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 121

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 121
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 121

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THOMAS H. NOTESTINE

(Of Notestine & Minteer, Dealers in Iron, Steel, Shelf Hardware, Stoves, Tinware and Wagon Material, Chillicothe).

In scanning these sketches biographique of Livingston county one fact must strike the reader with peculiar force -the high standing attained by its business men. There is not a city on the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad that has such a thoroughly qualified business population as has Chillicothe, and Mr. Notestine is a leading light among the number. His birth occurred October 11, 1841, in Fort Wayne, Ind., one of three children in the family of his parents, Jacob Notestine and Nancy, née Hatfield, both natives of Ohio. The latter removed to Fort Wayne in an early day and her uncle erected the first brick building in that city. The father was of Pennsylvania parentage and died when 28 years old ; his widow still survives. The two children besides Thomas, referred to above, were Nancy E., now deceased, and Jacob A., a resident of Kansas. Thomas H. Notestine was reared to a farm experience in the Hoosier State, an occupation to which he gave his attention until the outbreak of the war ; then he enlisted in the 30th Indiana volunteer infantry as a private and participated in the second battle of Shiloh, Atlanta, and the battles of that campaign. Stone River, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Nashville, etc. Going thence to Texas he served on Gen. Stanley's staff and had charge of the San Antonio and Mexican Railroad in that State, subsequently being promoted to first lientenant and quartermaster, and breveted captain of United States troops, by the President of the United States. After he had been mustered out of service Mr. N. returned to Fort Wayne and in 1866 he came to Chil- licothe, Mo., working at the carpenter's trade at first and afterwards engaging in mercantile pursuits. In 1872 he commenced selling goods for a Philadelphia firm throughout the West, thus still better quali- fying himself for the successful conduct of his own business which he started in 1880, and this he has since continued. He has been asso- ciated with Mr. Joseph C. Minteer, and they have established a very satisfactory trade, and by carrying a large and well assorted stock are enabled to give their customers value received for all purchases made.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Mr. Notestine has been twice married ; first, in March, 1866, to Miss Emma Larned, of Ohio nativity, who died in January, 1868; his second marriage occurred June 20, 1876, when Miss Georgia Collins, of Burlington, Ia., became his wife. They have one son, Walton S. Mr. Notestine is a member of the M. E. Church, and Mrs. N. of the Episcopal Church ; the former belongs also to the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W. Orders.

WILLIAM AND FRANK PLATTER

(Proprietors of Livery Stable and Transfer Line, and of Platter, Henry & Co., Dealers in Horses and Mnles, Chillicothe).

It would be hard to find two men better known in connection with the livery business than the Messrs. Platter Brothers, and their ac- quaintance is by no means a local one but extends over a wide range of territory. Their father, Andrew Platter, was a Kentuckian by birth, and when young moved to Ross county, O., where he subse- quently married Hannah Decker. As his occupation he devoted him- self to farming and up to 1863 he was identified with the agriculturists of the Buckeye State. In the year mentioned Livingston county, Mo., became his home and the first season was passed on a farm, but in 1864 he purchased buildings in Chillicothe and engaged in the livery business; during the same time he was engaged in buying and selling horses and mules, and up to the date of his death he had built up a reputation in this line second to none in this vicinity. He died in 1875, his wife following him to the grave in 1879. In their family were seven children : Ivea, now Mrs. Seymour; John C., a resident of Ohio ; William V. Fox, a wholesale grocer in Texas ; Anna, wife of E. H. Lingo, and Frank are living ; two sons, Thomas and Luke, are deceased. Andrew Platter was a man the embodi- ment of honor, genial and social in his disposition and youthful in his feelings. His wife, a loving, faithful woman, and an affectionate mother, was hardly less beloved, and their memory is fragrant in the memories of their children. William Platter, one of the mem- bers of the above mentioned firm, and a worthy son of his father, was born in Ross county, O., April 5, 1836, and is therefore only a little past the age of 50 years. His early life was passed on his father's farm and in 1863 he came with the family to this county, where he has since been engaged in the business which now receives his attention. Frank Platter, a younger brother of William, also came originally from Ross county, O., his birth occurring December 8, 1852, and there he remained up to the time of his location in Liv- ingston county in 1863. He was interested in mercantile pursuits for a considerable period, and for five years was with Dunn & Daly in the hardware business, after which, in connection with his brother, William, and H. H. Edsall, he continued the same branch of trade up to 1886. Since that time these brothers have attended strictly to the livery business and the buying and selling of horses and mules, and it is but stating the truth to say that they are as largely interested in

