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 106
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 106
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1005
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
were three children born to them : George W., Selah and Shelby. Mr. Black's life has been one of varied experiences and changes. He was one of the first settlers of Daviess county, was justice of the peace there after its organization, and was county judge for four years. In 1844 he went to Gentry county, served as justice there some time and later was elected judge and filled the position four years. When Gentry county was divided it left him in the new county of Worth, and he was appointed by the Governor one of the commissioners to organize the county. In 1861, on account of his Southern proclivi- ties, he left there and came to this county, which has since been his home. For three years he also served as one of the county judges here. For some time he was in the Black Hawk war. He has been an old line Whig, and even now at his age takes remarkable interest in political matters. Mr. Black's parents were natives of Virginia, but went to Kentucky in an early day. They had 11 children in their family.
RILEY BRASSFIELD
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 23, Post-office, Chillicothe).
The old settlers of Jackson township are no more worthily repre- sented in the present work than by the subject of this sketch, who came here at a time when Indians were numerous and game of all kind abounded ; his nearest market for supplies was at Lexington, and he has indeed lived to see this wilderness " bud and blossom like the rose." Mr. Brassfield has always been a farmer, the calling to which he was reared, and one that has afforded him much profit. His birth occurred in Claiborne county, Tenn., February 12, 1814, his parents being James and Mary Brassfield, also of Tennessee nativity, both now deceased, the mother having died after her removal to Missouri. Seven children were in their family : Minter, Riley, Ansel, Elizabeth, Permelia, Charles and Aaron. Riley Brassfield, the subject of this sketch, first came to this State in 1833, taking up his location in Livingston county, but in 1837 he returned as far South as Kentucky, and the same year married Miss Rachel Trammel, daughter of Peter and Mary Trammel, also originally from Tennessee, both then of Ken- tucky. Subsequently Mr. Brassfield returned to this county and township and located on his present homestead, which embraces 300 acres of fine land, well improved and adorned with a commodious dwelling. Mr. Brassfield's marriage above referred to was consum- mated September 17, 1837, his wife being one of 11 children, whose names were Dennis, William, Naney, Elizabeth, Milly, Thomas, Mary, Rachel, Sallie, Archibald and Margaret. Ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brassfield grew up to mature years : Laura J., born June 13, 1838, wife of F. M. Hughes ; Mahala A., born September 10, 1839, now Mrs. J. B. Pond ; Emily C., born September 23, 1841, married H. H. Turner, and is now deceased; G. M., born August 6, 1843; Mary M., born September 23, 1845, now Mrs. Joseph Irwin; Martha A., born November 23, 1847, wife of A. J. Boone ; Zerilda E., born December, 1849, now Mrs. Richard Curtis; J. N., boru June 25,
1006
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
1852 ; Letitia, born July 14, 1855, married H. H. Purnes, and Rachel J., born April 12, 1862, is Mrs. George Ranbie. Mr. Brasfield and wife have been members of the Baptist Church for 50 years, and have always taken warm and devoted interest in the progress of their religion. They are ever ready to lend a helping hand, and in many instances their liberality has been shown. This portion of the county has been greatly aided by their influence and help.
JOHN W. BOYLE
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Spring Hill).
