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 108

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 108
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 108

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HENRY B. SAYLOR

(Farmer and Blacksmith, Post-office, Spring Hill.)

It is indeed true that the life of any man is of great benefit to a community when all his efforts are directed towards advancing its interests, and of much greater value is he who gives to any commu- nity a worthy family of children that not only do honor to the name of their ancestor but themselves become useful and respected and prominent members of society. The family of children which have been born to Mr. Saylor and his estimable wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth S. Duckworth, have already identified themselves with the foremost citizens of the different localities where they have made their homes. One of their sons, Oscar, is a promising lawyer in Daviess county and another, Edward, is a rising young physician in this county. Surely to Mr. and Mrs. Saylor is due much credit for their efforts in behalf of these children, and it can be said with truth that the children in turn appreciate what has been done for them. Mr. S. was born November 11, 1822, in Tennessee, and in 1830 came to Missouri, Jocating in this county in 1837. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and South Carolina respectively, and their settlement in Ray county, Mo., dates from 1830 and in Livingston from 1837. Some fifteen years later, however, they returned to Ray county and there died, the father November 23, 1863, and the mother April 28, 1866. They had born to them four children : Henry B., John G. L., Mary E., wife of John Sheets, and Amanda M., wife of William Ferguson. The father was a soldier in the Mormon War. Henry B. Saylor was united in marriage October 20, 1842, with Miss Duck- worth, the daughter of George and Cynthia M. Duckworth, who had in their family four children : James D., Robert D., Eliza A. and Martha, Mr. Saylor and wife have had 10 children : Emily J., born July 18, 1843, now Mrs. James Grimes ; Oscar, born January 15, 1852 ; Edward, born March 18, 1855 ; Dora B., born July 12, 1858, wife of G. W. West ; Martha G., born Febuary 13, 1861, and Sarah A., William, Minnie E. and Willie H. who died when small. During the late war Mr. Saylor was in the C. S. A. for six months, seeing a great amount of hard service. He is now actively engaged in farming and blacksmithing and owns 170 acres of land, in a good state of cultivation.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

JOSHUA TYE

(Farmer, Section 30, Post-office, Lock Springs).

It can not be denied that a man who lives according to the highest principles of what he conceives to be right, helping others and caring for those unable to do for themselves - in a word, keeping as his aim the Golden Rule, will receive the most honored esteem of his fellow- creatures. Such a one is the subject of this sketch. Born in Whit- ley county, Ky., October 21, 1814; he was the son of Joshua Tye, of North Carolina, who went to the Blue Grass State when a child, living there (in Whitley county ) until his death. Joshua's mother was formerly Elizabeth Cummins, also a Kentuckian by birth. There were 11 children in the family, of whom Joshua was the fifth. He was reared in his native State on a farm and followed that occupa- tion until coming to this county in 1856, and here he has since remained. He has been more than usually successful in the accu- mulation of property and now owns 380 acres of improved land. He was denied the advantages of an education in youth but in later years by observation and contact with persons of intelligence he has become possessed of a store of knowledge which those who were more fortu- nate when young might well envy. He is a consistent member of the Christian Church. Mr. Tye has been twice married. First, Febru- ary 21, 1833, to Miss Margaret Sexton, who was born in Virginia. She died in 1858, leaving seven children : George M., Ferdinand, since deceased ; Enoch, Thomas, William C., Jefferson and James. June 12, 1859, Miss Elizabeth Miller, of Kentucky, became his wife. They have six children : Martha, Frances, John, Elizabeth, Joseph and Drury.

JEFFERSON TYE

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

Mr. Tye is numbered among those who, while discharging their duty as brave, fearless soldiers, received proofs of their military service in the shape of wounds which crippled them, the effects of which are seen in more recent years. For a short time during the Civil War he was a member of the M. S. M. and from a wound received in the arm has since been crippled in that member. He has been a permanent resident of this county since 1862. In 1855 he first came to Missouri and remained for four years, returning thence to his native State, Kentucky. But shortly after, as stated, he became identified with Livingston county as one of her citizens. Since then he has gone forward steadily and surely, gaining for him- self a name and reputation as a successful tiller of the soil that all acknowledge he deserves. His farm contains 270 acres all in a good state of cultivation, upon it there being a fine house and other build- ings, convenient and commodious and well adapted to the care of stock, Mr. Tve being much interested in that industry. He is recog- mized as a man of advanced and progressive ideas, for he came

