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 114
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 114
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LEWIS A. CHAPMAN (Attorney at Law, Chillicothe).
Born in Rappahannock county, Va., October 1, 1853, Lewis A. Chapman was the son of John Chapman, a Virginian by birth, who upon leaving his native State removed to Missouri, settling in Living- ston county in 1856. After a few years' residence he removed to Pike county, Mo., where he died in August, 1867. His wife, formerly Miss Jemima Nolan, also came originally from the Old Dominion. She was the mother of four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others besides the subject of this sketch are Gustavus A., an at- torney of Weston, Mo., and Oliver J., an attorney of Breckinridge. Lewis A. in growing up had access to the excellent schools of this county, his course as a student being marked by close application to
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IIISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
his studies and by that clear and practical comprehension of the prin- riples involved in the various branches which have marked his subse- quent career as a lawyer. A determination to devote himself to the practice of the legal profession led him to commence the study of law under Mr. Ulrich Sloan, and after a thorough preparatory course he was admitted to the bar in February, 1870. For some four or five years following this Mr. Chapman was engaged in teaching school, but in 1876 he commenced the active practice of his profession, in which he has since been engaged. For some time he was connected with Hon. H. M. Pollard. Among other official positions which he has occupied might be mentioned those of councilman and also city attorney. In the conduet of his practice Mr. C. is faithful and labo- rious almost to a fault. He spares no pains in the preparation of his cases, thoroughly investigating the points in dispute, the law bearing upon the decisions of the courts, and the testimony adduced. Though a clear, forcible speaker, he depends less on the argument of a case than on the plain, practical, common-sense manner in which it is pre- sented to the jury, and his eminent success at the bar is due mainly to his elear-headed, common-sense methods of practice. He relies, too, more on industry and a thorough understanding of the law and the facts involved in his cases than on flashy, brilliant coup d' etat as a practitioner, or eloquence as an advocate, though at the same time he is an advocate of no inferior rank. March 15, 1877, Mr. Chapman was married to Miss Luella F. Benson, who was was born in this county, the daughter of Ira Benson, originally from Maryland. Her mother's maiden name was Sarah Munro, whose father, George Munro, was an early settler of the county. Mr. Chapman has been a member of the Baptist Church for 19 years. He belones to the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W., in which he is a Master Workman.
HENRY C. CLEM
(Of the firm of Clem & Corwin, Grocers and Bakers, Chillicothe).
Henry C. Clem, the senior representative of this well established . house, was born in Fairfield county, O., April 2, 1838, his parents being Joseph G. and Josina T. (Pierce ) Clem. In the fall of 1856 they lett the Buekeve State and settled in Adair county, Mo., from whence they came to Caldwell county, locating near Breckinridge the follow- ing spring. From that point the father enlisted as a soldier in the 2d Missouri State militia under MeNeill, and during this time was assistant quartermaster, taking part in engagements at various places in Missouri, among others that of Cape Girardeau. Five children be- sides Henry C. were in the parents' family and all of the boys joined the Union army. Harry was a member of the 23d Ohio infantry, took part in several important battles and was killed at Cheat Moun- tain ; Van P. and James G. were in the E. M. M., and the latter nar- rowly escaped an attack from three of Bill Anderson's men, being slightly wounded near Breckinridge. Henry C. has two sisters, Kate and Fannie. Upon the eall for troops to assist in the defense of the
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
country, he was prompt in entering the service, becoming a member of the 7th Missouri cavalry volunteers, commanded by Col. Dan. Houston, a nephew of the well known general, Sam. Houston, and was engaged in the battles at Prairie Grove, Van Buren, Brownsville, Little Rock and Princeton, Ark., and at Spring Hill he was wounded October 26, 1861. Until his discharge, in 1864, Mr. Clem made an honorable career as a soldier, ever being found at his post of duty, ready for action. Upon leaving the army he returned to Caldwell county, and up to 1869 gave his attention to farming, an occupation which he continued after his removal to Livingston county until 1878. In that year he came to Chillicothe and engaged in his present busi- ness, which, owing largely to his able management, has been greatly increased in extent. The establishment of which he is a member is located on South Locust street, and here Messrs. Clem & Corwin are doing a prosperous business. Mr. C. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and also belongs to Tyndall, Post No. 29, G. A. R.
