This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: KyResearchNut Surnames: COMPTON Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.missouri.counties.jackson/6246/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Taken from Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY, Feb 11, 1921 COMPTON - Former Garrard Co. Citizen Dies in Independence, Missouri. George L. Compton, who was born at Buena Vista, Garrard County, September 28, 1831, died at his home in Independence,, Mo, to which city he moved in 1854. With a friend he started to California seeking adventure. They stopped off at Independence and Mr. Compton took a position overseeing a ranch, later resigning and taking a place as stage driver, which then was the only means of communication between Independence and the Western settlements of the country. For many years he drove the stage and the mail wagon over the old Santa Fe trail. In 1885, Mr. Compton went into the real estate business in Kansas City and Independence, becoming a wealthy man. He maintained a winter home in Los Angeles, where he had spent many winters until this season when his physical health did not permit him to make the trip. He used to tell of his trips between Independence and New Mexico, saying he had stood watching buffalo run at a high speed in such numbers that it required one hour for the herd to pass a given point. He was probably the last living man of that section who was active in driving over the old Santa Fe trail between his town and New Mexico. Many times his return load from Santa Fe was made up entirely of sacks containing silver dollars. If he arrived in Independence after the banks were closed, it was his custom to unload the silver on the sidewalks, leaving it there overnight unguarded. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.