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 107

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 107
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 107

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JOHN R. KESLER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Muddy Laue).

A superior farm extending over 800 acres, with improvements above the average, good barn, commodious, comfortable residence and neat, necessary outbuildings - such is the homestead of John R. Kesler, the representative of a family who have become closely identified with the agricultural interests of Livingston county. His place is doubtless

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY,

unsurpassed in point of location in this township, for situated in the midst of a fine prairie, an excellent view of the surrounding country can be had. And Mr. Kesler thoroughly understands the manage- ment and control of this place, for farming has been his only occupa- tion during life. In the sketch of his brother, Daniel Kesler, which immediately precedes this an account is briefly given of his parents and their family, Daniel and Elizabeth ( Crumpacker ) Kesler ; it will be unnecessary therefore to repeat what has already been said. John R., the second son and third child of the five children, was born in the Old Dominion® August 30, 1833, coming to Missouri in 1839, though for a short time before this he had lived in Indiana. Conse- quently by bringing up he may well be considered a Missourian. After reaching manhood he was married to Miss Mary A. Rose, December 12, 1867, the youngest of two children of Dr. Joseph and Mary Rose, of Kentucky nativity, but who settled in this county in a pioneer day. The former was for a long time a prominent physician, following his practice in connection with farming. He still resides in this county. Mrs. Kesler's only sister is Catherine, now Mrs. Joseph Lilly. Two children have been given to Mr. Kesler and wife, Joseph H., born September 1, 1869, and Minnie B., born September 16, 1877. In all his operations Mr. K., is meeting with substantial evidence of success, results which all concede that he deserves.

ROBERT LAUDERDALE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Spring Hill).

Mr. Lauderdale has been a resident of Livingston county for nearly fifty years, and has been closely and usefully identified with its his- tory throughout all this period of time. He was born in Greene county, Tenn., June 18, 1824. His father, John Lauderdale, was a native of Tennessee and a soldier in the War of 1812. The maiden name of his mother was Hannah Sharp, a native of North Carolina. Both parents having died when Robert was young he commenced the battle of life alone and without a dollar. November 18, 1837, he came to Livingston county, Mo., and found employment as a day laborer and as a farm hand by the month, the best hands at the time receiving fifty cents per day, and the regular price for splitting rails was fifty cents per hundred. In 1838 Mr. Lauderdale enlisted in the Mormon War and served one month and fifteen days. He was in the company of Capt. William O. Jennings, whose father, Col. Thomas Jennings, had command of the forces from this county. After enter- ing the service there was a force sent to DeWitt, in Carroll county, for a cannon, which they secured, and on their return to Livingston county captured two prisoners named Lyman and Dunn, whom they brought with them, but afterwards released . They saluted Chillicothe, loading the cannon with old iron, and then went to the west part of the county near where Marcus White lived and there buried the cannon in the road, but Capt. " Fear Not," one of the " Danites," with a body of Mormons came and took the cannon, which had become exposed by hogs

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

rooting up the earth, and captured nine prisoners, whom they parolled on their oath not to take up arms against them. After this a move was made on Haun's mill. Three companies were brought into action and arrayed in line of battle. Capt. William O. Jennings occupied the center, Capt. Comstock the left and Capt. William Gee the right. They were on horseback and marched within one hundred yards of the enemy, who were secreted so that they could not be seen. Orders were given for them to charge, but it was quickly countermanded and the order given for them to dismount, which was quickly obeyed, and they were commanded to charge. The enemy were concealed in houses and behind plank, and everything utilized to protect them. Capt. Com- stock fired the first gun and ordered his men to follow. Capt. Jen- nings gave the same order to his men, and Capt. Gee's men were on the move, and the battle was opened in earnest. There were 18 men secreted in a blacksmith shop. A hair-lipped soldier from Carroll county, named Ira Glaze, pushed the muzzles of the guns aside as they were shoved through the cracks of the building, remarking at the same time that he did not fear their lead, but did not want to be powder burned.

