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 118
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 118
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
been elected to that position each succeeding year. December 12, 1×70, Mr. Leach was married to Mrs. Emma Sinclair, of Hannibal, Mo. She has one child, Gussie, by a former marriage. And by this union there was born one son, Willie B., who died when 11 months old. Mr. Leach is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order and is a Past Master and Past Eminent Commander.
This, in brief, is a sketch of the career of William B. Leach, a man whose present substantial position in life has been reached entirely through his own perseverance ; and the facts connected with his oper- ations and their results only show what a person, with courage and enlightened views, can accomplish. His reputation for honesty and integrity has been tried and not found wanting ; his financial ability has been more than once put to the test, but never without credit to himself; his social qualities are well known and appreciated, and he has hosts of friends whose confidence and esteem are his highest eulo- gium. Above reproach, and without a doubt of suspicion, Mr. Leach may well rest in the enjoyment of the friendship which is given him. In every position in which he has been placed he has shown himself to be most thorough in the discharge of duty.
FRANK H. LEAVER
(Merchant Tailor and Dealer in Gents' Furnishing Goods).
There are times when glancing over the life records of persons that it seems absolutely necessary to use that often abused phrase " self- made man," and this is true of Mr. Leaver, for he came here in 1868 without anything, but has worked faithfully and energetically until now he not only carries a good stock of suitings, etc., but in addition has a well assorted class of furnishing goods, fresh and tasty. Though himself a native of this country he is of German parentage, his parents having been born in Das Vaterland. Their names were Frederick and Katharina (Kohlbrener) Leaver, and Frank was born to them in Philadelphia county, Pa., November 7, 1840. He grew to manhood in that vicinity, and when 20 years of age began to learn the trade of tailor, which he has since continued with success. Leaving Philadelphia he went to Cleveland, O., and also worked in Tiffin, Sandusky and other cities for some time. During the war he enlisted in the 9th Illinois infantry and served through that terrible conflict, and after its close he became located at Omaha, Neb. Going thence to St. Joseph, Mo., he came from there to this place in 1868 and in 1871 started in business for himself. From that time to the present he has continued alone, and with what result has already been inti- mated. January 15, 1872, Mr. Leaver married Miss Maggie McDon- ald, of Canadian birth, and they have three children: Florence, Kate and Frank. Mr. L. belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is also a R. A. M. in the Masonic Order.
1113
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
JAMES LEEPER
(Deputy Clerk of Livingston County, Chillicothe.)
Among the representative, esteemed citizens of Livingston county, there is probably no one more deserving of mention than James Leeper, a man whose residence within the borders of this county has extended over a period of more than half a century. During this time he has served in various official capacities, and always with such satisfactory results that naught but words of commendation have been bestowed upon him. His business relations here have been exten- sive and honorable, and though once unfortunate, not an iota of reproach was cast upon him. His father, James Leeper, Sr., was born in Hopkins county, Ky., in 1791, growing up there as a farmer and making it his home until removing to Chariton county, Mo., in 1822. He lived there for some 13 years and in 1835 took up his settlement in what is now Livingston county, remaining here until his death in 1863. He was among the foremost pioneers of the county, and a person whose loss was keenly felt. He married Miss Sarah Ashby, also of Kentucky nativity, who died in 1843, leaving 7 children : John L., Henry A., Daniel A., Samuel, James, Jane, wife of George W. Anderson, and Ellen, who married Francis M. Morris. The sub- ject of this sketch first saw the light in Chariton county, Mo., March 10, 1825. When 10 years of age he was brought to the territory now included in this county, where he was brought up as a farmer, and this has continued to be his abiding place. In 1842 he com- menced to carry mail from Keytesville, Chariton county, to Spring Hill, Livingston county, his contract expiring in 1846. In August, of that year, he was elected sheriff of the county, being re-elected in 1848, and after the expiration of his term of service in this capacity he engaged in merchandising at Spring Hill for some six years. Mr. Leeper now commenced selling goods at Chillicothe, continuing the business until 1874. During this time he had been appointed circuit clerk in 1861 but the ousting ordinance caused him to vacate his official position. In 1874 he moved upon a farm and gave attention to agricultural pursuits up to 1878, and from that date (when he returned to town) for three years following he was occupied with clerical duties. In 1881 he entered the county clerk's office, and up to the present has discharged the duties of that position. His record as a public man and private citizen are alike untarnished. In all the affairs of life he has borne himself in an upright manner, and to-day he is recognized as a man of true worth. In 1849 (March 15) Mr. Leeper married Miss Elizabeth Graves, of Boone county, Mo., who died November 15, 1876, leaving 9 children : Tillie, wife of G. G. Henry ; Belle, now Mrs. T. E. Curd ; John Graves, in Gainsville, Tex. ; Horace W., in Texas ; Jord. and James D., in Coleman, that State ; Cyrus S., of Bell's, Tex. ; Bessie and Wakefield. Mr. Leeper's second marriage was consummated October 6, 1879, Mrs. Georgia Cravens, whose maiden name was Lowe, becoming his wife.
