USA > Missouri > Chariton County > Historical, pictorial and biographical record, of Chariton County, Missouri > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
As a place of residence Prairie Hill has few equals among the vil- lages of the state situated off the railroad. Its people are sociable, hospitable and intelligent and are harmonious in their undertakings.
MASTER FRANKLIN AND MISS HELEN LUCAS. MISS ANNIE JAMES, MISS EMMA MATTHEWS AND MISS SUSIE JAMES.
151
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
AMES F. FOLEY, a young man of established character and reputation, highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances in Chariton county, may well congratulate himself upon the success that has crowned his efforts since he started out in life for himself. The place of his birth is Hardin county, Kentucky, his natal day hav- ing been Sept. 20, 1869. Rev. W. HI. Foley, the father and a Baptist minister now residing at Monroe City, Mo., was born in Russell county, Ky., in 1851, while that of the mother, who in her maiden- hood was Miss Sarah J. Rexroat, occurred one year latter in the same state. To them were born eleven children, all now living, our subject being the eldest.
James F. passed his early youth upon a farm, and attended the dis- triet schools of the immediate neighborhood. In the fall of '89, with his parents, he came to this state, locating at Armstrong, How- SANDERS COSA ard county. Choosing the pro- fession of a tonsoral artist, in the fall of '90 our subject went to Mar- shall and entered upon an apprenticeship in an establishment there, continuing until March, '92, when he accepted a position at Salisbury, Mo., which he held for one year, resigning to go into business for himself. At present our subjeet, associated with a younger brother, J. M. Foley, is the proprietor of one of the neatest and most popular tonsorial parlors of the city, enjoying a lucrative and substantial pat- ronage.
·
November 1, 1893, our subject married Mrs. Emma M. Burrus, a very talented lady and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse T. Swain, for many years prominent citizens of this county, residing a few miles west of Keytesville. On west 2nd street our subject is the possessor of a pretty and convenient cottage residence, which is a fa- vorite retreat for their many young friends in the city. Politically, our subject is in full accord with the views and principles of the lead- ers and platform of the Republican party and loyally supports the nominee. Religiously he affiliates with the Baptist church.
152
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
S AMUEL HARVEY PITTS, clothing merchant, and a young gen- tleman highly esteemed wherever known for his high character as a man and his personal worth as a citizen, has been thorough- ly identified with the growth and business interests of Salisbury, Mo., for the past five years. Mr. Pitts was born in Randolph county, Mo., Oct. 22, 1870, bring the sixth member of a family of seven children of Rev. Samuel Y. and Annie (Win- ston) Pitts. Rev. Pitts was born in Randolph county, Oct. 14, 1832, and since reaching his majority has de- voted his time and best talent to the cause of the ministry, affiliating with the Baptist church. Mrs. Pitts, the mother and a most exemplary chris- tian lady, was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, in 1834.
In youth our subject was given the advantages of a good education, which he completed at William Jewel College at Liberty, Mo., from '87 to '89. On returning home, for two years he successfully engaged in farming, which he relinquished to enter the dry goods and clothing business in this city, as a member of the Salisbury Dry Goods Co. In 1893 he purchased the company's interest in the clothing department and has since been recognized as one of the most popular and successful dealers in the county. A young man of superior business ability, courteous in his address, and of pleasing manners, his success is but natural when backed by the energy and industry he has displayed in business affairs.
On Jan. 21, 1891, our subject was very happily united in mar- riage to Miss Lizzie Seott, a daughter of Wm. and Mary Scott, prom- inent citizens of Larned, Kansas. A cultured and refined lady of a high order of intelligence, her amiable qualities and social graces have contributed materially to the pleasure and entertainment of Salis- bury society. This union has proved a congenial one and their beau- tiful and happy home, on LaFevre street, has been brightened by the birth of one child, Master Dudley Pitts, now three years of age, whose placid physiognomy accompanies this sketch. All those meas-
153
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.
ures which have for their object the upbuilding of Salisbury and the development of Chariton county, find in Mr. Pitts a staunch friend and supporter. He believes that wonderful as has been the advance- ment of the community in the past, there is no indication that the cli- max has been reached, but that future years will bring as great pro- gress as the past has shown. In his political belief he is a democrat, loyal to every principle of his party. Socially, he is an honored and influential member of A. F. & A. M. and K. of P. fraternities, while religiously he is a member of the Baptist church.
