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 113

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 113
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 113

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).

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

engaged in a wholesale mercantile house at St. Paul, and Ella, a gradu- ate of the Chillicothe High School, was married in October, 1885, to Nathan J. Swetland, a leading druggist of this place. Mr. Barker is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has held all the chairs and is now P. M. W. While in Eddyville, Ia., he served as councilman, and has also filled a like position in this city. The stock which he carries of watches, clocks, and, in fact, jewelry of all kinds, is very complete and selected' with taste and care.

AMOS BARGDOLL

(Post-office, Chillicothe) .

There is one man within the limits of this township and county, whose name, it might be said, is a household word with the people in the vicinity, for his long residence here and his intimate association with its various material and official affairs have gained for him an extensive acquaintance. Such a one is Amos Bargdoll, of good old Virginia stock, the son of Solomon and Christina (Peterson ) Barg- doll, both natives of that State, and where they were married. By calling the father was a blacksmith and gunsmith, and upon leaving the Old Dominion he became located in Greene county, O., near Xenia, in 1816. He lived there until removing to South Bend, Ind., in 1829, and in this connection it is worthy of remark that young Amos was present at the raising of the first house in that place after it had been laid out. In 1841 Mr. Bargdoll, Sr., came to Livingston county, continuing to follow his adopted occupation up to the time of his death, October 8, 1874, at the age of 81 years. Of the seven children in his family four now survive : Amos, Eliza, wife of Joseph G. Reeves ; Lewis, in business on the same lot on which his father settled when he first came here, and Julia Ann is the widow of John Simpson .. Amos grew up like other youths in the vicinity in which his home was made, naturally learning the trade of his father, and after his removal here he gave his attention to that vocation for a long period. From 1846 to 1850 he held the position of postmaster, but that year resigned to go to California, where he remained for a year and a half, with results quite satisfactory. Returning by water to this county, Mr. Bargdoll purchased a steam saw mill, brought the first engine to the town, and continued to be thus occupied for four years or until losing health. In 1856 he was elected clerk of the county, a position he held for eight years. In 1866 he removed upon his farm of 200 acres and here he has since remained, enjoying the respect of a host of acquaintances. He is naturally an adept in the use of tools and has done no little in this direction. June 2, 1846, Mr. B. married Miss Nancy Bradford, of Greene county, Pa., who died July 7, 1857, leaving three children: Tena, since deceased ; Claude, in Denton county, Tex., and Pierce died in Colorado. In August, 1858, Mr. Bargdoll married Miss Sarah Jane West, of Boone county, Mo., who has borne him three children : Ida Belle, Laura J .. and Anna E., now living, and one, Cora A., deceased ( in August, 1885).

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Mr. B.'s sister, Matilda, married Samuel R. Jennings and died in St. Joseph county, Ind .; his brother Joel died in this county in Febru - ary, 1875, and William died in Texas, whither he had gone in 1858.

DR. REUBEN BARNEY

(Physician and Surgeon, Chillicothe).

Permanent success is always regulated by well known laws, dependent upon natural causes, and no one can hope to secure any lasting reputation, with a solid foundation of success, without merit. That Dr. Barney has made himself eminently successful in his pro- fession, nearly twenty years' constant practice in Livingston county abundantly testifies -and this is amply corroborated by his profes- sional brethren and by his splendid income. Reuben Barney was born at Arlington, Bennington county, Vt., April 20, 1843. His parents were also natives of the Green Mountain State, his father being Nathan F. Barney and his mother before her marriage a Miss Fannie Canfield. Only one other child besides Reuben was in their family, Dorrance G. The former grew up in the State of his birth and upon the old homestead, improving to the best advantage the academic education with which he was favored. Finally he com- menced the study of medicine and after pursuing his studies under the preceptorship of Dr. I. G. Johnson, of Greenfield, N. Y., he attended medical lectures at Albany, N. Y., graduating from Albany Medical College in 1864. Subsequently he also took a course of lectures at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York, his first field of practice being at Greenfield, N. Y. During the war Dr. Barney entered the United States' service as medical cadet, also per- forming the duties of assistant surgeon, together with filling the executive office of the Mason General Hospital at Boston. After one year in the army he resumed the active practice of his profession at Van Vechten, N. Y., where he remained until coming to this county in 1868. Since that time he has closely adhered to his adopted calling, and with pleasing results, and he now enjoys the reputation of being an able physician and surgeon. His kind, agreeable manner and warm sympathetic nature, render him a welcome visitor to the sick room, and wherever known he is highly esteemed. For twelve years he served as President for the Board of Health and ever since coming to the county he held the position of United States Examining Surgeon of Pensions, and at this time he belongs to the Grand River Medical Society. November 15, 1866, Dr. Barney was united in marriage with Miss Martha Prindle, also originally from Vermont. They have four children: Reuben, Percy Canfield, Mortimer D. and Hawley N. The doctor is prominently connected with the Masonic Order ; he has been district deputy of the Grand Lodge and is now grand king of the Royal Arch Chapter of the same body. Besides this he belongs to the Knights Templar, of which he served as eminent commander.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

NORMAN J. BLISS.

