USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > St Joseph > History of Buchanan County and St. Joseph, Mo. : from the time of the Platte purchase to the end of the year 1915 biographical sketches of noted citizens, living and dead > Part 31
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(now St. Joseph & Grand Island), sec- retary of the St. Joseph & Topeka Rail- road Company, now out of existence; was a member of the Elwood Town Company, and at the same time en- gaged in the real estate business in St. Joseph, being a member of the firm of Harbine & Thompson. He saw a great future in the railroad to the west, and had not the circumstances prevented, he might have given St. Joseph the first commercial place in this region. He was a military man also, and in 1860 and 1861 was colonel of a regiment of state guards. At the critical moment he cast his fortunes with the South and gave all of his wonderful energy and enthusiasm to that cause. The incident of taking the Union colors from the postoffice is related elsewhere in this history. He made a brilliant record as a soldier, attained the rank of brigadier-general and was known as "Swamp Fox." Toward the close of 1864, being con- vinced that his cause was lost, he surrendered his command to the fed- eral authorities, and for a time was a prisoner on Johnson Island, near San- dusky, O. As soon as he was released he accepted the situation and was one of the first of the southern leaders to become reconstructed. Locating in New Orleans after the close of the war, he engaged in the grocery and liquor business for a short time, and then, through the influence of General A. L. Lee, who had been a banker in St. Joseph and president of the El- wood Town Company, General Thomp- son was appointed surveyor-general of Louisiana, a position which ue held for eight years, and the duties of which were so arduous as to com- pletely break down his constitution. Obtaining a leave of absence, he trav- eled for a time and then came to St. Joseph, where he became bedfast, and died at the Pacific House on Septem- ber 5, 1876. His remains rest at Mount Mora cemetery. He was a brother to Charles M. Thompson, formerly re- corder of the city, and many years deputy under Samuel D. Cowan, clerk of the circuit court, and later removed to California. Broaddus Thompson, at one time a prominent attorney here, who was noted for his refinement and culture, was also a brother. General Thompson was married at Liberty, Mo., in 1848, to Miss Emma Hays of Baltimore.
COL. ELIJAH GATES, than whom few men have been more esteemed by their countrymen, was born in Gar -! rard County, Kentcuky, in 1827, and: the greater part of his life was spent in Buchanan County and St. Joseph. He was honored with many positions of trust, all of which he filled with: credit to himself and to the satisfac- tion of his friends. Colonel Gates died : in St. Joseph March 4, 1915.
He was the son of John Gates, owner of a large plantation in Kentucky, who died when the subject of this sketch was but a year and a half old. Colonel Gates was educated in the schools of his native county, and came to Mis- souri when twenty years old. He lo- cated in Buchanan County in 1857 and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until the outbreak of the Civil war.
In 1861 he enlisted in the Confed- erate army from St. Joseph and was soon elected captain of Company A Missouri State Guards, Morgan's divi- sion. After three months of service he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and three months later was advanced to colonel.
He formed a regiment in Springfield, Mo., and served with Gen. Sterling Price until the fall of 1861. General Price once said of him: "He is the bravest man I ever knew." In the spring of 1862 he crossed the Missis- sippi and joined the army under Beau- regard at Corinth, and continued in service east of the Mississippi until the close of the war.
Colonel Gates was taken prisoner on three occasions. At the battle of Franklin he was wounded in the left arm so badly as to lose that member. He was captured, but made his escape and went to Mobile, where he took command of a brigade and partici- pated in the battle of Mobile. He was captured at Big Black, Miss., but elud- ed his captors a few days later. He was again captured at Blakely, opposite Mobile, in the last battle of the war, was incarcerated three weeks at Ship Island, and then sent to Jackson, just as General Taylor surrendered. He was in practically all of the engage- ment of the Missouri troops, and about half of the time was in command of his brigade.
He returned home July 5, 1865, after four years of long and hard service. He resumed the business of farming
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and continued until 1874, when he was elected sheriff on the Democratic ticket, in which position he served . four years. He was elected state treasurer of Missouri and served four years. After returning to St. Joseph he was appointed United States mar- shal for the Western District of Mis- souri by President Cleveland during his first term. He was in the transfer and bus business in St. Joseph, as a member of the firm of Piner & Gates,
for many years, but the last years of his life were spent in retirement at his home, 701 South Ninth street. He was a man representative of the high- est type of character and had many warm, true friends throughout the state.
