History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences, Part 102

Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890-
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1260

USA > Missouri > Livingston County > History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences > Part 102
USA > Missouri > Caldwell County > History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences > Part 102

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).

Christian Church. - July 6, 1879, this church was organized with about 30 members. The pastors have been Elds. D. T. Wright, J. E. Pardoner and Rev. Knox. Services are conducted in the M. E. Church building at Mooresville. There are, at this writing, about 24 members.

M. E. South. - The organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church South at Mooresville was perfected in 1867. Its constituent members were J. Stuckey and wife, M. Tomlin and wife, A. T. Cunningham and wife, Mrs. N. Cooper, Mrs. N. Hamblin, Mrs. E. Rucker and a few others. The church building, a frame, was erected in 1881, and cost about $1,400. The pastors have been Revs. J. F. Shores, J. W. Jordan, J. S. Rooker, H. W. Currin, R. H. G. Keeran, R. H. Cooper, N. Scarlett, T. H. Swearengen, L.

968

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Baldwin, C. W. Hurley, F. Sumpter, W. C. Maggart, J. W. Keith- ley and W. B. Johnsey. At present the membership numbers 90. There are 45 scholars in the Sabbath-school, of which C. C. Currin is superintendent.

SECRET ORDERS.

Masonic Lodge. - Royal Lodge No. 407, A. F. and A. M., was organized May 24, 1878. The charter was granted October 17 of the same year. The charter members were D. C. Stone, H. L. Glaze, J. F. Matthews, W. D. Stringer, Adam Lydick, J. M. Reisch, H. C. Andrews, W. C. Austin, J. G. Woodland, A. S. Fish, Antone Schu- ler, John W. Herrold, Wm. Hamblin, W. L. Blackwell, J. P. Albaugh. The first officers were A. S. Fish, master ; H. C. Andrews and Henry Glaze, wardens ; J. G. Woodland, secretary ; D. C. Stone, treasurer. The present membership numbers 27.

United Workmen. - Mooresville Lodge No. 37, A. (). U. W., was organized December 1, 1877, with 31 members. The total number of beneficiaries issued since the organization is 64; present membership, 40.

THE MOORESVILLE MINERAL SPRINGS.

Some time during the year 1842 Mr. James Lawson moved with his. family from Kentucky to Missouri. While traveling through this, Livingston county, by wagon, he came across these, now the Moores- ville Mineral Springs, and needing rest, he concluded to stop a day or two, the situation being very inviting, the springs being situated near the crest of a gently sloping hill, entirely surrounded by beautiful large shade trees, and bounded on the north by a large body of oak timber ; the southern slope of the hill receding off into a fine body of rich prairie land. In using the water for cooking purposes, Mr. Law- son's family very soon discovered that " something was the matter with the spring water." When boiled it formed a crust on the ves- sels and made the cooked food taste " funny." It was at once de- cided to " strike tent" and move which they did, to a point a half a mile south, to another spring, the waters of which were more palata- ble and suitable to their tastes and demands. From that day until about the year 1880 these springs were known and called " Sulphur Springs," to designate them from the ordinary fresh water springs. Mr. E. J. Moore, conceived the idea that the water of the springs would be a cure for hog cholera, a disease which had been very fatal to swine in this section of the country for a number of years. He con- sequently allowed his hogs access to no other water than this, and

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

the consequence is that he did not lose a single head, while his neigh- bors at times lost their entire herds. This induced Mr. Moore to have the water analyzed. A glass demijohn, sealed at the springs, five gallons, was sent to Wright & Merrill, analytic chemists, St. Louis, and after three day's careful testing, they made the following report : -

ST. LOUIS, Mo., April 22, 1881.

J. E. HITT, EsQ. - Sir: We have carefully analyzed the sample of water sent us from the Mooresville Mineral Springs, and have to re- port the following : -

Specific gravity, 1.018. Reaction neutral. Carbonic acid gas, 41.7 cubic inches.

Total solids per gallon 41.52 grains

Chloride of sodium

2.15 grains

Bi-carbonate lime 17.71 6 Chloride of potassium 2.45

Bi-carbonate iron . 5.07 66 Soluble silica

.61

Sulphate of lime 4.66 66

Iodine - a trace

Sulphate of alumina

5.20

Organic matter .

2.15 66

Sulphate of magnesia. 1.40

Loss .