(Farmer and Justice of the Peace, Post-office, Chillicothe).

Mr. Bliss is one among the oldest justices of the peace in Living- ston county, having served in that capacity during the past 22 years. He has been warmly interested in the growth of the Democratic party, to the principles of which he has ever adhered. An item worthy of mention in this connection is a miniature trunk which he owns and which has been an heirloom in the family during several generations, having passed in succession from the owner who brought it across the Atlantic in the Mayflower, in 1620. Mr. Bliss is of New York nativity, born in Delaware county, August 20, 1820, and the son of John and Lucinda (Townsend ) Bliss, of the same State, but of German descent. The former followed farming in Delaware county until his death in 1870, his wife having preceded him by several years in 1853. The children were as follows: Eliza Ann, now Mrs. John Atkins, Mary Ann, wife of Floris Searles ; Lucinda, married George Murray, of Del- aware county, N. Y., who died in 1884 ; Clarinda, married John Beadle, also of Delaware county, N. Y., his death occurring in 1860; and Norman J. All but the latter now make their home in Delaware county, N. Y. Norman was reared at his birthplace, receiving a com- mon school education, and in 1838 he emigrated to Susquehanna county, Pa., where he followed the tanning business for eight years. In 1846, upon removing to Ross county, O., he operated a tan-yard there until 1850 and then came to this county, but only remained a few months. Crossing the plains by means of an ox team, he finally reached California after many hardships and was occupied in mining for some time, with moderate success. On the homeward journey his company of 20 men suffered many privations, etc., from marauding bands of Indians, and at Rock Point, on Humboldt river, barely escaped massacre after a desperate encounter with a body of over 200 of these savages. Since his return he has been devoting himself to farming and stock raising. He owns 320 acres of valuable land and in his operations is meeting with good success. In 1853 Mr. Bliss was married to Miss Mary E. St. Clair, daughter of Chas. St. Clair, of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss have never had children of their own but have reared and educated nine orphans : Julia Lucy, Jennie, lda and Arthur Gaines, and now have at their home Mary Hobbs, Ella and Charles Chektam, Arthur Fuqua and Florence Hull.

CHRIS. BOEHNER

(Packer and Proprietor of Meat Market, Chillicothe).

A sketch of Mr. Boehner's life, so far as Livingston county is con- cerned, covers a period of but a little over 10 years, yet he has become so thoroughly identified with the business interests of Chillicothe as to render necessary the insertion of his sketch at this place. Chris. and Christina ( Schaffer) Boehner, his parents, were both natives of

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Germany, and there the father died in 1871. Six children were born to them : Chris., Carrie, Rickey, Katie, Gottlieb and Sophia. Chris., the eldest in the family, was born in that country April 10, 1856, and when 15 years of age came to the United States and settled in St. Joseph, Mo. After following the butchering business there for some time he came to this county in 1875 and established his present place, which has since been conducted with uniform success. Besides his interests in town he also owns 135 acres of farm land. During the winter of 1884-85, Mr. Boehner packed over 2,000 hogs. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Tuite, whose birth occurred in New York State. She died in 1884. On the 5th of January, 1886, Mr. B. took for his second wife Miss Mary Krouse, originally from Pennsylvania. A fact worthy of mention in connection with this biog- raphy is, that Mr. Boehner has made all he now possesses himself, the result of earnest, hard labor.

JOHN N. BOYD (Attorney at Law, Chillicothe).