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

this business as any firm in Northwest Missouri. Their enviable reputation for fair and upright dealing is recognized all over this and surrounding counties by those who have had occasion to transact business with them, and this can but result satisfactorily in the end. Mr. Frank Platter was married June 11, 1879, to Miss Ella E. Van Every, who was born in Canada, a daughter of George W. Van Every. They have one son, George W.

JOSIAH Y. POWELL

(County Surveyor, Residence, Chillicothe) .

There are many men in this county at the present day in whose lives there are but few thrilling incidents or remarkable events, yet whose success has been a steady and constant growth, and who, possessed of excellent judgment, strong common sense and indomita- ble energy, have evinced in their lives and character great symmetry, completeness and moral standing of a high order. To this class belongs Josiah Y. Powell, who owes his nativity to Wayne county, ()., born September 29, 1834. His father, Benjamin Powell, was originally from the same State, as was also his mother, formerly Sarah Carroll. The former was a carpenter by trade and also a civil engi- neer. Josiah was the tenth child and seventh son of eleven children in his parents' family. His youth while growing up was passed in attending to duties about the home place, then in Cass county, Ind., near Logansport, whither the father had moved in 1835; he gave the name to Harrison township in honor of William Henry Harrison and the first election in the township was held at the house of Benjamin Powell when there were but nine voters in the township. The sub- ject of this sketch, after receiving the benefits of a good education, commenced the study of surveying and made rapid progress in this science. In 1865 he came to Daviess county, Mo., and was engaged in farming and carpentering until 1871 when he settled in this county, here taking up the trade of carpentering. In 1873 he went to Galla- tin, making his home in that vicinity until 1876, and during this time he was one of the proprietors of the North Missourian, a journal he conducted with signal success for three years. Upon returning to Chillicothe he continued to be employed at carpenter work until his election to the office of county surveyor in 1880. He has since con- tinued to follow this business, but since 1884 has been deputy county surveyor and bridge commissioner. January 19, 1862, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Phebe E. Weaver, whose birth occurred in Jefferson county, O., in 1844, the daughter of Jacob Weaver, origi- nally from Pennsylvania. Mr. Powell is a member of the I. O. O. F. A fact that should have been mentioned before is that his parents were of Quaker descent, and the principles of that sterling honorable class of people have been brought in a remarkable degree to him. Consistent, conscientious and outspoken in whatever he does, he is a man who never fears to carry out his honest convictions under all circumstances. The temperance cause has no warmer friend in the

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

universe than Mr. Powell and his course in endeavoring to promote a warmer interest in the behalf of this ennobling cause is worthy of emulation by every one. He is a prominent member of the State Association of Surveyors and Civil Engineers in whose meetings he always takes a very active part.

HENRY J. PRINGLE

(Blacksmith and Wagon Maker, Chillicothe).

The subject of this sketch is of English birth and parentage, having been born April 11, 1883, in England, as were also his parents, Henry and Ann Pringle, formerly Miss Smith. The former followed the trade of merchant tailor and in 1845 he emigrated with his family to America, settling in New York, where he lived for a period of three years. In 1848, going to Tallmadge, Summit county, O., he made his home there until removing to Fayette county, Ia., in 1852. There he died, leaving a family of six children : Henry, George, William, Sarah, now Mrs. Mitchell ; Robert and Charlie. Mrs. Pringle died in 1868. While in Ohio Henry J. learned the trade of carriage making and blacksmithing and subsequently he left Tallmadge and went to Columbus in 1856. During the war he enlisted his services in the United States navy and for one year was with Porter's fleet in the Mississippi squadron, then receiving an honorable discharge. Follow- ing this Mr. P. returned to his old home at Columbus, but in 1869 he became a resident of Livingston county, Mo., and here he has since remained, closely identified with the mechanical interests of the com- munity, and as all know he is a thorough master of his trade. Mr. Pringle is a married man, Miss Jane Ann Stebbins having become his wife July 11, 1852. She was originally from the Empire State and died in 1861, leaving one child, Charlie. April 14, 1864, his second marriage occurred, this wife, formerly Miss Mary Brickle, having been a native of Columbus, O. This union has been blessed with three children : Grace, Harry and Willie. Mr. P. belongs to the I. O. O. F. and is also a member of the G. A. R., of which he is commander.