LUTHER T. COLLIER (Attorney at Law, Chillicothe).
Luther T. Collier, for some 34 years a resident of Livingston county and long identified with its professional affairs, is numbered among the most thorough and successful practitioners in this vicinity. A native-born citizen of Missouri, his birth occurred December 16, 1825, in Howard county, his parents being Lewis and Judith Collier, nee Cornelius, the latter a daughter of Abner Cornelius, of Jessamine county, Ky. Lewis Collier first saw the light in Madison county, Ky., in 1802, and he continued to remain in the Blue Grass State until after reaching his majority, then coming to Howard county, Mo. During his lifetime he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, the growing of tobacco and the conduct of a tanyard. About the year 1851 he purchased land in Livingston county and in 1853 removed upon it, erecting a mill soon after on Medicine creek, which was known as Collier's Mill. Up to the time of his demise in March, 1881, Mr. Collier, Sr., resided in the vicinity of this mill. Besides Luther there were two other children in the family : Abner A. is now a practicing physician of Gentryville, Mo., and Mary E., who married Dr. H. P. Benning, lives at Callao, Macon county, Mo. Luther accompanied his father from Howard to Randolph county when young and there it was that he spent his youth, the time being passed to good advantage in farm employment and in the local schools. He was favored with excellent opportunities to cultivate and improve his mind and these he did not fail to improve, supplementing his primary course of instruction by attendance at the State University at Colum- bia, commencing in 1842, from which he was graduated in 1846, being valedictorian of his class. At an early age Mr. Collier manifested a marked taste and preference for information in the direction of the legal profession and therefore it was not strange that he should carry out this purpose in a systematic manner. Reading first under the
63
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
instruction of Judge Wm. T. Wood, of Lexington, Mo., he afterwards went to St. Louis and entered the office of Gamble & Bates, with whom he continued until his admission to the bar in 1850. In the spring of 1851 he located at Huntsville, but since 1852 he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession at Chillicothe, where his career has been characterized by substantial success. He has fol- lowed his practice with that industry, energy and integrity that could not fail of commanding for him the respect and confidence of the courts and the publie, a matter of the first importance to a lawyer. Mr. Collier has been much interested in educational matters and has served as a member of the school board and under Gov. Hardin was one of the board of curators of the State University. In 1882 he was elected to the Thirty-second General Assembly, serving his constitu- ents and the people generally with great credit and to the satisfaction of all. June 13, 1856, Mr. Collier was married to Miss Lizzie A. Fuqua, a daughter of Capt. Samuel Fuqua, of Logan county, Ky. For many years she was an invalid until death relieved her sufferings October 17, 1884. Mr. C. owns besides city property a farm of 250 acres and also a portion of the old homestead.
JOHN Y. COOPER
(Farmer, Section 12, Post-office, Chillicothe).
As might naturally be expected, mention is made in the present work of many citizens of Livingston county now prominent in their different callings who were born in the county and whose homes have always been here. Mr. Cooper is one of these, and his experience refers to the agricultural interests of the county. Born on the 19th of December, 1841, he was the son of John and Sarah Cooper, née Boucher, the former a Kentuckian by birth, and the latter originally from Tennessee. Twelve children were born of their marriage. Sub- sequently the father, who was a farmer by calling, married a second time, this wife bearing him three children. He was a very early set- tler in Missouri, and upon coming to this State took up a location in Ray county, from whence he soon after moved to Livingston. This was in a primitive period of the county's history, and few of the pio- neer settlers of this vicinity are now living who do not remember John Cooper. His son, John Y., has ever given farming his time and atten- tion. It is the calling to which he was reared, and in which his father achieved success, and it is but to be supposed that he would meet with substantial results in the same capacity. His farm now contains 80 acres of well improved land. In 1867 Mr. Cooper was married to Miss Amanda Lile, also of this county, whose death occurred in 1870 ; she left two children, Joseph and William. In 1876 Mr. C. took for his second wife Miss Armilda Burns, originally from Ohio, a daughter of C. Burns, Esq. By this union they have four children : Calvary, LeRoy, Sultana and Nancy. One exception should have been made concerning Mr. Cooper's continuous residence in this county. In
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
1864 he took a trip to Montana and spent nearly three years in that country occupied principally in his chosen avocation.