LBANES W. BAKER, a young man of industry, intelligence and sterling character, is a young gentleman who occupies a prominent place in the estimation of the citizens of Salisbury, Mo. He was born in Warwick county, Indiana, Oct, 25, 1869, the eleest of a family of three children of Win. R. and Rhoda JJ. (Hedge) Baker. On the 10th of Feb. 1882, death entered the happy home of our subject and took therefrom the kind and loving mother. In March of the year of 1884 Mr. Baker and children moved to this state and county, settling upon a valuable tract of land at the south edge of Salisbury. On arriving here, our subject entered the pub- lic school of this city, where he re- mained until he graduated, under Prof. B. Riggs, in 1889. Our sub- jeet then taught one term of school and selecting teaching as a pro- fession, he entered the Normal, at Chillicothe, attending two terms. SANDERS-TO SLIOU After teaching another year, upon his return home, he engaged in the planing mill business, but sold his interests to go into the gro- cery business, remaining but a short time.
In the spring of '93 our subject attended school at the North Missouri Institute, graduating in the Business and Commercial depart- ment. In the following fall he was employed to teach the Prairie Mound School, District No. 1, Township 56, Range 20, this county,
154
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
remaining for four terms, giving entire satisfaction. For the past scholastic term Mr. Baker was again a matriculate of the N. M. Insti- tute. Socially our subject is a member of the County Board of Edu- cation, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is an ardent supporter of the democratic party, while in his religions be- liefs, he affiliates with the Baptist church.
SANDRASAUTIL
FRED HOLDERLE. ED. BAIER.
FRANK SMITH.
The above illustration will be recognized as a faithful likeness of three of Salisbury's most worthy and industrious young men, who are meeting with commendable success in the business circles of Salisbury, Mo. Mr. Holderle, for sometime past, has been engaged in the con- fectionery business, with gratifying results, while Mr. Baier is the junior member of the firm of Haysler & Baier Bros., proprietors of the city meat market, east Broadway. Mr. Smith, for some years past, has held a lucrative position with the city, as an assistant in the electric light plant. Being energetic, enterprising and progressive, the many friends of these young gentlemen unhesitatingly predict for them a useful and successful carcer.
Keytesville.
EYTESVILLE, the county seat of Chariton county, and a beautiful and substantial city of enterprise, hap- py homes and cultured people, situated near the cen- tral part of the county, 101 miles east of Kansas City and 176 miles northwest of St. Louis, one and one- half miles north of the main line of the Wabash railway with street railway connections, was originally laid out in 1839. James Keyte, an Englishman and a Methodist preacher, was the founder of the city, he having purchased the land in 1830, and two years later donated fifty aeres to the county, upon which, in 1833- 34, the court-house and other public buildings were erected. For eleven years prior to 1833, the county seat was located at "Old Chari- ton," at that time a very promising village in the southern part of the county. The first court house building, however, erected in the coun- ty, was built in Keytesville in 1832-33. This was a square shaped brick building, two stories high and contained four rooms, one below and three above, but was destroyed during the war in 1861. The present court-house, an excellent picture of which is given on page 13, was erected in 1866, at a cost of $75,000 and is 110x62 feet, two stories high. The first eireuit court held in Keytesville met on July 16, 1833. The first house erected in Keytesville, of which we have any authentic account, was a log-cabin built by Mr. Keyte, near the bank of the Muscle Fork, in 1841. About or near the same time he erected a similar building in his yard as a business house and post-office. The first house put up after the town was laid out was a log house just east of the court-house by Thomas Givens, a business house conducted by Wm. A. Wilson. W. E. and G. W. Hackley, of Howard county, engaged in business there in '32. The first hotel, a double log house, was formally opened Aug. 1, '42 by Isaac W. Redding. James Keyte built a water-mill upon the present site of the Keytesville Roller Mills, while Peter Lassin, a Dane, opened a blacksmith shop. At an early day Theodore Chrane started a pottery. Wm. F. Davis, a broth- er to the late Judge John M. Davis, of Brunswick, was the pioneer
A GROUP OF CHARITON COUNTY OFFICIALS.
157
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
A BUSINESS BLOCK OF KEYTESVILLE, MO.
lawyer, while David Pettigrew prescribed pills and administered phy- sies to the sick. Among other early settlers of Keytesville, who ma- terially contributed towards the carly growth and development of the town in pioneer days, we mention J. R. Horsly, R. G. Beasley, John Doss, Wm. Breeze, Wm. R. Allen, Josiah Price and Col. Nathan A. Grubbs.