After the firing opened the enemy commenced falling back and retreated across the creek. Seventeen out of the 18 in the black- smith shop were killed ; two small boys were killed by accident while running from one house to another, orders having been given not to shoot the boys. After the battle the wounded were cared for and all recovered. Some of those participating went to Far West to witness the surrender and others to "Adam-on-Diamond." After the close of this campaign Mr. Lauderdale returned and found employment by the month or at day's work for ten years, and at the expiration of this time he was $36 in debt. June 23, 1847, he married Miss Cynthia J. Boyle, who was born in Bourbon county, Ky., December 25, 1822, and the daughter of James and Jane Boyle, natives of Bourbon county, Ky. They were early settlers of Linn county, Mo., and there the father died. The mother came to Livingston county and lived here with her children until her death. Mr. and Mrs. Lauderdale have five children : Elizabeth E., born April 28, 1849, now Mrs. E. M. Ware; Robert V., born November 21, 1859, in the hardware trade in Chillicothe, and Lee L., born October 26, 1863 ; two sons, Henry B. and Horace G., are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lauderdale's com- mencement in life was in marked contrast to their present comfortable surroundings. At that time their cooking utensils consisted of a skillet, an oven and one pot, and all the furniture they had was home- made, and for harness they used hickory bark for lines and traces, and hickory bark lap rings. He had no wagon, and when too far away to carry rails he had a sled on which to draw them, and in this way he made his start. He is now the owner of 1,400 acres of land and one of the large taxpavers of the county. His land is situated in sections 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 19 of township 59, range 14. His home place is well improved and he is one of the most active and busy men in the county and thoroughly reliable. He is a member of

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

the A. F. and A. M. and he and Mrs. L. have belonged to the M. E. Church South for many years. They are very hospitable and people whom to know is to respect.

WILLIAM H. MARLOW

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 10, Post-office, Muddy Lane).

Mr. Marlow is now successfully following the occupation to which he was reared and which has been his life work, a calling that has for ages received undivided efforts from many worthy individuals, and one that always furnishes sustenance to the ready worker. He was born in Wayne county, Ky., October 12, 1831, his parents having been natives of Georgia. In an early day they went to the Blue Grass State, and about 1832 came to Missouri, locating first in Cole county, from whence some time after they removed to Platte county. In 1854 this county seemed to have sufficient attraction for them to make a settlement within its boundaries, and since that time Mr. Marlow has resided here. His mother died in Cole county in 1836, and in 1854, while on a trip to Oregon, the father also died, leaving six children : James L., P. M., D. M., William H., Thursey, and Absalom. William H. Marlow, the subject of this sketch, is one of the largest and most enterprising agriculturists in Jackson township and the excellent estate which he owns is managed in such a manner as indicates at a glance the abode of an enterprising, thorough and reliable citizen. Included in his property are 613 acres of beautiful land, well adapted to the raising of stock, of which he makes quite a specialty, his barns, residence, outbuildings, etc., denoting taste and convenience. An abundance of everything is found here and want is not known. Mr. Marlow is a Mexican veteran, for in 1846, when but a boy, he entered the United States army as a soldier and participated in Gen. Doniphan's campain in the Mexican War. In 1850 he went to Cali- fornia and after the expiration of three years returned to this county, giving his attention to farming until his enlistment in 1861 in Gen. Slack's division of the C. S. A. On account of his disability he was finally discharged, after having taken part in the battles of Wilson Creck, Carthage, etc. On the 10th of January, 1856, Mr. Marlow was married to Miss Amanda Hutchison, daughter of Jeremiah and Emily Hutchison, who came originally from Casey county, Ky., to Mis- souri in 1854. Their family numbered six children : Lucy J., now deceased ; John P., Susan, Thomas, deceased ; Wyctt, deceased; and Isabel, wife of George Schrader. Mr. and Mrs. Marlow have three children : Louis C., born Janury 19, 1857; Lucy B., born March 6, 1859, and Benjamin P., born August 7, 1861. Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Spring Hill No. 155. For one term he held the position of collector of this township.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

GEORGE H. MAST

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Chillicothe).

