USA > Missouri > Boone County > History of Boone County, Missouri. > Part 84
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In 1877 he was elected professor of Latin in the Missouri State Uni- versity, which position he has filled with great ability ever since. Few men are more closely identified with the educational interests of this State, and not one, perhaps, of his age, has taught so long, he hav- ing been a teacher in Missouri for twenty-six years. Prof. Fisher is not only justly distinguished as a teacher, but equally so, perhaps, as an author. In 1878 he published a pamphlet entitled " The Three Pronunciations of Latin," which excited much controversy. In 1879, in response to numerous requests from American teachers of Latin, he published a more comprehensive work on the same subject, entitled " Fisher on the Three Pronunciations of Latin." This work has al- read passed through two editions, and the demand for it, both in this country and Europe, is very great. We have numerous testimonials before us, from which we can make but a few brief extracts. The St. Louis Republican says of it : -
We shall not attempt a synopsis of a book that strikes us as handling most ably and thoroughly this question, in which scholars everywhere are so deeply interested. Of equal interest to all scholars, to all professional and scientific men, and may be regarded as indispensable to teachers of Latin.
In addition to the above there are a number of other press notices, taken from the most influential papers of the country, published in al- most every State of the Union ; also many flattering testimonials from teachers, of which we select the following from Prof. T. W. Coit, of Middletown, Connecticut :
I am a total stranger to you, but take the liberty of a brother professor to offer you my best thanks for your capital book on the pronunciation of Latin. But one thing I am fully persuaded of, and that is that our would-be classical reformers will not only murder Latin, but slaughter English in the bargain.
Prof. Fisher is now a regular contributor to the New England Journal of Education. He is also engaged on a complete series of Latin text books. He is a member of the American Philological Association, and has read papers at its meetings. Prof. Fisher has been married three times. First, in 1856, to Anna E. Atwood, daughter of Dr. U. T. Atwood, of St. Louis. She died in 1864. In 1866 he was married to Miss Bettie Blair Coleman, cousin of Gen. Frank P. Blair. She died in 1872. December, 1874, he was married to Miss Eliza Gamble, daughter of Judge John W. Gamble, of Louisville. By the first marriage he has three children, Lizzie, Hamilton and Ernest. By the second marriage, one son, Samuel Blair. By the last marriage they have had four children, of whom three are living. Their names are, James M., Mary and Julia. The dead son was named Gamble.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
Hamilton is now engaged in the mercantile business at Terre Haute, Indiana. Ernest is studying medicine at Sedalia, Missouri. The other children are with their parents. Dr. Fisher and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian church. He is also a Royal Arch Mason.
GEORGE E. FLOOD.
The subject of this sketch is the only surviving son of Rev. Noah and Jane L. (Ayers ) Flood. He was born three miles north of Fulton, Callaway county, Missouri, November 2, 1848. Rev. Noah Flood, the father of the subject of this sketch, was one of the ablest and most useful preachers of his church, and the history of his eventful life would fill a volume if written in detail. He was born in 1809, and landed in Missouri at the age of twenty with only his trade and fifty cents in money. He had learned the tailor's trade in Kentucky, and from time to time worked at the business in defraying his ex- penses while struggling for an education such as might well fit him for the high calling to which he aspired and finally attained, but not by the easy paths usually pursued by modern divinity students. He obtained his education mostly at Alton, Illinois. . Entering the minis- try at an early age, he travelled extensively for several years, mostly in Missouri, preaching and organizing churches. He was pastor of Walnut Grove Church, near Rocheport, for twenty years. He was also pastor of Bethlehem, Bonne Femme and New Salem churches, all in Boone county. He organized the church at Grand View, also in Boone. He was an earnest friend and promoter of educational enterprises, and did more in his humble way towards building up Baptist institutions of learning than most any other man of his de- nomination. Stephens College, William Jewell, and Mt. Pleasant all owe him a debt of gratitude as one of their principal benefactors. He died August 11, 1873, and is buried at Richland, Callaway county, Missouri. Mrs. Flood is still living at the age of sixty-two. She re- sides in Columbia with her children. There were eleven children in all born to Noah Flood, five sons and six daughters, of whom only one son and five daughters are now living. George, the only surviv- ing son, was educated at the Missouri State University, graduating with first honors in the agricultural department in 1873. He was- awarded the prize medal on the day he graduated. He afterwards took the degree of B. S., and in 1875 took his degree in the engineer department. After completing his studies, he received the appoint- ment of deputy surveyor under M. G. Quinn. In the fall of 1875-76.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
he taught school in Boone county, and the summer following was a candidate for county surveyor, but was defeated. In 1877 taught school in Boone, and in 1878 taught in Callaway county. He also acted as deputy surveyor under Thomas H. Haley, of that county. Returned to Boone county and taught school in 1879-80. In the summer of 1880 acted as street commissioner of Columbia. In 1881 he again attended the University and took another degree in higher mathematics. Was appointed deputy surveyor under W. E. Wright, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Baptist church and a Master Mason. He is a fine civil engineer and a practical sur- veyor, having devoted the best years of his life to the studies neces- sary to fit him for such duties.