GEORGE W. PUTNAM

(Proprietor of Dairy, Section 3, Post-office, Chillicothe).

Some three and a half miles east of the town of Chillicothe, in a beautiful location on section 3, is found the place owned by Mr. Put- nam, where he is now conducting a superior dairy, of profit not only to himself but of great benefit to the people of the surrounding coun- try. It was in 1866 that he first came to the county and for two years he followed building as his occupation, then purchasing a farm which he improved and subsequently sold. Finally he purchased his present place of 100 acres and here his time is devoted, as intimated, to the conduct of a butter dairy. He owns 60 head of cattle and 26 milch cows, and gives preference to the Holstein variety, which he deems to be best adapted to this vicinity ; and his aim has always been

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HISTORY . OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

and is now to make a fancy article of commerce. The quality of his product is unexcelled, and an experience of only about two years in the business is a favorable indication of the promising future which is before him, as well as the improvement of his manufacture. Mr. Putnam was born in Seneca county, N. Y., October 11, 1829, the son of John and Margaretta ( Hatter) Putnam, both themselves natives of the Empire State. The former was a shoemaker by trade and died while his son was in infancy. George W. the youngest of 13 children, was reared in Illinois from the age of 12 years, being destined for an experience such as falls to the lot of but few to enjoy. He early learned the trade of carpenter and after working at it for seven years in La Salle county he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Rail- road, where he was occupied in the construction of bridge work. Later he served on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, but in 1858 he went to the Rocky Mountains and passed several years in different places ; for three years he was among the Indians and often has he traveled with the famous hunter, Kit Carson, besides having sat in the Masonic lodge with him. Mr. Putnam is especially well posted on the early history of Denver, for he was one of the first stockholders of the town and was a member of the first vigilant com- mittee of that place. Several important mineral discoveries were made by him. In 1865 he was engaged in freighting across the plains and in 1873 he went to Chicago to purchase wagons for that same purpose. At one time he bought 110 wagons and returned with them as far West as Atehison, Kan., but disposing of these he decided to remain in " the States." In 1867 Mr. P. visited Iowa and there married Miss Bertha French, who was a native of Pennsylvania but had been taken to the Hawkeye State when a child ; her father was Enoch French. Two adopted children are now in the family of Mr. Putnam and wife, John W. and Hattie B. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and is also connected with the M. E Church.

FRANK SHEETZ

(Attorney at law, Chillicothe.)

It is a historical fact that the first English immigrants to Virginia were a superior race, with enlarged views of government, liberty and law, who sought out homes in obedience to impulses prompted by lofty ambition and sincere desire to benefit their race. From these ancestors sprang men in great numbers who subsequently became prominent in different localities. A worthy son of that State was Samuel Sheetz, the father of the subject of this sketch, who, when a small boy, was taken to Ohio, where he received his education. He became a physician of no little local renown and upon leaving the home of his adoption settled in Clay county, Mo., where he closely applied himself to the active practice of his profession. This he has continued up to the present with a substantial degree of success. Frank's mother was formerly Miss Caroline Osborn, of Indiana nativity. The four children in their family were named William P. (now of Ray

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

county ), James L. (an attorney in Clay county), Robert L. (a student at William Jewell College), and Frank. The latter, the second son, was born in Clay county, Mo., September 19, 1851. His boyhood days and youth were passed in that vicinity and there the primary schools found in him a studious pupil. Later on he was enabled to enter McGee College, from which institution, after a thorough course, he was graduated in 1871. Soon a desire to engage in the practice of law led him to commence the study of this science, and under Hon. W. H. Woodson, of Clay county, he pursued an exhaustive course of study and thoroughly fitted himself for admis- sion to the bar. In September, 1873, he was licensed to practice and from that time to the present he has been a worthy member of the bar of Livingston county. He has had excellent success in the man- agement of cases, one of his most prominent characteristics being the persistency with which he follows up the interests of his clients. Unassuming in his demeanor and unmarked with any superficial bois- terous behavior, he attends closely to the chosen channels of his pro- fessional career. May 7, 1873, Mr. Sheetz was married to Miss Flora B. Rucker, who was born at Mooresville, Livingston county, Mo., the daughter of Edwin Rucker. He was a Kentuckian by birth and died in 1853. They have four children : Edwin R., Samuel, Flora B. and Nellie. Mrs. Sheetz is the owner of 300 acres of farm- ing land in the county.

