USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > A Biographical history of Nodaway and Atchison counties, Missouri : compendium of national biography > Part 65
USA > Missouri > Atchison County > A Biographical history of Nodaway and Atchison counties, Missouri : compendium of national biography > Part 65
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orchard, good groves, pastures and fields, and everything on the premises is in first- class condition. Mr. Ilonaker is a good manager and thrifty farmer. He has given all of his time to farming and stock-raising.
December. 31, 1863, Mr. Honaker mar- ried Louisa Abbott, of Marion county, Ohio, a woman of intelligence and of good family. She was born in Licking county, Ohio, a daughter of Reuben and Leah ( Fowler) Abbott. Mr. Abbott was born in Virginia and his wife was born near Boston, Massachusetts. Ile died at the age of sev- enty-five, his wife departing this life at the early age of thirty-six. They are buried in Atchison county, Missouri. Their chil- dren were: John; Mary; Gideon, a soldier in an Ohio regiment, who died in Union county, Ohio; George; James; Elizabeth; Lydia ; Louisa, the wife of our subject, and Flora. Mr. Abbott was a Baptist and his wife a Methodist.
Mr. and Mrs. Honaker, our subject and his wife, have been blessed with eleven chil- dren, namely : Elliott : Elizabeth. the wife of Alexander Horn; Mary, the wife of John Streets, a farmer; Frederick; James ; Vera; Claria; Houston ; and they lost three children, namely : William, John and Reuben. They had several grandchildren, as follows: Blanche, Lether, Otis (de- ceased), George, Ruth, Ralph, Viola, Bere- nice, Edith, Harley, Grace and Willie. Mr. Ilonaker is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church.
MILTON HUFF.
Milton Huff, an ex-soldier and one of the representative farmers of Nodaway county, is a native of Washington county, Indiana, and was born March 26, 1843, a
son of Gabriel and Polly (Voyles) Huff. Gabriel Huff was a Virginian by birth, but lived for many years in Washington county, Indiana, where he met and married Polly Voyles, who was a daughter of Tom Voyles, of North Carolina. Thirteen sons and one daughter were the honor of this union, viz .; Harbin; Park; Hiatt; Dickson; Mason, a soldier serving in the Eighteenth Indiana Regiment, who died at Warsaw, Missouri; Milton, Anthony, Martin, Andrew, Craw- ford, George, William, Harvey, Mary Al- vina. Four of the sons were soldiers : Hiatt, of the Thirty-first Infantry, Indiana Vol- unteers, who now lives in Washington conn- ty, Indiana : Dickson, a member of the Eight- eenth Infantry, Indiana Volunteers, who now lives in Ilinois: Mason, who died in Missouri several years ago; and Milton, the subject of this sketch, who also belonged to the Thirty-first Infantry, Indiana Volun- teers. The father and mother died in Wash- ington county. Indiana, after reaching the age of sixty years. Politically. Mr. Huff was a Republican.
Milton Huff, the subject of this personal sketch, received his education in the common schools of his native county, and his prac- tical experience was gained on his father's farm. In 1863 he was enrolled in Colonel Holwell's regiment, under Captain George Noble, of the Thirty-first Infantry, of the Indiana Volunteers. He was in several minor skirmishes, and in the battle at Nashville, Tennessee, and being taken sick in June, 1865, he was confined to the hospital at Nashville for a time. July 4, 1865, he re- ceived an honorable discharge, after having made a record for faithfulness to his country.
Mr. Huff was married to Martha Bush, August 4, 1863. She was a native of Wash- ington county, Indiana, and a daughter of
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Noah and Eliza ( Markland ) Bush, natives of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Bush have been the parents of eight children. six of whom are living, and are as follows: Mrs. Martha Huff. Emma. John. Vina. Catherine and James. Mr. Bush was a member of the Christian church, and politically, was a member of the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Huff are the parents of ten children. whose names are : Rosetta Van Fosson, Ida Bales, Noah Augustus, George N., Lewis Walter, Elmer Dawson. Eliza Hannali Sommers, Carl Wesley, John A. and Mandy Pearl .- the last two named deceased.