JOHN T. FYFER.
John Thylo Fyfer was born in Quebec, Canada, February 3, 1835. Was educated at the French and English college of that city, learned German and French, and was early initiated in the wholesale trade, it being intended that he should represent his firm in the European trade. At the age of nineteen he went to Orange county, Virginia, where he remained for three years. Afterwards came to Columbia and engaged in business with Jonathan Kirkbride. In 1860 formed a partnership with Mr. Trimble. He was married in 1868 to Miss Laura Berry, of Springfield, Missouri. Three daughters were born to them : Lizzie Kirkbride, Laura and Lou. They have developed considerable skill in music, having a family predilection that way. Mrs. Fyfer died July 12, 1882, aged forty-seven. She was a graduate of Visitation convent, St. Louis, Missouri, and a lady of rare culture. She was a member of the Episcopalian church. Mr. Fyfer is also a member of the Episcopal church. He is also a Knight Templar.
W. W. GARTH.
Walter Warren Garth was born in Columbia, January 27, 1848. His father is Jefferson Garth, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Boone county, who came from Scott county, Kentucky, and settled here in 1836. Walter Garth was educated at the common schools and at all three of the Columbia colleges - the University, the Baptist and the Christian. At the age of eighteen, or in the year 1866, he was appointed deputy circuit clerk by John M. Samuel, the then in- cumbent of the office. He held this position until 1874, when he was elected to the office, and became, at the age of twenty-six, circuit.
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clerk and recorder of Boone county. In 1878, after a close and excit- ing contest, he was reëlected over Mr. Woodson, one of the most popu- lar men in the county. Mr. Garth has filled the office to the general satisfaction of all the people, and has made for himself hosts of friends by his courteous, accommodating conduct as a public officer and as a man.
Mr .. Garth is a prominent member of the Masonic order. He has taken all the degrees up to and including that of Knight Templar. He has been master of the blue lodge; T. I. G. M. of the council ; H. P. of the chapter, and E. C. of the commandery. He and Mrs. Garth are members of the Presbyterian church.
October 7, 1867, when but nineteen years of age, Mr. Garth mar- ried Miss Eva Samuel, a daughter of Hon. John M. Samuel, and a most accomplished young lady, and a graduate of Bellwood seminary, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Garth have had born to them six children, four of whom are yet living, viz. : Mary, Jefferson, Lucy and William. Their oldest son, John, a bright, promising lad of thirteen, the pride and fond hope of his parents, and a favorite with all who knew him, was one of the victims of the Samuel's pond disaster, November 29, 1881, mention of which heart-rending circumstance is to be found elsewhere in this history.
The Garth family were Unionists, but not Radical, during the civil war. Samuel A. Garth, a brother of the subject of this sketch, com- manded a company in the Federal service. Walter Garth is in poli- tics a Democrat, fully in accord with and strong in the faith of the party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Possessed of a genial, kindly nature, an active, intelligent spirit, troops of friends, a splendid record as to past conduct, "Wat." Garth's future is promising, and his life can hardly fail of being a success.
JEFFERSON GARTH.