1114
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Her first husband was Dr. John M. Cravens, of Gallatin, who died in April, 1876.
ISOM P. LILE
(Farmer, Section 1, Post-office, Chillicothe.)
The biography of the subject of this sketch will doubtless be read by old and young, even when other books are cast aside, for there is an instinctive curiosity to know the true and inner history of men who have had such a close association with the affairs of this county from primitive date. Such a one is Mr. Lile, one of the oldest native-born citizens of Livingston county. He was born July 5, 1834, of the union of Allen P. Lile and Mary Cox, frequently referred to in other portions of this work as among the most highly esteemed people of the community. The former was a native of Tennessee and in 1833 became located in this county, here continuing to make his home until removing to Henry county, Mo., where he died. Isom P. has become so well known by reason of his long and continuous residence here that a sketch of his life to some may not appear necessary ; and yet to those of the coming generation what better monument of a life well spent can be given than the record of a man who always did his duty, where he knew it, and who was remarked for his industry and perse- verance in every walk of daily toil. Farming has always been Mr. Lile's occupation and the farm on which he now bestows such hard labor contains 180 acres well improved. He has been twice married ; first, in 1855, to Miss Mary A. Cooper, also of Missouri, who died leaving four children : John A., born January 26, 1856; Mary E., born October 10, 1858 ; Charles H., born March 22, 1860, died April 2, 1863; and Lydia A., born May 12, 1865. Mr. Lile's second wife, Miss Susan E. Jacobs, was born July 17, 1845, in Tennessee. Six children have blessed this union : Mattie J., born July 27, 1867; Jasper L., born December 12, 1870; Edgar L., born August 15, 1872; Howard W., born February 2, 1875; Laura B., born Decem- ber 10, 1876 ; and Ella M., born August 17, 1880. Mr. Lile resides on section 1.
WILEY LINVILLE
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 13, Post-office, Chillicothe).
The father of the subject of this sketch, William Linville, was born in the State of North Carolina in 1803, and when eight years old was taken by his parents to Tennessee, where he resided until 16 years of age. Coming thence to Ray county, Mo., he remained in that locality up to the time of his settlement in this county in the fall of 1833. In 1832, shortly before coming here, he had married Miss Polly Maberry, a Tennesseean by birth, and a daughter of James Maberry, who also became a citizen of Livingston county in the spring of 1833. Mr. William Linville departed this life in 1872, leaving six children living : Wiley, Sarah, wife of James Anderson ; Thomas, Maria, now Mrs. Joseph Gibbons ; Rhoda A., who married B. Har- grave, and Margaret, the widow of William Gibbons. Six children
1115
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Linville had died. Wiley, whose name heads this memoir, entered into this world June 22, 1834, in Liv- ingston county, Mo., and in all probability is the oldest resident of the county who was born here. For this fact, if for no other, he is accorded a worthy place in this history of the county. . He was brought up to a farm experience, and farming has received his undi- vided attention all during his life, his thorough knowledge of the calling being indicated by the neat appearance of his place and the way his operations are conducted. He shows by his successful management of affairs that he has his own ideas of how to carry on a place, and also that he puts these ideas into practice greatly to his individual benefit. His estate includes 226 acres, well improved, and the sur- roundings denote thrift and industry. What he has accumulated are the fruits of his own hard work and intelligent application to his chosen avocation. He raises good crops, cultivates what he can attend to properly, and thus proves the wisdom of the old saying that a little well done is better than a large amount half done. April 20, 1854, Mr. Linville was married to Miss Eliza Jane Walker, who was born in Ray county, Mo. They have 10 children: William, Mary E., Amanda J., Jefferson D., Sarah F., Susan, Wiley, Edward, Ida and Samuel. Mrs. Linville was the third child in a family of 10 children. She and her husband are members of the Baptist Church.
