It is time to honor one of Missouri’s most legendary figures – not a person, but a devoted canine named Old Drum. This tale, stemming from the late 19th century, is not just a story of a man and his dog but a pivotal moment in legal history that would forever encapsulate the fidelity of our four-legged friends. Old Drum was a hound dog whose fate took a tragic turn in 1869 when he was shot dead by Samuel “Dick” Ferguson under the suspicion of livestock trouble, sparking a legal battle that would resonate through the ages.
The court case that ensued was not merely a dispute between two distraught farmers but a landmark in juridical proceedings. Charles Burden, heartbroken over the loss of his beloved Old Drum, sought justice against his assailant, Ferguson, who acted under his uncle Leonidas Hornsby’s directive. Burden’s representation came from George Graham Vest, who later carved his name into history through politics and his profoundly moving “Eulogy to a Dog.” This speech, delivered in Warrensburg, MO, forms the bedrock of the memorial today, highlighting the depth of companionship between humans and dogs.
In the heart of Warrensburg, Missouri, a statue dedicated to Old Drum is a potent reminder of the timeless bond between dogs and their human counterparts. Erected on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn, this monument stands not just as a tribute to a fallen friend but symbolizes the enduring loyalty and unselfishness of dogs. The original courthouse, where Vest delivered his heart-rending eulogy, lies a mere half-mile away, adorned with its commemorative statue, ensuring that the memory of Old Drum’s unjust demise and subsequent vindication remain alive in the public consciousness.
The significance of Old Drum’s statue extends beyond its physical presence; it’s a historical landmark imbued with emotional depth. In 2017, adding to its profound legacy, the Missouri State Senate officially recognized Old Drum as “Missouri’s Historical Dog.” This designation is a testament to the dog’s impact on Missouri’s cultural and historical narrative, representing the values of loyalty, justice, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. The statue exists not only as a focal point of local pride but as a beacon for dog lovers and champions of justice everywhere, symbolizing the power of advocacy for the voiceless.
Central to Old Drum’s story are the individuals whose lives intertwined dramatically through this case. George Graham Vest, who would go on to serve as a United States Senator, immortalized himself with his eloquent defense of Old Drum, emphasizing the unmatched loyalty of dogs. Charles Burden, Old Drum’s owner, symbolizes the aggrieved pet owner whose love for his dog transcended mere companionship, undertaking a legal crusade for justice. Leonidas Hornsby, the antagonist in this saga, is a contrasting figure whose actions inadvertently led to a groundbreaking legal precedent on the value of pets.
The legacy of Old Drum and the landmark court case resonates far beyond the borders of Warrensburg. This story has cemented itself in Missouri’s heritage and in dog lovers’ hearts globally, spotlighting canines’ unmatched fidelity. The statue of Old Drum stands as a physical testament to a tale that has transcended time, teaching generations the value of loyalty and the profound impact a single dog can have on the human spirit. As community members walk past this monument, they’re reminded of a historic legal battle and the love and loyalty that dogs bring into our lives, enriching them beyond measure.