NAT COOPER
(Recorder of Livingston County, Chillicothe).
Mr. Cooper, still less than 32 years of age, but holding, neverthe- less, one of the most important and responsible offices in the county, is discharging the duties of this position with an energy, efficiency and ability surpassed by few, if any, public officials. Since the age of 19 he has been in public life, for then he became deputy county clerk and continued to serve as such until the first of January, 1883 ; in the meantime, however, he had been elected county recorder in November, 1882, and this position he has continued to occupy to the present time. Mr. Cooper was born July 20, 1854, in Grundy county, Mo., his parents being Kentuckians by birth. Thomas W. Cooper, the father, early removed to Missouri; his death occurred in the mining districts of Montana. The mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Rochester, is also deceased, her death having taken place when Nat was young. There were three children in the family : Richard O. is now in Idaho Territory ; Lucy is the wife of Peter Basche, of Baker City, Ore. The subject of this sketch was brought up by his grandparents, James H. and Jane Cooper, and at an early period in life he began elerking in a store, where he remained until 19 years old. His career since that time has been noted above. April 27, 1882, Mr. Cooper married Miss Nannie Poindexter, daughter of Dr. E. S. Poindexter. She was born in Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. C. have one child, Virgil. Mr. Cooper is among the most active young Democrats in Livingston county. Personally he is held in the highest esteem. Everybody has a good word for him, and his oblig- ing and courteous manners have made for him many friends.
SEVELLON A. CORWIN
(Of Clem & Corwin, Dealers in Groceries and Proprietors of Bakery, Chillicothe).
Like his present partner in business, Mr. H. C. Clem, a brief out- line of whose life precedes this, Mr. Corwin has also had a military experience, and one to which he can refer with reasonable pride, for it was attended with many difficulties, hardships and privations, and, indeed, of unusual severity. A mere boy when he offered his services to his country, he enlisted when 17 years of age in Co. D, 52d Illinois infantry, participating in the battles of Shiloh, first and second Corinth, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, with Sherman on his march to the sea, and witnessed the surrender of the last leading Confederate general, Johnston. His father, Geo. E. Corwin, was also in the United States service during the war, entering the 8th Illinois cavalry in 1862, of which he was veterinary surgeon, and remaining with that command until 1865. The senior Corwin was a native of the Empire State and a cousin of the cele-
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
brated Thomas Corwin, of Ohio fame. He emigrated to Illinois in the spring of 1845, followed his trade of brick mason with success and became quite prominent in politics, serving as sheriff of Kane county, that State, for many years. He was twice married, his first wife, formerly Miss Mary Smith, of New York, who died about 1839, having borne him three children, only one of whom survives, Mary A., wife of E. B. Rorick, of Morenci, Mich. Mr. C. was afterwards married to Miss Olive L. Smith, and by this union they had the fol- lowing children : Sevellon A., Patience E., now Mrs. Harry Moore, of Brookfield, Mo .; George F., a resident of Richfield, Kan. ; Emma and Elliott, both died in infancy; and Minnie, who became the wife of Rev. M. H. Butler, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but died in Brookfield, Mo., in 1884, leaving one child, Lilly. Sev- ellon A. Corwin owes his nativity to Jefferson, Tompkins county, N. Y., where he was born October 9, 1843, and consequently he was but an infant when taken by his father to Illinois. There he remained until joining the army, and after leaving that he took up his residence in this county, devoting himself to farming until em- barking in his present business in December, 1883. The results in this line have more than justified his expectations, for a substantial and growing custom has already been built up, and every month gives additional proof that the business is secure from all doubts as to its success. Mr. C. was married in September, 1867, to Miss Angeline Rudolph, daughter of Peter Rudolph, an old settler here, and three children have been given them, Frank R., Mattie M. and Adelbert E. Mr. Corwin belongs to the Masonic Order, Tyndall Post of the G. A. R. and the Good Templars. He is a strong advocate of temperance, and politically a Republican, having held several offices.
ABEL COX
(Farmer, Section 11, Post-office, Chillicothe).
