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Joseph L. Fant (September 15, 1824 – October 21, 1901) was a 19th-century American military officer, businessman, lawyer, and politician. He served in both the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. He was an industrious farmer and businessman and eventually took up the law. He was also involved in politics, most notably in a controversial 1866 state house election. During his life, he gained a reputation as a worthy and respected citizen of Warren County, Missouri.

Early Life
Joseph L. Fant, the son of Richard L. Fant and Rachel Clark Blackburn, was born in Fauquier County, Virginia on September 15, 1824. His twin sister Lucy Ann Fant had been born the previous day. His father was a wainwright by trade. Fant spent his first 11 years in his native Virginia. In April 1836, his parents moved to St. Charles County, Missouri. After about a year, the family moved to Warren County. They lived in the vicinity of Marthasville until 1839, when they moved to Warrenton, the newly selected county seat. There was a large log church built in the vicinity of Hopewell around 1831 which also served as a school house. Fant was one of several boys who rose to prominence after beginning their scholastic careers in this old building. Six years later the family moved again, this time to Jefferson City where Fant's father engaged in the hotel business. Subsequently, his father's time was divided between his trade and the management of his hotel.

Fant had four brothers and five sisters namely: Mary, who died the wife of Richard Owens, of this county ; Martha, the wife of James Vivian, of St. Louis; Hamilton G., now a successfully retired banker of Washington City, D.C.; Lucy A., the wife of Henry Oliver, of Callaway county; Salina, who is the widow of Charles Simon, of that county; Thomas W., a resident of California; Roberta, who married Lieut. Edward Fant, of the regular United States service before the war, and during the war a gallant officer in the Confederate army, killed before Richmond in June, 1862. She is also deceased.

Capt. Fant remained with his parents until about the time he was 19 years of age, when he started out for himself. He obtained a situation in the store of H. G. Fant, in the fall of 1843, at Jefferson City, in which he clerked for some two years. He then became a trader on the plains with the Indians.

Mexican-American War
"In May, 1846, war was declared against the Republic of Mexico, and following the call of the President for troops, Gov. Edwards, of Missouri, issued a call for volunteers for the Army of the West. A company was immediately raised in Warrenton, of which Thomas W. Stewart was elected captain. Among those who enlisted in this com- pany were P. P. Stewart, J. H. Faulconer, Lewis Gibson, A. Z. Kent, Joseph L. Fant and James A. Stewart. The organization met and were regularly drilled for a time when it was announced that the quota from Missouri had been filled, and that their services would not be required. Joseph L. Fant, following the disbandment of the company, enlisted in an adjoining county in Capt. Parson's company of the First Missouri cavalry."

Fant's father had served during the War of 1812.

Shortly after the outbreak of the Mexican War, young Fant enlisted under Capt. Monroe M. Parsons, in Company F, 1st Regiment of Missouri Mounted Volunteers, commanded by Col. A. W. Doniphan. After the close of his term of service, Mr. Fant returned to Warrenton, his former home.

Doniphan's men ultimately embarked on ships and returned to Missouri via New Orleans to a hero's welcome. His campaign had taken him and his men on a march of nearly 5,500 miles (8,900 km), considered the longest military campaign since the times of Alexander the Great.

Inter-War Years
On September 21, 1847, Joseph L. Fant married Ruth H. Stewart, the daughter of Griffith Stewart and Mary Cahall. She was born November 17, 1832 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. About this time, Fant engaged in the manufacture of tobacco and in general merchandising.

News that Sutter had discovered gold in paying quantities in California in 1848 reached Warren county during the summer of that year and created a genuine gold fever. Inspired by dreams of sudden wealth, parties were organized to brave the dangers and hardships of the journey to the Golden State. Before winter had set in, a number of Warren County residents, including Fant, had departed to seek their fortunes on the west coast and additional parties were making arrangements to follow in their wake. Several of the early California pioneers returned home and now reside in the county, while a number died in the Western country.

On December 26, 1855 Mr. Dyer nominated Joseph L. Fant.