JOHN A. LOWE
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 14, Post-office, Chillicothe).
Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers of Missouri, none are possessed of more genuine merit and a stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch ; he has risen to more than an ordinary degree of success in his calling of an agri- culturist and stock man, and wherever known he is conceded to be an energetic and progressive tiller of the soil, imbued with all those qualities of go-aheadativeness which have characterized his ancestors. His birth occurred in Adams county, Pa., January 11, 1828, his father, Charles Lowe, being a native of Wales, while his mother, formerly Barbara Sawyer, was of German origin, though born in the Keystone State. In 1830 they removed to Ohio, taking their son with them, and there they subsequently died. John A. grew up in Darke county, O., and learned the trade of carpenter, but while becoming familiar with that calling he worked two years at $3.00 per month, also teaching school during the winter months for quite a while. In 1856 Mr. Lowe removed from the Buckeye State to Mis- souri and took up his location in Grundy county, and in 1859 he came to this county, engaging at once in farming. Since that time he has closely applied himself to this calling and with that success which only comes of attention to business and persevering effort. His landed estate includes 704 acres. Without exception Mr. Lowe is among the most intelligent farmers in the county. His library con- sists of 150 volumes, including Chambers' Encylopedia, Rational
1116
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Medicine, Laws of the United States and the State of Missouri. It is probably the most complete library of any farmer in Livingston county. Mr. Lowe receives more mail matter than any other agriculturalist in the county. All his children who have reached that age, have received a certificate to teach school at the age of 16 years. He is one of the ablest debaters on all the questions of the day to be found in North Missouri. His success has been something remarkable, but it is all deserved and no one will deny that his prosperity has made him still more popular individually. He has ever availed himself of the leading agricultural papers of the day, profits by the experiments of prominent farmers and agricultural colleges, and is able at all times to give his reasons for his method of procedure. Well informed on the general topics of the day, he can not but impart to those with whom he comes in contact something of the truths with which his mind is stored. His position as one of the foremost men in the community has been acquired through his own efforts, industry and good judgment. Alive to every detail of farm life, he does not allow his interests in any way to drag or lack for attention, and this, undoubtedly, is largely one reason of his success. Considerable attention is given to the stock industry. He is kind to all animals and values very highly his old war horse, Lighfoot, foaled May 4th, 1859. In 1851 Mr. Lowe was married to Miss Mary Smith, of Ohio, who died in 1871, leaving six children : John H., Mary J., David M., William H., Isophene and Anjenette. In 1872 Mr. L. was married to Miss Amelia Robinson, a Kentuckian by birth. Three children have blessed this union : Lucian, Viola and Franklin.
WILLIAM McILWRATH
(Dealer in Books, Stationery, etc., Chillicothe).