Jefferson Garth was born in Scott county, Kentucky, May 22, 1803. He is the son of John and Sally (Griffith ) Garth. He came to Boone county, Missouri, in the fall of 1836. Nine years previous to emi- grating to Missouri, he married Mary Ann, daughter of Gen. Robert S. Russell. By this marriage they have had eight children, seven sons and one daughter, of whom two sons, Robert and Thomas Allen, are dead. Walter W. Garth, clerk of the circuit court, is the young- est of the family. William is a farmer in Clay county. Samuel has a cattle ranche in the Indian Nation, where he is now living. Henry H.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
is living in Rocheport, where he has a grocery store. James M. is living on a farm four miles north of Rocheport. Lizzie, the only daughter, is the wife of Col. C. T. Worley. Mrs. Worley is living with her parents. Mr. Garth has followed farming all his life. He has a fine farm of 600 acres, lying partially within the suburbs of Columbia. It is well watered and timbered. Mrs. Garth is the only child of the Russell family now living. She is seventy-seven years old. Mr. Garth's father died in 1836, and his mother a few years later. John Garth was one of the largest farmers and slaveholders in Scott county.
MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD GENTRY, DECEASED.
One of the most prominent characters of Boone county and of Mis- souri in early days, was the distinguished citizen and soldier whose name heads this sketch. Gen. Gentry was born in Madison county, Ky., August 21st, 1788. He was a son of Richard Gentry, Sr., Esq., of Virginia, and one of a family of nineteen children, sixteen sons and three daughters. This family has numerous members and representa- tives throughout Missouri, the majority of whom are or have been prominently connected with the political history and the financial, commercial, and other vital interests of the State.
Early in life Richard Gentry, Jr., evinced a fondness and talent for military service. When but nineteen years of age he received a commission from Gov. Christopher Greenup, of Kentucky, appointing him a lieutenant in the 19th Regiment of Kentucky militia. This com- mission bears date March 27th, 1808. Subsequently, June 18th, 1811, he was commissioned captain by Gov. Chas. Scott. September 1st, 1813, he was appointed by Gov. Isaac Shelby ensign of volunteers, and in this capacity served in the war of 1812. He was under the command of Gen. Harrison and his service was rendered on the northern border. He took part in different engagements with the British and Indians, including the battle of the Thames, in Canada, October, 1813. After his removal to Missouri, Gen. Gentry received the following commissions in the military service of the State : -
From Gov. Alex. McNair, April 20th, 1821, as captain of the 4th company, 2d battalion, 14th regiment, 1st brigade, 1st division of Missouri militia.
From Gov. McNair, September 5th, 1822, as colonel of the 26th regiment, 1st brigade, 1st division.
From Gov. John Miller, January 26th, 1832, as major-general of the 3d division.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
From Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs, July 11th, 1837, as colonel of the 1st Missouri volunteers.
From Gov. Boggs, September 12th, 1837, as major-general of the 12th division of Missouri militia.
In 1816, Gen. Gentry came to Missouri, and located first in St. Louis county. In 1818 he came to Old Franklin, Howard county, and in 1820 to Boone county, settling near Columbia. He was a member of the Smithton town company. Upon the removal of the county seat, he settled permanently in Columbia, which was his home while he lived. From 1826 to 1830 he was the State Senator from this district. In 1832 he commanded the Missouri troops on the expedition to northeast Missouri during the Black Hawk war. ( See general history. ) Five years later he was authorized by the Sec- retary of War, Joel R. Poinsett, to raise a regiment of Missouri vol- unteers for service in the Florida war against the Seminoles, which he did. (See general history for full and interesting particulars. ) It is generally known that Gen. Gentry fell at the battle of Okeecho- bee, Florida, Christmas day, 1837. The Missouri troops were dis- mounted, and with their colonel at the head, were crossing a swamp to attack the Seminoles. Col. G. waved his sword and cried out to his men : "Come on, boys !" Immediately he was struck by a bullet from an Indian rifle and mortally wounded. His wound was through the bowels ; a silk handkerchief was drawn through it, which circumstance will indicate its character. He died at about the ensu- ing midnight. Before his death he sent for Gen. Zachary Taylor, the commanding officer, and requested him to do the Missouri regi- ment full justice and give it proper credit for its services. Col. Gentry's son, Harrison Gentry, who was sergeant-major of the regi- ment, was wounded in the arm in the same engagement.
The history of the services of Gen. Gentry is so interwoven with the history of Boone county, and set out so fully on other pages of this volume, that it would be a work of superogation to write it here. What is here written is partly a repetition of matter to be found else- where. His remains lie in Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and he
Dreams of battle fields no more-days of danger, nights of waking.
They were brought from Florida and interred by the General Gov- ernment, Brig-Gen. Atkinson having especial charge of that duty.