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

originally from Whitley county, of the Blue Grass State, born June 4, 1833. In growing up he obtained a common school education and was reared to a farm experience and when about 24 years of age he was first married, his wife being Miss Elizabeth Hicks, daughter of James and Mahala Hicks, natives of Indiana, but early settlers in Missouri. Two children blessed this union, Sarah F., now Mrs. John Miller, and born March 6, 1858, and John, born April 6, 1860. Mr. Tye's second wife was formerly Miss Martha J. Lewis, whose parents, James A. and Tabitha C. Lewis, were originally from Tennessee. They had a family of seven children : Mary, Willie H., Martha J., Cyrus T., Nancy, Isaac and Catherine ; all now remain in their native State save the two who became located in Missouri. Mr. Tye is now situated on section 20 of this township, prominently connected with the agricultural affairs of the community.

JOHN VOLK

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

The estate upon which Mr. Volk now resides and to which he is giving such close attention in its cultivation, embraces 200 acres, a well improved farm, substantial and convenient buildings being a leading feature of these improvements. He is numbered among the thrifty foreign-born residents of the county, having been born in the county of Cork, Province of Baden, Germany, September 1, 1829. His parents were also natives of that country, Jacob and Mary Volk (whose maiden name was Truttebach ), and there remained until their deaths. They had born to them five children: Mary, wife of Chris. Rochmiles ; Barbara, now Mrs. Jacob Hurst ; Jacob, George (deceased) and John. The father during life was interested in agri- cultural pursuits in connection with blacksmithing. He was a soldier in the war with the allied forces against Napoleon and the French forces, received a wound near Strasburg, and for bravery and meri- torious conduct was given a medal. John, the subject of this sketch, grew up in the country of his birth and in 1849 took part in the Rebellion, that famous struggle for liberty, and was with the noted Siegel, later of American fame. On the 27th of August, 1849, he became located in Livingston county, Mo., having left Ger- many, but in 1852 he took a trip to California, where he remained for seven years. Returning to this county, he has since remained here, closely associated with the interests of the community. Besides farming he has also carried on something of a blacksmithing business, and in all his operations he has met with encouraging success. Mr. Volk was married October 25, 1859, to Miss Mary E. Usher, daughter of Samuel and Mary E. Usher, the former originally from France, but the mother a native American. They had two children besides Mary E. : William H. and Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Volk are the parents of 11 children : Mary, born July 12, 1860, now Mrs. John Schwab ; John H., born September 25, 1863 ; George, born February 24,1865 ; Elizabeth, born May 8, 1866, now Mrs. John M. Young ; Anna, born

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

October 11, 1867 ; Winnie, born July 7, 1869 ; William F., born February 16, 1871; Sarah A., born November 23, 1873; Charles, born May 1, 1876 ; Josephine, born April 12, 1874, died October 1, 1879 ; Ellen and Nellie, twins, born June 13, 1878.

GEORGE W. WINGO

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Spring Hill).

The business interests of this portion of the country are well rep- resented by the subject of this sketch, Geo. W. Wingo, who has been located at this place long enough to become firmly established. Pre- viously he had given his attention to both farming and blacksmithing, but mercantile life seemed to have a peculiar attraction for him and his wisdom in embarking in it has been proven by his success in sub- sequent years. The stock which he carries is a well assorted one, sufficiently large for the patronage extended him, and selected with regards to the wants of the people. By birth Mr. Wingo is a Virgin- ian, having been born in Giles county, of the Old Dominion, November 28, 1836. His parents were also natives of the same State and in 1844 took up their location in Livingston county, Mo. Besides George W. they had five children : Mary, now Mrs. John Porterfield ; John A., Lena, wife of James Ramsey ; Jennie, now Mrs. Jesse Davis, and James. The senior Wingo was a blacksmith by trade and during his life he devoted himself to that calling; he and his wife were both members of the M. E. Church South and he is still prominent in that denomination, but his worthy companion died in November, 1885. George W. Wingo in growing up was taught blacksmithing and became so familiar with it as an occupation that he followed it for a number of years. Then he began farming and met with fair success continuing it until commencing as a merchant at Spring Hill, where his career since has been noted. July 5, 1855, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Martha J., daughter of John and Amanda Leeper, her father having been an early settler in this county and in his day prominently identified with merchandising. Their family numbered 10 children : Henry T., James R., Alice, now Mrs. Nova Patton ; Cynthia A., wife of Anderson Black; Daniel, Mary, Mrs. Daniel Williams; Elizabeth, Mrs. James Ramsey. Mr. and Mrs. Wingo have had six children : John E., born May 7, 1856; Cora B., born March 25, 1858, now Mrs. Ed. Shumate ; Thomas R., born May 17, 1860 ; Nova W., born July 25, 1864 ; Walker W., born April 12, 1868; Daniel B., born November 28, 1872. Mr. Wingo and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He belongs to the Masonic Order and at present is master of Spring Hill Lodge No. 155.

