A Biographical history of Nodaway and Atchison counties, Missouri : compendium of national biography, Part 66

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 726

USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > A Biographical history of Nodaway and Atchison counties, Missouri : compendium of national biography > Part 66
USA > Missouri > Atchison County > A Biographical history of Nodaway and Atchison counties, Missouri : compendium of national biography > Part 66

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rived in Burlington Junction, Nodaway county, Missouri, where he has since made his home.

In August, following, he formed a part- nership, under the firm name of Montgom- ery. Jones & Company, and began general merchandising. Mr. Compton being a silent partner. The enterprise proved a profitable one and he continued his connection there- with until June. 1890. In the previous year he entered the Northwestern Banking House as cashier, and for four years held that of. fice. Ile then retired on account of ill health and sold his bank stock. On his retirement the following appeared in the Burlington Junction Post in its issue of February 4. 1803: "On last Tuesday F. M. Compton stepped down and out as cashier of the Northwestern Bank, having sold his stock to Mr. Mc Allister and resigned his position as a director. The Northwestern has pros- pered under his able financial management and he has demonstrated beyond a doubt his ability as a successful banker. When he took hold of the business the institution was under an unfortunate financial cloud and it . required close management and good finan- ciering to take it through the struggle ahead of it. How well this was done can be esti- mated by the present good standing of the bank. Of course, others have helped and have been loyal to the Northwestern ; but on Mr. Compton's shoulders rested the re- sponsibility and to him more than any one else belongs the credit of the success."

After a year's retirement Mr. Compton again purchased stock in the bank and was elected its president in 1895. As a financier in northwestern Missouri he has gained a reputation which any young man might well covet His financial conservatism renders the business entirely safe, and yet he is pro-

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gressive in his operations, keeping in touch with modern business methods. His relia- bility and energy have been important fea- tures in the success of the institution, and in financial circles Mr. Compton enjoys an un- assailable reputation.

On the 5th of October, 1887, Mr. Comp- ton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Brogan, who was born in Noda- way county, Missouri, in 1860, and is a daughter of Joel and Docia ( Witton) Bro- gan. Her father was a native of Tennessee. and in the autumn of 1855 came to Mis- scuri, locating six miles southeast of Bur- lington Junction, where he spent his remain- ing days, passing away at the age of sixty- two years. His widow, also a native of Ten- nessee, still survives him and is now living in Maryville with a married daughter, at the age of sixty-nine. In their family were seven children, all of whom yet survive. while with the exception of one all are mar- ried. Mrs. Compton acquired her education in the public schools, remaining with her pa- rents until she gave her hand in marriage to the subject of this review. She is a most es- timable lady and to her husband is a faithful companion and helpmate on the journey of life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Compton hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, take an active part in its work and for three years he has served as the superin- tendent of the Sunday-school, while with all of the church societies she is identified. They have a pleasant home, which was erect- ed in 1896, and is celebrated for its gracious hospitality. Since casting his first presi- dental vote for General Grant, in 1868, Mr. Compton has been a stalwart Republican, never wavering in his allegiance to the party. He has made an untarnished record and an unspotted reputation as a business man. In

all places and under all circumstances he is loyal to truth, honor and right, justly valu- ing his own self-respect as infinitely more preferable than wealth, fame and position. In those finer traits of character which com- ! bine to form that which we term friendship, which endear and attach man to man in bonds which nothing but the stain of dis- honor can sever, which triumph and shine brighter in the hour of adversity,-in those qualities he is royally endowed.

BLUFORD J. JONES.

Among the old and respected farmers and successful stock-raisers of Atchison county, Missouri, is Bluford J. Jones, the subject of this sketch. He was born May 20. 1858, a son of James G. and Susan ( Hammer) Jones. James G. Jones was born in Tennessee, February 4, 1823. but was reared in Jasper county, Missouri. He was a son of John Jones, one of the pion- eer settlers of Jasper county, where he be- came a large farmer and conducted both a distillery and gristmill. He was a very prominent man, owned slaves at that time, filled all the local offices and was leader in the councils of the Democratic party. James G. Jones, the father of our subject, served through the Civil war, doing duty as a teamster in the Confederate service. He married in Jasper county, where he settled upon a farm, and there his children were born. In 1865 he removed to Nebraska, where he remained for twelve years, then sold that farm and came back to Missouri, where he bought a farm in Lincoln township and there spent the remainder of his life, dying at an advanced age in 1880. He never aspired to office, although he was all