.22

The springs are situated one-fourth of a mile north and the same distance west of the town of Mooreswille. The Mineral Springs Hotel, now conducted by Dr. Theo. Fisk, is situated within 50 yards of the springs. It is a fine commodious two-story frame building, and the accommodations are very superior and the rates moderate and rea- sonable. The water has a great reputation as a curative agent for diseases of the stomach and liver. Many 'persons have visited the springs sorely afflicted and come away rejoicing and praising them. From all the testimony it is not exaggeration to say that the water of these springs is equal in value to that of any other spring in Missouri or Arkansas, the noted Excelsior and Eureka Springs not excepted. Both hot and cold baths are supplied guests.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

JEREMIAH P. ALBAUGH

(Dealer in Groceries, Mooresville).

Jeremiah P. Albaugh was born March 31, 1835, at Mt. Vernon, O., of the marriage of Emanuel and Susan (Terrill) Albaugh, the former a miller by calling as well as an agriculturist. He died in 1859 in

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Ohio, but his widow lived until 1876. The following family of children were given them: Jeremiah, Elijah, who joined the 54th Ohio volunteer infantry and participated in many important battles during the war, but finally succumbed to sickness and died while in service in 1864; Francis, died in 1883 ; Almary, became the wife of Antone Schuler, of California ; Polly Ann, married Amos Wix, of Ohio, who was also a soldier ; he followed Sherman on all his hazard- ous campaigns, including the march to the sea, and was mustered out in 1865 ; returning to Ohio, he died there October 15, 1879, his wife subsequently dying at this place and leaving three children, who now live with their uncle, Mr. Albaugh ; Arville is now Mrs. William Gibbs, Jr., and Andrew died here. In growing up Jeremiah as the oldest of a family was denied the privileges of more than a meager education, for by the death of his father the entire responsibility of the family fell upon him. All his life he has spent in discharging his · duty towards his father's family, a duty which is something more - a labor of love. His endeavors has been at the expense of hard work and strict economy, but have resulted in substantial success, and added to his limited schooling he has by contact with the world and close application become thoroughly posted on the current topics of the day. In 1868 he came to Missouri and engaged in the saw mill business. Previous to that time he joined the Union forces in 1863 as second lieutenant, but on account of failing health he was com- pelled to resign shortly before promotion to the rank of captain. Mr. Albaugh has never married, always having been, as stated, the care and protection of his brothers and sisters. In politics he is a Repub- lican, and though in a township largely Democratic, he has been jus- tice of the peace for 14 years, a warm testimonial to his personal . popularity. His business at this place is one which is bringing him substantial returns, for he enjoys a good patronage.

CARROLL BRAY

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 32, Post-office, Breckinridge).

Throughout the county, and especially over this portion of it, the name of Carroll Bray is as well known, almost, as a household word, for, one of the oldest citizens of the community in point of settlement, he is at the same time recognized by all as one of its solid, substan- tial and thoroughly reliable residents. His birth occurred March 4, 1820, in White county, Tenn., the youngest of two children in the family of his perents, Absalom and Elizabeth Bray, whose name be- fore her marriage was Stevens. They were both Virginians by birth. When Carroll was but a small boy his father, who had given his atten- tion to tilling the soil, died, but his mother survived until 1866. Their other son, Absalom, went to Texas in 1842 and was never heard from afterwards. Previous to her marriage with Mr. Bray, Elizabeth Stevens had become the wife of John Simpson, who left at his death one son, John ; the latter died at Spring Hill, this county, in 1885. In 1838 Mr. Carroll Bray first became a settler in Missouri, and from

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

that time until 1849 he was actively occupied in farming. In the year mentioned he went overland to California, drawn thither by the mar- velous stories of the abundance of gold, and was four months in making the journey, though subsequently meeting with encouraging success. October 5, 1850, he left San Francisco for home, reached the Isthmus of Panama in 21 days, and then took ship for New Orleans, which point he reached after a tempestuous voyage. Upon his return home he purchased a large farm and then on the 12th of October, 1851, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Elizabeth MeCoskrie, whose father, Isaac McCoskrie, was a pioneer of this county ; reference to him has frequently been made within these pages. Mr. and Mrs. Bray are the parents of the following children : Louisa died in 1862 when 10 years old; one infant is deceased ; Nancy A. died at the age of four years in 1868 ; Spencer H. is living with his father and assists in the management of the farm; Andrew married Amanda Bryant, daughter of Thos. J. Bryant, and William resides at home. Mr. Bray's farm contains 200 acres and this constitutes one of the most valuable tracts hereabouts. In his political preferences he is a Democrat.

DR. THEOPHILUS FISKE

(Proprietor of the Mooresville Springs Hotel).