The same peculiarities which seem to distinguish others of German parentage and nativity from those American-born are noticeable in the career of Mr. Mast since his settlement in this county - industry, hard application to his chosen calling, economy and perseverance. An intel- ligent application of these principles have resulted in giving him an excellent estate of 197 acres, which he is now improving and culti- vating to good advantage. Born September 20, 1843, in Tumlingen, Wittenberg, Germany, he was the son of Mathias and Elizabeth Mast, both also natives of that country, where, too, their marriage had occurred. In 1854 they emigrated to America, locating in Muskin- gum county, O., where the father now resides. During his lifetime he has given his attention to tilling the soil, and in this he has been by no means unsuccessful. Five children besides the subject of this sketch were in his parents' family : John, Christina, Catharine, now Mrs. John Dieky ; Mathias and Mary, all of whom, save John, make their home in Ohio. George H. Mast was quite young when brought to this country, and after settling in Ohio he was taught the rudi- ments of farm life, becoming still better acquainted with that calling as he grew up. In the fall of 1872 he came to Livingston county, and has continued to devote himself to agricultural pursuits. January 16, 1865, his marriage to Miss Melinda Ikhorn was consummated, she being a daughter of Frederick Ikhorn. . She was also born in Ger- many, and in 1853 became a resident of Ohio, where her parents are still located. In their family were five other children : Charles, Pristina, now Mrs. George McGlade ; Frederick, Amelia, wife of George Hartsanh, and Augustus. Mr. and Mrs. Mast have been blessed with 11 children : Mary C., born December 18, 1866 ; Katie A., born December 28, 1867 ; John M., born March 24, 1869 ; George F., born October 24, 1870; Charles F., born December 7, 1872; Rosa E., born January 18, 1876 ; Harvey J., born December 21, 1878 ; Wilfred S., born August 23, 1880; Ira D., born January 8, 1883; Malinda, born December 25, 1885, and Rose E., born April 14, 1872, died September 24, 1872. Mr. Mast belongs to Spring Hill Lodge No. 155, A. F. and A. M.

JOHN H. PEERY

(Farmer, Stock-raiser, Feeder and Dealer, Section 18, Post-office, Jamesport).

Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers and stock men of Missouri, there are none who possess more genuine merit or stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. One of the best known and highly respected citizens of the county, and particularly of the vicinity where for so many years he made his home, was his father, William F. Peery, and it is but proper that an outline, at least, of his life should appear in this connection.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

William F. Peery was a Virginian by birth, and about 1819 or 1820 he removed to Missouri, settling in Howard county, where he remained until coming to this county in 1839. Some time before, on November 22, 1838, he had married Miss Margaret J. Hutchison, daughter of John Hutchison, and of the six children resulting from this union only John H. survives. The names of those deceased were Thomas, Mary J., Mrs. J. M. Stapp; James E., Elizabeth C. and Eliza A., wife of E. C. White. After his first wife's death Mr. P. was again married, April 12, 1855, to Miss Susan E. Monroe, who bore him four children : Margaret, Benjamin F., Sarah C. and William M. All died when small but Margaret, who became the wife of C. C. Curren, and has since departed this life. Mr. Peery was a prominent man in his day and in political affairs wielded no slight influence. For two terms he was the representative of the county in the State Legislature, and subsequently he served as State Senator. At the breaking out of the late war he enlisted under Gen. Slack in the C. S. A., was made paymaster, and also held a commission as colonel. While recruiting for soldiers to join the army he was surprised while sleeping and brutally murdered - another to lay down his life upon the altar of his convictions. John H. Peery is one of the native born citizens of this county, his birth having occurred here October 29, 1841. He continued to follow farming up to 1861, when he, too, east his fortunes with the Southern Confederacy and remained in service until the cessation of hostilities, taking part in many engagements, among others those of Carthage, Wilson Creek, Lexington, Pea Ridge, and after being transferred to the Mississippi Department he took part in Gen. J. E. Johnston's campaign, and with Hood until the close of the war. Twice was he prisoner, but both times he was exchanged. Since returning from the army Mr. Peery has closely adhered to farm- ing, and the results of his efforts are now seen in the beautiful place which he owns. Five hundred and sixty acres are included in it, upon which is a fine house, as well as excellent convenient outbuildings, barn, etc. Mr. P.'s first marriage was to Miss Elizabeth C. Cruse, daughter of Joseph and Artimitia Cruse. The names of the five chil- dren given them were Stella M., born September 13, 1871; Fannie, born July 30, 1873; Mary M., born October 30, 1875 ; William F., born June 15, 1878, and Gracie G., born July 30, 1880. Mrs. Peery died October 19, 1883, and afterwards Mr. P. married Florence H. Peery, whose parents were Dr. Archie and Elizabeth A. Peery, of Grundy county. She was one of eight children : Horace, Fielding, Nash A., Trusten P., Mary C., Arch., William and John. Mr. Peery is a member of Jamesport Lodge No. 201, A. F. and A. M., at Jamesport.

ROBERT P. PENISTON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 36, Post-office, Spring Hill).