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his life an active worker for the Democratic party,

The mother of our subject was before marriage Susan Ilammer, born in Pike coun- ty. Missouri, February 9, 1825, a daughter of Jacob and Polly Hammer, her parents be- ing one of the five families which came to- gether from Ohio and settled in Missouri. In 1841 Mr. Hammer moved to Jasper county, where his life ended. He had been engaged in farming all his life, was a stanch Democrat in his political opinions, and one of the con- stant and consistent supporters of the Bap- tist church. Ilis children were Betsey, Sal- ly, William. Mehala, Eliza, Mrs. Jones, Da- vid, George and John. Those of Mr. and Mrs. James Jones were: Sally, now Mrs. Gentry, John D., Joseph G., George, Martha, who is now Mrs. Anderson, Adeline, our subject, Warren P. and James. The relig- ious convictions of the excellent parents cansed them to be consistent members of the Baptist church, and in this belief their chil- (Iren were reared.

Bluford J. Jones was reared and educated in the common schools of his native coun- ly, remaining under his father's roof until he became of age. Ile then purchased the inter- est of the other heirs, and now resides up- on the old homestead, engaged in cultivating the fine farm of three hundred and forty acres included there. He has made many improvements, until it is one of the finest farms in this locality. With him resides his honored and aged mother.

The marriage of Mr. Jones took place July 3. 1890. to Miss Lavina Dunham, an intelligent young lady, the daughter of John P. and Ann ( Mullis ) Dunham. Mr. Din- ham, a native of Ohio, and Ann Mullis, a native of kentucky, married in Indiana and moved to Mis uri, where he died in 1880.

at the age of sixty-seven years. Mrs. Dun- ham still survives, a worthy, Christian lady and devoted member of the Christian church. Their family record is as follows: Aaron, Nathan, John, Henry. Alfred, Joseph, de- ceased, William, Caroline, deceased, and Mrs. Jones.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Blu- ford Jones are: Harry, born July 8. 1890: and Frank, born January 9. 1893. M1. Jones is a Democrat in his political belief. but his ambition has never been for any of- fice. In the Methodist church the family are highly esteemed, and through the county no name is held more respected than theirs.

J. S. ABBOTT, M. D.

For many years Dr. Abbott was active- ly connected with the medical fraternity in Atchison county, but has now put aside pro- fessional cares in order to devote his ener- gies to farming pursuits. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, November 16, 1845. his parents being Sammel B. and Sarah ( MeCaf- ferty) AAbbott, both of whom were natives of Ohio, His father was a farmer and also a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was also a graduate of medicine. He never practiced, but devoted his life to the cultivation of the soil and to the work of proclaiming the gospel, following the circuit for thirty-five years. By precept and ev- ample he led many to accept the better way of life and his influence was strongly felt by all with whom he came in contact. He died in Ohio, in March, 1872. For some years afterward his wife made her home in the Buckeye state and then came to Mis- souri, spending her remaining days with her son J. S., her death occurring in December. 1 807, when she had attained the ripe old age

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of eighty-eight years. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist church and her earnest Christian teaching has a marked in- fluence over her son, who was her only child. The father had been previously married, his first union being with Miss Elizabeth Fitz- gerald, by whom she had four children, namely: George H., a resident of Idaho: Elizabeth, the wife of T. Harvey; and Naney and AAndrew J. All of these are now cleceased with the exception of George, who for ten years served in the United States army and is now a resident of Idaho.

The Doctor spent his youth and boyhood about town enjoying the sports which are usually indulged in, and pursued his educa- tion in the public schools. At the age of nineteen, however, he had determined to niake the practice of medicine his life work, and he began reading under the direction of Dr. C. Layton. When twenty-one years of age he began attending the lectures in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, and was graduated in the Cincinnati College of Physicians and Surgeons with the class of 1875. Prior to graduation in 1865, he began practice at Beaver, Ohio, where he remained for three years. Subsequently he spent fif- teen years in Latham, in the same county, and thence removed to Craig, Burt county, Nebraska, where he remained for a year and a half. The year 1896 witnessed his ar- rival in Atchison county. Ile located in Dotham and soon secured a liberal patron- age, demonstrating his skill and ability in the successful way in which he handled many difficult cases. He won a high and enviable reputation both as a physician and surgeon and as an upright and honorable man. He continued practice until 1897, when he pur- chased a farm near Dotham, where he makes his home. He has practically retired from

professional work, although many of his old patrons refuse to employ any other phy- sician, and he therefore continues his ser- vices at their homes. It is his desire, how- ever, to give his time and attention to agri- cultural pursuits and stock-raising, and in the new enterprise he has met with credit- able prosperity.