Colonel Gates was married in Liv- ingston County, Missouri, in 1852 to Miss Maria Stamper, who was born in Monroe County, Missouri, and died December 24, 1898.
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COL. ELIJAH GATES
2
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JUDGE O. M. SPENCER comes from one of those prominent pioneer families of the West who have left such worthy examples and honorable names to their posterity. He was born on the old Spencer homestead, in Crawford Township, Buchanan Coun- ty, Missouri, August 23, 1849. His father, Obadiah M. Spencer, was native of North Carolina; his mother, Nancy Williams Spencer, a native of Kentucky. His parents came to Mis-
called "bush-whackers," and the next with the Union troops.
The boys inclined toward the cause of the South, although the father was a Union man.
In 1869, he entered the state univer- sity at Columbia. In 1871 he became a student at the Christian University at Canton, Mo., from which he was graduated with one of the honors of! the institution in 1873. Subsequently. he read law at Leavenworth. In 1874.
JUDGE O. M. SPENCER
souri in 1837. It was Judge Spencer's good fortune to see much of life and men when he was a boy. His father, who was one of the leading citizens of the Platte Purchase, resided near the line of Platte County, in the "hot-bed" of Southern sympathizers. "Tom," as he was nick-named, and his four younger brothers were one day in the company of the rebels, commonly
he entered the law school at Harvard. The following year he opened an office for the practice of his profession at St. Joseph. Like nearly every Mis- souri lawyer who has made his mark on his time, Judge Spencer passed through the school of the prosecuting attorneyship. He was elected in 1880, serving the two-year term. During this time he was a member of the
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legal firm consisting of Willard P. Hall, Jr., and himself, known as Spen- cer and Hall. A decade of practice had won the favorable opinion of the people of the populous county of Bu- chanan. It is therefore no surprise to learn that the people acquiesced in the action of the representatives of the Democratic party when, in 1886, they nominated Mr. Spencer for cir- cuit judge. It is a fact of special sig- nificance and which speaks eloquently of the favor with which he was viewed, that the Republican lawyers
Tootle. Her mother was a sister of James McCord. Mrs. Spencer was a lady of rare accomplishments, who died in 1880, at the age of twenty- four years, when her youngest child was only twelve months old. Two bright boys were born to Judge and Mrs. Spencer, Henry Heddens, born. July 20, 1877, and who died a few years ago, and Edwin O. M., born July 4, 1879. On March 5, 1895, Judge Spencer was married to Miss Kath- erine Turner of Columbia, Mo., a daughter of Colonel and Mrs. S.
MAJOR H. R. W. HARTWIG
of the circuit joined him in the call and refused to nominate a candidate against him. Judge Spencer's term on the bench was characterized by capability and impartiality. He did not occupy the bench the full term, however, as at the end of four years he resigned to accept the position of general solicitor of the Burlington railroad system in Missouri, and he still occupies that place.
Judge Spencer was married in 1875 to Miss Lillian, daughter of Joseph
Turner. Their boy, whom they named Tom, was killed in an automobile acci- dent five years ago when only fifteen years old. Their daughter, Sarah, fif- teen years of age, is now in school at Washington, D. C. She is a splendid girl and is deservedly idolized by her father.
Few men are better known in Mis- souri than Judge O. M. Spencer, and none have made or deserve a higher standard of manhood. He is now sixty-five years old, full of life and
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energy, due, he says, to constant effort at some one thing or another. "Never still or idle except when asleep" is his motto. He loves home life and fam- ily ties, and next to this he loves the Burlington railroad.
ALBERT R. GOETZ, secretary-treas- urer of the M. K. Goetz Brewing Com- pany, is a native of Missouri and of St. Joseph. He was born in this city November 20, 1871. He received his education in the public schools and
DR. ELIJAH A. COLLEY
DR. ELIJAH A. COLLEY, 5011/2 South Sixth street, was born in Clin- ton County, Missouri, November 4, 1877. He was educated in the com- mon schools of Clinton County and later attended the Plattsburg College, where he was graduated in June, 1899. In the same year he entered the medi- cal department of the Missouri univer- sity, and received his M. D. degree in 1904. In the fall of that year he lo- cated in Plattsburg, where he began practicing. In 1908 he came to St. Joseph. He is a member of the Ma- sonic order. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Kessler of St. Joseph, May 20, 1915.
business colleges of the city, and soon after leaving school began taking an interest in the business which his father had established some years be- fore. He was placed in charge of the soliciting and collection departments, and in 1895 was made secretary-treas- urer of the company. He has been one of the important factors in the growth and development of the busi- ness, which has become one of the most important in the city.
