[Broadside: A way station for California emigrants, Independence, MO, ca. 1850]. For Sale

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

---

[Broadside: A way station for California emigrants, Independence, MO, ca. 1850].:
$1500.00

Author: Twyman, William Paine, Proprietor.
Title: Independence House, Main Street, Near the Public Square, Independence, MO.

Description: Independence, Missouri, [ca. 1850.]. Illustrated broadside, 10.5" x 8.25", on coated stock paperboard with traces of gold lettering; inset wood engraving measuring, 2.25" x 3.75", signed indistinctly in the lower right corner "Lay[?] St. Louis[?]." Accompanied by a circa 1900 historical note in pencil.

An unrecorded illustrated broadside for Independence House, one of the earliest hotels in Independence, Missouri.

A two-story Greek Revival building, as seen in the engraving, this prominent hotel is described as one of the oldest and best in Missouri-"having for a number of years been the favorite resort of the traveling public"-and notes that "the citizens of the county have made it their stopping-place in preference to any other." The proprietor takes the opportunity to "return his sincere thanks to his friends for their very liberal patronage, assuring them that no pains will be spared to make them comfortable, and at very moderate charges." The Hotel's table, it is noted, will continue to be "supplied with the very best the market affords, and the bar will be well filled with the choicest wines and liquors." Moreover, "a large and commodious stable is attached to the house, under the immediate supervision of the proprietor."

Erected in 1831 by Leonard Renick (1803-1877), Independence House was located on Main St. near the public square and was one of the first hotels established in town. According to a note that accompanies this broadside, the proprietor, William Paine Twyman (1823-1887), was the son of Julianne P. Twyman and Dr. Leo Twyman, both of whom came to Independence around 1839 from Shelbyville, KY. Dr. Leo Twyman was among the earliest doctors to practice in Western Missouri and is thought to be the first doctor to practice in Jackson County. In addition, Twyman engaged in the mercantile business and operated Independence House, which was subsequently managed by his son. The Twymans operated the Hotel until 1872. It was purchased by George Kenton in 1873, becoming Kenton House. Described by one source as "one of the most fashionable and elegant of the early day hotels," Independence House seems also to have served as a way-station for western emigrants passing through town, as suggested by the following passage describing a cholera outbreak in 1849:

In the month of April there occurred a number of cases of small-pox among immigrants, which, however, did not spread, to any extent among citizens ; diarrhea, and other diseases of the digestive organs were of frequent occurrence, and on the 17th of April occurred the first case of genuine Asiatic cholera in a vigorous and previously healthy negro man, the property of Jabez Smith. From this time forward occasional cases occurred, not, however, very malignant until the 6th of May, on which day it broke out with great malignancy in various parts of Independence which was crowded to over-flowing with California immigrants ; the hotels were excessively crowded, and at the Independence House there occurred seven deaths in the first twenty-four hours...(The History of Jackson County, Missouri).

Not in OCLC.

A rare broadside advertising this noted Independence, Missouri hotel during the heyday of western emigration.

REFERENCES: Goodwin, Edward J. A History of Medicine in Missouri(St. Louis: W.L. Smith, 1905), p. 269; The History of Jackson County, Missouri. Kansas City, Mo.: Union Historical Co., 1881, p.96; Twyman Hotel-Kenton House at hmdb.org

CONDITION: Worn and stained, small losses, but none affecting the printed area.

Item #5976

Seller ID: 5976

Subject: Broadsides & Ephemera

All of the items we offer are guaranteed to be as described. We do not sell facsimiles or reproductions, and strive to be as accurate as possible in dating the items offered.

Please see our other listings for a fine selection of books, prints, photographs, paper, and art!

Buyer is responsible for all shipping charges, including insurance, if desired. We ship through the United States Postal Service and UPS. While all items are professionally and securely packaged, we recommend insurance, as we cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Payment must be received within two weeks of commitment to purchase, or the item will be relisted. We prefer Paypal, but will consider other payment options.

We adhere to all customs regulations and state the purchase price as the value for all items on customs forms, as required by law.

All import duties, taxes, fees and charges are the responsibility of the buyer, and are not included in the purchase price.

Broadside for a Meeting of the Members of the Niagara Engine Company (NY Firemen

$20.00

NH 1884 Large Broadside Type Republican Ticket BLAINE & LOGAN "A Free Ballot"

$68.00

"Republican Meeting" Broadside on Abraham Lincoln Leading Up to 1860 Election

$1500.00

C.1880 Broadside, Al Martz Entertainers ~ Hattie Fagan, Magician Prof. F.A. DANA

$179.00

1881 Broadside The RAINFORTHS Troupe, Magician, Comedian, Grange Hall Newburgh

$89.00

3282 (NE94) C1 in green, seen broadside at Harringay with a down local 1939.

$7.61

1956 "EISENHOWER VICTORY WITH A REPUBLICAN CONGRESS BROADSIDE" VG

$74.99

1867 BROADSIDE, BERKELEY COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA, SHEPHERD vs A R McQuilkin, LEGAL

$80.00