The subject of this sketch, John W. Boyle, was born in Clark county, Ky., October 4, 1809, and to this day he retains in his nature the free-handed, open-hearted and warm hospitality and cordiality characteristic of all true Kentuckians. His parents came originally from Virginia, to the Blue Grass State in an early day, and they subsequently died in Missouri. Nine children were in their family : Elizabeth, Harriet, Patsy C., John W., Julia A., Stephen A., Amanda M., J. T. C. and Cynthia J. James Boyle, father of John W., was born in Old Virginia, as it was then called, August 12, 1776. His father, Stephen Boyle, moved from Virginia to Clark county, Ky., when the Indians were plentiful and savage, the country a perfect cane brake, and but few whites had ventured to penetrate the wilderness, as it were. He located two and a half miles west from Winchester and two miles from what was then called Strode's Station, where they retreated for protection when attacked by the savages. . At this time he kept several hounds. One evening while the old negro servant was milking, the hounds suddenly raved out and reached the servant just in time to save her from the grasp of the Indians, who had stolen up behind her to take her captive. It was the custom in those days for some to stand guard against the stealthy approach of the Indians while the others worked in the fields. James Boyle married the widow of John Boyle, whose maiden name was Jane Forman. He moved to Missouri when the Indians were numerous, settled in Linn county, where he died Septem- ber 29, 1845, having been for many years a member of the Church of Christ. Jane Boyle, wife of James, was born August 14, 1780, on the road when her father, William Forman, was moving from Old Virginia to Bourbon county, Ky. He, Wm. Forman, settled one mile west of North Middletown, where the county was almost uninhabited save by the Aborigines. He died at a good old age, on the same farm, hav- ing been a faithful Methodist preacher. Jane Boyle, wife of James B., died in Livingston county, Mo., January 21, 1854, having lived a faithful member of the Church of Christ. Young John early had instilled into his youthful nature all the duties of farm life and this calling has ever continued to be his chosen field of labor. With care and perseverance he has attended to his adopted avocation, and with energy and thorough- ness his successful results have been reaped, until now, past the age usually allotted to man, he is in possession of a competence fully suffi- cient to warrant him in passing the remainder of his days in peace
1007
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
and comfort. It was in 1839 that Mr. Boyle became permanently located in Livingston county, and here he has continued to be well known and highly regarded by the many who are favored with his acquaintance. His fine place embraces 383 acres well improved and in good cultivation. November 9, 1830, Mr. Boyle was married to Miss Zerelda Barbee, who was born July 25, 1816, the daughter of Lewis and Kitty Barbee, of Bourbon county, Ky. The names of the 10 children born to them, with the dates of birth, are as follows : Kitty J., born August 31, 1837, has been an invalid for 41 years and bas not walked since she was seven years old ; Emarine A., born Novem- ber 15, 1839, and now Mrs. J. P. Hutchison ; James L., born March 2, 1842; Ann Z., born September 7, 1849, wife of Howell Smith ; Patsy R., born April 26, 1852, now Mrs. L. H. Christison ; Lizzie O., born January 4, 1860, married to T. G. Phelps; Mary M., born May 19, 1844, married P. H. Lilley and died September 3, 1883 ; William S., born December 14, 1846, died December 29, 1872 ; Cynthia M., born June 1, 1854, died July 23, 1854; Joe Alice, born June 16, 1857, died July 8, 1859. Zerelda, wife of John W. Boyle, died April 9, 1883. Mrs Boyle's parents were both of Kentucky nativity, her father dying September 6, 1835, at Lexington, Ky., and her mother some time previous. The former had been married three times, and had two chil- dren by the first wife, Zerelda and William, the latter dying when small. By the second marriage there were three children : J. J., S. P. and B. L. Barbee. Lee A. Barbee, the only child from the last marriage, died in infancy. Mr. Boyle, the subject of this sketch, is a warm and consistent member of the Christian Church, always being ready and willing to help in the cause of Him under whose banner he enlisted in 1828. His family are also connected with the same de- nomination. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812. His mother was twice married, first to John Boyle and afterwards to James Boyle, Harriet, Betsy and Patsy being the children resulting from the first union. One remarkable trait in the character of Mr. B. is his strong will, and an item bearing out this statement is seen in his discontinuing the use of tobacco in the fall of 1885, after a period of 70 years of constant use.
GEORGE W. DENNIS
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 8, Post-office, Chillicothe) .
