Pete

In the early 1800s, slavery was deeply entrenched in many parts of the United States, including Missouri. Enslaved Africans had been forcibly brought across the Atlantic and within the country for generations, working in fields, workshops, and mines without recognition or rights. In the 1830's settlers moved into the isolated communities of Jasper and Newton Counties. Arriving mainly from Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee after the forced removal of the Osage and Delaware peoples. Over the course of two decades, around 2,000 families, totaling more than 8,400 people, established small farms along rivers and creeks. Some settlers had enslaved people. By 1850, 123 people enslaved a total of 454 individuals, with most owning three or fewer. 

While the numbers were few compared to those in the South, their work was essential to the region's growth and the wealth of settlers like John C. Cox and William Tingle. Local stories and records indicate that Pete the boy, one of three enslaved by Cox, was the one who discovered the lead deposit. This incredible find set the stage for the region's growth. Pete was also known as the man who worked side by side with Cox himself and Cox's sons, building a house and later operating the mine. It has been said that Pete was responsible for all the mining on that land. His work was notable enough that Cox's neighbors called the mine "Nigger Diggings." 

Despite his vital role, Pete's full name has yet to be recorded. He was simply called "Pete" or, even more commonly, Cox's slave, a common practice. Those who knew of him said he produced approximately five tons of lead over five years. Cox bought his first title, for forty acres, in January 1849 and continued to add to his holdings, but not his enslaved workforce, over the following decade until he was one of the wealthiest farmers in Jasper County. 

Other workers, enslaved by settlers like Tingle and McKee, also contributed significantly to early lead production. These workers helped smelt and extract the mineral from shallow shafts. At times, their labor was grueling, involving manual digging with a pick and shovel. Others like Pete, who was brought here by Tingle from Maryland, managed the delivery of pig lead. He was trusted and oversaw several freight wagons,  mule teams, contracts, money, and merchandise. Their efforts supported the wealth of early settlers, though most did not receive recognition, credit, or pay. It is said that at the end of the war, Tingle gave Pete money and a team, sending him to Kansas a free man. 

Historical records indicate that Pete's discovery and their labor contributed to the production of thousands of pounds of lead, laying the groundwork for the later success of the mines. Yet, their names and stories were rarely documented beyond rough labels and local stories. 

Today, it is important to acknowledge their contributions and the injustices they endured. We must fill in the gaps with truth, recognizing the enslaved labor and skill that helped build this town and ensuring their stories are researched, documented, and included in our history. Confronting this past honestly is a step toward justice and understanding, so that future generations can learn the full story of the land and the people who shaped it.