He owned a farm located a quarter of a mile from Wright City. The 105 acre tract was equal timber and prairie with a good two story frame-house, a water well, a meat house, a tobacco barn, good frame stables sufficient to hold thirty horses, and 55 acres in a good state of cultivation, including a fine young orchard of select fruit. Continuing in this for a number of years, he also, after a time, read law. His mother died on October 10, 1858 at the age of 62. When he was admitted to the bar in 1861, he moved to Warrenton for the practice of his profession.

Agricultural Association "In 1859 citizens of Warrenton and many of the leading farmers of the county united in an effort to organize a county agricultural society. The necessity for such an association, it was claimed, existed in Warren county to no less degree than in surrounding communities, and the result was that a county fair was determined upon. The following well known residents of the county were selected to make the initiatory move in establishing an annual exhibition: Peter Harmon, Dr. Churchill, G. Strother, Joseph L. Fant, Peter P. Stewart, Christian Graff, Grief Stewart, John L. Howell and Garrett Schnick. Mr. Harmon was elected president and Dr. Strother, secretary. Suitable grounds were selected west of Warrenton, and the necessary buildings erected. The association held one fair, which was not very encouraging to its promoters, and in the winter of 1860 the buildings were destroyed by fire. No effort was made to rebuild, and the idea of a yearly fair was abandoned until the spring of 1868, when another effort was made to organize."

July 18, 1860 "Mr. Peers has handed us a copy of the Warrenton Nonpereil datid July 18th, 1860. It is the first number of the paper, issued by Pleasants & Corwin, and contains some interesting matter. The salutary of the editor, Robert Pleasants, takes up two and a half columns, which probably accounts for the early demise of the paper. Politics were decidedly warm in those days. In addition to the feeling over the National election which was intensified by the probability that civil war would follow the result, the canvass was made especially interesting by a spirited debate between Jas. S. Rollins and John B. Henderson for congress. An announcement for these distinguished politicians to speak at Marthasville on July 20th appears in the paper. It was in this canvass that Rollins and Henderson accused each other of being tinctured with abolitionism, and both indignantly denied the accusation. The charge was true in both cases but neither of the men had the courage to frankly declare their sentiments on the question. Gallant Frank Blair alone had the boldness at that time to openly assert his convictions when such a course meant political annihilation. The same issue of the paper contains the announcements of P. P. Stewart, Royal J. Kennedy and Dr. Albert Powell as independent candidates for the legislature. All were Democrats but Stewart and Powell, were for Douglas, while Kennedy supported Breckenridge. Judge Kennedy was elected. Joseph L. Fant, Lemuel Thurman and C. T. Archer were candidates for sheriff, and Judge Archer carried off the cake. Climp Bryan, Nick Stephenson, Wade Thurman, Lou Kennedy and Josiah Mann were candidates for assessor and Mr. Mann led the list. J. W. McFaden was the only announced candidate for "county justice." Judge Parker was public administrator and gives notice of dual settlement of the estates of Thomas Austin and Thomas E. Wry. Capt. Fant was running the Sievert mill then and gave notice he would "at any time stop the saw to grind a wagon load of grain." The professional cards of Dr. C. G. Strother, Dr. J. E. Hutton, now of the Mexico Intelligencer and a candidate for Congress, and Dr. Hughes appear in the proper column. L. J. Dryden and Col. F. Morsey were offering to attend promptly to all business intrusted to their care, while "Shanghai Allen," now of Troy, and A. Z. Kent were also members of the bar. Aside from the block in front of the Court House Warrenton has been almost entirely rebuilt since this issue of the Nonpareil, the old frame and log houses having given way to substantial brick structures. The Warrenton of to-day bears but slight resemblance to the Warrenton of twenty-four years ago."

Civil War
Despite coming from a family of slave owners, Fant took the side of the Union during the war, and early enlisted in the Federal service. His brothers-in-law fought for the Confederacy. His brother H. G. Fant seems to have supported the Union but did not serve.

In the summer of 1862 he was made Second Lieutenant of Co. C, 32nd Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and in the following summer was promoted to a captaincy, the command of Co. K, which he held until he was honorably discharged from the service.

Fant was commissioned as Second Lieutenant of Company C, Thirty-Second Regiment Infantry, Missouri Volunteers on August 1, 1862.