Our subject and his wife resided in In- diana until 1878, when they settled in Noda- way county, Missouri. Mr. lluff owns a fine farm of two hundred acres, including fields, pastures, stock lots and orchard. The place is well improved, and there are a large house, barn, sheds, cribs, etc. Mr. Huff keeps up in all the new improvements of the day, and his farm is one of the most attrac- tive and best kept in the county. Hle is a well informed man, an active citizen. one who is in favor of all improvements which tend to advance the community. Politically he is a Republican, taking an active interest in that party. He is a member of the G. . .. R., Marshall Post. No. 162, of Elmo. The family are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
HENRY T. PISTOLE.
This gentleman scarcely needs an intro- duction to the readers of the history of Nod- away county, for he is known far and near as the popular proprietor of Cedar Grove farm, one of the most valuable properties in the county. In all walks of life there are leading men whose progressive spirit
prompts them to take an advanced stand. and such a one is Henry T. Pistole, who is accounted one of the most prominent and in- Huential agriculturists of Nodaway county. He is numbered among the native sons of the county and his career is one which has ever reflected credit upon the place of his birth. He first opened his eyes to the light of day October 25. 1855. on a farm three miles east of Pickering, his parents being William M. and Amanda C. Pistole. His grandparents were Thomas J. and Lucinda ( Long) Pistole. the former a native of Vir- ginia and the latter of Tennessee. They became very early settlers of Nodaway county and the name is therefore insepara- bly interwoven with the pioneer history of this section of the state. The grandfather (lied March 27, 1879. The father of our subject was a farmer whose life was devoted untiringly to agricultural pursuits. He ac- quired thereby a comfortable competence and provided well for his family. He died June 1. 1891, but his widow still survives him and is yet living on the old homestead.
Henry T. Pistole spent his boyhood days at his parental home and has always resided upon the home farm. As soon as old enough he began to handle the plow and has since worked in the fields, taking a just pride in the raising of excellent crops. To-day he is the owner of Cedar Grove farm, one of the most attractive country places in Noda- way county. A beautiful residence stands in the midst of the well-kept lawn and in the rear are commodious barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. The latest improved machinery and all modern ac. cessories and conveniences are here found. and the farm is hardly surpassed by any in the entire state.
Mr. Pistole has been twice married. On
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the 3d of October, 1878, he wedded Miss Belle Boatwright, but she died after a few months, passing away on the 20th of July, 1879. On the 15th of January, 1882, he was again married, his second union being with Julia F. Dillon, who was born in North Carolina and is a daughter of Isaiah and Cynthia ( Wheeler) Dillon, both of whom were natives of the same state. Her father, while acting as a nurse in a southern hos- pital during the Civil war, was taken ill and died. In 1863 Mrs. Pistole removed from North Carolina to Indiana and in 1880 came to Missouri. By her marriage nine children have been born, all of whom are living. namely : Wallace, Charles O., Ava L .. Virgil Il., Floy C., Glenn D., Grover C., Velma T. and Annis I.
After his marriage Mr. Pistole located on a farm three miles north of Pickering. where he owned two hundred and forty acres of land and engaged in general farming. As the years have passed he has added many improvements to his place and Cedar Grove farm is now ranked among the best in this part of the state. In connection with the raising of grain and stock he operates one of the best steam threshers in the county. He has all of the latest improved machinery, together with modern accessories and con- veniences, and his progressive methods have given him an advanced position among the agriculturists of the community. In his political views Mr. Pistole has been a stal- wart Democrat since having cast his first presidential vote for S. J. Tilden, but has never sought official preferment as a re- ward for his party fidelity. In the Chris- tian church he takes an active part, also in Sunday-school work. Socially he belongs to the Masonic lodge of Pickering, having been identified with the order since 1879.
He is a most popular citizen, genial in man- ner, social in disposition and kindly in tem- perament, his many excellent qualities hav- ing gained him the high regard of all who know him, and he well deserves representa- tion in this volume.
THOMAS B. GILL.
Among Nodaway county's prominent and successful farmers none are more de- serving of mention in a work of this kind than Thomas B. Gill, the proprietor of the Spring Valley farm in Green township, com- prising two hundred and forty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultiva- tion and improved with good and substan- tial buildings, that stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.
Mr. Gill was born near Junesville, Ohio, November 25, 1844, a son of George and Hannah ( Ainsley ) Gill, who were born. reared and married near Leeds, England. and came to the United States about 1838, locating first in Ohio and later moving to Monroe, Wisconsin, when our subject was about five years old. There the parents both died, the father at the age of seventy- three, the mother at the age of seventy-one years. He was a stone cutter and farmer by occupation, but was living a retired life at the time of his death.