For a period now of about eighteen years he whose name heads this sketch has been located at Mooresville, and during this time he has enjoyed a reputation as an upright, honorable man that shall never be forgotten. His life history is not unlike that of other professional men, and yet there has been that individuality about him that has gained for him many friends. His practice as a physician at Moores- ville has been of substantial results, and at this time he is the proprie- tor of the Mineral Springs Hotel, where he is having a good patronage. Under his management and supervision these springs are rapidly becoming well and favorably known, and there is no reason why they should not, as the same mineral qualities are to be found here that are contained in other springs. Dr. Fiske was born October 6, 1834, in White county, Tenn., the son of Madison Fiske, originally from New Hampshire, and by profession a physi- cian and surgeon. He followed the practice of medicine with signal success until his death in 1853, at the age of 63 years. He had mar- ried Miss Eliza Gleason, whose father was of Irish descent, and a farmer by occupation ; she was 74 years old at the time of her death in 1835. Moses Fink, an uncle of Madison, was for many years a leading professor in Dartmouth College. Theophilus was one of nine children in his parents' family, the others being Adrian, an influ- ential lawyer in Tennessee and a member of the last Legislature ; he was a captain in the Confederate States army during the war and surrendered with Johnston; Douglass died in 1883; he was also in the Confederate army and an escort of Jefferson

Davis ;

Montgomery was

taken

prisoner

by the Federals

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

at Fort Donelson and died in prison at Alton, Ill., in 1863; Nat, another brother, was in the army and was wounded at Chicamanga; John is a farmer in Texas; Willard is a physician in Dallas county, Tex., a graduate of the Nashville Medical College ; Madison is located in Tennessee ; Louisa was accidentally poisoned in infancy. Dr. Theophilus Fiske grew up upon a farm and obtained a common school education and subsequently he studied medicine with Dr. M. Y. Brockett, now a leading practitioner of Sherman, Tex. Entering the medical department of the Nashville University, he at- tended a term of lectures in 1855 and 1856 and received a diploma from the medical society of the University of Nashville. The Doctor afterwards located in practice in Tennessee and at the outbreak of the war he enlisted as assistant surgeon in the Confederate army, serving as such throughout the entire service. 1868 Dr. F. came to Moores- ville. In 1859 he was married to Miss Mary E. Dibrell, of Tennes- see. Her father, M. C. Dibrell, was intimately connected with the political affairs of his county and State and held several important offices, and was clerk and master of the chancery court, etc. He is not now living. Dr. and Mrs. F. have the following children : Mag- gie, wife of Chas. I. Ireland ; Frederick L., located at Roberson ; Mary L., died when young, and Lizzie, Frank, Joseph and Effie are at home ; Willie Leona died in youth. Dr. Fiske is a member of the I. O. O. F.

CHARLES W. GARLICK

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 8, Post-office, Mooresville).

Mr. Garlick has been a resident of this township since 1871, and during this time he has lived upon his neat and pleasant homestead of 50 acres two miles north of Mooresville, gaining in the meanwhile a large acquaintance and the confidence of all who knew him. His birth occurred in Montgomery county, Va., August 30, 1840, his parents being William P. and Malvina Garlick, nee Winfrey. The former was a carpenter and farmer in the Old Dominion until his accidental death by a tobacco-prize ; his estimable widow still makes her home in Montgomery county, Va. Five children were in their family : John W., Charles W., Susan A., Mary E., James Henry and Sarah Jane. The first named is now in Franklin county, Va. He was a Confederate soldier during the war, a member of the 4th Vir- ginia infantry, serving throughout the entire struggle and surrendering with Robert E. Lee. Susan A. is now Mrs. Samuel Watson, of Virginia, and the other children now live with their mother. Charles W., while spending his boyhood days upon a farm, received a good common school education, but upon the first alarm of war he laid aside his books and with his brother William early volunteered in the 4th Virginia infantry, under command of Col. James Preston, a veteran Mexican officer, that noble, honored Southerner, Stonewall Jackson, being the brigadier-general of the brigade. These brothers fought throughout the entire war, taking part in all of JJackson's remarkable engagements, including those of Manassas, Seven Days' fight at Rich-

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

mond, Malvern, Winchester, Chancellorsville, where Jackson was killed, the battle of Gettysburg, where our subject lost his left arm, and after that he was not actively engaged. He was wounded at both battles of Manassas, the first time by a ball grazing his scalp, and the last by a ball in the shoulder. At the time of the surrender he was a member of Lee's army. Surely such a career spent in defense of the claim which he esteemed to be right is one to which he can refer with pardonable pride. After the war Mr. Garlick was occupied in farming in Virginia until his removal to this county, November 28, 1871. In 1866 Miss Mary E. Bennett became his wife, daughter of Stephen P. Bennett, of Franklin county, Va. They have three interesting children : John W., Charles P. and Virgie E.