AUBERT MAY SHELTON

(Deputy County Sheriff, Chillicothe).

In 1882 when Mr. S. L. Harris was elected to the position of sheriff of the county the excellent judgment which he displayed in selecting the subject of this sketch as his deputy was most heartily approved by all, and succeeding years have only more firmly established that approval. Aubert M. Shelton is one of Missouri's sons, having been born in Randolph county, February 19, 1858. Anderson M. Shelton, his father, came originally from Lincoln county, Tenn., being taken when three years old to Randolph county, this State, and there he was reared and learned the bricklayer's trade. His wife, formerly Miss Alice Alexander, was also a native of Tennessee, of Dyersburg, who bore him two children : Mollie, wife of Spencer Marr, and Aubert M. Mr. and Mrs. S. after leaving Randolph county came to Living- ston county and made their home here for 11 years, then returning to Randolph county ; they now reside at Moberly. Aubert M. early identified himself with mercantile pursuits in growing. up, first enter- ing the store of his uncle, M. H. Smith, with whom he remained five years. Mr. Smith having been elected sheriff, young Shelton was made his deputy, and so it was not without having had some experi- ence that he entered into the office which he now occupies. After his first term in an official capacity he resumed his former calling, selling goods and elerking for Judge Swain until 1882. Since then, as stated, he has been deputy sheriff, and it requires no gift of prophecy to pre-

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

dict for Mr. Shelton a strong and earnest support when he shall see fit to make the race for the position of sheriff. His qualifications have become well known to all, for they are such as to commend him heartily to the people of Livingston county. The next election may find him an able candidate for the office. -

JOHN D. SHERMAN

(Chillicothe).

Mr. Sherman, who is one of Livingston county's best known busi- ness men, has had a mercantile experience such as only a few men in this community, if any, have enjoyed, one which has drawn around him a large host of friends and acquaintances. He came originally from Sullivan county, Ind., where he was born February 3, 1835, the son of Robert Sherman, a native of North Carolina. His ( Robert's) wife before her marriage was a Miss Carrico and she afterwards be- came the mother of eight children, John D. being the fifth son. For nearly 25 years he continued to remain in the State of his birth engaged for the most part in farming, an occupation to which he had been reared and in which the same principles were observed that after- wards characterized his mercantile operations -industry, persever- ance and hard work. In 1858 Mr. Sherman left Indiana and took up his location in Livingston county, Mo., and in a short time embarked in the grocery business. During the financial depression in 1873, he in common with others met with reverses, but not easily discouraged or entirely cast down, he resumed business and organized the " Sher- man Mercantile Company," of which he became president. This house did a large jobbing trade and became well established as their reputation spread, until their annual sales reached to about $90,000. During the month of March, 1886, Messrs. I. Hirsh and J. F. Sher- man purchased the stock of the Sherman Mercantile Company, and in this house Mr. John D. Sherman has since remained, having accepted a position with them. Not only in business circles but officially has he been well known, for for some time he was an incumbent of the office of county treasurer, besides holding minor positions of trust and responsibility. On the 23d of January, 1860, Mr. Sherman's mar- riage to Miss Sarah Stepp was consummated. Her birthplace was in Monroe county, Ind. Two children have been born to them, William O. and Sadie. Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

DR. SAMUEL SHOOK

(Insurance and Real Estate Agent, Chillicothe).