Thomas B. Gill was about twenty-four years of age when he left the parental roof. and on the Ist of January, 1870, he came to Nodaway county, Missouri, where he pur- chased eighty acres of unbroken prairie land, to the cultivation and improvement of which he at once turned his attention. Be- ing industrious, enterprising and energetic, he soon prospered, and is to-day the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty
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acres. In connection with general farming he is engaged in feeding and shipping stock, making a specialty of sheep and handling from thirteen to fourteen hundred head per year. At the age of twenty-seven years, Mr. Gill was united in marriage with Miss Lydia M. Peck, who was born near Free- port, Illinois, a daughter of Sidney and Eliza Peck. Mr. and Mrs. Gill have three children, namely: Myrtie E., now the wife of L. Dow Taylor: and Arthur and Ar- mond. twins, at home with their parents. The family is one of prominence in the com- munity where they reside, and are highly esteemed by all who know them. Mr. Gill cast his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas, but is now a stanch supporter of the Republican party. and has creditably filled school offices in his district.
PAUL RICHARD KUCHS.
The successful career of the above named prominent citizen of Nodaway county. Missouri, is another proof of the value to America of the strain in our national blood supplied by natives of the "Fatherland." Paul Richard Kuchs, the senior member of the firm known as the Maryville Bottling Works, which company is the local agent for the Pabst Brewing Company, of Mil- wankee, is one of the progressive German Americans of Maryville and is regarded as one of her leading business men.
Mr. Kuchs was born in the town of Reichenbach, Saxony, Germany, March 29. 1851. His father, Carl F. Kuchs, born in the same town, was long the proprietor of a brickyard and summer garden. Ile brought his family to the United States in 1860, and after spending three years on a farm hear Doniphan, Kansas, went to
Cleveland, Ohio, where he died in 1880. Ile married Henrietta Gerisch. who died in Maryville, in 1897. Their children are : Louis, of San Francisco, California : Emma, the wife of Adam Enderlein, of Seneca, Kansas; Charles R .. of Doniphan. Kansas: Panl Richard, of Maryville, Mis- souri; Max, of Cleveland, Ohio: William. of Cleveland, Ohio: and Elizabeth, the wife of John Holtzer, of Niobrara, Nebraska.
Paul Richard Kuchs was eighteen years old when he came with his parents and others of their family to the United States. lle had learned the trade of wood-turner and his first employment in America was in a chandelier factory in New York. From that city he soon came west to Doniphan, Kansas, where for a short time he was em- ployed at farm work until he took up his trade again at Atchison, Kansas. Not long afterward. however, he returned cast as far as Cleveland, and for some five years worked in the chair factory of W. D. Toiler & Son, of that city. Desiring to see and know more of the far west, he took a trip to Cali- fornia, and visited all the larger cities of that state, remaining on the Pacific coast nearly two years. Upon his return to the Mississippi valley he traveled for a while as salesman for Adam Brenner, the famous wine-maker of Doniphan, Kansas. In 1882, with a capital approximating sixteen hun- dred dollars, he formed a partnership with Peter Quast and they rented the building where the Maryville Bottling Works now stand and engaged in the bottling business. The prosperity of the business of Quast & Kuchs was a source of gratification, not only to its founders but also to their fellow towns- men as well, for in their many years' resi- dence at Maryville they made themselves
PAUL R. KUCHS.
THE
1 NEW YORK PUBLIC L BRA Y
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
known as men endowed with the spirit of progress and enterprise. Mr. Quast died in 1899 and the Maryville Bottling Works was incorporated, and his heirs hold a por- tion of the stock of the concern; and the people of the town have come to regard the enterprise so ably managed by Mr. Kuchs as one of the permanent local interests.
Mr. Kuchs has shown his faith in Mary- ville as a progressive city by investing his accumulations here. His enterprise has im- pelled him to do his share in the building up of the town and he owns five residences. one of which is his present home; and he also owns a half interest in the two-story brick building known as the "New Oak," on Main street, and two other residences in partnership with Adolph Lippman. He is a stockholder of the Maryville National Bank and in the Maryville Electric Light & Power Company.
In 1883 Mr. Kuchs married Ilelena Kraus, a daughter of George Kraus, well known as a restaurant man of Maryville, and has children named Albert, Paul, Cath- erine and Richard. Ile is also a chapter, commandery and shrine Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a Democrat. He does not participate actively in politics or take any special interest in matters not directly con- nected with his business.
