In 1804, a special honor was bestowed upon John W. Basye, founder and developer of Bowling Green, Missouri. He was chosen by the US Government to participate in the “northern” transfer ceremony that took place in St. Louis, This event was the celebration of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.
During the ceremony they raised and lowered the flag of Spain. Next was the raising and lowering of the flag from France. Finally, they raised the flag of the United States. During the exact same time slot, there was a similar ceremony held in New Orleans. In the Basye Family book, it is written that when John came home from the ceremony, he found that he had a newborn daughter, Agnes and he named her Louisiana Basye in honor of the Louisiana Purchase.
Over his time that he lived in St. Louis, he regularly journeyed up and down the Western side of the Mississippi River. From his travels, he knew his favorite land was in what would become Pike County. What attracted him to this area was fertile land, many springs, and his appreciation of Native American Indians in the area. John especially loved the area of Spring Hollow, which is the area where Bowling Green is now located. John called himself a farmer and a stock raiser. He also understood surveying, as well as being in the fur and other various trades. He was also the operator of a ferry boat service. Pioneers would cross the Mississippi using his ferry boat. The Federal Government opened this area for grants because people were simply passing through with few stoppings and settling. John was determined to obtain a land grant in Spring Hollow for himself and a possible future town. December 23, 1818, John Basye would file for and be granted his desired Pike County land at the Boone County land office. The Great Land Rush of Missouri started in 1818, and John Basye staked his claim for Bowling Green. He built the first cabin in 1820, in 1823 Bowling Green officially became the County Seat as recognized by the State. A log cabin became the first Court House and in 1826 lots and blocks were finally established. In 1823, Bowling Green officially established a log cabin Post Office and John Basye becoming the first official postmaster. Many other businesses started in 1823, and the town really started growing. Basye contacted many of his friends, fellow veterans, and acquaintances from Bowling Green, Kentucky and encouraged them to come and settle here. His encouragement and effort were keys to having the town settled. Basye was now a pioneer real-estate developer as many people settled here came only because of John’s direct invitation.
John went on to construct at least three more cabins for himself and his family. He built, owned and operated a grain mill that was also capable of sawing logs. He also had a boarding facility for overnight travelers, preachers, and various traders. One of his houses was used for funerals, a jail, and to host grand juries. He hosted weekly Sunday School and church services in his house and education was very important to him and his extended family. No matter what the need of early Bowling Green, John Basye and his family tried to meet those needs.
A brief Bio of John W. Basye, founder of Bowling Green, Missouri in appreciation for a grant awarded to the Genealogy Society and Jail Museum in Bowling Green by Missouri Humanities Foundation!