The subject of this sketch comes of a family well and favorably known throughout Livingston county, for his father has long been settled here, and in another portion of the present work mention is made of him in detail. He was born, as there stated, in Butler county, O., March 23, 1810, of Pennsylvania lineage, his wife's birth occurring in Wabash county, Ill., December 23, 1822. She was the great-granddaughter of Gen. Putnam, of Revolutionary fame, her maiden name being Lucinda Claypool. Their marriage was consum- mated in Lee county, Ia., and eight children were born to them, five reaching maturity : Hannah C., who married James E. Molton, now
1008
IIISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
deceased ; Columbus O., Loretta A., George W. and Mary C. George W. was born March 21, 1852, and though now comparatively young in years, he has reached a position in agricultural matters which others older in years and experience might well desire. He has taken a great interest in sheep culture, in connection with other stock, and has become well versed in that branch of farm life. His home is an attractive place, just such a one as he would be expected to own, neat, comfortable and well improved. Indeed, the improve- ments upon the place are above the average and are kept in good condition. One feature of this farm is the splendid orchard which is found upon it. Mr. Dennis' parents now reside in Chillicothe."
ALEXANDER DOCKERY
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Muddy Lane).
It is a remarked fact that those men of Kentucky birth and antece- dents in this county all seem to have peculiarly successful results in their farming operations, and Mr. Dockery is but another example of this truth. His parents were both Kentuckians by birth and in 1838 took up their location in Missouri, the father subsequently dying here, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Livingston county. Twelve children constituted their family, as fol- lows: Alexander, Robert, Elizabeth, William, George W., John, Milton, James, Nancy, now deceased, as is also Burrell, Paulina D. and Sciotha D. Alexander, the eldest of these, and the subject of this sketch, was born January 26, 1829, in Kentucky, and conse- quently was only about nine years old when brought to this State by his parents. Since that time he has experienced many noticeable changes throughout the country. Brought up as a farmer's boy, he has ever devoted himself to that calling, and with a perseverance and industry which could not fail of favorable results. After reach- ing manhood he was married January 27, 1850, to Miss Mahala A. Dockery, the daughter of Alexander and Nancy Dockery, also of Kentucky nativity, who came to Chariton county, Mo., in 1829, and to Livingston county in 1834. Mrs. D. was one of the native-born persons of the State and herself one of four children : Willis, Paulina, wife of Gideon Embry, and Sarah E., now Mrs. John A. Davidson. Her father was a pioneer in this county and saw much of the priva- tions and hardships of pioneer life. He was a participant in the Mormon and Heatherly wars. Could space but permit much of in- terest might be written in this connection of the condition of the country at that time. Wild beasts and game of all kinds abounded and the dreaded Indian often manifested his presence by petty depre- dations. One of Mrs. Dockery's brothers, Willis, is now a prominent minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church South and at this time is a resident of the county. Mr. D. and wife are the parents of one child, Nancy E., born November 21, 1850, wife of John Wooldridge. Mr. and Mrs. Wooldridge have one daughter, Allie Mabel, who contri- butes not a little towards the sunshine and happiness of her grand-
1009
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
'parents' home. Mr. Dockery is actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, his place containing 100 acres of splendid land, and all under good cultivation. He is a large stock-holder in three different banks. He is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.
JAMES B. FRANCIS
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 15, Post-office, Muddy Lane) ..