For many years Dr. Shook was actively and successfully engaged in practicing medicine, but in 1869, on account of ill-health, he was obliged to discontinue this profession, and consequently became occu- pied in his present line of business. This has become one of exten- sive proportions, and among the insurance companies which he represents are found noted and substantial ones - Agricultural, of

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Watertown, N. Y., Royal, of England, Liverpool, of London, and Globe, of England, Phoenix, of London, London and Lancaster, of En- gland, Germania, of New York, German, of Freeport, Ill., and also the Mutual Life, of New York. In his real estate transactions, also, he has met with encouraging success. Samuel Shook was born in Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pa., July 27, 1827, the son of Daniel and Christina (Craft) Shook, the latter of Pennsylvania nativity, but the former originally from Maryland, though having removed to the Keystone State when quite young. Samuel was the youngest of the family of nine children. He remained in his native county until sixteen years of age, went thence to St. Louis, and some three years later moved to Mercer county, Mo., in 1848. In early life while attending school he made choice of medicine as a profession which he would follow in after life, and upon reading with Dr. Marshall Mer- riam, of Pittsburg, Pa., he subsequently attended medical lectures at McDowell College, of St. Louis. Dr. Shook first commenced prac- ticing at Mercer county, Mo., remaining there and in Sullivan county until 1861, when he came to Chillicothe. During the war he enlisted in the Navy Department, under command of Commodore Porter, in 1863, and was thus occupied until the close of the war. After this he practiced his profession at Laclede, Linn county, Mo., and from that on until quitting the practice he was appointed examining surgeon of pensions. In 1869 the Doctor returned to Chillicothe, and this has since been his home. His marriage to Miss Caroline L. Thaxton was consummated July 24, 1851, his wife having been a Virginian by birth and the daughter of Benjamin F. Thaxton. Dr. Shook is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and belongs to the subordinate lodge and en- campment of the I. O. O. F. He also holds membership in the A. O. U. W.

HON. JOSEPH SLAGLE

(Retired Farmer, Chillicothe).

A number of years passed in sincere and earnest endeavor to thoroughly discharge every duty in the different branches of business to which his attention has been directed has contributed very materi- ally to the success that has fallen to Mr. Slagle's carcer in life. He came originally from Augusta county, Va., where he was born Sep- tember 26, 1810, the son of George Slagle, of Lancaster county, Pa., and Catherine ( Koiner ) Slagle, of that same locality. Her death occur- red in 1846. The father became located in Virginia in 1872 and ever afterwards resided there, dying April 21, 1828. By trade he was a tanner, though besides owning considerable property he conducted a distillery, ran a mill and gave some attention to agricultural affairs. At his death he left a family of twelve children, of whom Joseph was the youngest, and as such he succeeded in acquiring an education by no means limited. He was brought up in the county of his birth, and some time after entering Charlottesville College he commenced studying for the ministry, going thence in eighteen months to Rich- mond, Va., in September, 1827. Herc he remained until .April, 1828,

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

when he was called home on account of his father's death. Follow- ing that the family removed to Ohio, and there the subject of this sketch made his home some eight years, his settlement in this county dating from 1839, when he first came to Missouri. He has continued to live here the greater part of the time since. For four years he sold goods at Cox's Mill, subsequently purchasing the mills on Medi- cine creek, then the only water mill in Northwest Missouri. He also put in two double wool earding machines and did work for the sur- rounding counties until 1860. In 1846 he was elected to the official bench of the county and was also justice of the peace for many years, faithfully filling these positions. In 1863 he left with a train for Denver, Salt Lake, Montana and Idaho, freighting across the plains for four years, and after returning he removed to his farm on Cream Ridge, where he lived until his removal into town September 10, 1883. He is now one of the largest property holders in the county, having in his possession some 1,400 acres of land. Mr. Slagle has been married five times : First, January 27, 1832, to Catharine Long, of Ohio, who died July 6, 1841, leaving a son, Columbus Genoa, a prominent physician of Minneapolis, Minn., and a professor in the col- lege at that city. November 22, 1843, Miss Catherine Stone, of Grayson county, W. Va., became his wife, but her death occurred August 24, 1844. His third marriage took place May 5, 1845, to Miss Sarah Littlepage, who departed this life in September, 1846. leaving a daughter, Susan Catharine, now Mrs. William H. Turner, of this county. Mr. Slagle's fourth wife, to whom he was married in 1848, was formerly Miss Crawford, daughter of Mason Crawford, of Hancock county, Ill., where she was also born. She died in 1849. Mr. Slagle was married again in 1869 to Mrs. Lottie P. Ellis, a native of Indiana. They have one son, Joseph Lee. Though past the age of three score years and ten Mr. Slagle is still alive to the general issues of the day, progressive in his ideas, and a citizen who does much to advance the interests of this county.

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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