Mr. Goetz was married to Miss Flora Weidmaier, May 22, 1902. He has membership cards in the St. Joseph Turnverein, German Benevolent Soci- ety, Knights of Pythias, Elks and Eagles.
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P. P. BUDDY BUILDING CONSTRUC. TION COMPANY
Numerous substantial public build- ings and handsome private residences in St. Joseph today are lasting monu- ments to the constructive skill and executive ability of the P. P. Buddy Building Construction Company.
This business was first established by Philip Buddy in 1868 in a small shop at Sixth and Messanie streets.
Mr. Buddy was an eminently prac- tical mechanic, and under his instruc- tion his son, Philip Perry Buddy, grad- uated into a thorough craftsman. Philip, Jr., worked with his father as apprentice and journeyman from 1881 until 1890, when he was taken into partnership in the business. In 1902 the firm moved to the present quar- ters at 501-3 Main street, where a general contracting business has been followed.
P. P. BUDDY
Mr. Buddy was a master craftsman in the carpenter line, and his ability to make correct estimates on the cost of proposed buildings soon gained for him a high reputation. After ten years of successful work as a building con- tractor, Mr. Buddy's quarters became too small for his constantly growing business, and he moved to Second and Jule streets.
Sixteen years ago Mr. Buddy, Sr., died, and his son, Philip Perry Buddy, continued the business for seven years, when a corporation was formed with Mr. Buddy as president and treasurer, Albert T. Jones, vice-presi- dent, and Allen T. White, secretary. Mr. Jones and Mr. White had been former employes of Mr. Buddy and had risen to the positions of foreman
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of construction and mill work, respec- tively.
Among the numerous buildings in St. Joseph which bear testimony to the efficient and skillful work of the P. P. Buddy Construction Company may be mentioned the Auditorium, the Livestock Exchange, Buchanan County
(Clark) Dandurant. His parents were members of two of the oldest and best known families of this city. He has one sister, Mrs. F. Sophie Schatt also of this city.
His early education was procured at the Christian Brothers College of St. Joseph, Mo., and after graduating from this institution he took up his
LOUIS JOSEPH DANDURANT
jail, St. Patrick's Parochial School, McCord-Harlow shoe factory, the Tran- sit House, Robidoux school, St. Fran- cis Catholic Church of Wyatt Park, St. James' Catholic Church of South St. Joseph, German Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception at Tenth and Angelique streets, and scores of other buildings and private residences.
LOUIS JOSEPH DANDURANT, M. D. A. B. AM. LLD., one of the leading surgeons and physicians of St. Joseph, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, and is a son of Damas F. and Rose Ann
advanced studies in the classics and science in the noted institution of learning then known as New Engle- berg College, at Conception, Mo. This college is the American branch of the ancient and famous university of Engleberg located at Engleberg,
Switzerland.
From this institution he received the degree of "Bachelor of Arts" and later the degree of "Master of Arts."
He pursued his medical and surgi- cal studies in the Central Medical College and the medical department
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of the University of the State of New York City graduating in the year 1898. After graduating in medicine he took up his special work in surgery in St. Vincent's hospital, the largest private hospital in New York City, as a stu- dent of Professor Herman St. John Boldt, one of America's foremost sur- geons.
After graduating in medicine Dr. Dandurant began the practice of his profession in St. Joseph, Mo. Within the first year he was elected professor of chemistry, toxicology and urinaly- sis in the Central Medical College of
ried to Miss Cecile Agnes Buddy, daughter of Charles A. Buddy, one of St. Joseph's most substantial and best known business men.
The doctor has one child, a son born Oct. 19-12.
Dr. Dandurant has not had the dis- position or time to spare for active participation in politics, however, he is a strong advocate of good govern- ment and is always ready to lend his aid to this cause. In the year 1914 he was strongly urged by many promi- nent and influential citizens of St.
PATRICK P. KANE
this city, and was also appointed pro- fessor of anatomy at St. Joseph's Hos- pital. A few years later he was appointed professor of surgery at St. Joseph's hospital, and also clinical surgery and gynecology on the staff of the Central Medical College.