' JOHN S. VENABLE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 19, Post-office, Spring Hill).

John S. Venable, a substantial tiller of the soil of this portion of the county, was born October 8, 1833, in Virginia, his parents being William and Agnes Venable, themselves natives of Prince Edward

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

county, Va., where they were born and reared. In 1833 they came to Missouri, and in 1835 to this county and township, where their home continued to be until death, the father dying February 27, 1856, and the mother December 12, 1874. They were both consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The senior Venable was a soldier in the War of 1812. Six children were in their family: Charles, James P., Josiah, William R., Anna E., wife of E. J. Duncan, and John S. The latter is now recognized as one of the model agriculturists of this township. His estate embraces 550 acres of land, well improved, his commodious dwelling and the various sur- roundings about the place denoting a successful, progressive farmer. Living in the enjoyment of a sufficiency of this world's goods, he is liberal to others, of a generous disposition, and most hospitable. Mr. Venable came to this State with his parents and was principally reared in Livingston county, his residence here dating from a time when the country was almost a wilderness - the abode of Indians, wild beasts, and an abundance of game. His brother Charles took part in the Mormon War and was one of those who helped to arrest the Heatherlys, referred to elsewhere in this volume. No- vember 18, 1858, Mr. V. was married to Eliza J. Crews, daughter of Joseph and Letitia Crews, she having been born in Kentucky on November 28, 1841; her parents came here in an early day. Eleven children were in their family, six of whom reached mature years : Williamson, Eliza J., Mollie, wife of Daniel Metcalf; Letitia F., wife of James Anderson; William H., Elizabeth, wife of Jolm Peery. Mr. and Mrs. Venable have had 9 children : Letitia A., born September 7, 1859, now Mrs. John A. Duncan; Joseph W., born January 5, 1864 ; Charles P., born September 16, 1867; Elizabeth C., born September 10, 1870; Theodosia, born September 23, 1874; Sarah E., born October 10, 1861, died February 14, 1862 ; Mary A., born March 23, 1863, died February 23, 1864; Fannie, born September 13, 1878, died the following year; John A., born July 17, 1883, died February 17, 1884. Mr. Venable and wife are members of the Baptist Church. The former belongs to Spring Hill Lodge No. 155, A. F. and A. M. His brothers and sisters are all dead save Charles, Robert and Mrs. Duncan. They now occupy the old homestead entered by their parents, esteemed and re- spected by a host of acquaintances, who have so long known them.

BIOGRAPHICAL- SAMPSEL TOWNSHIP.

MRS. HARRIET BILLS

(Post-office, Sampsel).

Mrs. Bills, whose maiden name was Boone, is well known to the people of the community in which she makes her home. Her birth

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

occurred January 10, 1824, in the State of North Carolina, her parents being Elijah and Nancy Boone, nee Evans. They were also both natives of North Carolina. The father was born in Northampton county, December 12, 1796, and by occupation was a farmer. He continued to live in the State of his birth until removing to Livingston county, Mo., in 1834. The mother was born October 12, 1796. Of their family of 11 children, Presley, born July 13, 1819, and Harriet are the only ones living. The names of the others, with the date of their birth were : Mary Magdalene, born November 3, 1814; Henry, born June 13, 1817, died July 25, 1843; Nicholas A., born January 15, 1822, died September 7, 1830 ; Milly F., born October 11, 1827; Clifton R., born March 15, 1830 ; Nancy A., born May 10, 1832 ; Sarah A., born November 5, 1834, died September 19, 1870; James H., born February 16, 1836, and Elizabeth E., born February 28, 1839, died February 3, 1844. On December 22, 1840, Miss Harriet Boone was married to Stephen Bills, who was born March 8, 1823. He came to this county at an early day, and in 1849 was drawn to California by the tidings of the fortunate gold seekers. He remained in that far-off land until 1853, meeting with fair success. Returning to this county he devoted himself to farming, owning a landed estate of 200 acres. His death took place August 22, 1859. He was a member of Spring Hill Lodge No. 155, A. F. and A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Bills were the parents of the following family of children: Ellen, born June 13, 1844, now Mrs. Clinton Wear, of DeKalb county, Mo. ; Calvin, born December 9, 1847 ; Lydia L., born August 16, 1855, married John Sumpter ; Nancy H., born April 8, 1827, wife of A. P. Shaur ; John W., born March 30, 1859 ; Mary Jane, born October 10, 1842, died December 29, 1848. Mrs. Bills' father and her two brothers, Presley and Henry, were in the Mormon War and participated in the massacre at Haun's Mill.