Mr. Mellwrath, who is one of the important factors in the business growth and prosperity of Chillicothe, is justly entitled to more than a passing notice in this volume. Since his identification with this city as a business man no one has been more active and enterprising or has done more in his line to increase and extend the trade and influ- ence of the place. His stock is among the largest in the State, out- side of the large cities, and the patronage drawn to him results from liberal and polite treatment, only less than from an opportunity to secure even returns for money paid. He is not a native of this coun- try, having been born in Belfast, Ireland, June 10, 1834, the third son and seventh child of eight children born to Samuel Mellwrath and wife, whose name before her marriage was Miss Ann Grav. William as he grew up in the county of his birth familiarized himself with the trade of baker and confectioner, but in 1856 a determination to avail himself of the opportunities which he believed could be obtained by young men of determination on this side of the Atlantic led him to emigrate to the United States and for the first eighteen months he passed his time in various places. Finally he settled in Fulton, Cal- laway county, Mo,, and in 1862 enlisted from there in Col. Guitar's
1117
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
9th cavalry, M. S. M., remaining in service until mustered out in April, 1865. From December, 1862, until August, 1862, he was pro- vost marshal at Paris, Monroe county. From September, 1863, un- til August following he held the same position at Chillicothe and proved a very efficient officer, previous to that having held the position of 'first lieutenant in Co. D. His career as a soldier is but a type of his career as a business man. After the close of the war Mr. McIlwrath came to Chillicothe and in April, 1865, engaged in the grocery trade, which was continued up to his appointment as post- master in November, 1866. Owing to a change in politics in the ad- ministration he was relieved in 1869, and then opened out his present establishment, and it is no more than the truth to say that no better business man is to be found in North Missouri or one more attentive to his business. Public-spirited and contributing liberally to what- ever is a benefit to the city or county, he has gained a wide acquaint- ance. He is among the best informed individuals on general subjects in the county and by close study and unlimited reading has become very familiar with all reputable authors and especially is he well posted on ancient and modern history. His knowledge of his adopted country may well put to shame many whose opportunities for gaining the same information have been more favorable. Politi- cally Mr. McIlwrath is a Democrat, and he does as much if not more than any to advance the interests of that party in this community, contributing liberally of his time and money to accomplish satisfactory results.
CALVIN R. J. MCINTURFF
(Attorney at Law, Real Estate Agent, Collections and Abstracter, Chillicothe).
Prominent among the comparatively young men of Livingston county, whose career thus far has been both honorable and success- ful, is the subject of the present sketch. He was born in Carter county, Tenn., January 15, 1850. His father, Elder D. McInturff, was also a native of Tennessee and a prominent minister in the Chris- tian Church. The maiden name of his mother was Harriet Jones ; she was born in Sullivan county, Tenn. There were eight children in the family ; of these C. R. J. was the third son. He was reared in Tennessee and his time was divided in early life between working on a farm and attending school until he was qualified for teaching. In 1871 the family removed to Missouri and settled in Sullivan county and C. R. J. came to Livingston county soon after. He was engaged in teaching for some time and in 1879 was elected school commis- sioner and again in 1881. During his leisure hours while teaching he was preparing for the practice of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1880 and has since given his attention largely to land, law and abstracts of titles, and he has reliable abstracts of all farming lands in the county. He has served as both city and township assessor. Mr. McInturff is an independent thinker and derives his information when practical from original sources. He is systematic and exact in all things and counts as worthless all knowledge that is not accurate.
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
He possesses a high sense of honor and he is bold and unyielding in defense of right. March 6, 1877, he married Miss Linney Perren, daughter of Jackson Perren, an early settler of the county. She died in October, 1882, and left an infant son, Earl. His second marriage occurred October 10, 1883, Miss Lucy Turner becoming his wife ; she was born in Pittsburg, Pa. By this marriage there is one daughter, Mabel.
WILLIAM W. McMILLEN
(Of the firm of Patterson & McMillen, Liverymen, Chillicothe).
There are comparatively few men now living in this county who were active participants in the Mexican War, but among the few is Mr. McMillen, a resident of this community for many years. His birth occurred April 15. 1826, in Washington county, Pa., one of eight children of Andrew and Catharine ( McClusky ) McMillen, also natives of the Keystone State. The former was a farmer by occupa- tion and died in Pennsylvania, his wife surviving until 1869. John McMillen, William's only surviving brother, is now a farmer in Ohio : his sister Sarah is in Indiana, and Eliza J. lives in Illinois and two others are in Pennsylvania. William W. was educated in the county of his birth at the common schools and when only 14 years old he left home without a dollar. Until 1846 he was identified with farming, but when the alarm of the Mexican War was sounded he was among the first in his State to enlist. Joining Co. G, Ist Indiana, the forces of old "Rough and Ready," he was engaged in all the battles in which Taylor took part, serving until June, 1847, when he was mustered out at New Orleans. After his return from the war Mr. McMillen resumed agricultural pursuits in the Hoosier State for 15 years, but upon coming to this county in October, 1862, he purchased a farm and devoted himself to its cultivation and improvement until 1878. Then he moved into Chillicothe and engaged in his present business. The stable with which he is connected is on South Locust street, in a good location and favorable for a large share of the livery business which, it is needless to say, he is receiving. In 1849 he mar- ried Miss Rachel Clark, of Pennsylvania, who died in Indiana in 1865, leaving four children : William H., of Barton county, Mo. ; Theo- dore Scott, on the home place; John D., in Minneapolis, Minn. ; and Allen B., a lumber merchant in Fulton county, Ind. Mr. McMillen's second wife was formerly Miss Ellen Harman, of Indiana. Though never having taken a conspicuous part in politics he is a strong Republican in his preferences.