Joseph L. Fant was commissioned as Captain of Company K, Thirty-Second Regiment Infantry, Missouri Volunteers on December 15, 1862 (to rank from December 8, 1862).

"In August, 1862, Capt. Joseph L. Fant, of Warrenton, organized a company of volunteers for the Union army,which was afterwards known as Co. K, Thirty-second Missouri infantry, and the roster of his company contained the names of the following residents of Warren county: David F. Carson, first sergeant; Henry M. Arnell, second corporal; Martin S. Copenhaven, third sergeant; Archibald C. McKinnon, first corporal; Charles F. Holbach, third corporal; Charles Wasserman, sixth corporal. Privates. -Joseph R. Arnell, William Brown, Samuel C. Cope, Arthur L. Cravens, John L. Dandridge, John Friebe, John D. Hum-"

In May 1863, Capt. Fant wrote a letter to Christian Graf from Young's Point.

"Sir: As I have a little leisure this morning I indeavor to write a few lines. The Main Army under Gen. Grant took up the line of march on the 28th day of April and proceeded to Richmond, thence—trige on the Miss. 40 miles below Vicksburg, thence embarked on transports to Grand Gulf, capturing that place with some prisoners, thence to Fort Gibson taking that place with four or five hundred prisoners, thence to Roanoke on the Vicksburg and Jackson R.R., occupying that place, thence to Jackson, the capitol of Miss. Started back after burning the place, destroying entire R.R. Engaged the enemy at Champion Bluff, next the Black River bridge, next at Haines Bluff, fighting at every point up to Monday the 17th, taking nine thousand prisoners and about seventy-five pieces of artillery and . . . . Among the prisoners were Seme Kent, Wm. Shelton and others of my acquaintence. We drove the enemy before us until we reached their last entrenchment which is very strong. We have not a great many men. Gen. Grant ceased firing yesterday at twelve and says that he has watched them in front for four months and he will watch them there in the rear or have the whole of them. They will be bound to surrender as we have them in a compress of about two miles square in this shape. (Drawn picture). Which you see they have no chance to escape and Grant thinks it is much better to starve them out than storm the place and lose his brave men. All of Price’s old army are in the cage and we have bagged them at last. I have not been in the last campaign as the brigade was divided and I had the honor of being the commander of the brigade which was left behind, but I assure that I have not been idle all the while. I have as much to do as I want. I have my force in front of the city. Though I expect to have the whole command in the rear in a few days. One Regt. is under orders at the present time to move the 31st of the month. It seems that I am considered a pretty fair military man. I handle the brigade about as easy as I can a company. Our mortars has set to work again since I commenced writing. I believe I have given the outline but when I commenced writing I am hurried to death and can’t write as I wish and you must excuse this as I am disturbed every second. I judge by the time this reaches you, John Dandridge and James Stacks (?) will be at home. They deserted me on the 18th. They were my orderlies. I want them both snatched as soon as they arrive. Keep this a secret. They may keep out of the way. Graf, I have been informed that old Ben Price will invade Missouri this summer and I expect to come home on a visit and if things are. . . in the State and the militia in Warren County (has) a good. . . militia. . . to lead them, for the love of my state, I will resign my present position and lead them to the end of the war (?) We shall go on in our grand march, prospering and to prosper. You can aid in this matter and see whether it will be acceptable or not. I only (hope) I can keep from two to five companies on active (duty) all the time and well equipped. I could get all that I would desire from the Governor as I have been in the service and he thinks a great deal of me. I could receive the appointment from him but would not if it was agreeable with the officers and men in the county and would not then unless they would organize as many as three companies for active duty, one to stay in Warrenton and the two placed (?) in the field. I would take a great pleasure in this. I have been wrote on the subject from St. Louis and also I. B. Hendison. It seems as if they want me here in the militia. I can’t see what they want with me. I can’t fight. Give my regards to all the inquiring friends and tell them I always keep the right side up and am. . . a lark. To the Widow Fant give my best love and tell her I am very anxious to see her but God only knows when. To your family and Fritz Micher in fact all good Union loving people, friend or foe, and devil take the traitors, I close. I have the honor to be your most obedient servant.—(Signed) J. G. Fant, Capt., Co. 32nd Mo. BB 1 B. P.S. Answer this. Give all the news. The prisoners are sent to Island No 10."