It would hardly be possible to write a history of this portion of Missouri without mentioning on its pages the Cox family, for it is a widely distributed family, and its representatives wherever they reside are generally people of more or less consideration or prom- inence. Indeed some of its members have been so closely associ- ated with Livingston county from a pioneer day that their mention necessitates a history of the county. Abel Cox, a worthy descendant of honored ancestors, was born in Ross county, O., March 19, 1818. . His father, Joseph Cox, came originally from North Carolina, as did also his mother, whose maiden name was Amy Baker. The former was one of the early settlers in Ohio, having left his native State to remove to Virginia, from whence he went to Kentucky and subse- quently to the Buckeye State, where his attention was directed to farming. In 1818 he took up his location in Ray county, Mo., and from there came to Livingston county in 1833, this continuing to be his home for many years. In 1851 he went to Texas, and continued to reside in that State until his death in 1864. He was a worthy man
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
and by all highly esteemed. His estimable wife died in 1858, leav- ing nine children living : Solomon B., in Texas ; John, since deceased ; Mary, wife of Allen P. Lile ; Isom, Abel, William, in Caldwell county ; Malinda, now Mrs. Isaac Shriver ; Jane, who married a Mr. Cox of Texas, and Andrew B., also now deceased. Mr. Cox owned a section of land in this county and was actively engaged in farming. His son John built the first water mill in the county, and the first county court was held in his (Joseph's) barn. Young Abel has resided in this community since boyhood, and has become well and favorably known to many citizens here. Up to the age of 25 years he followed farming, and then was elected county clerk after the office was separated from that of circuit clerk, the first incumbent of the position here. For 12 years he discharged his official duties in a creditable manner, and besides this he has also filled other offices. During the years 1852-55 he was ocenpied in merchandis- ing, but not with very good success. He afterwards served on the judicial bench of the county for seven years, then resigned his posi- tion and resumed farming, and at this time he owns 120 acres of land, and a prominent feature of this place is a coal bank, the first one opened in the county, a 22-inch vein of fine quality. By prospect- ing lower and at a distance of 83 feet a 5-foot vein was found. Another thing which should not be omitted is the presence on his land of several fine mineral springs, which are becoming quite a resort for private parties. Preparations are now going on towards the improvement of these springs in such a manner as will make them still more attractive. Their medicinal properties are not exceeded by any in the State. Mr. Cox was a soldier in both the Heatherly and Mormon Wars. With the advent of the Milwaukee and St. Paul Rail- road, his land underlaid with coal and abounding in fine mineral springs, his outlook for the future is all that could be desired. Mr. C. was married March 9, 1844, to Miss Sarah M. Caldwell, who was born in Ohio. They have four children : Sarah Ann, wife of John W. Shotwell, of Henry county ; John C., Nancy Cordelia, now Mrs. W. L. Myers, and Susan Alice, who married William Adams.
ISOM COX
(Farmer, Section 12, Post-office, Chillicothe).
In the sketch which immediately precedes this, that of the brother of the subject of this biography, Abel Cox, an extended outline of the family to which he belongs is given. As will be seen by referring to that article, the Cox family have long been worthily associated with the affairs of Livingston county, and Isom is without doubt one of its oldest residents. It goes without saying, therefore, that he is among the county's most respected citizens for his residence here of over half a century has given him a warm place in the hearts of those who knew him so many years ago. Joseph Cox, his father, and Amy Baker, his mother, were natives of North Carolina, remov- ing from there to Virginia, thence to Kentucky and finally to Ohio.
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
In 1818 they settled in Ray county, Mo., and lived there until coming to this county in 1833. The father's death occurred in 1864 in Texas, whither he had gone in 1851; the mother died in 1858, and in the sketch already referred to the names of the children which she left are given. Isom Cox owes his nativity to Ohio, where he was born October 7, 1815. He accompanied his parents from that State to Ray county, Mo., upon their removal there, and since 1833 he has been located in Livingston county, actively and closely occupied with agri- cultural affairs. His present estate embraces 147 acres, well adapted for the purposes of general farming, in which he is so much interested. By reason of his early settlement here Mr. Cox participated in many hunting expeditions and other sports of those times, and even now his recital of the experiences which he has undergone in the killing of deer, bears and panthers is of sufficient interest to wish to spend a long time in his presence. Mr. Cox has been twice married ; first, in 1840, to Miss Elvira Weber, originally from the Buckeye State, who died in 1846 leaving one child, Harriet Elizabeth, now Mrs. W. B.