Mr. Boyd is one of those men, too few in number, who fully recog- nizes the truth so often urged by the sages of the law, that, of all men, the reading and thought of a lawyer should be the most extended. Systematic reading gives a more comprehensive grasp to the mind, variety and richness to thought, and a clearer perception of the motives of men and the principles of things, indeed of the very spirit of laws. . This he has found most essential in the prosecution of his professional practice. Born in Licking county, O., October 6, 1832, he was the son of William Boyd, a native of Pennsylvania, and whose father was Richard Boyd, of Maryland nativity. The latter was a pioneer in Greene county, Pa., and continued to till the soil there until his death. When about twenty-one years of age William Boyd went to Ohio, then regarded as the far West, there marrying Miss Mary Ann Nelson, the daughter of William Nelson, of Huntingdon county, Pa. William Nelson was a mechanic by occupation, and after remaining in Ohio until a short time following the birth of John N. both families returned to Washington county, Pa., William Boyd living there until his death in 1881. His wife had departed this life in 1854. In their family were the following named children : John N., Milton R., now deceased; Margaret, wife of Rev. Joel Wood, of Pennsylvania ; Jennie, now Mrs. Joseph Smith, of Ohio; Sarah, wife of John P. Hunt, of this county ; Herschel V., a physician at Piedmont, W. Va. John N. Boyd was reared to a farm experience, obtaining an education at Waynesburg College, in Greene county, Pa., and subsequently he commenced teaching school at $15 per month. After this he taught in village schools and in then graded schools, climbing rapidly in this profession until he became the principal of large graded schools in Monongahela City, Pa., Wheeling, Va., and finally in Alleghany City, Pa. In the latter city, in 1860 and 1861, he had the superintendency of 1,200 children and 18 assistant teach-

1073

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

ers, all in one building. The war having commenced, the subject of this sketch was anxious to enter the service of his country and might have gone in as captain of a volunteer company from Alleghany City, but at the time was physically disabled for the service. In the fall of 1862 he removed to Fairmont, the county seat of Marion county, Va., - now West Virginia, - where for six years he published a news- paper and through which he so vigorously advocated the cause of the Union that his paper (the Fairmont Vedette ) attained great popularity and wielded much influence among the Union people of that region. Mr. Boyd participated and was active in the stirring events which led to and resulted in the division of the State of Virginia and the organ- ization of the new State of West Virginia. In June, 1864, he was a delegate at large from the new State in the National Republican Con- vention at Baltimore, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for a second term. Mr. Boyd took a prominent part in the adoption of a free school system in the new State and for several years was county superintendent of the schools of Marion county. To obtain qualified teachers he established and conducted normal schools, and in 1866, by the aid of an appropriation from the State, he founded at Fair- mont the present State Normal School.

In August, 1868, Mr. Boyd located with his family in Chillicothe, Mo., and engaged in the drug business for nearly two years. April 6, 1870, he and Rev. Samuel Sawyer began the publication of the Chillicothe Journal as a Liberal Republican paper. Mr. Boyd had control of the editorial department, and in a few months the Journal attained a wide circulation. In the first issue Mr. Boyd pub- lished an editorial strongly advocating the nomination of B. Gratz Brown as the Republican candidate for Governor of Missouri. This article was extensively copied by the press of the State, and is believed to have been the first suggestion of Gov. Brown's name for that office, and to have led to his nomination by the Liberal wing of the Repub- lican party, and his election in the fall of 1870 by over 40,000 majority, on the issue of enfranchisement then before the people.

Mr. Boyd was admitted to the Chillicothe bar in 1869, and since 1872 has ignored politics and devoted himself to law and the real estate business. For four years, under Circuit Clerks Dunn and Wright, he kept the minutes and records of the Livingston County Circuit Court, and is familiar with the records of all the county offices. Careful, painstaking and searching in the points of the law, he has achieved to an honorable esteem among his fellow members at the bar. In 1884 he was elected to the position of public administrator for a four years' term. Mr. Boyd was married August 4, 1859, to Miss Isabella George, who was born and reared in Wheeling, W. Va., the daughter of William George, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They have four children, viz. : Jessie F., a music teacher ; J. Nelson, for several years assistant postmaster in Chillicothe, and both graduates of the Chillicothe High School; Masters Charlie D. and William. Mr. Boyd is a member of Friendship Lodge No. 89, A. F. and A. M., and has been a member of the fraternity since 1858. He has always

1074

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

taken great interest in the historical matters of the county, and has prepared several articles relating to that subject, and which have proved of much value.

HON. ELBRIDGE J. BROADDUS

(Attorney at Law, Chillicothe).

