Gabriel Prudhomme (????-1831) Estate Abstracts (KC209)

One day in November of 1831, a street brawl left Gabriel Prudhomme lying bloody and dead on the ground. Prudhomme left a pregnant wife, six minor children, and nearly 257 acres of land fronting on the Missouri River with a natural rock landing which would prove enormously important to the development of Kansas City. In 1836, John Calvin McCoy, owner of a trading house in Westport, Missouri, found it more convenient to have his goods off loaded at the Prudhomme landing than in Independence, some 18 miles distant. Other businessmen followed McCoy's lead and by 1837, the value of the property was obvious.

Prudhomme's eldest daughter, Marie Louise Mercier, petitioned the Jackson County Circuit Count to settle the estate. In July of 1838, an auction conducted by James H. McGee gave the property to Abraham Fonda for $1800.00. However, others at the auction accused McGee of conspiring with Fonda, and the Court ordered a new sale. Shortly before the second auction, William L. Sublette suggested the formation of a Town Company to purchase the land. Fourteen men hastily agreed and the company's bid of $4220.00 was successful. The following years were filled with litigation and turmoil. The town site was surveyed and platted, but few lots sold. Not until the early 1850's did the town coalesce into a community.

The abstract is a hand written copy of the land transactions concerning the 271 93/100 acre Prudhomme estate located in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 32, Township 50, Range 33, fronting on the Missouri River near what is today the foot of Grand Avenue. The abstract begins with the assignment of Josephine Prudhomme, widow of Gabriel, and Francis Tromley as executor (December 5, 1831) and abruptly ends in 1858. 1831-1858

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updated: Tuesday, November 01, 2005
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