This respected resident of Jackson township, now above the age usually allotted to man - three score years and ten, owes his nativity to Jessamine county, Ky., where he was born December 27, 1813.

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IIISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Robert Peniston, his father, a Virginian by birth and by occupation a farmer, came to Missouri as early as 1832 and located in Daviess county, where he made his home until his death in 1861. To himself and wife, formerly Miss Nancy Nuttle ( who was a native of Maryland and died in 1851), eight children were born, three of whom survive : Theodore, Robert P. and Susan, now Mrs. John K. Kerr. The others were William, Francis, Thomas, Eliza, Anthony and Martha, who married William Zook. Robert P. was brought up in the Blue Grass State, carly acquainting himself with the details of farm labor, and in 1865 he became located in this county, which has since been his home. Previous to that time he had taken part in the Black Hawk War and for his services therein received a land warrant. After settling here he began merchandising at Spring Hill, but did not meet with very flattering results. On August 4, 1836, he was married to Elizabeth Morrin, daughter of Josiah and Mary Morrin, both originally from Kentucky. The former was a man of considerable prominence in the vicinity of his home, and besides being elected to the State Senate in 1840 he served as judge of the county court ; he was a participant in the Mormon War. Mrs. Peniston was one of four children, the others being Laban, John and Sarah. By this union there were 11 children : Mary S., born June 25, 1837, wife of Thos. B. Yates ; Martha, born December 24, 1838, died July 23, 1846 ; Amanda, born September 18, 1840, died November 29, 1846 ; Sarah A., born December 9, 1842, married James Knight and died March 3, 1883 ; Susan, born November 5, 1845, died December 14, 1846; Verona, born December 12, 1847, married James Vaughn and died March 3, 1883; John M., born March 8, 1853; Nannie, born February 5, 1855, now Mrs. John Burge ; Ella, born April 7, 1857, died May 21, 1857; Robert and Josiah, twins, born March 10, 1860, and died three days later. Mr. Peniston's second marriage was to Mrs. Martha A. Hutchinson, formerly Miss Williams, and daughter of John B. and Polly Williams. They were both born in Virginia and came to this county at an early day ; their family numbered 13 children. Mrs. Hutchinson's first husband, William Hutchinson, was killed at the battle of Wilson Creek. Mr. Peniston is now the owner of an excellent estate of 440 acres, well improved and in good cultivation. His brother Francis was a captain in the C. S. A. during the war and died soon after the battle of Lexington.

PORTER RAMSEY

(Farmer, Section 5, Post-office, Muddy Lane).

As one of the first settlers of Livingston county and a man who has been a witness to and participant in the many wonderful changes which it has undergone, we would mention Porter Ramsey, for almost 50 years a resident of this locality. It was in 1838 that he first came to Missouri in company with his parents, Samuel V. and Rachel Ramsey, the year from which is dated his settlement here, and the years which have since gone have always found him still attending to the duties of his chosen calling. On commencing life for himself

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

the occupation which he had been taught when young naturally be- came his by adoption, and at this time he owns 100 acres, under good improvement and cultivation. Originally from Franklin county, O., Mr. Ramsey was born February 22, 1823; his parents were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania and from their marriage five children were born : Porter, Rutha A., now Mrs. Richard Reeves ; Van Meter, Alexander and James. All were born in Ohio, though brought up in Livingston county. Mr. Ramsey has been twice married. First, December 14, 1844, to Miss Eliza A. Frith, daughter of Henry and Narcissa Frith and on December 14, 1882, Mrs. Elizabeth Straley be- came his wife, her maiden name having been Surbur. Her parents, Henry and Ann Surbur, were both Kentuckians by birth, and she was born in Pulaski county, Ky., October 28, 1833, coming to this State in 1858. Her father moved to Indiana when she was two years old, and was afterwards killed by the kick of a horse, leaving two other children : Christopher C. and Joseph H. Subsequently Mrs. S. married Mr. Buford Williams, and by this marriage there were eight children : Martisha, Artimisha, James A., Juliet, Emiseth, Ros- anna, John and Banford. Mrs. Ramsey has one son, George M., and one daughter by her first husband, Laura, the wife of Joseph R. Mercer. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey are now living upon the farm which was entered by the father of Mr. R. in a pioneer day. They are well known throughout this portion of the county and have many friends.