THOMAS GRAY

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 7, Post-office, Breckinridge).

The career of Mr. Gray affords a striking example of encourage- ment for the youth of the present day who have not very favorable circumstances surrounding them, and yet who are desirous of attaining to positions of esteem and true substantial worth in the communities where they may hereafter reside. Left an orphan at an early age, young Thomas grew up without the tender influences of parents' care and for this reason, if for no other, he deserves great credit for his rise in life, not only in material affairs, but as a man. Mr. Gray was born in this county February 7, 1845, the son of Henry and Deborah (Tomlin) Gray, the former being an agriculturist by calling ; he emigrated from Kentucky at an early day to Livingston county, Mo., and located some two miles north of Mooresville, where he gave his attention to farming until his death, Thomas then being but three years old. The mother died when he was nine days old. Two boys and three girls were in their family : Lucinda married first William Noland, of Platte county, and after his death Mr. Nick Timberlake, who also died ; she is again married and living in Platte county ; Sarah's husband, Smith Faubion, served under Shelby in the Con- federate army during the war ; she died in 1862, and two of her three children now survive ; John J. entered the Federal army soon after his marriage, subsequently belonged to the Western division and endured much active service until the close of the war, having many narrow escapes from the Indians, and once he was compelled to sus- tain himself on mule meat; another daughter, Eliza, is the wife of Mathias Noland, of Platte county. Thomas, the subject of this sketch, after his father's death was taken charge of by Thomas Fields, who reared him and gave him such an education as the inferior subscrip- tion schools of the time could afford. Notwithstanding these dis- advantages Mr. Gray succeeded by perseverance and close application in becoming well informed on all general subjects and the current topics of the day. December 14, 1865, he was married to Miss Melissa G. Stanley, daughter of Reuben Stanley, of Carroll county, who died when his daughter was quite small ; her mother still sur-

974

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

vives. To Mr. and Mrs. Gray the following children have been given : William M., born October 31, 1866 ; Zorayda A., born November 4, 1868 ; Lucinda Ida, born December 26, 1870; John A., born May 19, 1873 ; Edgar O., born July 4, 1876; Mertie J., born June 25, 1880. Mr. Gray formerly belonged to the I. O. O. F. at Breckin- ridge and he is also a member of the A. O. U. W. at Mooresville. His possessions embrace 420 acres of valuable land, 80 acres of which are in Caldwell county, 40 in Daviess and the remainder in this county. He keeps a good breed of stock and in the management of everything connected with his farm he displays excellent judgment and thoroughness, qualities which can not fail of success. In his political preferences he is a Democrat, though no political aspirant, and throughout the county he has many friends, by whom he is well and favorably known.

WILLIAM H. GREEN, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, Mooresville, Mo.)

Among the younger members of the medical profession in Living- ston county is he whose name heads this sketch, already well estab- lished as a physician of merit and true worth and regarded with favor by those older in years and experience. He is a native Missourian, having been born in Clinton county August 14, 1855, his parents, James B. and Talitha Green ( whose maiden name was Moberly ), having been Kentuckians by birth. The mother died in 1855, but the father still survives and is a resident of Clinton county. There were two children born of their union besides William H. ; Elizabeth is now Mrs. John Hockaday, of Clinton county, and Belle married Dr. G. H. Donaldson, a prominent and influential physician of Breckin- ridge, Mo. The youth of William was passed upon a farm and also in attendance upon the common schools and when 16 years of age he left home and located near Gainesville, Texas, teaching school the following year. While in that vicinity he entered upon the study of medicine, and returning home, he continued his researches in this science, being guided in his studies by Dr. James, of Barnesville. He attended his first course of lectures at the Missouri Medical Col- lege in 1876 and two years later was graduated from that well known institution thoroughly prepared to enter actively upon the discharge of his professional duties. In 1878 he took up his abode at Moores- ville, commeneed practicing and has continued it with the success that predicts for him an unusually brilliant future. His wife was formerly Miss Minnie E. Parks, daughter of Richard and Jane Parks, of Mooresville, the latter now residing with her daughter, but the father is dead. To the Doctor and his wife two children have been born : a daughter who died in infancy and Nellie, now three years of age, the joy of the household. Dr. Green is a leading member of the Masonic Order and has held different chairs in that body ; he also belongs to the A. O. U. W., of which he is past master. Politically he is a Demo-

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

crat. The Grand River Medical Society finds in him a warm friend and member.

JOHN HAMBLIN

(Insurance Agent and Farmer, Post-office, Mooresville).