THOMAS E. BOUCHER

(Farmer, Section 16, Post-office, Sampsel).

In looking back upon the ancestors of Mr. Boucher, it is found that his grandparents on his father's side, Elisha and Sallie Boucher, came from Tennessee, while his father and mother, the latter a Miss Sarah Frith, were Virginians by birth, their marriage having occurred December 23, 1847. The mother was born March 25, 1825, and to herself and husband were given eight children: Joseph S., born February 26, 1852; A. J., born July 13, 1853 ; Amanda E., born November 15, 1856, now Mrs. David N. Gibbs ; William E., born Feb- ruary 29, 1860 ; Rutha J., born November 20, 1854, now deceased, and Eliza A. and Mahala J., who died January 8, 1886, in Clarke county, Kan. A sadincident is connected with their death. In company with their mother, becoming alarmed in their home, they attempted to go to a brother's house about half a mile distant, but in the midst of a terri- ble snow storm perished near their brother's door. The mother sur- vived through the night and was found the next morning, and for a month

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

and four days she lingered in agony until, submitting to an amputation of the feet, she failed to recover and soon died. The bodies of these unfortunates were brought home and interred in the family cemetery, where they now rest, awaiting the final day when they shall be clothed immortal. The family are all members of the Baptist Church. Thomas E. Boucher was married January 26, 1873, to Miss Agnes Gann, and they have six children: Lydia, born May 29, 1874 ; Ada J., born August 25, 1876; Edna W., born December 8, 1878 ; Emery E., born March 6, 1881, Lulu A., born April 18, 1883, and Pearlie, born February 14, 1885. Mrs. Boucher's birth occurred February 27, 1855, her father, Abraham Gann, having been brought up in this State. He went to California in 1849, and met with fair success. His first wife was Mrs. Sarah A. Winnigan, who bore him one child besides Agnes, James G. By a second marriage there was one son, Thomas J., and all reside in this county. Mr. Boucher's con- nection with farming has been of great benefit to him, and he now successfully tills 130 acres of land.

ANDREW J. BOUCHER

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

Among the families who early became settled in the territory of Missouri was that of which the subject of this sketch is a worthy rep- resentative. He himself was born in Ray county, this State, May 12, 1830, his maternal grandparents being of English origin. His grand- father died in Tennessee and his grandmother in Livingston county. Elisha Boucher, Andrew's father, of Virginia nativity, was brought up there and after removing to Tennessee was. there married to Miss Sarah English, daughter of Joshua English, of that State. They continued to live there for 25 years, coming thence to Missouri in 1827, and set- tling near Richmond, Ray county, from whence seven years thereafter they moved to this county. Here the father died October 22, 1858, and the mother May 18, 1866. They were consistent members of the Baptist Church and there was probably no man a more earnest advo- eate of the principles of his religion than Mr. B. Their children were Polly A., Sarah, Catherine, Elizabeth, Calestine, Joshua, John, Martha, James, Thomas, William, Andrew J., Jane, Julia. Joshua and James were members of Slack's company in the Mexican War and died while in the service. All these children, save the two just referred to, arrived at maturity and married ; Thomas went to Cali- fornia in an early day and is still there; William and Calestine are located in Texas, and the remainder are in this county. Andrew J. Boucher was brought up to a farm experience in this vicinity, a calling which he has ever followed. In 1861 he enlisted in the M. S. M., was made sergeant and then first lientenant, being discharged as such in June, 1865. He was in several minor engagements, among others the fight at Union Mills, in Platte county, on the old Weldon farm in Daviess county, etc., besides that near Brunswick. Mr. Boucher's educational opportunities in youth were rather meager, but by subse-

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

quent study and observation he has become well informed. His farm embraces 237 acres. April 20, 1866, his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Goben was consummated. She was born and reared in this county, her father, Levi F. Goben and wife having removed here in 1830, and both are still respected citizens of Livingston. Mr. and Mrs. Bouch- er's family consists of 7 children : John E., born May 23, 1867; Charles W., born December 20, 1868 ; Irene C., born September 23, 1871 ; Bertie E., born December 3, 1873; Inez, born April 8, 1876 ; Laura, born March 23, 1878, and Myrtle, born July 2, 1884.

