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 117
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 117
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1103
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
W. and Fred Henry. Mr. Harris is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Order.
REUBEN HAWKINS
(Assistant Cashier of the People's Savings Bank, Chillicothe).
The subject of this sketch is one of the pioneers of this portion of Missouri, for for upwards of 46 years his life has been intimately con- nected with the history of Livingston county in various capacities. He was born January 21, 1834, in Franklin county, Ind., his father being David Hawkins, a native of Sullivan county, Tenn., and an own cousin of the famous hunter, Davy Crockett. He passed the greater part of his youthful days and early manhood in the Hoosier State engaged in farming, and in 1839 he came to Livingston county, Mo. His home continued to be here until after the close of the war, but in 1865 he moved to Cedar county, this State, and there departed this life in 1880, leaving six sons and one daughter: Reuben, Jasper N., Samuel, Nathan, John, William W. and Zerelda, who married Bartholomew Ward, of Cedar county, Mo. David Hawkins' wife was formerly Margaret J. Alley, a Virginian by birth, who died in 1877. Reuben received a good common school education in youth, and at an early age developed that intelligence and shrewdness which have marked his riper years. Attending to the duties about the home place until 20 years of age, he then became engaged in school teaching for two years. On the first of January, 1876, he withdrew from the mercantile busi- ness in which he had been occupied from the time he discontinued his professional career, and associated himself with the People's Savings Bank as assistant cashier, a position he has since continued to fill with ability and credit. He is also one of its directors. In every sense of the term Mr. Hawkins is a sterling man; and as a man all that could be asked. As a financier, he is of recognized merit, and as a friend, true in the needed emergency ; as an associate he is full of life and fond of society, and yet, in all and everywhere, quiet, unob- trusive and retiring. Prudent to a fault, he is of strict integrity, and such a person as it is a privilege to esteem. Mr. H. is a married man, Miss Nancy E. Hicklin having become his wife March 1, 1866. Her father, William Hicklin, came primarily from Kentucky, as did also her mother, Nancy Kenney, though they were early residents in Missouri. In their family were the following children : Caroline, William, Joshua, Thomas, deceased ; Francis J., Mary and Nancy. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins numbers five children : Lydia, Franklin, Adelaide, Reuben and Maggie.
ISAAC HIRSH
(Of the firm of Hirsh & Sherman, Wholesale Grocers, and of Hirsh & Herman, Dealers in Dry Goods, Chillicothe.)
Throughout Livingston county there is probably no more favor- ably known business man than Mr. Hirsh, and besides the houses above mentioned with which he is connected he has a store at Jame-
1104
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
son, two at Pattonsburg, one each at McFall and Wheeling, Mo., together with an establishment at Blanchard, Ia. Mr. Hirsh, as might be supposed, is of German birth and parentage, for it has long since been conceded that enterprising men of foreign lineage, and especially those from Germany, are sure to go to the front in this country wherever they settle and in whatever they may engage. He was born September 15, 1837, and until 15 years of age he spent his time in school. His father, Mark Hirsh, was of German nativity, and as his occupation followed farming ; his worthy wife also came from the same place as himself. Isaac was the eldest of six children. After leaving school he attended to the duties about the home farm for some time and then came to the United States, taking up his location at first in Indiana, where he lived some time. Subsequently he came to Missouri and in 1854 was attracted to Livingston county, and for ten years he sold goods through the country, traveling by means of a wagon. He also farmed for a while but finally opened out his first store at Alpha, Grundy county, where he sold goods for seven years. Following this he was engaged in selling goods at Princeton, Mercer county, Mo., for two years, after which he came to Chillicothe. In 1874 he purchased of the assignee of Sherman & Broaddus, the stock of groceries which had been owned by that firm, and for a time contin- ucd the business. In February, 1886, his partnership with Mr. J. F. Sherman was consummated and since that date they have done a promising jobbing trade throughout the surrounding country. Their stock is large and complete in every particular and there is no reason why success should not attend their efforts. Mr. Hirsh not only has an extensive acquaintance in this county, but doubtless is better known personally throughout North Missouri than any man in it. He is the possessor of large means, a careful and painstaking buyer, and alive to every detail of business life, driving his own business rather than let it push him. At different times he has owned considerable prop- erty in the county and now he has two farms, valuable in themselves, and near the city. Mr. Hirsh was married in 1860 to Miss Amanda Austin, who was born in Boone county, Mo. They have one son, Louis. He is now in business at Blanchard, Ia., and recently married Miss Sadie Baum, of Galena, Kan. Mr. Hirsh is a member of the A. F. and A. M. His father is still a resident of Germany, but has made his son four visits.