Mr. Hamblin, well known to almost all residents of this portion of the county, was born November 27, 1842, and like others mentioned in the present volume is of Missouri nativity. His father, Peter Hamb- lin, was originally from North Carolina and after reaching manhood he married Miss Elizabeth Bryan, of Tennessee birth. In an early day they came to Missouri and located in Livingston county, where Mr. Hamblin engaged in agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in 1872, his wife surviving until 1880. Eight children blessed their hap- py married life, John being the second. The others were Eliza, wife of E. M. Anderson ; Alfred and William J., now in this county ; Charles and Isaac are deceased ; Nancy N., who married William Davis, of Butler county, Mo. ; Martha J., now Mrs. James H. Beamer, of Cowley county, Kan. John Hamblin passed his younger days as did other boys, growing up to a farm experience and as a student in the district and subscription schools. During the war he was a member of the Enrolled Militia, but subsequently joined the 43d Missouri volunteer infantry, Co. H, in August, 1864, and was taken prisoner at Glasgow, remaining so confined until his exchange ; first he was stationed at St. Joseph and aftewards at Kansas City, there staying until the close of the war. Upon his return from the service Mr. Hamblin again located on his farm and has continued to live upon it up to this time. In 1878 he opened an office in Mooresville and be- gan the insurance business, a calling in which he has done well, two of the companies which he represents being the Home and Continental of New York. His personal popularity has been shown on many' oc- casions by his election to official positions, and at this time he is jus- tice of the peace of this township; he has also held the offices of constable, trustee and clerk. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, though always supporting men and measures rather than party.

WARREN M. HUDGINS

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 28, Post-office, Mooresville).

The political career and experience of Mr. Hudgins as well as his connection with the agricultural affairs of this community have con- tributed to give him a wide and popular acquaintance with nearly every citizen of Livingston county, if not personally, then by name. Warren M. Hudgins was born near Frankfort, Ky., October 11, 1825, his parents being William and Nancy ( Blake ) Hudgins, both Virgin- ians by birth. They had emigrated to Kentucky in an early day when there was but a wild and unexplored region where now are seen bean- tiful farms, fine blue grass pastures, etc., and Mr. H. became well acquainted with the famous hunters, Daniel Boone, Simon Kutton, etc. He was a man of considerable knowledge and after living in

976

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Mercer county a number of years he purchased, in company with a man named Applegate, the site of the city of Louisville, subsequently sell- ing out to Mr. Applegate, who became wealthy from the proceeds. Mr. H. then emigrated to Ray county, Mo., purchased a large farm and resided upon it a number of years, and at the opening of the Civil War enjoyed a large competence. In an early day he had come to this county and for 12 or 14 years he was one of the county judges on the Democratic ticket, the party with which he so strongly affiliated until his death in 1874. He was prominent in Masonic matters and organ- ized the first lodge in Livingston county at Chillicothe ; his wife died in 1858. The following children were in their family ; Rosanna L., wife of Stephen Lillard, of Woodford county, Ky. ; William B., a hotel proprietor at Richmond, Mo .; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Thomas H. Bayliss of Lexington, Lincoln county, Ky. ; James, who died in 1861 ; Frances was first married to Addison Rucker of this county, and after his death to Richard Darnold, of Boone county, Ky. ; she died in 1852. Warren M. was reared as an agriculturist and was especi- ally favored with educational opportunities, for in addition to instruc- tion in the subscription schools, he received the benefits of his father's intellectual training. When but 19 years old he enlisted in the Mexican War, in Co. A, under Capt. Giddings, of Monroe county, and upon leaving Ft. Leavenworth they went to Santa Fe in August, 1845, remaining there until the following October. After being mustered out Mr. Hudgins returned to this county and resided here continuously up to the time of his journey with his family across the plains to California. Two years were passed in that State occupied in farming and kindred pursuits, and then he again came back to old Livingston. Mr. Hudgins' wife was formerly Miss Elizabeth Com- stock, daughter of Nehemiah Comstock, one of the oldest and most re- spected citizens of the county. To them have been born five children : Myra, wife of Robert Currin, of Breckinridge ; Thomas, John and Foster are at home ; and Ada, the youngest child, is now the wife of Charles Halstead, of Breckinridge. Mr. Hudgins owns 160 acres of valuable land, well improved. His operations are all conducted in a manner above reproach and in a way as it would benefit others to fol- low. In 1882 he was nominated by the Greenback party as their candidate for sheriff but the strong Democratic majority given to Samuel Harris could not be overcome. In 1880-81 Mr. H. served most acceptably as county assessor.

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Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890- Publication date: 1886 Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company Number of Pages: 1260

Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890-
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1260