His brother-in-law Lt. Edward Fant, of the regular United States service before the war, was a gallant officer in the Confederate army. He was killed before Richmond in June, 1862.

Capt. Fant penned his letter of resignation on July 4, 1863 from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman accepted Fant's resignation later that month.

WRIGHT CITY RAID "In September, 1863, an event occurred which, to this day, is the subject of comment and discussion, as to who was responsible for the burning of a portion of the village of Wright City. The Union militia learning that a small band of the Confederates were encamped in the timber, about two miles west of that place, determined to attempt their capture under command of Capt. Joseph L. Fant. The militia surrounded the woods and began to close in upon the guerrillas. Believing their capture inevitable, the Confederates made a bold dash for liberty. They charged the Union line, kept up a rapid firing, which was as hotly returned, but under cover of smoke and excitement the party escaped, although one of them was severely wounded, and afterwards killed. In the skirmish William Berchlage, a member of the militia com- pany, and who lived near the Boone's Lick road, about four miles from the scene of the fight, was instantly killed. These Confederates it was known had been provisioned by citizens of Wright City, reports to that effect haviig been heard for some time prior to the attack in the woods. This fact, and the killing of Berchlage, incensed the militia, who determined to avenge the death of their comrade, and at the same time attempt to prevent the extension of further aid and comfort to the roaming bands of bushwhackers. News of the death of Berchlage soon reached Wright City, and the people there feared that the town would be attacked. Runners were sent over into Lin- coln county where Capt. John E. Ball was encamped with a company of Union men, and he was requested to repair at once to the town to protect its people. Capt. Ball, accompanied by Lieut. H. H. Schaper and a portion of his command, immediately started overland, but ar- rived too late to prevent the destruction of a few buildings owned by men who were well known sympathizers with the rebellion. The militia rode to the village, repaired to the Baptist Church, which was known as a rallying place for the Confederate element of that vicinity, applied the torch, then fired the blacksmith shop of Clint Bryan, a well known and active Confederate sympathizer. The next victim was one Bill Kennedy, who kept a saloon, and was a notorious rebel. This building was also fired, and the three structures burned to the ground. But for the timely arrival of Capt. Ball, who advised the maddened militia quietly to withdraw, there is no doubt that Wright City would have been entirely destroyed."

Later Life
He then returned to Warrenton and engaged in the practice of his profession, and became interested in farming. He has since been actively identified with these pursuits, and is also a notary public.

Election of November 4, 1866 "The vote for member of the Legislature was: Joseph L. Fant, 385; C. A. Kuhl, 381; Fant's majority, 4. Mr. Kuhl immediately gave notice of contest, and in the testimony before the justices of the peace who heard the case, succeeded in proving to the satisfaction of the court, that Fant had received five or six illegal votes, whereupon the certificate was issued to Kuhl. Fant then carried the contest to Jefferson City, where the committee on elections, after hearing the facts, sustained Kuhl, who retained his seat. A good story is told of Fant's success in securing pay and mileage for the time spent at Jefferson City in endeavoring to secure his seat. After the decision of the committee in favor of Kuhl, Mr. Appleby, member from Scotland county, moved that Mr. Fant be allowed the regular pay and mileage, amounting to nearly $300. The proposition carried. During a conversation between Dr. William Adams, member from Butler county, and Mr. Alsop, of Douglas, which occurred immediately after adjournment, Mr. Alsop remarked that the idea of paying contestants in that manner was all wrong, and that in his opinion, so long as the practice was maintained, the House would be bored with expensive contests. He also declared his intention of moving on the following day that the vote granting Fant the allowance be reconsidered. Adams, who was a friend of Fant, at once went to him, and suggested that he had better see Alsop in regard to the matter. Fant replied, " Let him reconsider; it's a matter of no consequence to me. I've got the money in my trousers pocket, and he can move a reconsideration and be hanged." The House after making the donation to Fant had adjourned late in the afternoon, but, nevertheless, Fant had secured a voucher, had it signed by the Speaker, properly audited, and had drawn his money before evening, and his rapid manner of transacting business, especially when personally interested, brought out the remark from a well known member of the House, that Joe Fant would never require a guardian."