FRED H. HOPPE
(Of the firm of A. Hoppe & Son, Dealers in Heavy 'and Shelf Hardware, Stoves, Tinware, etc., Chillicothe).
The senior member of the above firm, A. Hoppe, one of the sub- stantial business men of Chillicothe, was born in Prussia March 16, 1828, and until 1849 made his home there, then emigrating to Amer- ica and settling in St. Louis. Having learned the trade of tailor he followed that avocation for many years. To himself and wife, whose maiden name was Miss Sophia Lueders, of Hanover, Germany, eight
1105
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
children were born : Fred H., August, Charles, Edward, Lewis, Otto, Julia and Dora. From St. Louis, in 1855, Mr. Hoppe, Sr., removed to Alexandria, Clarke county, Mo., there following his chosen calling until 1861, when he became engaged in general merchandising, and with most satisfactory results. In 1876 he opened his present estab- lishment at Chillicothe under the supervision of his son, the subject of this sketch, whom he associated with him as a partner, and in 1877 he (A. Hoppe ) came to this place. Since that time the former good patronage which the house enjoyed has been largely increased, and their trade has become a wide and successful one. In 1885 the father went to Florida and purchased a large tract of land. In con- nection with another son he is also interested in the jewelry business. Fred H. Hoppe, born at St. Louis June 12, 1854, accompanied his parents to Clarke county, Mo , and was there principally reared, growing up to a mercantile experience, in which he has since been engaged. He is recognized as one of the most prominent young busi- ness men of the county, and justly so. The stock which this firm carries is the largest in the line in Livingston county, and their motto has been to deal in the best of goods, knowing that in the end this is most satisfactory. Mr. Hoppe has served as a member of the city council, and is the present township treasurer. October 6, 1879, his marriage to Miss Lillie Lockwood, of Niagara county, Canada, was consummated. They have one child, Lulu. Mr. Hoppe is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Order, and is past master and past high priest.
HON. HARVEY C. IRELAND
{ (Proprietor of Erin Valley Stock Farm, Chillicothe).
In this brief outline of the life of this representative citizen of Liv- ingston county appears facts which are greatly to his credit, given as plainly as it is possible to put them, and without the intention of any- thing savoring of flattery. He was born in Scott county, Ky., Decem- ber 31, 1834, of Kentucky parentage, his father being John J. Ireland, originally of that State, and his mother formerly Miss Martha Glenn. She died in 1835. In 1857 the senior Mr. Ireland, leaving the Blue Grass State, came to Livingston county, Mo., and settled near Moores- ville, where he died September 10, 1876, after a lifetime devoted to agricultural pursuits. Harvey C. grew up in the State of his birth and not until 1866 did he settle in this county, his location also being made in Mooresville township. Here he now owns a landed estate of 800 acres, a homestead that is one of the most attractive places in the county. Its improvements are all that the most fastidious could desire, the buildings, etc., being commodious and conveniently ar- ranged for every farming purpose. His land is devoted almost exclu- sively to the raising of blooded stock - short-horn cattle and fine horses, and of the former class he has about 100 head registered or eligible to registry, among which are representatives of all the lead- ing families. In the direction of horses his attention is given princi- pally to roadsters, and of those he owns Bourbon Chief, by Mem-
1106
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
brino Patchen, a beautiful animal, stands at the head -one of the most perfect horses to be found in any State. His stock of horses includes some ninety head. It goes without saying that Mr. Ireland is one of the most progressive men in the county ; there is nothing that has a tendency to promote and enhance its interests but what he aids liberally, not only in giving his means but by contributing his time and active service. In 1874 his worth was recognized by the people of this county who placed him in the State Legislature to represent them, and in 1876 he was re-elected, and certainly no more faithful representative ever went from this community than he. A marked characteristic in him is that to his natural and acquired ability he adds good common sense, an indispensable element to success in any calling. February 5, 1857, Mr. Ireland was united in marriage with Miss G. A. Rush, of Bourbon county, Ky., daughter of George Rush, Esq,, of that county. They have one son, Charles I., who now occupies the homestead in Mooresville township, Mr. Ireland having removed to Chillicothe. Mr. Chas. Ireland married Miss Maggie Fiske, whose father is Dr. Fiske, of Mooresville.
