Journal of the Missouri State Convention, Held at the City of St. Louis, January 6-April 10, 1865. As printed in the Missouri Democrat, Corner Fourth and Pine Streets. 1865