E. J. Broaddus, an esteemed member of the legal profession of Chillicothe, was born in Madison county, Ky., June 19, 1835, the son of Andrew and Grace Broaddus, née Haskins, the latter a Kentuckian by nativity. The father's birth occurred in Virginia, but in early life he removed to Kentucky, and subsequently became a resident of Mis- souri. For a number of years he was actively engaged in the Santa Fe trade, as it was called. He died in 1872 in Madison county, of the Blue Grass State, his wife surviving until 1876, when she, too, departed this life. Their family numbered eight children, of whom Elbridge was the youngest son and sixth child. At an early age he became well acquainted with the details of agricultural life, and during the time while occupied with farm duties attended also the common schools, acquiring an ordinary education. Later on, in casting about for some pursuit in life congenial to his tastes, he almost instinctively turned to the law, and soon after he commenced reading at Richmond, Ky., with Curtis F. Bunham, afterwards First Assistant Secretary of the Treasury under Gen. Bristow. In March, 1858, after a thorough preparation, he was admitted to the bar in his native State, and immediately he entered actively upon the practice of his chosen profession. In 1866 Mr. Broaddus came to Missouri, his destination being St. Joseph, but owing to tedious delays on the railroad he became weary and stopped off at this place. Forming favorable impressions of the outlook for this locality he concluded to remain here, and this has since been his home. In the pursuit of his practice he has shown himself to be possessed of those qualities which go far to win the respect and con- fidence of men. Unassuming, and, indeed, of a retiring disposition, his honesty has ever been apparent to all, whilst his manners are agreeable, and his conversation, never too voluble, is always pleasant. Personal popularity comes almost unavoidably to such men. In 1874 Mr. Broaddus was elected judge of the Seventeenth district of Missouri, serving his constituents for one term. In 1861 his first marriage occurred, Miss Annie B. Chambers becoming his wife. She was born in Madison county, Ky. Her death transpired September 26, 1873. Three children born of this union are living : Joseph, Eleanor and Tempie. In May, 1874, Mr. Broaddus was married to Miss Emma Hollingsworth, of Paris, Mo. They have five children: Anna B., Frank H., Mattie, Elbridge and Emma.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

THOMAS B. BROOKSHIER

(Clerk of the County Court of Livingston County, Chillicothe).

Thomas B. Brookshier was born in Ray county, Mo., December 2, 1830, and since 1837, with but few interruptions here noted, he has made his home in this county. His father, Levan Brookshier, a native of North Carolina, accompanied his parents when seven years old to Franklin county, Tenn., being reared there on a farm. In 1829 he came to Missouri, removing to Daviess county in 1832 and to Living- ston county in 1837, his settlement being made in Jackson (now Sampsel ) township, where his death occurred in February, 1864. He had been twice married. His first wife, formerly Elizabeth Brown, died in 1840, leaving five children : Mary, wife of Thomas Litton ; Thomas B., William M., in this county ; James C., of Dade county, and Leander G., of Daviess county. In 1841, Mr. B. married Miss Martha Frith, a Virginian by birth, and there were four children born of this union: Sarah Ann married J. W. Minnick, who removed to Texas and there died ; Mary Frances is now the wife of Nathan Broughton, of Arkansas ; LeRoy T. is in Daviess county, as is also Lysander. The subject of this sketch continued to give his attention to agricultural pursuits in this county (attending the common schools ) until 18 years of age, when, being attracted by the famous stories of gold so easily obtained in the far off coast of the Pacific, he went to California, remaining engaged in the mines for six years, and with substantial success. In 1855 he returned to Missouri, attended school and also taught until the outbreak of the war, and soon enlisted in the Confederate service in Hughes' regiment, 4th division, M. S. G., serving until his discharge some six months later. He participated in the battles of Carthage, Springfield, Dry Wood, Lexington, etc., and soon enlisted in Co. H, 2d Missouri infantry, C. S. A., this regiment afterwards being changed to the 3d Missouri infantry. With that command he took part in the engagements of Pea Ridge, Iuka, skir- mishes about Corinth, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Big Black and Vicksburg. After the surrender he remained on detached service until the close of the war, then returning in June, 1865, to Livingston county. Up to 1870 he followed farming, then combining teaching with farming until 1882. Previous to this time, however, he had served as county assessor. In 1882, he was elected county clerk, and has since been the faithful incumbent of that position, his successful career in this capacity being heartily indorsed by all. He married, first, August 23, 1860, Miss Elizabeth Brooks, who was born in 1838 in Washington county, Mo. She died Octo- ber 24, 1881, leaving six children, Jefferson D., John L., Rachel E., Margaret M., Thomas McFarland and Mary V. October 5, 1885, Mr. Brookshier was married to Miss Amanda J. Davis, who was born in Hendricks county, Ind., the daughter of Jno. and Anna Davis, nie Jones, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Hendricks county Ind. Mr. B. isa member of the A. F. and A. M., and was made a Mason

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

in California in 1855. Politically he is a Democrat. In his religious preferences he is a member of the M. E. Church South.