On February 3, 1868, under an act incorporating towns and vil- lages, Keytesville was incorporated with the following trustees: M. G. Holcomb, John Gaston, Andrew Mackey, Jr., E. M. Burr and F. M. Redburn. In march, 1883, it was incorporated as a city of the fourth class, when the following officers were chosen: J. M. DeMoss, mayor; (. F. Smith, clerk and city attorney; John D. Butler, treasurer; and John Gaston, marshall. D. B. Kellogg, D. N. Wheeler, Hugo Bartz, and Richard Lowery were selected as councilmen.
As the county has increased in population and wealth, so has its county seat. To-day Keytesville has upwards of 1100 citizens, the bulk of whom are of high intelligence and thoroughly American in thought and in action. Especially favored by nature with an except- · ionally fine location, enterprising man has supplemented her efforts by tasteful and harmonious improvements. While Keytesville may pos- sibly lack some of the features that make other towns attractive, it has some charms which are distinctively its own, and which are copy- righted features. It has in the past few years made some important
158
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
SANDERS.CO ST LOUIS
RESIDENCE OF GEO. N. ELLIOTT, KEYTESVILLE, MO.
strides forward, and can boast of a class of improvements that larger towns might well be proud of. One of its characteristics is the large number of shade trees that are planted along the streets, in front of picturesque homes and beautiful gardens filled with choice fiowers. The town offers social conditions which are highly desirable. Its pub- lic school system, the glory and pride of the city, is par excellent. Most of the citizens are sturdy, intelligent people who insist upon the highest efficiency possible in their public school. Various religious denominations are represented by handsome, comfortable churches or meeting places and under the charge of able, earnest christian minis- ters. Five fraternal organizations are represented in the city, and are loyally and enthusiastically supported.
It is not an exaggeration to say that in Keytesville are to be found generally such refined and progressive social conditions as are met with in the larger and long established communities of the east. As a trading point, its influence is felt and recognized in other towns of the county. The business men are enterprising and progressive, thoroughly alive to the needs of the community. The business houses are nearly all of brick, and will favorably compare with those of . larger cities.
KEYTESVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
In a "souvenir edition" of the Keytesville Courier, published at Keytesville, Mo., and issued May 29, 1896, we take the following
159
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
modest statement in reference to Keytesville's excellent public school system.
"The glory and pride of this city is its public schools. Its people
SANDERS CO. NÍ LOU
KEYTESVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING.
are nothing if not progressive, and are composed of a highly cultured and refined class, who thoroughly believe in keeping abreast of the
SNEED HOTEL, KEYTESVILLE, MO.
TENS
161
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
age in which they live, not only in a material way, but in the develop- ment of the mental and moral natures of the young. In pursuance of this idea and well knowing that education is the corner-stone of a lib- eral form of government, as also a foundation for a life of usefulness they have brought their system of public schools up to a point where they are second to those of no other city of its size in the state. The building occupied by the school for the white children is an elegant two-story brick structure above a basement, and is located three bocks east of the business portion of the city, where it is surrounded by commodious grounds of over a block in extent consisting of a smooth grassy lawn, set with a large number of trees.
The interior arrangement of this building is particularly fine, and was made with reference to the sanitary condition and convenience of the whole. In the basement is located the furnace which does the heating and ventilating; here also is a full system of dry closets in use which destroys all refuse matter; this, together with the heating and ventilating system, is the most perfect extant, and is the same as that used in many of the largest buildings throughout the United States. This structure contains six class rooms and the necessary halls and cloak rooms; these class rooms are numbered consecutively from one to six and the course of study includes twelve grades, three of which are taken up in high school work. Six teachers are employed, the two highest grades of the high school being in charge of the principal and superintendent, Prof. A. F. Willis, who is an educator of many year's experience, and a gentleman, who is in every way competent to fill the responsible position of a teacher. *
* Miss Carrie Willet has charge of the second intermediate department. Miss Net- tie M. Moore, first intermendiate. Miss Willie Davis, second primary and Miss Amne Grinstead, first primary, all being teachers of a high class and enthusiastic workers in their chosen profession. Eight month's school is yearly maintained, this being divided into two terms of four months each. The enrollment of pupils for the term just past was 272, and the number is steadily increasing. In fact, the need of two more rooms, at least, is beginning to make itself keenly felt, and they will have to be added sooner or later. The building was erected in 1889 at a cost of $13,000, and the whole is looked after by a board of directors, six in number. The board at the present writing is com- posed of Messrs. W. C. Gaston, president; George H. Applegate, vice- president; W. G. Agee, treasurer; George N. Elliott, clerk; H. B. Richardson and Capt. J. C. Wallace, all being well-known citizens and
162
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Lena
RESIDENCE OF WM. E. HILL, KEYTESVILLE, MISSOURI. .....
business men of Keytesville. Aside from the central school there is a good school for the education of the colored children, it having a very competent corps of teachers and being looked after by the same board that has charge of the first mentioned institution. From the forego- ing it will be seen that Keytesville has every inducement in the way of educational interests to offer to those who might be looking this way for a permanent location."