In the state of his nativity in 1864 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Rose, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Anderson and Mary Rose, of Ross coun- ty, that state. Her father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his wife are now cleceased. They held membership in the Methodist church and reared two children. but John, the elder, died in Ohio. The younger is Mrs. Abbott, who by her marriage has become the mother of the following chil- dren: Mary J .. now Mrs. Woolhether ; El- mer T., at home; Elva O., a farmer: Anna B., and Charles L., who carries on agricul- tural pursuits. The mother died in June. 1886, in the faith of the Methodist church. of which she was a consistent member. In February, 1889, the Doctor was again mar- ried, his second union being with Miss Anna Ross, of Canada, who was brought to Mis- souri when five years of age and was reared by her sister, Mrs. Sloper. The other chul- dren in the Ross family were: Alexander MI., a contractor of Chicago: Mrs. Christine Gregory, of that city; and Mrs. Elizabeth Sloper, living near Skidmore, Missouri.

The Doctor is a Republican in his politi- cal affiliations and takes an active interest in all questions relating to the public weal cr woe. He has, however, never been an aspi- rant for office, preferring to devote his ener- gies to his professional duties and business cares. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and of the Independent Order of

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Odd Fellows, and in the latter has filled all the chairs, and has served as a representa- tive to the grand lodge. His wife is a mem- ber of the Baptist church and they are people of sterling worth who enjoy the confidence and esteem of all with whom they have been associated. Dr. Abbott attained his pros- perity as a follower of the medical profes- sion, for he kept in touch with the progress made by those who represented the frater- nity. In his farming interests he is also prospering, for he possesses excellent busi- ness qualifications. All who know him esteem him for his genuine worth and in the history of his adopted county he well deserves mention.

ALBERT A. WOLFE.

The subject of this personal narrative is one of the successful and progressive agri- culturists of Atchison township, Nodaway county, where he owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and thirty acres. A\ , proved and highly cultvated tract of one native of Pennsylvania, he was born in , Washington county, July 15, 1848, and is a son of Joseph and Matilda ( Hazelbaker ) Wolfe. The father was born near Winches- ter. Virginia, in 1821, and in early life fol- lowed the carpenter's trade, but later de- voted his entire time and attention to farm- ing. In 1857 he moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois, and in 1882 came to Nodaway county, Missouri, where he died at the age of seventy-one years. On attaining his ma- jority he supported the Democratic party. but in 1860 voted for Abraham Lincoln and remamed a stanch Republican throughout WILLIAM S. DUNLAP. the remainder of his life. He and his family William Sinclear Dunlap, a retired far- mer of Washington township, Nodaway county, has for many years been a prominent attended the Methodist Episcopal church. and he helped build a church in Illinois. In all the relations of life he was found true man in the county. His home is in Guilford,

to every trust reposed in him, and in his death the community realized that it had lost a valuable and useful citizen. Mrs. Wolfe still survives her husband, at the age of sev- enty-five years, and finds a pleasant home with our subject. She is a native of Pennsyl- vania and the mother of four children, all of whom are living. Two sons are residents of Nodaway county, while her daughter lives in Kansas.

Albert A. Wolfe accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Illinois, and came with them to Missouri in 1882. He was educated in the district schools near his boy- hood home and worked for his father until twenty-eight years of age, when he com- menced farming for himself upon rented land. In 1882 he bought a farm of eighty- three acres, which he subsequently sokl and then purchased the interests of the other heirs in his father's farm, which is pleasantly located near Braddyville, lowa, though just over the line in Missouri. It is a well im- hundred and thirty acres, upon which Mr. Wolfe is now successfully engaged in gen- eral farming. Originally he was a Republi- can in politics but now affiliates with the Democratic party. In business transactions he is straightforward and reliable, and is justly numbered among the representative men of his adopted country. le cherishes the memory of his father, and like a dutiful son is tenderly caring for his mother in her okl age.

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where he is an active and progressive citizen. always willing to assist in anything that is ef- fectual for the growth and development of the town. He was born December 23, 1838, in Clay county, Missouri, a son of Alexander and Elizabeth ( Helper ) Dunlap.