LOUIS C. RICE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 17, Township 59, Range 25 west, Post-office, Jamesport.)

It has long since been acknowledged that no matter what a man's occupation in life may be a very necessary element to his success is a good education, and doubtless this is one cause of Mr. Rice's rise in material affairs, for he commenced life for himself without means or influence, though the fortunate possessor of an excellent education ; for some time before leaving his native State, Kentucky, he was en- gaged in teaching and also after coming to Missouri he " taught the young idea " a few years. His principal occupation during life, how- ever, has been farming and stock raising and in this latter branch of business he has become well known and thoroughly established. Born in Hopkins county, Ky., March 2, 1841, he was reared to a farm experience and in 1869 he cast his fortunes with Livingston county, Mo., where his true worth has since been recognized by a host of friends. His farm at this time embraces 200 acres, under substantial improvement. Mr. Rice's grandparents were James and Polly Rice, their marriage occurring October 22, 1799, and in their family were six children : Greenberry, Elizabeth, Arminda, Peggy M., John E. and Polly. James Rice died November 15, 1830, and his wife August 21, 1835. Louis Rice's father, John E., was twice married : first to Miss Eliza Clark, who bore him one child, William ; afterwards Miss Jane Martin became his wife, and the latter was the mother of Louis. She

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

died June 12, 1878, the father's death occurring May 29, 1874. On March 10, 1869, Mr. Rice was united in marriage with Miss Emma C., daughter of Isaac Ashby, an influential citizen of this vicinity, and they have a family of four children : John I., born July 27, 1873; Anna L., born August 4, 1875; Nancy J. E., born January 26, 1877, and Jennie, born May 25, 1882. Mrs. Rice has one sister living, Nancy A., the wife of John A. Mastries. Mr. Rice was one of seven children, the names of the others in the family being James H., Bay- liss C., Martin, Mary E., now Mrs. John M. Dulin ; Felix W. and Charles M., the latter a resident of Plano, Collins county, Texas. Mr. Rice and wife are both members of the Baptist Church. The former attributes his financial prosperity to one general rule, that is, not going in debt without a good prospect of paying at maturity ; most generally paying as he goes. He has been a Mason for about 20 years, having united with the lodge in Paradise, Ky. ; he is now a member of Jamesport Lodge No. 201, A. F. and A. M., at James- port, Mo.

DR. JOSEPH W. ROSE (Farmer and Physician, Post-office, Muddy Lane).

Dr. Rose, a physician of acknowledged merit and esteem in this portion of the county, was born March, 10, 1812, in Washington county, Pa., and removed to Fayette county in 1814. He remained there about ten years, passing his youthful days in the vicinity, but in 1822 he removed to Indiana, going thence to Kentucky in about two years, or in 1824. In 1834 he again changed his place of settle- ment, locating this time in Illinois, from whence he became a citizen of Missouri in 1836. At first he was identified with the interests of Marion county as a student at Marion College for some two years, but a strong desire to learn about medicine led him to com- mence its study with Dr. I. J. T. McIlroy, of Ralls county, under whom he made progress sufficient to justify him in entering into active professional life. While in that county the Doctor was mar- ried August 16, 1838, to a Miss Kenny, who was born in Bourbon county, Ky., March 17, 1813, the daughter of John and Mary Kenny, who became located in Ralls county, Mo., in an early day, where they afterwards died. Shortly following his marriage, Dr. Rose came to Livingston county, and for over 40 years he has con- tinued to reside here, occupied jointly in farming and practicing his chosen profession. The early training which he received in this science was by no means sufficient to satisfy a person of his in- quiring mind, consequently in 1866 he attended a course of lectures at the Missouri Medical College, from which he graduated with honor. His career as a practitioner has long been well and fav- orably known to the many who have tested his healing ability, and an abundant proof of his practice at this time is seen in the ex- tended territory over which he goes to alleviate the sufferings of the sick. His home farm is a comfortable place of 200 acres, the sur-

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

roundings of which are neat and attractive. Dr. and Mrs. Rose have four children : Catherine, born May 31, 1839, is the wife of Joseph Lilly, who has for years been bed-ridden from neuralgia of the heart ; Mary A., born May 21, 1842, is now Mrs. John Kesler; Osborne, born April 2, 1844, died January 24, 1848 ; and Flora, born March 7, 1849, died April 8, 1849. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Spring Hill Lodge No. 155. He is also connected with the M. E. S.

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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