Mr. Francis has been a resident of Livingston county the greater portion of his life, or for a period of something like 43 years. During this time he has been actively and successfully engaged in tilling the soil, the occupation to which he was reared, and has done much to promote the agricultural interests of the community. A life-long experience in the business has rendered him well acquainted with every detail connected with it. His present estate embraces 360 acres, and all of this is in good cultivation. Mr. Francis was born October 23, 1830, in Wayne county, Ky., and in 1832 was brought to this State, a location being made in Miller county. After going to Platte county and living there some time he came to this county in 1843 with his parents, Elisha and Theresa ( Huff ) Francis, also originally from the Blue Grass State. In their family were six chil- dren : John, Rachel, now Mrs. Whitehead; James B., Daniel, William and Nancy, wife of William Hamilton. Young James passed his boyhood days like most of the youths of this vicinity and after reaching mature years he married November 16, 1854, Miss Mary J. Williams, one of 12 children of John B. and Mary Williams, Vir- ginians by birth, who came to this county in 1844. The names of these children were George E., Margaret, Mrs. James Kirk ; John H., Martha, wife of R. P. Peniston; Charles, Nancy, wife of William Lumpkins ; Mary J. and Victoria, who married L. F. Thompson ; John W., Lena, Mrs. James Frith, deceased ; Daniel H. and Ira T. Eight children have been given to Mr. Francis and wife : John, born March 27, 1856; Daniel, born May 6, 1859 ; Eliza, born May 27, 1861, the wife of John Peniston ; Louis, born November 13, 1863; Dick, born December 20, 1865; Joseph, born April 20, 1868 ; Martha A., born October 6, 1857, died November 29, 1858, and Alva C., born March 16, 1878, died February 27, 1879. Mr. Francis and his wife are connected with the M. E. Church South. He also belongs to Spring Hill Lodge No. 155, A. F. and A. M. The duties of various official positions have from time to time been discharged by him in a manner highly satisfactory, and at present he is postmaster at Muddy Lane. Among other things he is now township collector of Jackson township. His stock, of which he makes something of a specialty, is of good grades, and indeed his place is one of the better ones of the community.
1010
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
DAVID GIRDNER
(Farmer and Stock-dealer, Post-office, Spring Hill).
This representative, substantial citizen of Jackson township was born May 3, 1826, in Whitley county, Ky., being one of 13 children which blessed the union of his parents, David and Elizabeth Girdner, formerly a Miss Perman. The names of the others were Mary, now Mrs. White ; Nancy, wife of Pleas. Blakely; Granberry, Michael, deceased ; Charles G., Mahala, wife of Thomas Yates ; Joseph, James M., Elizabeth, who married Sam Darr ; Elijah, Samuel and Elizabeth A., the last three named also being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gird- ner were both natives of Pennsylvania and upon leaving there went to Greene county, Tenn., going thence to Kentucky in an early day. In 1834 they came with their family to this county and continued to make their home here until their deaths, the father dying January 31, 1864, and the mother in November, 1862. David Girdner was a sol- dier in the War of 1812 and was drum major of his regiment. David, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon a farm and has always devoted himself to this occupation. Having come here at the time he did he saw much of pioneer life and has witnessed a great change in the affairs of the county since that time. Then Indians were numer- ous in the county and wild beasts were at home here. Neither schools nor mills were here and many hardships were undergone by those brave enough to undertake for themselves a home in the wilderness. Young Girdner's educational advantages were limited but this has not deterred him from being successful in a material point of view. He now owns 1,035 acres of good land and is giving considerable atten- tion to the stock business, in which he is well versed. Mr. G.'s wife was formerly Miss Martha, daughter, of Jonathan and Martha Smith, who were themselves the parents of five children besides Martha ; Saphronia, now Mrs. Louis Clark ; Rebecca, wife of Charles Girdner ; William, Sarah, who married William Webster ; and Jemima, who died when small. Six children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Girdner; Michael P., born February 3, 1860 ; Jonathan C., born July 22, 1861 ; Sarah E., born October 30, 1863, now Mrs. Thomas Wingo ; Louis M., born July 13, 1865 ; William M., born September 21, 1867 ; and Jemima, born December 20, 1870.
BENJAMIN HARGRAVE
(Farmer, Scction 7, Post-office, Chillicothe).
The subject of this sketch has contributed more than an average lifetime of honest toil to the upbuilding and prosperity of this county and is one of those who,
" When the shroud shall wrap them fast, And the sleep be on them cast That shall ne'er know waking " -
will have left worthy families of children to carry forward their work.