Wilson. In 1849 Miss Elizabeth D. Littlepage became his wife, her native State and county being Alleghany county, Va. By this union there are four children : Jane M., wife of C. H. Burns ; Sterling P. and Charles Lee, twins, and Joseph B.
WILLIAM E. CRELLIN
(Dealer in Watches, Jewelry, Silverware, etc., Chillicothe).
In business affairs the career of Mr. Crellin has been one unpre- cedented in the history of Livingston county. Still comparatively a young man, not much past the age of 30 years, he has reached a position among longer experienced and older business men that would be a credit to any person, and is especially so to Mr. C. for he deserves all his success. Born in Ohio, July 9, 1854, he comes of English ancestry. Henry Crellin, his grandfather, was a native of England and upon emigrating to America settled in Philadelphia, when his son, William, the father of William E., was but three years old. He had been born in England, September 19, 1820, and after settling in the, Quaker City remained there until going to Steuben- ville, O., where his father conducted a shoe store. Following the desire already entertained to practice medicine, he read with Dr. Pyle, of Jefferson county, O., and attended medical lectures at Cleve- land, his graduation occurring in 1846. Almost immediately after this event Dr. Crellin commenced practicing at Middleton, O., and in a short time went to West Lebanon, from whence in two years he took up his residence in Sandyville. For 20 years he successfully practiced his chosen profession there, gaining an enviable reputation as a physi- cian of thorough merit and learning. In 1868 he came to this county and this has since been his home. His wife's maiden name was Miss Virginia Emerson, formerly of the District of Columbia. They have had four children : Aurelia C., now Mrs. J. W. Botts; William E., Edwin M. and Florence. William E. accompanied his parents to this
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
county and subsequently began to learn the trade of jeweler, in which he has become a skilled workman. In 1875 he started in business for himself and the success which has since attended his efforts has not been surpassed by that of any man in the county. His stock would do credit to a much larger city than Chillicothe, while the quality of the goods carried speaks well both for his taste in selection and the demands of his patrons. His building is admirably adapted to the business ; and he deals in all articles generally found in a first-class jewelry store. Outside of valuable property which he owns Mr. Crellin has 292 acres of farming land. All his possessions are the result of his own individual industry and wise business management. He has represented the city twice in the council, once as councilman at large and also as representative from the Fourth ward. In 1885 he was elected mayor, and the universal verdict is that he has made a good official and given general satisfaction. He is prominently identified with both the A. F. and A. M. and K. of P. fraternities.
WILLISON CURRY
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Chillicothe).
Before becoming engaged in the occupation which now receives his attention Mr. Curry had successfully conducted a livery stable in Chili- licothe, but his inclinations led him to purchase 110 acres of land south of town, and this he has since managed to good advantage, being in- terested in the raising of stock in connection with his general farming operations. His father, James Curry, was an influential agriculturist of the Keystone State for many years, his death occurring there in 1882. His first wife, Miss Agnes Patterson, also a native of Penn- sylvania, bore him nine children : John is a farmer of Wisconsin ; Eli- zabeth is Mrs. James Robertson, of Pennsylvania ; Hugh is a mechanic at Harrisburg, Pa. ; Robert is a brakeman in his native State; Jane married John Stultz, of Pennsylvania ; Henry is a farmer in Minne- sota, and George and Abram reside at their old home. Robert, Henry, George, Abram and Willison were among the first volunteers to enlist when the alarm of civil war spread terror throughout the Union, and each one fought continuously from 1861 until the army was disbanded in 1865, not a wound having been inflicted upon any one of them. About the year 1852 James Curry took for his second wife Jane Stewart, and she became the mother of three children : Margaret and Vina died in infancy and Harvey located at Chillicothe, Mo., in April, 1885. After the death of his second wife Mr. C. was again married in 1859, and three children were born of this union; James L., Laura and Mary. Willison, the youngest child by his father's first marriage, was born in Allegheny county, Pa., June 2, 1840, and received a common school education. Almost before ar- riving at manhood he entered Co. B, 1st Maryland cavalry, took part in the terrible battles of the Potomac and was honorably discharged in 1865. Subsequently he removed to Ohio, obtained work in the machine shops at Kent, but later on, the reports which had reached
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