CHURCHES OF KEYTESVILLE
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTHI.
Methodism in Chariton county dates from 1817 when one Rev. John Scripps preached at the home of a Mr. Clemmins, at the mouth of the Chariton river, this country at that time being a part of Boons- lick cirenit. In 1836 it was set apart and organized into a circuit, tak- ing the name of Keytesville. The church at Keytesville, however, is supposed to have been organized in 1831, but previous to 1835, the records have been lost. The first building was erected in 1856, but during the war was occupied by the soldiers and so badly damaged that it was afterwards sold to the colored organization. The present
163
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
building, a neat and substantial brick building was erected in 1875 and has since been materially improved. During the past year (1896) Rev. C. K. Shilling has been in charge as pastor, services being con- ducted 1st and 3rd Sabbath, morning and evening, of each month.
BAPTIST CHURCHI.
The Baptist church of Keytesville was organized in 1848 by Revs. David Anderson, Thos. Fristoe and Fielding Wilhite, with Richard Long and wife, Benjamin Carter and wife, Robt. Elliott and wife, Thos. McCart and wife and Alton F. Martin as charter members. The . first pastor of the organization was Rev. David Anderson. Services were then held monthly in a grove near the residence of the late Cas- well Courtney, 2} miles north of town, but were afterwards held in the school house, court house and other public buildings of the town until 1857, when the Presbyterian church shared the use of their build- ing with them until the erection of their own edifice in 1882. This building is a nice frame structure and originally cost $2,000. It was dedicated in August '82, by the Rev. W. Pope Yeaman. Richard Long was the first clerk of the church and was succeeded by Jackson J. Mills. "Uncle" Thos. T. Elliott, the gentleman to whom we are indebted for these facts, was clerk from 1853 to 1874, while at present Mr. C. A. Chapman acts as clerk. The present membership is about 130. Services are held upon the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, Rev. C. F. D. Arnold, of Lathrop, Mo., being the pastor in charge.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
at Keytesville, was organized in 1853, two churches being erected that year, one at Brunswick and the other at Keytesville, but both were under the control of the Brunswick church. Two years later, 1855, the Keytesville church became a seperate organization. Among the members were Richard S. Hyde and wife, Wm. Jones and wife, John C. Crawley, J. S. Murphy, Franklin B. Salisbury and wife, Wm. Staples and wife, M. J. Rucker, Wm. S. Hyde, Robt. S. Hyde, Martha J. Dewey, Elizabeth Girvin, Margaret J. Miles, Elizabeth M. Allen, Harriet N. Salisbury and Elizabeth Ann Harvey. Rev. S. J. M. Beebee was the first pastor in charge of the organization, who contin- ued as such until 1863. The present church building is a nice frame structure erected at a cost of $2,400. At present it has a large mem- bership. Services are held on the first Sunday in each month, Rev. J. J. Squires, a very able and talented minister, being the pastor in charge.
HOTEL SNYDER, KEYTESVILLE, MO.
sine
165
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
RESIDENCE OF C. P. VANDIVER, KEYTESVILLE, MO.
The Christian church of Keytesville, will date its organization from May, 1896. Yet at the present time (August '96) the organiza- tion has only been partially completed. The deacons of the church selected in May were Messrs. B. H. Smith, W. D. Vaughn, Wm. Evans, J. A. Meyer. Wm. A. Taylor, Warner Ford and J. A. Meyer were chosen as trustees and B. H. Smith appointed clerk.
A building committee was appointed in May to devise ways and means for the erection of a church building and as a result the means have been provided and the contract awarded for the erec- tion of a very pretty building of modern style, the cost of which upon completion will exceed $2,000. The membership will embrace some 35 or 40 persons, residing in Keytesville and vicinity.