1011
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Born in Jefferson county, Tenn., July 26, 1808, he became located in Missouri, in Saline county, at an early day, and in about 1835 he settled in this county, which has since been his home, a period now of over 50 years. Mr. Hargrave's parents were John and Hannah ( Harrison ) Hargrave, Virginians by birth ; the latter died in Tennes- see. The father was in the War of 1812 and also with " Old Hickory " Jackson in early Indian Wars. He was a pioneer to this State and afterwards participated in the Black Hawk and Mormon Wars. Ben- jamin was one of eight children, the others being Polly, James, William, Jane, Sarah, Susan and Nancy. John Hargrave was subse- quently married to Miss Martha Hamilton, who bore him four children : Frederick, Thomas, Alexander and Jesse. By his third marriage, to Miss Phebe Tucker, he had four children : Lemuel, Elizabeth, Verlina and Rachel. During life he was very successful in following farming. Mr. Benjamin Hargrave has also been twice married. First, to Miss Tobitha Nave, one of eleven children of Jacob and Elizabeth Nave. The names of her brothers and sisters were Jesse, Rebecca, John, William, Elizabeth, Nancy, Jackson, George, Mary and James. Mr. and Mrs. H. had four children : Elizabeth, Isabel, John and Tobitha. Miss Eliza J. Bevell, daughter of Joshua and Frances Bevell, became his second wife, and of this union eight children were born : William T., Jesse B. and James L. are deceased, and Frederick J., Francis P., Hannah, George and Sarah A. are living. Mrs. Hargrave has six brothers : William L., John K., James M., Harry J., Burel J. and Ben T. Mr. Hargrave now has a farm of 44 acres in good cultiva- tion. He was one of the first grand jurors in the county, court being held in Joseph Cox's barn, presided over by Judge James Clark. He also took part in the Black Hawk and Indian Wars. He has long been a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and wherever known his irreproachable character is highly honored.
JOHN P. HUTCHISON
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 10, Post-office, Muddy Lane).
The name that heads this sketch is that of one of the well known residents of Jackson township. Like many other settlers in the county he came originally from Casey county, Ky., where he was born July 4, 1833, subsequently accompanying his parents to Missouri in 1851. Both his father and mother, Jeremiah and Emily Hutchison, were Kentuckians by birth, and in their family there were six chil- dren : Lucy J., John P., Amanda, now Mrs. William Marlow ; Isabel, wife of George W. Shrader ; Lucy died in 1852, Susan in March, 1855, and Wyett in infancy. John P. Hutchison grew up principally in the vicinity of his birthplace, and since his settlement in this county he has given his attention largely to agricultural pursuits and the raising of stock, his excellent farm being especially fitted for a supe- rior stock farm. This embrances 320 acres and the improvements upon it are deserving of especial mention. His fine house, barns, out- buildings, etc., are neat and convenient and all that could be desired.
1012
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Mr. Hutchison was married April 24, 1856, to Miss Emarine Boyle, whose parents, John W. and Zerelda Boyle, were both of Kentucky nativity. The following children constituted their family: Kitty, Emarine, J. L., Ann, wife of Howell Smith ; Patsy, now Mrs. L. H. Christison, and Lizzie, wife of Thomas Phelps, are living; and Will- iam and Mary, the latter Mrs. P. H. Lilly, are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. H. have ten children: Lucy, born April 16, 1857, now Mrs. Barton Hosman ; Kate, born August 21, 1859, wife of James Massengill : James L., born March 13, 1862, and married to a daugh- ter of Dr. F. M. Davis ; Emma, born March 22, 1864; Zerelda, born May 19, 1869; Gertie, born December 12, 1872; Lodusca, born August 26, 1875; Jeremiah, born June 13, 1878 ; John Frank, born December 29, 1881, and Mary, born April 17, 1867, died July 3, 1882. Mr. Hutchison and wife are both members of the Christian Church. The former belongs to Jamesport Lodge No. 201, A. F. and A. M. In 1865 his father moved to Nebraska, where his wife after- wards died, February 15, 1885. Mrs. H.'s father still resides in this county. Her mother's death occurred April 9, 1883.