JOHN E. JACKSON
(Bridge Builder and Heavy Contractor, Chillicothe).
On his father's side Mr. Jackson's ancestors came from Scotland to this country, and his mother was of Irish origin. The latter, before her marriage, was a Miss Margaret Filson, a native of Ohio. Edward Jackson, the father, also a native of the Buckeye State, was a farmer and mechanic and the first man to put up a frame barn building by the square rule in Ohio ; this was such an an important occurrence in that early day that people came 40 miles to see this barn go together. Mr. Jackson died in 1855, leaving six sons and four daughters. Of these, John E., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest son and eighth child. His birth occurred in Tuscarawas county, O., August 27, 1828, and from the very first he was reared as a natural mechanic, commencing as a house carpenter, but latterly he has devoted his time to bridge building. For six years he was on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad, then on the Wabash and other roads, his location in Missouri dating from 1867. His first settlement here was in DeKalb county, where he lived for seven years, and afterwards he came to Livingston county, where he has since made a specialty of doing heavy contracting. It has been truthfully said that some men honor their calling ; others are honored by them. Mr. Jackson is a striking example of the former class, as all will admit who are acquainted with him. He has been twice married. First, in October 1850, to Miss Sarah J. Brandt, who died in 1859, leaving three chil- dren : Richard K., foreman of bridges on the Wabash Railroad ; Thomas E. and Margaret J., wife of John Thompson, of DeKalb county, Mo. Mr. J. was again married in April, 1860, to Miss Eliza Wilson, originally from Hardin county, O. Six children have blessed this union : Rosa Belle, G. William, Phebe A., Minnie, Henry H. and
1107
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
John E. For 40 years Mr. Jackson has been a member of the M. E. Church, endeavoring as best he can to live up to the precepts of Him whom he serves.
THOMAS E. JACKSON
(Proprietor of Ax Handle Manufactory, Chillicothe).
The business in which the subject of this sketch is now engaged has become one of considerable proportions in this county, and frequent mention is made in this work of others who are also interested in a like calling. He, too, was born in the Buckeye State, in Hardin county, June 5, 1854, the son of John E. and Sarah J. (Brant) Jackson, also natives of that State, the former being a mechanic by occupation. When 12 years old Thomas E. accompanied his parents to Missouri, they making their settlement in DeKalb county, where he lived for five years. At the expiration of that time he came to this county. He familiarized himself with the trade of bridge building, and during the building of the Wabash Railroad he had charge of the construction of bridges from Pattonsburg to the Nodaway county line, and also from Humison to Shenandoah, Ia., he pursued the same avocation. In July, 1885, Mr. Jackson established his present busi- ness at Chillicothe. When working a full complement of men he employs as high as 35 hands, and some idea may be formed of the extent of his business when it is made known that his goods are shipped to Australia, the Pacific Coast, Germany and British Columbia, his products being acknowledged among the very best, if not the best, on the market. Too much can not be said of the quality of these articles. Mr. Jackson is indeed deserving of much credit for what he is doing and has already done in benefiting the county by opening a market for different woods and encouraging better prices than could otherwise be obtained. His energy is almost unlimited. Besides his ax handles he ships hard wood of different kinds, wagon material, boat stock, etc. December 24, 1876, occurred his marriage to Miss Lillie May Doughty, a native of Danville, Ill. Two children have blessed this union, Gracie Bell and Freddie F. Mr. J. also utilizes in his business the products of the factories at Utica and Eversonville, this State. A fact that should not be lost sight of in his business is the aid he gives to so many men by employing them in his factory ; these parties are earning good wages, and otherwise would not obtain one-half what Mr. Jackson pays. He pays $10 per cord for the wood he uses which otherwise would sell for $3, thus again benefiting the community at large.