Soon after beginning the practice of his profession he was appointed county physician of Buchanan county in which capacity he served several years.
Doctor Dandurant later studied ad- vanced surgery and diagnoses in the University of Vienna, Austria, and the great clinics of Europe, pursuing spe- cial work in France, Germany, Swit- zerland, Austria and England.
On October 4tn, 1910, he was mar-
Joseph to become a candidate for mayor on the Democratic ticket, but the doctor felt that to fill that office properly would mean too great a sacri- fice of his professional work.
In June, 1912, the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on him by the Christian Brother's College at St. Louis, Mo.
PATRICK P. KANE, one of the well-known and popular and respected citizens of St. Joseph, who occupies the responsible position of chief of the city fire department, was born in St. Joseph March 5, 1864, and is the son of James and Mary (Burke) Kane. He was reared and educated in St. Joseph. In early manhood he took an
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interest in the fire department, and, as he possessed the physique and physical courage necessary, he was admitted to membership in Hose Com- pany No. 2 in 1882, and was trans- ferred to Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 in October, 1884. Strict atten- tion to duty and daring bravery in the face of danger attracted attention, and in 1885 he was appointed foreman of the Hook and Ladder No. 1 Company and was advanced to the position of assistant chief in 1891. He remained in this position until 1897, when he was made chief of the department, a
Margaret Vahey of St. Joseph, a na- tive of England, and they have one: · daughter, Gertrude. Their comfortable home is located at 1807 South Elev- enth street.
JOHN S. ANDREWS, real estate man, at 615 Francis street, is a native of Iowa, being born at Iowa City, Sep- tember 16, 1850. He received his edu- cation in his native city. At the age of fifteen he entered the jewelry firm of O. Starchman of Iowa City, where he learned the jeweler's trade. Mr. Andrews came to St. Joseph Septem- ber 16, 1871, and took charge of the
JOHN S. ANDREWS
promotion which met with the appro- bation of his subordinates and pleased his fellow-citizens, who had learned to trust in his fidelity. The position of chief of the fire department of St. Joseph is no sinecure, as he has six- teen engine houses and ninety-one men under his command.
In 1889 Chief Kane was married to
Jake Goodlive jewelry store at Fourth and Edmond streets, where he re- mained for fourteen years. In 1885 he formed a partnership with K. H. Clarke, the firm name being Clarke & Andrews. Their store was at 413 Felix street. Mr. Andrews remained with this firm four years. In 1888 he engaged in the real estate business with John L. 'zeidler, the firm name
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1-
being Zeidler & Andrews. In 1890 the firm of Andrews & Kelly was formed. The business is still conducted by Mr. Andrews under the name of Andrews & Kelley, although Mr. Kelley died six years ago. Mr. Andrews was married to Lillie Pinto of Chillicothe, Ohio, May 9, 1893. Fraternally Mr. Andrews is an Elk.
foreman and manager of this depart- ment in 1894, which position he still holds. Mr. Morrison was elected to the city council in 1908 for a term of four years, and served until the new charter took effect, a year later, which had the effect of legislating him out of office. He ran again in 1910, but was defeated. In 1912 he was elected again
WILLIAM DENT MORRISON
WILLIAM DENT MORRISON, presi- dent of the board of public works of St. Joseph, is a native of Iowa, having been born in Wayne county, that state, February 11, 1854. He received his education in the schools of his native county. In 1878 he went to Wyoming, where he remained for four years. In 1882 he came to Missouri, locating in Kansas City. The following year he came to St. Joseph. In March, 1889, . he began work for the Wyeth Hard- ware & Manufacturing Company, in the collar department.
He was made
by the best majority given any candi- date on the Republican ticket. When the first public utilities commission was created by a city ordinance, Mr. Morrison was appointed one of the members, and served from 1910 until 1912. He has also served on the board of health and other important commit- tees at the city hall, and has the repu- tation of performing his every public duty properly. He was married to Miss Lillie Story of Waynesboro, Penn., in 1877. Their family consists of a son
.
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and two daughters. Mr. Morrison is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose.