William Dunlap, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Virginia, where he owned considerable land and many slaves. Ile was of Scotch extraction while his wife was of German descent. Mr. Dunlap died before the Rebellion. His children were as follows: Robert; James; William Preston ; Alexander, the father of our subject ; Wini- fred who married Mr. Whitlock ; and Polly Heuston. The family attended the Presby- terian church. Alexander Dunlap, the fa- ther of our subject, was born in Virginia in 1808. After his marriage he began the pur- suit of agriculture on his father's farm, and in 1836 removed to Clay county, Missouri, and later to Caldwell, where he bought a farm, which he improved in general. He afterward sold his farm and moved back to Clay county and thence to Clinton conn- ty. In the fall of 1852 he moved to Noda- way county, where he bought a farm in Washington township. There was nothing but a cabin on the rudely broken tract of one hundred and sixty acres, but here Mr. Dun- lap remained until his death, which occurred October 18, 1877. His wife died in 1889. Mr. Dunlap was a Whig in early life and later a Democrat. He served as justice of the peace for a number of years. His wife was born in 1812 and was a member of a German family who were prominent farmers of Virginia. She was one of four children. the others being John, Isaac and Purcilla. Her parents were Baptists. Alexander Din- lap and his wife were the parents of five chil- dren, namely: James F. and Samuel, de-

ceased ; William. the subject of this sketch; Catherine, the wife of D. N. Pully: and Cary C., the wife of John Wardrip.

William S. Dunlap, the subject of this brief sketch, received his education in the common schools of Clay county, this state, his native county. When twenty-two years old he entered General Price's army and was at the battle of Blue Mills Landing and also at the battle of Lexington, where General Mulligan and his army were captured. He had enlisted for three months and at the end of that time returned to Clay county. He freighted with ox teams for the government as far as New Mexico, making several trips which were full of adventure, and Mr. Dun- lap has many vivid remembrances of those three years. He saw a great deal of fight- ing and received a wound, though not a se- rious one. After this he went to Iowa, where he became a cattle trader, but after a short time returned to Missouri and settled on the old homestead, where he cared for his father and mother until their death. He bought the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, and has added to it until now there are one hundred and ninety-six acres of highly cultivated and improved land. He owns an- other farm of two hundred and forty acres, and in 1840 bought lots in Guilford, where he built a commodious residence, in which he now lives. He owns six lots and his home in this pretty town.

Mr. Dunlap married Mary W. Richards, a widow of Silas A. Richards, who served in the Confederate army for three months. He was born and reared in Missouri, and at his death left one child, Arthur C., whom Mr. Dunlap is raising. Mr. Richards died February 27, 1874. Mrs. Dunlap is a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Graves) Sharp, both natives of Tennessee. They

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were married and moved to White Cloud township. Nodaway county, where Mrs. Sharp died, after which her husband made his home with his children. Their children were : Sarah E. : William 11 .: Mary W .; our subject's wife : James . A., Jacob C., Isaac E .. R. Polk. Nancy C., Christian W. and Bell.

Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have eight children. namely : Lotta, born March 28, 1877: Will- iam L., October 23. 1878; Isaac .A .. Decem- ber 1, 1880: Mary, July 1. 1882: Alta F .. November 21, 1883: Ora B., June 8, 1885: Ethel V .. May 30, 1887; and Clara E .. April 10. 1880. Mr. Dunlap is a Democrat. and. while he is an active worker in that party he has never sought political preferment.

ELIJAJI H. GOFF.

For a quarter of a century this gentle- man has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Nodaway county, and in that time has become recognized as one of its most valued and useful citizens. His father, John R. Goff. was born in Ken- tucky. March 26, 1812, of Irish descent, and the son of a prominent farmer and slave- owner of that state. He had several brothers and sisters, among the number being Will- iam, Leonard and Jem'ma. In 1835. before The subject of this sketch was born in Menard county, Ilinois, March 22, 1853. and was educated in the country schools of that state. Ile remained at home with his par- ents until he was married in 1870 to Miss Lydia A. Alkire, also a native of Menard county, born January 4. 1858. Her parents. D. A. and Ann ( Eldridge ) Akire, were na- tives of the same state and representatives of honored pioneer families. Her paternal grandfather, Leonard Alkire, was born in Ohio, of Irish ancestry, and at an early day leaving his native state. John R. Goff was married to Sarah M. Edwards, who was born in Brown county, Kentucky, September 1. 1816. Her father also was a farmer. In 1830 Mr. and Mrs. Goff moved to Illinois and first located in Hamilton county, where he improved a farm, but later sold that place and went to Menard county, where he pur- chased property. Subsequently he took up his residence in Logan county. Ilmois, where be improved a farm of two hundred and sixty actes, making it his home until his death, 'moved to Illinois, locating in Menard coun-