THOMAS MCNALLY
(Treasurer of Livingston County, Chillicothe).
Among the public men of this county, and, indeed, to not a few beyond its limits, the record of Mr. McNally in the public service is well and favorably known. From circumstances less favorable than those of many others, and with but limited advantages or opportuni-
1119
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
ties, he has risen by industry, energy and perseverance to a position of creditable prominence and influence in the affairs of this county. He is of foreign nativity, having been born in Ireland, April 1, 1841. Like other youths of that country, as he grew up he divided his time between working on a farm and attending school up to 1863, when he emigrated to the United States, and his first settlement in this country was made in Athens county, O. At the first he commenced to apply himself with an ambition which could not fail to be resultful of good. For three years he was occupied in the railroad business in that State, and he also followed it for a year at Brookville, Ind., going from that locality to the western portion of Tennessee in 1867. In 1868 Mr. McNally removed to Missouri, and a year later became located in this county, giving his time and attention to railroading until 1871. Since then he has been interested in the grocery trade for two years, and also in contracting in railroad supplies, ties, etc. In 1874 his public career was commenced, for it was then that he was elected marshal and street commissioner, serving also in 1875. During 1881-82 he served as township trustee and treasurer, and in the latter year he began to discharge the duties of county treasurer and ex officio collec- tor. In 1884 he was re-elected to the same position. It is no empty, unmeaning compliment to say that the duties of every position he has ever held have been fulfilled with marked fidelity and efficiency. Looking back over his career it must be manifest to the most casual observer that no one of mean ability or little foree of character could achieve what he has accomplished. He has accumulated a substantial competency - the result of years of hard work, industry and econ- omy, but he thoroughly merits his success. Mr. McNally was mar- ried in 1877 to Miss Ida Fitzpatrick, originally of Canada, though reared in this State. They have three children : Raymond Forest, Mary E. and Lena. Mr. McNally was the eldest child in the family of his parents, John and Mary (Tully ) McNally. They were also natives of Ireland.
ARCHIBALD McVEY
(Of the Firm of Smith & McVey, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothing, Carpets, Etc., Chil- licothej.
Mr. MeVey is connected with a mercantile house, the reputation of which is second to none in Northwest Missouri, for in extent it is acknowledged to be one of the largest establishments of the kind to be found in the State outside of the largest cities. The business was first established by Mr. MeVey in 1866, and in 1871 Mr. Benjamin Smith became associated with him as a partner, the style of the firm name being Smith & McVey since that time. Mr. Smith is not a cit- izen of this county, but is the resident buyer in the East. Between St. Joseph and Hannibal, on the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, there is no house of the kind which can be compared to this one, and the business which is done here is of no small proportions. For assortment the stock would do credit to any city, and those with whom Messrs. Smith & McVey do business will bear out the state-
1120
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
ment that they can not be better suited in larger cities or secure goods at any better prices than here. Mr. Me Vey was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., in 1836, and reared on a farm, but early entered into mercantile life, in which calling he was engaged until the outbreak of the war. He then enlisted in the United States Navy as a private, and after serving a year before the mast he was appointed paymaster in the Navy, a position the duties of which he continued to discharge until the close of the war. After being mustered out of the service of the United States he came to Missouri and took up his location in Chilli- cothe, where he has since been identified with the interest of the city and county. Among other positions which he has occupied might be mentioned those of mayor and member of the city council. In educational matters he has always taken a foremost part, and for a long period he has acceptably served as a member of the board of education. It is but true to say that while Mr. McVey is un- assuming in his demeanor and desirous to avoid anything of the nature of notoriety, he is one of the worthy, substantial residents of Livingston county, and as such is recognized by a host of acquaintances.
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