JEREMIAH HUTCHISON
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 9, Post-office, Muddy Lane).
In an early day of the county's history there was one man among others in the community closely identified with its interests in an offi- cial capacity, Judge Thomas Hutchison, the father of the subject of this sketch, and who is still a resident of Jackson township, one of the honored, highly esteemed citizens of the county. He is now in his eighty-seventh year, having been born February 26, 1800, in the Blue Grass State, and after arriving at maturity he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tate, originally from the same State as himself. She departed this life January 20, 1875. Jeremiah was one of a family of 9 children, the names of the others being : John, Lucy J., Mrs. John M. Brown ; William, Eliza J., wife of E. D. Deupree ; Mary, Mrs. Alexander Black ; Thomas, George W. and Charles M. He was reared for the most part to a farm experience, and having come to Missouri with his parents when but about six years old was brought up in this county. His birth occurred in Casey county, Ky., February 7, 1836. He continued to remain occupied with the duties of farm life until the call for troops to suppress invasion was made. Then enlisting in the C. S. A. under Gen. Slack, he became a lieutenant in Co. B, 3d regiment of Missouri ( Col. Coffey commanding), and took part in many severe engagements throughout the State. From 1862 to 1865 he was with Gen. Jo. Shelby and upon surrendering at Shreveport, La., he returned home, resting in the full assurance of having done what he considered to be right. His career as a soldier while per- haps not as varied as that of others was one of denial and hardships. November 13, 1868, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary J. Williams, daughter of R. C. and Ellen Williams. This union has been blessed with two children : William C., born November 13,
1013
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
1869, and Eva, born May 21, 1873. It has long been a conceded fact that Mr. H. is one of the most enterprising and prominent farmers in this township. Everything about his place indicates energy and a thorough knowledge of his calling and all his operations are carried on in a manner above criticism. Mrs. H.'s sisters were four in number : Rebecca A., now Mrs. Tiffany Sandridge ; Elizabeth, wife of W. C. Collison ; Nancy C., who married James Black, and Missouri, now Mrs. James Wymer.
DANIEL KESLER
(Farmer aud Stock-raiser, Post-office, Muddy Lane).
All his life Mr. Kesler has followed with substantial success the occupation to which he was reared and in which he is now engaged - farming. One of the largest land owners in Jackson township, he is also one of its recognized leading agriculturists, and as a man, no less than as a citizen, he is highly esteemed. His birth occurred February 23, 1836, in Laport county, Ind., but when three years old, or in June, 1839, he was brought by his parents ( who were Virginians by birth ) to this State, and here he was brought up. Very naturally perhaps he adapted himself to agricultural pursuits, for to that calling his father gave his attention; the latter was called away from this earth in 1868 and his widow died March, 1875. Four children were in their family beside Daniel. Their names are Joel, a resident of California ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Joseph Papaw ; John, of this county ; and Ida, wife of Martin V. Piper. January 19, 1869, the subject of this sketch was married, Miss Sarah A., daughter of John H. and Alcinda Faulk, becoming his wife. Her parents were natives of Ohio but settled in this county in an early day, rearing a family of nine children : William, John, Sallie, Strander, Patrick, Elijah, George C., Alvin and Alcinda. The four children born of this union are Edwin A., born December 1, 1869 ; Ida M., born March 10, 1873 ; John F., born December 26, 1875, and William D., born August 20, 1883. Mr. Kesler had but a small amount of means when he commenced in life for himself and his present possessions are the result of his own labor. In 1859 he took a trip to Pike's Peak, returning the same year, and in 1863 he again went to that locality and while on his way home in November, 1864, he was attacked by Indians, lost his team and barely escaped with his life; he received a wound and receiving no medical attention became crippled in his right arm, the effects of which are still apparent.
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