WESLEY A. JACOBS
(Dealer in Agricultural Implements, Farm Machinery, etc., Chillicothe).
In preparation of this brief outline of the life history of one of the best men who ever made his home in Livingston county, appear facts which are greatly to his credit. His intelligence, enterprise, integrity and many estimable qualities have acquired for him a pop-
1108
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
ularity not derived from any factitious circumstances, but a perma- nent and spontaneous tribute to his merit, and this has been proven by his call at different times to positions of trust and responsibility, the duties of which offices were always discharged with the same care and fidelity that has characterized his career in business circles. In the space allotted to this sketch it is impossible to mention in detail all the services rendered and yet they are of much interest and show that he has been able to grapple with many abstruse points and parts of political government. Mr. Jacobs was born at Battle Creek, Cal- houn county, Mich., November 2, 1847. Justus Jacobs, his father, a native of Vermont, was reared in that State as a carriage and wagon manufacturer, and in 1840 he went to Michigan, where he subsequently married a Miss Harriet Roberts, originally from New York. Two sons were born of this union, Albert W. and Wesley A. The latter was reared in the Lake State, and it might with truth be said to an " agricultural implement experience," for all his life he has been engaged in this business. When 21 years of age he came to this county on a prospecting tour and being pleased with the appearance of the country decided to make his home here, which he did, ems barking at once in his present business, and on the same lot where he i- now located. At this time he is in possession of the largest agricul- tural implement warehouse in this section. He carries a full assortment of the best known farm machinery made, besides a large and complete stock of wagons, buggies, etc. He transacts a heavy business in grain and seeds, and has a spacious elevator on the Wabash Railroad, and in connection with these various lines men- tioned he handles coal to quite an extent. Mr. Jacobs commenced his political career as a member of the city council. In 1880 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for State Senator from this dis- trict, received a majority of the votes cast, and served in such an acceptable and faithful manner that in 1884 he was again elected to the same position. During these official terms he has been a member of several different committees, among which might be mentioned the Committees on Ways and Means for six years ; Penitentiaries, Internal Improvements and the Committee on Blind Asylums. The full confidence the people of this vicinity have placed in Mr. Jacobs has not been bestowed in vain. A representative man in every sense of the term, energetic and enterprising, he is always ready to aid any un- dertaking tending to redound to the general good of the city or county. October 7, 1869, he was married to Miss Bolina Saunders, a native of Chariton county, though reared in this county. Her father, Daniel G. Saunders, came originally from Bedford connty, Va., to Missouri in an early day ; he was a Government surveyor and surveyed the ground upon which St. Joseph is now located, and also that where Rock Island, Ill., is situated. He was prominently identified with the pioncer history of this county. At his death he left seven children : four sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have two sons, Fred and Frank. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and also of the G. A. R.
1109
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY
URIAH BLACKBURN KENT
(Post-office, Chillicothe).