Prior to the Black Hawk and Florida war - say about 1830 - Gen. Gentry was engaged in the Santa Fe trade, and made several trips to
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
New Mexico in the prosecution of his business, in which he was fairly successful.
In person, Gen. Gentry was about six feet in height, and weighed 200 pounds. He was of a robust physique and of an active tempera- ment. His eyes and hair were dark, if not black, and he was a fine specimen of noble manhood both in appearance and reality. His por- trait, by Geo. C. Bingham, now in the possession of his son, T. B. Gentry, Esq., is said to be a good likeness. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and belonged to the order of Free Masons. In politics, he was a Jackson Democrat, and a warm personal and politi- cal friend of Col. Thos. H. Benton, who, from his seat in the U. S. Senate, sent numerous letters of condolence to Mrs. Ann Gentry, the colonel's widow, upon her husband's death, and secured for her the position of postmistress at Columbia, which position she held for more than thirty consecutive years, being first commissioned, February 20th, 1838, by Amos Kendall, postmaster-general. Gen. Gentry, himself, had previously held the office, being first appointed January 12th, 1830, by P. M. Gen. Wm. T. Barry.
Gen. Gentry had a family of interesting children, all of whom at- tained greater or less distinction, that arrived at maturity. Harrison Gentry, who was wounded at Okeechobee, died in Columbia in 1871. Nicholas H. Gentry took service under Gen. Price, upon the outbreak of the civil war, and died from wounds received at the battle of Wilson's Creek. O. P. Gentry, a prominent citizen of Monroe county, died at Paris, Mo., in 1881. Thos. B. Gentry, the only surviving son of the family, resides at Columbia ; his biographical sketch will be found elsewhere. Miss Ann Eliza Gentry was a lady of. rare talents and attainments ; a woman renowned as well for her accomplishments as for her general qualities. She was celebrated as a teacher, and was at first assistant to Miss Lucy Wales, of Colum- bia, and afterwards connected with other educational institutions in different parts of the State, notably with Grand River College, Grundy county. She first married a Mr. Bryan and afterward be- came the wife of a gentleman named Elliott. She died in Vernon county, in 1879.
Gen. G. was married February 13th, 1810, to Miss Ann Hawkins, of Kentucky, a daughter of Nicholas Hawkins, an old soldier of the Revolution. They became the parents of thirteen children, only two of whom are now living, Thos. B. and Mary, now the wife of Boyle Gordon, Esq.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
THOS. B. GENTRY.
Thomas Benton Gentry, Esq., son of Gen. Richard Gentry, was born in Columbia, October 13th, 1830, and was educated in the schools of his native county. Upon the death of his distinguished father his mother was given the post-office at Columbia, and in 1855, he entered the office as head clerk, which position he held for several years, including the period of the civil war. Previous to this he had engaged in merchandising for a period of about twelve years. From 1868 to 1878 he was justice of the peace. He served as one of the trustees of the town of Columbia for many years, and has twice been chairman of the board. For five years he was the treasurer of the State University. .
October 30th, 1860, Mr. Gentry married Miss Mary Todd, a daughter of Roger North Todd, the pioneer clerk of Boone county, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Gentry have two sons, promising youths, who are in attendance at school in Colum- bia. The family lives in a pleasant and comfortable home in the sub- urbs of Columbia, with all the elements necessary to constitute hap- piness - health and strength, a fair competence, and hosts of warm friends. In this home, Mr. Gentry has certain articles of historic in- terest and value pertaining to his renowned father. He has Gen. Gentry's sword, epaulets (those of a major general), coat, chapeau, numerous commissions etc., together with the flag of the regiment commanded by Col. G. at the time of his death. A sketch of this banner will be found in another part of this history.
Mr. and Mrs. Gentry are members of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. G. has been an elder for nearly twenty years. He is also a member of the order of Good Templars. In politics Mr. Gentry is conservative and not the slave of any party. Prior to the civil was, he was a Democrat. During the war he was an unconditional, uncompromising Union man with no sympathy at all for secession. He voted for Gen. Grant in 1868 and 1872, but since the latter named period has generally acted with the Democratic party, voting for Tilden in 1876 and Hancock in 1880. In 1874 Mr. Gentry was graduated from the law department of the State University, but is not now an active practitioner. He lives in semi-retirement, in his beautiful little home in the bosom of his excellent family, and is well known as an estimable, honorable gentleman, generous and hospitable, meriting and receiving universal esteem.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
JOHN BOYLE GORDON, DECEASED.
