George Graham Vest spent twenty-four years in the United States Senate, serving from 1879 to 1903.
State historical marker in Owensboro, Kentucky.
The farm was owned by his brother-in-law, Leonidas Hornsby, who raised sheep there.
However, his favorite hunting companion, Old Drum, failed to respond.
The following morning, with Old Drum still absent, Charles Burden initiated a search for his missing dog.
Unconvinced Burden left his brother-in-laws property to continue the search.
His body was riddled with multiple bullet holes.
There was also evidence of sorrel horse hairs on his body.
Burden filed a lawsuit for damages with the Madison township justice of the peace.
Hornsby appealed the case to the Johnson County Court of Common Pleas in Warrensburg.
This raised doubts about whether Hornsby was responsible for Old Drum’s death.
Two days later, the jury ruled in favor of Leonidas Hornsby, awarding only court costs.
Unsatisfied with this outcome, Charles Burden filed a motion for a new trial.
Instead, the defense attempted to demonstrate that Old Drum had been sighted and shot at Haymaker’s Mill.
On September 23, 1870, Vest presented the closing remarks on behalf of Burden and Old Drum.
His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful.
The money that a man has, he may lose.
It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most.
A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action.
He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince.
When all other friends desert, he remains.
There is also a bronze bust of Old Drum displayed in the Supreme Court of Missouri.
Statue of Old Drum in front of Johnson County courthouse in Warrensburg.