GORDON G. BROWN

(Proprietor of Livery Stable and 'Bus Line).

It was in 1848 that Mr. Brown accompanied his parents to Missouri and for over twenty-five years he has been a resident of Livingston county, his location in Chillicothe dating from the close of the war in 1865. His career since that time has been one well and favorably known to the people of this community. For two years he was city marshall, and for four years he ran the mail line from here to Bethany and for a like period to Trenton. After this he engaged in the livery, 'bus and carriage business, carrying on this branch of trade until 1875, when he suffered the total destruction of his prop- erty by fire. Instead of being entirely discouraged by this misfor- tune, Phenix-like, he commenced to rise from these ashes, and has been rewarded for his perseverance, energy and toil. He now con- ducts one of the best equipped stables in Northwest Missouri and meets with a satisfactory patronage. Mr. Brown was born in Wash- ington county, E. Tenn., April 25, 1833. His father, Gabriel Brown, a native of South Carolina, after going to Tennessee, married Miss Sarah Ann Bailess, of that State, and of the children born of this union one besides Gordon is living, Dr. T. J. Brown, of Batesville, Car- roll county, Mo. In 1854 the father settled in Cooper county, Mo., and in 1858 went to Carroll county, coming thence to this county in 1860. Enlisting in Slack's command of the Confederate army soon after, he was killed at the battle of Lexington, September 12, 1861. Mrs. B. died in 1858. Gord. G. was reared on a farm, and from Carroll county he came here in 1859, settling in Fairview township. He entered the Federal army, in the 44th Missouri provisional troops, and served four years, part of the time as orderly in the provost mar- shal's office, and two years as quartermaster sergeant. His career since that time has been referred to. In February, 1859, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Rosanna F. Scott, daughter of the well known pioneer, Wesley Scott, the latter having been a charter member of Friendship Lodge No. 89, A. F. and A. M. Mrs. Brown was born in Jefferson county, O. They have three children : Gordie, a graduate of the Philadelphia Dental College ; Minnie and Scott S. Three are deceased. Mr. B. is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Order. His grandfather Bailess served in the Revolutionary War under Wash- ington, and Mr. Brown now has in his possession a horse pistol taken from the belt of the English general, Ferguson, who was killed at the battle of King's Mountain.

JOHN W. BUTNER (Of Buckner & Co., Stock Dealers, Chillicothe.)

It has only been since 1878 that Mr. Butner has been a citizen of Livingston county, Mo., but during his eight years' residence here he

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

has become as well known as any man in the community; and certain it is that no one has done more in the same time for the agriculturists of the county, as an individual, in the fair and favored prices paid for stock, than has Mr. Butner. The proof of this statement is best evidenced by the esteem in which he is held. Annually he ships from 125 to 150 car loads of stock and each year he feeds from 100 to 125 head of steers. Since coming here he has been very successful, for he commenced life without means, but by industry, economy and superior judgment has accumulated a comfortable competency. His popularity, too, has been attested by his call to occupy official posi- tions; for three successive terms he was mayor of Chillicothe. Into whatever he undertakes he throws his whole soul, and weather or cir- cumstances seem to be no obstacle to him. The results of his own experience more than justify his own judgment as a stockman of the advantages offered by Livingston county as a stock center ; and with his knowledge of this business and considering the success he has always achieved, it is certainly not too much to expect a more than ordinarily bright future for him in this line of trade. Mr. Butner was born in Madison county, Ky., April 4, 1831, his father being Wm. Butner, also a Kentuckian by birth, and a tiller of the soil. Margaret Belcher was the maiden name of his mother, she also having been born in the Blue Grass State. Her death occurred in Missouri but her husband died in his native State. For many years John W. fol- lowed the occupation to which he was reared - that of farming, not embarking in the stock business until his location in this county. Not only from a personal standpoint is he accorded a worthy place among those of this county, but as a citizen, progressive, enterprising, and liberal in everything he does ; and he is always ready to contrib- ute of his means when necessity makes known her wants. Politically he is a Democrat. Mr. Butner was married October 8, 1853, to Miss Hannah McWilliams, like himself of Kentucky. They have two chil- dren: Almira C., wife of S. R. Park ; and Elizabeth J., now Mrs. J. L. Buford. Mr. B. has long been a member of the Masonic Order. His wife is a most estimable lady and is held in hardly less esteem than himself.

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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