Though passed the allotted age of three score years and ten, Mr. Kent is still acknowledged to be a leader in the affairs of this portion of Livingston county. His birth took place in Greene county, Pa., December 19, 1812, the son of George W. and Susan ( Blackburn) Kent, of the same county, where they also died. Uriah was the third son of five boys and four girls. Of these two besides himself survive, Susan, a resident of Morgan county, O., and Ephraim, living near Pittsburg, Pa. Anna, Thomas, William, Solomon, George L. and Sarah are deceased, one, George, having died while en route to Cali- fornia in 1850. Up to the year 1847 Uriah B. remained with his parents upon the home farm, then starting for the far West, as this territory was then considered. Traveling by boat from Pittsburg, he arrived at Brunswick, Mo., and soon settled upon his present place, five miles east of Chillicothe. This contains 220 acres of improved land, well adapted for farming purposes and the raising of stock, and 14 acres of timber. Mr. Kent has long occupied a position of esteem and respect amongst the people of this county, by whom he was once called to the official bench. His duties while in that position were discharged in the most satisfactory man- ner, and he has also been road overseer a number of years. Within the last few years he has suffered somewhat from disease, though pre- vious to this was a man of unusual vigor. October 1, 1840, Mr. Kent was married to Miss Margaret Cole, third daughter of Jeremiah and Christina Cole ; her birth occurred in Greene county, Pa., November 9, 1816. She had two brothers, John, of Pennsylvania, and Jacob, deceased ; and also three sisters, Mary, Annie and Lettie. Besides these she has three half brothers and two half sisters. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kent are seven children : George W., born October 25, 1841, married Miss Avery February 15, 1866 ; Mary, born Sep- tember 18, 1843, became the wife of George Babb December 16, 1874 ; Jeremiah, born September 27, 1845, in White Pine county, Nev. ; William F., born April 14, 1848, married to a daughter of William Glower June 3, 1883; Susanah, born September 30, 1850, wife of Charles Sampson, of this county ; Sarah Ellen, born February 1, 1854, married S. B. Mumpower February 27, 1876 ; Orlena, born August 16, 1857, married Samuel Newcomb, of Linn county, Jan- uary 16, 1884.
WILLIAM B. LEACH
(Cashier of the People's Savings Bank, Chillicothe) .
William B. Leach was born at Plympton, Plymouth county, Mass.,' April 5, 1841. His father, Erastus Leach, first saw the light in 1803, also in that county, and he continued to make his home there until 1856, when he moved to Howard county, Ia. A year later he re-
1110
. HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
turned to his native State. In 1869 Chillicothe, Mo., received him as one of her permanent residents, and here he remained until his death JJanuary 3, 1875. In 1832 Miss Maria Bradford, of Plympton, Mass., became his wife; her death also occurred at Chillicothe in 1870. Through her Mr. Leach can trace his ancestry to Maj. Will- iam Bradford, who came to America in the Mayflower, and who was the second governor of Plymouth colony ; and through him the gen- æology of the family may be traced back to Austershire, England, to the year 1500. Erastus Leach was a man of strict, uncompromising character, but a warm supporter of all matters of public interest, and especially of the temperance cause ; he was a devoted father and loving husband, qualities which were only equaled by the faithfulness and affection of his true Christian wife. William B., the third son and fourth child of six children, passed his early life at his birthplace ob- taining an education, and during his vacation, when eight years old, he worked in a shoe factory, pegging shoes at three cents per pair. At the age of ten years he entered a tack factory, worked five consecutive years for 75 cents a day, and about this time formed a desire to go to sea with five of his companions, but his mother's pursuasions finally led him to abandon this object and in 1856 he emigrated with the family to Howard county, Ia., where the father pre-empted land. In the fall of that year he went to Osage, Mitchell county, Ia., and worked in a hotel for two months, then being employed by Ayres' stage line to drive from Osage to Austin, Minn., thirty miles, making two trips a week. In December following his feet became so severely frozen that he was compelled to return to his home in Howard county, and until March, 1857, he remained in-doors. The summer of that year was passed at his father's farm ( his mother and sister having re- turned to Massachusetts), and in the fall the father also went back