W. R. LITTELL.
One of the most prominent citizens of Tarkio, AAtchison county, Missouri, is the rising young lawyer who is prosecuting at- torney for the county. W. R. Littell, the subject of this sketch, was born in Mason county, Illinois, September 30, 1864, a son of George W. and Amanda ( Robinson ) Littell, the former of whom was a promi- 31
nent and well-known citizen who lived in this county for a number of years. He was born in New Jersey, and became one of the earliest settlers of Nodaway and Atchison counties, investing in land extensively, which he purchased for five and eight dollars per acre, later adding until he owned twelve hundred acres. He was of French descent, while the mother of our subject, who was born in Manchester, Ohio, was of a Pennsyl- vania family whose ancestors came from Germany.
The children born to the parents of our subect were: Aaron, who is the captain of a coast steamer and resides in Florida; Mrs. Martha Smith, who resides in this county; W. R., who is the subject of this sketch ; Car- rie, who resides in Florida; Fannie II., who resides in Fairfax, Missouri ; W. B., who re- sides in Florida, engaged in the fishing and sponge business: C. P., who also resides in Florida ; and Catherine, Essie and Louisa, who are living at home.
George W. Littell was a soldier in the Civil war, belonging to the Second Illinois Cavalry, enlisting in 1861 and proving him- self a gallant soldier. In politics he was a stanch Republican, later becoming a member of the Populist party, and is an esteemed comrade in the G. A. R.
Our subject was reared in Mason county, Illinois, until he was eight years old and ac- companied the family in their emigration to northwest Missouri. The exercise he ob- tained in helping to develop the farm and in caring for stock over so many miles, de- veloped him physically, but did not dwarf him mentally, his education being carefully looked after. After securing an elementary education he was a student in the college at Tarkio, at which he graduated in the class of 1887, with much credit. Mr. Littell is
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vers popular atting hi a odates and takes great interest in athletic sports of every kund. He is the captain of Company .1, Fourth Regiment, National Guard of Mis
For a number of year our subject has been active in the political held in this county, and in 18gb received the election to 3 the office of prosecuting attorney on the Populist ticket, and was re elected in 1808. In 1808 he was elected at St. Louis, as the chairman of the Populist state committee of Missouri, in which convention las judg ment and bound comprehension of the issues made him an admirable member.
Mr. lattell was married in Tarkio, in November, 1808, to Miss Mina J. Shaum, a daughter of a well known business man of this town. Socially our subject is coll texted with the 1. 0. 02. P., also with the Matsonic order, in both of which organiza tim her de ervedly popular. Mr. Littell I a man of wide experience, calm judgment und earnest thought, realizing the difference between right and wrong, and is one whoml hi Tellow citizens could trust in any office within their gilt.
JUDGE RD R. RANKIN.
This well known citizen of Atchison cants is one of the largest stack dealers in unthwestern Missoni and has been in tomental in unproving to a considerable legger the fock raised in the state. Is ultat have therefore been a public benefit, for the many ement of the stock adds to its mulet value and the wealth of the agricult 1.1 dla i therefore angivented. The rich future land in the today provide es collent opportunities to the stock raiser and the industry he become a very important
one in the commercial interests of Missouri. Mr. Rankin deals in cattle, horses and mules, and his business affairs have been so ably conducted that he is now one of the most prosperous citizens of Atchison county. where he has made his home since 1870
A native of Minas, Mr Kankin was born in Henderson county, February 27. 1851 and is a son of Mesander Kankin, How deceased. The grandfather of our subject was Witham Kankin, who was of Scotch ancestry and removed from Washing- ton county, Pennsylvania, to Indiana in all early day. The family was noted for in- dustry, honesty and excellent business quali- fications. Many of its representatives have been expert judges of cattle and have been largely interested in improving the stock- raising interests of the localities in which they have resided. Mesander Kankin, the father of our subject, was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, and for years was a very prominent business man and stock dealer in Warren community, Illinois, where he resided during the greater part of his active Insi ness career. He became extensively inter- "ted in land investments in Atchison com- is: purchasing several hundred acres in Cal fas township in 1875. He was united in marriage to Miss Jane Struthers, who proved to him a faithful companion and helpmate ou life's journey. She was born in Ohio, a daughter of Thomas Struthers, who was of Scotch parentage, and resided in Illinois for many years, being one of the prominent agriculturists of the western se- tion of that state up to the time of his death. Mexamler Rankin died in 1871. He was a very honorable business man, straightforward in all his dealings and won the confidence and good will of all with whom he came in contact. His widow still
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survives him and is now a resident of Tar- kio. In their religious belief they were of the United Presbyterian church. In their family were four sons: Ed F .. of this re- view : D. C., an enterprising farmer of Col- fax township : Thomas B. and John .1 .. also well known residents of the same township.