John Boyle Gordon was born in Milford, Madison county, Kentucky. His father, David Gordon, was a native of North Carolina who emi- grated to Kentucky in an early day, and by shrewd management and energy, laid the foundation of a considerable fortune. After estab- lishing himself in business, in Madison county, he married Miss Jane Boyle, sister of John Boyle, chief justice of Kentucky. Mrs. Adams, mother of Judge Washington Adams, of Missouri, is also another sister. The subject of this sketch was brought up on the farm and was early inured to all the hardships of farm life, but had little appre- ciation of agricultural pursuits. He attended the country schools of winters and studied hard between sessions until he was prepared to teach school. He taught until he had procured means to place him- self at Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky, some twenty miles from his father's home. There, under the instructions of Horace Holby, he made rapid progress in his chosen profession. He spent two years at this institution, being limited to that period for the want of means. He returned home sorely puzzled as to what course to pursue, as his father seemed not at all disposed to further his designs in procuring a legal education. In this dilemma, he approached W. H. Caperton, an eminent lawyer of the Richmond bar, who generously responded to his appeal, giving him all the instruction in his power, and advancing him the means he stood so much in need of. Return- ing to Transylvania, be completed his course and was admitted to the bar. He commenced his professional career at the Richmond bar by forming a partnership with Col. John Speed Smith, brother-in-law to Cassius M. Clay. When thoroughly established in business, he married Miss Sophia, daughter of Nicholas Hawkins, a well-to-do farmer of Madison county. In 1826, David Gordon, the father of John B., resolved to emigrate to Columbia, Missouri, and his son came with him. At the time of their advent, Columbia contained but two or three houses, rude cabins hardly worthy the name of houses. They found the people of Boone county, even at this early date, very much absorbed in politics, being about equally divided between the Whig and Democratic parties. The subject of this sketch, being an ardent Whig, at once entered the arena of politics. He was directly chosen candidate for the legislature and elected. At the subsequent election he was returned, and so on for five or six times in succession .. This was between 1830 and 1840. He was never beaten for office.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
During this time he was associated in the law business with Austin A. King, afterwards governor of the State. King was a Democrat and was once beaten by his partner. In 1839-40, when the location of the State University was to be settled between Cole, Cooper, Calla- way, Boone and Howard - the county subscribing the most to get the institution-John B. Gordon took the stump, assisted by Hon. James S. Rollins. By their united efforts, and the unprecedented liberality of the people, Boone secured the University. About this time Mr. Gordon took his younger brother, James M. Gordon, into his office and prepared him for the bar and for a life of future usefulness and honor. In 1840 Mr. Gordon returned to Kentucky, and resumed the practice of his profession. His great success as a lawyer drew about him a number of young men eager to learn of him and to profit by his profound knowledge of law, among whom was Judge Samuel Miller, now one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Gordon remained in Kentucky for about three years when he returned to Columbia and gradually retired from the active duties of his profession. He had six children, four sons and two daughters. Martha, the eldest of the daughters, married Judge Robert H. Clink- scales, formerly a prominent business man of Columbia, and for a brief period judge of the county court. Ida, the second daughter, married Prof. Oren Root, Jr., formerly connected with the State University. Boyle, the eldest son, has been an able practitioner at the Columbia bar for many years, and a professor of law in the State University. Wellington and Carey are also well-known attorneys of Columbia, Missouri. John B. Gordon, or " Jack," as he was familiarly called, died on his farm, near Columbia, February 13th, 1855, ( ?) at the age of fifty-five years.
CAREY H. GORDON.
Carey H. Gordon is the son of John B. and Sophia (Hawkins ) Gordon. He was born in Columbia, Missouri, June 10th, 1844, and was educated at the State University, attending the literary depart- ment of that institution for three years, and afterwards the law de- partment for two years. Commenced the practice of law in 1872 with his brother, Wellington Gordon, at Columbia. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in company B, 9th Missouri State Militia, and served three years, leaving the army in March, 1865. In August, 1863, he was transferred to a newly organized company of which he was made second lieutenant. Was at the battle of Kirksville, in Adair county, August, 1862. Was afterwards on a scout with ten men, some ten miles
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