which occurred May 30. 1890. He was a progressive and successful agriculturist. and was a man highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. In politics he was a Dem- ocrat, and was called upon to fill some minor offices, though he cared nothing for political preferment. He was an elder and active member of the Christian church, to which the mother of our subject also belonged. She died January 29. 1885, leaving many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her loss. Her children were as follows: Emily .A., born April 22, 1837. is the wife of J. B. Copper: Harvey E. born January 20, 1839. is a farmer of Nodaway county: William R., born March 9. 1842, is a farmer of Andrew county, Missouri: John .A., born January 20. 1845. is represented on another page of this volume: Isaac T .. born Septem- ber 14. 1847. died leaving a family: James .A., born June 3. 1850. is a resident of De- catur, Illinois : Elijah Il. is next in order of birth : Mary .A., born August 3. 1855. died at the age of ten years : Milton C., born Sep- tember 16, 1857, is a resident of this county : and Charles C., born November 23, 1861. died in Oklahoma. For his second wife the father married a Mrs. England, who died in 1898, leaving no children:

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ty before the Indians had left for their west- ern reservations. There he entered large tracts of land, which he improved. becom- ing one of the prominent and wealthy far- mers and stock-raisers of that region. Hc was a member of the Christian church. His children were: Nancy, the wife of Mr. Black: Elizabeth, wife of J. Engle : Amanda, who first married a Mr. Whipp and second- ly a Mr. Olds: Susan, the wife of J. A. Hughes, Leonard, John, Mrs. Lydia Turner, Milam and David A. Mrs. Goff's maternal grandfather, Henry Eldridge, was a native of England and on first coming to this coun- try settled in New York, but later moved to Illinois. By occupation he was a farmer. In his family were the following children : Mrs. Mary Cox. Mrs. Elizabeth Swaney. Mrs. Margaret Walker, Mrs. Ann Alkire. Edward, William and James.

David A. Alkire, Mrs. Goff's father. owned and worked a large farm in Menard county, Illinois, giving special attention to sheep-raising. In 1876 he came to Noda- way county, Missouri, having previously purchased land in White Cloud township. and to its improvement and cultivation de- voted his energies for some time. Later he bought and sold a couple of farms, and since 1891 has lived a retired life in Mary- ville, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He met with success financially, and his life has ever been such as to commend him to the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact in business or social life. Religiously he is a faithful mem- ber of the Christian church, to which Mrs. Goff's mother also belonged. She died in 1867. Their children were Charles, born June 29, 1852, who was killed by a tramp; Benjamin, born January 10, 1854, and Chauncey, born September 22. 1856, both

farmers of this county: Lydia A., born Jan- uary 4, 1858, the wife of our subject : Will . iam, born March 8, 1860, a merchant of Maryville; Timothy, born February 23, 1862, a farmer of this county: and Cather- ine, born July 18. 1864, the wife of J. Thrasher. In 1868 the father wedded Miss Mary West, of Illinois, by whom he has six children, namely : Caroline, born September 14, 1869. the wife of Walter Campbell: Nancy, born April 15, 1871. the wife of Jolin Goff ; John, born August 5. 1872, a physician of Oregon: Milam, born September 20. 1873. clerk at Stanberry, Missouri; Lilla, born June 3, 1876, at home ; and Elizabeth. born October 23, 1878, deceased.

To Mr. and Mrs. Goff were born eight children, as follows: Roger D., born April 8. 1877, died November 23, 1887 : Sally . \ .. born September 20, 1878, died October 5, 1880; James .A., born June 15, 1881. is at home; Bessie M., born June 10, 1883. died September 6, 1884: Clark R., born February 14. 1885; Maud F., born November 23. 1887; Ova C., born January 2, 1892: and Edna, born April 30. 1894. died June 23. 1896.

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A Biographical history of Nodaway and Atchison counties, Missouri : compendium of national biography, Part 66

Author: Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 726

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 726