his farm to the other in order to superin- tend his extensive business interests. He has also traveled extensively over Nebraska and Montana, in the interest of his busi- ness, purchasing stock in various places and making profitable sales.
Mr. Rankin was united in marriage, in Colfax township. Atchison county, to Miss Mary Willsie. a representative of one of the honored families of the community. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and was reared and educated in that state. Her fa- ther, Henry Willsie, was a prominent citi- zen and early settler of Atchison county. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Bessie Kate, who is a student in Mishawaka. St. Joseph county, Indiana : Alexander, who is sixteen years of age and is now a student of Tarkio College ; Idith, who is a student in the University of Vermillion, South Dakota: and Ruth and Donald Grant, who are at home.
Ed F. Rankin was reared in Warren county. Illinois, and has been familiar with the cattle industry since his boyhood and ac- customed to the saddle and the care of the stock. He acquired his education in War- ren county. and reading and business ex- perience have added greatly to hi- prac- tical knowledge. In company with D. C. Rankin he came to Atchison county. in 1876. and began farming where he now lives. To- day he owns five hundred and sixty acres of rich land well improved. having a good resi- ilence which stands on a natural buil ling site. On the place is a beautiful grove. a bearing orchard, large barns. sheds and cribs. feed lots. a modern windmill for pump- In his political affiliations Mr. Rankin i- a Democrat, and in Igoo was elected coun- ty judge by a good majority. He i- a rec- ognized leader in the ranks of the Democ- racy and is a popular resident of the county. his social disposition having gained lim many warm friends. In business his word is as good as his bond, and he has the con- fidence of all who know him. A persistency of purpose is one of the salient features of his success, and. combined with honorable dealing and careful management. has brought to him a gratifying degree of pros- perity. ing water. The green pastures, rich mead- ows and fertile corn fields, and everything about the place are kept in first-class condi- tion. He has some fine herds of cattle. jacks and coach horses. His stock being of -u- perior grades, second to none in this part of Missouri. He feeds three or four hundred head of cattle annually, and this branch of hi- business brings to him an excellent in- come. He has inherited the family char- acteristic of being an excellent judge of stock. including both cattle and mules. He not only feeds but als, buys and ships stock. and in connection with Rep. H. Wilsie he has four hundred mules ready for the mar- ket. He has recently built a large mule- FRANK M. COMPTON. feeding barn upon his farm. He is a very Prominent among the energetic, far -ce- ing and successful busines- men of Mi -- uri busy man, usually found in the saddle or in his buggy. thus passing from one part of is the subject of this sketch. Hi- life his-
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tory most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and his connection with various business enterprises and industries have been a decided advantage to his section of Missouri, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner.
Frank Marion Compton was born in Warren county, Indiana, October 24. 1847. and is a son of Marshall and Asenath ( Fos- ter ) Compton, the former a native of Pike county, Ohio, born March 4. 1811, and the latter was born near Omega, same state, in 1817. In 1845 they moved from like coun- ty, Ohio, to Warren county, Indiana, set- tling upon a farm. Here the subject of sketch was born, the youngest son in a family of six sons. Their mother died in 1850. and their father March 9, 1893, on the home- stead just mentioned. Four of the sons still live in Indiana,-three in Warren county. and J. F., the eldest, at Perryville, Vermilion county, now a joint representative to the legislature from Vermilion and Vigo con- ties.
At his parental home the subject of this review remained until seventeen years of age, and then started out to make his own way in the world. The sun shone down on many a field which he plowed in his youth and ripened the grain which grew from seed that he planted. He acquired his education in the public schools near his home and in Wabash College. He spent two years in a graded school and two years in college, and thus well equipped for life's duties with a good education he left Indiana, taking up his abode in Danville, Illinois, where he Was employed as a salesman in a dry-goods store for five years. In the spring of 1882 he ar-
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