In October, 1915, Mr. Morrison re- signed as councilman and was ap- pointed by Mayor Marshall to mem- bership on the board of public works. When that body was reorganized he was made president.
ing February 1, 1889, and entering practice at Bethany Mo., having a splendid practice, being the only os- teopath in the county at that time. But the country practice being rather strenuous, he decided to locate in some city, finally deciding on St. Jo- seph, the City Worth While-a choice
DR. WILLIAM E. BEETS
DR. WILLIAM E. BEETS, Osteo- path, at 207-8 Logan Building, is a native Missourian, his birthplace be- ing Kirksville, the date April 5, 1868. His preliminary education was re- ceived in the public schools of his native city, after which he graduated from Humphrey's College and Busi- ness Institute, in Sullivan County. He then attended the State Normal School at Kirksville, leaving this institution to enter upon a business career. He was married to Miss Emily M. Vice of Canton, Ill. He entered the American School of Osteopathy in 1886, graduat-
he has never regretted, as his practice has been a very large one and among the very best people. He is a member of the National, Mississippi, Missouri and Kansas, State, and Northwest associations, and has been honored with a number of offices. Is a mem- ber of the Elks, M. W. A., M. B. A. and Royal Neighbors. At this writing he is taking a much-needed rest, visit- ing the expositions and attending the California State Osteopathic meeting at Los Angeles and the National meet- ing at Portland.
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ENOS CRAIG was born April 27, 1829, in Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, his parents being James Craig, a law- yer, and Margaret Slater.
At the age of fourteen he removed with his parents to Farmington, Iowa, where he helped to break the prairies of the West. At the age of twenty-
coln keeper of the military prison at St. Joseph, which position he held dur- ing his term as sheriff. In 1863 he was commissioned captain to raise a company for the Union army, but while making up the company a slow, lingering illness of typhoid befell him, and he was compelled to give up his military ambitions.
ENOS CRAIG
one years he left Iowa and located in St. Joseph.
April 4, 1852, he married Emily Miranda Barnes, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Barnes, at DeKalb, Mo. Three weeks later they crossed the plains to California, where Mr. Craig prospected for several years, return- ing to St. Joseph in 1859.
He soon was appointed to the posi- tion of general delivery clerk in the postoffice, where he made many friends. They loyally supported him in running for sheriff of Buchanan County, to which office he was over- whelmingly elected in the fall of 1862, and was appointed by President Lin-
In 1866 he was elected city marshal, and later he was appointed the mar- shal of the first supreme court held in the city of St. Joseph. In 1880 he was again elected city marshal. In 1884 he was appointed deputy United States marshal for the Western District of Missouri. In 1890 he was again ap- pointed to the same office. In 1894 he defeated Robert M. Nash by one vote for county clerk. He held the office for four or five months, but after a spirited contest, which was finally decided against him by the su- preme court, he surrendered the office. In 1898 he again ran for county clerk and was defeated. In 1908, in his
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eightieth year, he was defeated for county judge by forty-seven votes. In his eighty-third years he was appoint- ed city weighmaster, and when eighty- five years of age was reappointed, which position he is now holding suc- cessfully.
Mr. Craig has been a lifelong Re- publican and refused to recognize any faction in his party. He has always
man and designer in England. He came to America in 1870, landing in New York City. A little later he went to Patterson, N. J., and toward the end of the same year came to St. Joseph and secured work with Ed- ward Dutton, a manufacturer of wagons at Edmond and Charles streets. After three years of this en- gagement be established the carriage
HARRY PARKER
abhorred treachery, deception, un- truthfulness and selfishness, and has never made a promise that he did not regard as sacred.
In 1907 he lost his beloved wife, who had borne him four children, Corydon F., Morte H., Lelia M. McReynolds, and Lulu Alice.
Hs is a member of the First Bap- tist Church.
HARRY
PARKER, carriage and ornamental painter, at 905 South Ninth street is a native of England. He was born in Coventry, March 1, 1844. He learned the trade of drafts.
-Photo by Mulvane.
and wagon painting shop at Sixth and Charles streets, where the first bus was painted for J. A. Piner. He has been in the painting business in St. Joseph ever since. He is one of the progressive, substantial business men of the city and loves his city as all good citizens should. He built the first house, at Nineteenth and Faraon streets, with funds furnished by a building and loan association în St. Joseph. Before coming to America he spent eight years in the bank- ruptcy department of the sheriff's of- fice in Birmingham
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e DR. FRANK PERRY WALKER, di- I rect descendant of the Alexander and e d John Walker family of England, was born on a farm near Memphis, Scot- t land County, Missouri, in the bluster- ing month of March, 1877.
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