to his old home. William, with too much pride to return so soon, hired out at $10 per month during the fall, but in the winter he was en- gaged in working in a hotel at Saratoga, same county, for his board, utilizing his spare moments in study. In 1858 he started on foot with a pocket compass and his inseparable grip-sack, for Waverly, Bremer county, Ia., a distance of sixty miles, to join his older brother ; he soon found employment in a water saw-mill, but owing to high water work was irregular and he afterwards went to Belfast, Lee county, Ia., 20 miles west of Keokuk, with $2.50 in cash, a suit of clothes and a silver watch, walking the entire distance and accomp- Iishing the journey in eight days, but without a cent in his pocket when his destination was reached. Employment was given him in a saw mill at $1 a day, and after awhile the engineer of the mill, who had been given a place as locomotive engineer on the T. P. & W. R. R., selected Mr. L. for his fireman, the latter remaining with the com- pany until the building of the road was stopped. When 17 years of age he had acted as fireman, engineer and conductor on a construction train. In 1859, on the completion of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, he went to Hannibal, hoping to attain the goal of his ambi- tion as locomotive engineer ; but there were so many applicants for the
1111
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
same position that he accepted a situation as brakeman on a freight train. He was not kept in this position long, however, but, passing various grades of promotion, he was made baggagemaster in 1861 and in the fall of the same year American Express messenger. Dur- ing 1861 and 1862 he was sworn into what was known as the Marion county battalion of the United States service, at Hannibal, by Gen. Lyon, in person, but continued his run as express messenger. In the spring of 1862 the call for troops became so urgent that, he de- cided to go to Chicago to enlist in the service of the United States, but on reaching Hannibal Capt. Lockwood induced him to help recruit a company with the promise of a lieutenant's commission. He re- cruited 24 men between Hannibal and Kingston, who were taken to St. Louis to be sworn in, but owing to the chicanery of persons in charge of men to fill quotas they were induced to join other com- mands. Mr. Leach became disgusted at this treatment and returned to the employ of the Express company, and afterwards was appointed messenger on the Keokuk Packet Line, in which position he continued until the close of navigation. A run was then given him as messenger from Quiney, Ill., to St. Joseph, and here it was that the graver responsibilities rested upon the express messenger. As this was the only railroad to the Missouri river and the great highway for trans- portation of treasures from the mountains, large amounts of money and other valuables were under the control of the Express company ; Mr. Leach relates one incident of having received from Mr. George Faulhauber, a resident of Sedalia, $1,250,000 in greenbacks for the paymaster of the United States army at Fort Leavenworth, the entire amount being safely turned over to messenger Taft, at St. Joseph, afterwards a resident of Chillicothe. He was compelled to abandon the road on account of so much transferring being necessary, and the poor condition of the road, and later entered as money clerk in the office at Quincy, continuing in this position until 1865. At that time, in company with his brother, M. G Leach, Mr. L. came to Chilli- cothe and purchased the Brinkerhoff stage line, running to Princeton, Mo., and also succeeded as agent of the American Express Company ; in 1867 the stage line was discontinued, but he acted as Express agent until March, 1868, when the company withdrew from the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. Sheriff G. Harker then offered Mr. Leach employment to write in his office, which was accepted, and during the year he helped to organize a glee club, which became re- nowned for the services rendered during the Grant campaign. He subsequently received the appointment of Assistant United States Revenue Assessor, and also was made United States Ganger, posi- tions that he occupied up to 1871. In 1869, however, he had been a member of the firm of B. C. Chambers & Leach, real estate dealers, and in 1871 he was made agent of the United States Express Com- pany, remaining as such until March 18, 1873, when he entered as book-keeper the People's Savings Bank. In January, 1875, his well known qualifications for the position led him to be elected assistant cashier, and in January, 1876, he was made cashier, and has since
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