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Not unlike other towns of Chariton county, Keytesville enjoys the influence of a number of fraternal organizations that have proven of incalculable benefit in the social and moral development of the commu- nity. The first fraternal organization instituted in Keytesville was that of Warren Lodge, No. 74, A. F. & A. M., established in January, 1845, with seven charter members, charter bearing date of October 20, 1845. Since its organization this order has steadily grown in strength and usefulness, commensurate with that of the town. The present membership is 68. Regular meetings are held in their own hall on Saturday evening preceeding the full moon of each month. Officers
166
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for 1896 are as follows: O. B. Anderson, Worshipful Master; B. H. Smith, Senior Warden; O. L. Dines, Junior Warden; M. W. Ander- son, Secretary; A. F. Tooley, Treasurer; O. P. Ray, Senior Deacon; James E. Dempsey, Junior Deacon: M. L. Finnell, Tyler.
Chariton Lodge, No. 177, A. O. U. W., the second oldest organi- zation, was instituted with 13 charter members January 5th, 1880. This has been a very active and successful order, one that has proven of substantial benefit to Keytesville and vicinity. The present mem- bership numbers thirty-eight. Regular meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evening of each month, in the hall of Anderson & Agee, one of the largest and finest lodge rooms in the county. Pres- ent officers are as follows: Past Master Workman, H. H. Miller; Mas- ter Workman, John Chivers; Foreman, Charlie Schell; Overseer, Geo. N. Elliott; Recorder, R. H. Tisdale; Receiver, M. W. Anderson; Fi- nancier, J. C. Rucker; Guide, Ed Walters; Inside Watchman, John Carroll; Outside Watchman, R. P. Trent; Medical Examiners, Drs. H. T. Garnett and S. W. Downing.
Keytesville Legion Select Knights A. O. U. W., No. 29, was or- ganized with 26 charter members, being instituted and first regular meeting held July 14, 1882.
Launcelot Lodge, No. 245, Knights of Pythias, was instituted June 30, 1892, with twenty-three charter members, and has had a high- ly satisfactory growth. The present membership embraces the names of 44 loyal, enthusiastic members, who in their daily avocations of life endeavor to exemplify the friendship, so beautifully manifested by Damon for his friend Pythias, who was condemned to death by Dio- nysius, the tyrant of Syracuse. Regular meetings are held every Fri- day evening. Present officers are af follows: Past Chancellor Com- mander, J. A. Collet; Chancellor Commander, H. H. Miller; Vice- Chancellor, D. B. Kellogg; Prelate, C. P. Vandiver: Keeper of Records and Seal, H. C. Minter; Master of Exchequer, J. M. Mason; Master of Finance, B. H. Smith; Master-at-Arms, J. W. Robertson; Inner Guard, Clyde Smith; Outer Guard, Henry Forrest.
Keytesville Lodge, No. 277, I. O. O. F., was organized March 23, 1893, with twenty-three charter members, but has now increased until the roll contains the names of fifty-five members. Its growth. numerically and financially, has been very gratifying to the most en- thusiastic supporter of the order, while the work accomplished has had a telling effect upon the community. Regular meetings are held upon Monday evening of each week at the hall of Anderson & Agee.
167
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
SANDERS-CO. ST;LODIG
RESIDENCE OF W. G. AGEE, KEYTESVILLE, MO.
Officers for 1896 are as follows: L. B. Thrash, Noble Grand; O. P. Ray, Vice-Grand; F. M. Veach, Secretary, and M. W. Anderson, Treasurer.
Keytesville Tent, No. 83, Knights of the Maccabees, was organiz- ed in May, 1894, with 40 charter members, but owing to removals and withdrawals, the present membership is 33. Regular meet- ings are held in the hall of Anderson & Agee on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings of each month. Officers for '96 as follows: O. B. Anderson, Past Sir Knight Commander; F. M. Veach, Sir Knight Commander; J. M. Mason, Lieut. Commander; G. H. Applegate, Record Keeper; H. C. Miller, Finance Keeper; II. P. Eastwood, Chaplain; B. H. Smith, Sergeant; H. M. Sigloch, Master-at-Arms, Joe Held, 1st Guard; Charles A. Friesz, 2nd Guard and L. A. Em- bree, Picket.
KEYTESVILLE STREET CAR LINE.
As stated in the introductory article, Keytesville is situated about one and one-half miles north of the main line of the Wabash railroad, which necessitated a cheap, rapid and convenient means of transportation between the town and the station. In 1889 Messrs. Hugo Bartz and J. J. Moore, two old and progressive citizens of the town, recognizing the demand for better facilities for transportation than the old omnibuses then in use, secured a right-of-way and at once
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.