Contested election.

Resolution introduced against Fant. "Mr. Hewitt, chairman of the Committe on Elections, by leave, submitted the following report: To the honorable the Speaker of the House of Representatives: Your Committee on Elections having had under consideration the case referred to them of Joseph L. Fant, contestor, against Christian A. Kuhl, contestee and sitting member of this House from AVarren county, ask leave to make the following report. The points entered in this case were three : 1. As to the eligibility of Kuhl on the charge of not having such residence in this State as the law requires for a member of this Housei 2. As to the eligibility of Fant on account of certain alleged disloyal expressions in the early part of 1861. 3. As to the number of legal votes cast for each. The testimony on each point was voluminous and conflicting. Upon the first point, whether Mr. Kuhl had such residence in this State as would make him eligible to the office, your committee are unanimous that he had. Upon the third point—the number of legal votes thrown for each— there was a large mass of testimony, and it was proved to the satisfaction of the committee that some illegal votes were cast for each. • After deducting some votes from the number thrown for each, the committee are of opinion that Mr. Kuhl still had left him the most legal votes, and therefore was entitled to his certificate of election. Upon the second point—the charge of disloyal expressions attributed to Mr. Fant in the early part of 1S6J—the committee did not find it necessary to form or express any opinion upon the subject. There Avas conflicting evidence upon that point; but in justice to Mr. Fant it should be said that whether he did or did not make use of the language attributed to him in May or June, 1861, it was abundantly proven that ever since the summer or fall of 1861 Mr. Fant has been an earnest and consistent Union man and has done good service in the Union army. Upon the whole case, your committee unanimously agree upon the following resolution, which they report for the action of the House : Resolved, That Joseph L. Fant is not entitled to the seat now occupied by Christian A. Kuhl as member of this House from Warren county; which was read, and, on motion, the resolution was adopted."

In 1871, Fant announced that he had leased the Woods Hotel at the Warrenton Depot, which had long been favorably known to the public. The location was convenient for people with business in Warrenton and guests were offered complimentary transportation to and from town. The tables were supplied in great abundance with all the delicacies the market could afford. He also kept a livery stable in connection with the hotel where saddle horses and carriages were available at reasonable prices.

The Foster case, August 29, 1875.

1884 property sold at public auction.

Capt. J. L. Fant, on Monday (Oct 18 1886) while attempting to get on his horse, fell and was right painfully but not seriously hurt. 1886 Election "Last Friilay evening between four and five o'clock, Capt. J. L. Fant, candidate for representative, and George Bartholomæus, editor of the Volksfreund and a candidate for senatorial honors of this, the 10th district, met in the Warren County Bank, and upon an accusation made by Bartholomæus against Fant to the effect that Fant, had been circulating a report over the county that he, Bartholomæus, was a socialist. Capt. Fant denied the above statement and Bartholomæus continued to insist that he had made such statements and further said that Landon Rummons had told him such. This in one sence of the term, meant as much as Bartholomæus giving Fant the d––m lie, which had a tendency to irritate the Captain's fighting qualities, causing him to strike Bartholomæus two or three times. They were parted by T. J. Fariss. The whole scene was nothing short of the two houses being In joint discussion and finally locked horns."

1887–1888 Election WARREN James L. Fant, D (560) Henry A. Schoppenhorst, R (1,419) Majority (859)

Ruth, his wife of more than 45 years, died on May 6, 1893 at the age of 60.

On January 10, 1897, he married Harriet F. Burgess, the widow of Spotswood A. Dandridge and daughter of William and Elizabeth Burgess. She was born on May 27, 1840 and died June 9, 1924.

On March 21, 1899, Fant received news that his son Hamilton had died.

Fant served as a Justice of the Peace in Warrenton from 1897 to 1898.

Fant served as a Justice of the Peace in Warrenton from 1889 to 1900.