THOMAS S. BREEZE

(Farmer, Section 16, Post-office, Sampsel).

This young agriculturist is the son of a man who, during his residence here, was intimately and prominently identified with the county's interest, and whose memory is cherished by a host of those acquainted with him while living. David S. Breeze was born in Indiana January 1, 1818, and in 1838 removed to Ripley county, Mo., from which locality he came to Livingston county, which was his home until the time of his death, April 26, 1875. For a number of years he occupied various official positions and for a long time served as justice of the peace. He and his wife were active, consistent members of the M. E. Church South. Mrs. Breeze was formerly Miss Elizabeth Spaulding, daughter of Philip Spaulding, their mar- riage occurring January 31, 1841. She was born and brought up in Missouri and settled in this county in 1846. Ten children were born to them: William, born October 21, 1841, married Mary Van Brim- mer December 31, 1863, and they have three children ; John, born February 24, 1843, married in April, 1869, Miss Martha Hughes ; Sarah C., born November 2, 1845, married March 6, 1864, Ananias Gann ; Elizabeth, born September 21, 1847, married James Gann May 2, 1864; Lucinda, born July 12, 1849, married B. F. Hampton in January, 1880 ; Clarinda, born March 22, 1851, is now Mrs. Dan- iel Sullivan, having been married March 11, 1884 ( all of these men- tioned reside now in Lafayette county, Mo.); David H., born November 2, 1853, was married June 21, 1885 ; Thomas S., the sub- ject of this sketch, born February 22, 1856 ; James M., born January 4, 1859, and George W., born December 3, 1860. Thomas S. Breeze was born in this county and has always resided here. His farm at this time embraces 40 acres, which is being well managed. His grandfather, John Breeze, was born in North Carolina, May 5, 1790, removed to Indiana in an early day and married Miss Sarah Holla- way, who bore him eight children : Jessie, Richard, Thomas, Jona - than, David S., Reuben, Cornelius N. and Mary J. He was married the second time to Miss Martha McCormick, and by this union there was one child, James W. In his farming operations Mr. Thos. S. Breeze is meeting with encouraging success.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

JOHN R. BROWN

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

One of seven children in the family of his parents, George W. and Miriam (Crump) Brown, the subject of this sketch was born Decem- ber 4, 1839, and came originally from Giles county, Va., of which State both his father and mother were natives. The former always made his home there, dying in November, 1878 ; he followed farming during life with fair success, was connected with the Masonic frater- nity, and also belonged to the Lutheran Church. Besides holding the position of colonel of militia in an carly day, he filled various other offices of responsibility and trust. Mrs. Brown still resides in Vir- ginia. The other children in their family besides John R. were George W., Sarah, now Mrs. Hardin Shumate ; Andrew B., Mary, wife of Paul Smith ; Ballard P., Martha, now Mrs. Rufus Eaton, and Milton, deceased. John R. Brown was reared as a farmer, growing up with a full knowledge of agricultural life until 1861, when he entered upon a career which was destined to be one of privation and hardship, such as is attendant upon the lot of a soldier. Enlisting in Co. F, 45th Virginia regiment, C. S. A., under command of Col. Heath (and he under Gen. Floyd ), he took part in nine general engagements, among which might be mentioned those of Colfax Court-house, White Sulphur Springs, Louisburg, Cotton Mountain, Laurel Bend, Narrows of New River, Parisburg, Cloyd's Farm and Piedmont. June 5, 1884, he was taken prisoner, and for nine months was held at Camp Morton, Ind., then being exchanged on March 12, following. Going to Richmond, he remained on furlough until the close of the war. In 1869 he came to Missouri, settling at his present location, and here he has since been engaged in farming, the result of these years of industry and hard application being seen in the good estate which he now owns, consisting of 132 acres of improved land. February 4, 1868, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Louisa J. Dryden, daughter of Jonathan J. and Caroline Dryden, mention of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. B. have had six children: Iona V., born Jan- uary 7, 1869, now Mrs. C. O. Purdin ; Martha O., born December 12, 1872 ; Augusta L., born October 29, 1874 ; Edna F., born December 28, 1876; Milton D., born October 9, 1879, and Marvin L., born June 3, 1881. Mr. Brown and wife are members of the M. E. Church South.

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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