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 122
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 122
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WILL M. SMITH
(Editor and Publisher of the Constitution, Chillicothe).
Generally age and experience are essential to success and promotion, but in the example before us we have a young man who has risen without any especial fortuitous circumstances to the head of one of the representative journals of Livingston county. And though he has but very recently taken charge of this paper, the Constitution, his successful management of other newspaper periodicals warrant the assertion that under his control and conduct this journal is destined to exert an influence which shall be felt in literary circles throughout this vicinity. Mr. Smith is not yet 30 years of age, having been born in Ogle county, Ill., November 24, 1857, the eldest of five children in the family of his parents, James T. Smith, originally from Washing- ton county, Md., and Ann V. Smith, née Hess, whose birth occurred in Martinsburg, W. Va. The others were Mary, Lulah, James B. and
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Nora. The father was a miller by occupation but in after years he gave considerable attention to dealing in grain. Going to Maryville, Mo., he made his home there for a number of years, finally dying at his birthplace in Maryland, while on a visit, in 1876. Will M. com- menced to learn the printer's trade in 1870, when about 13 years old, and before long was enabled to work at the case. Since that time he has been in this business in different capacities. When but a little over 18 years of age he edited the Maryville News, and not- withstanding his youth he made excellent success of that publication. After severing his connection with that paper he became associated with leading daily papers in Kansas City and St. Louis and in March, of the present year, he took charge of the Constitution at this place. His outlook for the future is indeed promising, for besides being thor- oughly posted in his adopted calling, he is energetic and active and a writer of recognized ability and force. Mr. Smith was married April 2, 1883, to Miss Lulu A. Sherwood, of Moberly, Mo. One child is in their famly : Anna Alverta.
BENJAMIN B. SMITH (Postmaster, Chillicothe).
The life of Mr. Smith has been one not unmarked with official public positions, but in all these relations he has proved himself faithful to the trusts committed to him. Whether in his private or official capac- ity no taint of dishonor can be found. He was born in Logan county, O., October 17, 1841, and was the son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Swann ) Smith, both Virginians by birth, the former having been born in Harrison county and the latter near Harper's Ferry. Solo- mon Smith, as an occupation, followed farming, and in an early day removed to Ohio. He was a soldier of the War of 1812, and by Hull was surrendered to the British ; his death occurred in October, 1872. Benjamin B. was the seventh child and third son in the family of 12 children. Up to the age of 16 he remained upon the home farm, and at that time was enabled to enter school at Bellefontaine, O., where he remained as a pupil, and also engaged as teacher up to 1861. In 1862 he commenced his military experience. Enlisting as a private in the 121st Ohio volunteer infantry, he served until June 25, 1865, being mustered out at Alexandria as first lieutenant. During this term of service he participated in a number of battles besides numer- ous skirmishes of minor importance. Among these engagements might be mentioned those of Perryville, Fort Donelson, Shelbyville, the first fight at Franklin, Chattanooga, Burnt Hickory, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Rome, Resaca, the encoun- ters in and around Atlanta, Peachtree Creek, Jonesboro, thence back to Nashville, and from there to Atlanta, finally accompanying Sher- man on his march to the sea. After returning home from the army Mr. Smith resumed school teaching. December 2, 1865, he was mar- ried to Miss Susan A. Mix, of Ohio, daughter of Dr. S. Mix, a prac- ticing physician and surgeon of renowned prominence in the Buckeye
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
State. In November, 1866, Mr. Smith came to Missouri, settling in Mooresville, Livingston county, and this county has since con- tinued to be his home, and here he has been identified with many prominent, progressive movements. He has served two terms of four years each as county recorder, having been elected first in 1870 and again in 1874. During his leisure hours he had devoted him- self to the reading of the law, and in 1879 he was qualified to apply for admission to the bar, which he did, receiving a license to practice. From this time on for three years he was associated in the practice of law with Col. Mansur, elsewhere referred to in this work. May 3, 1885, Mr. Smith took charge of the post-office at this place, his appointment to this position having been an able recognition of the services which he has rendered the Democratic party. He has not only been an active worker in his party, but has ever watched with deep solicitude the improvement and progress of the principles of Democracy, doing effective work in a quiet as well as public way for that party. In 1864 his convictions led him to cast his ballot for Lincoln, and in reviewing this act Mr. Smith says that he con- siders it one of the best deeds of his life. To himself and wife six children have been given : Sherman M., Edward E., Olive B., Luella, Roy A. and Lottie.
WILLIAM SUMMERVILLE
(Chillicothe).
William Summerville, the subject of this sketch, came originally from Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred there November 4, 1830. Consequently he is a little past the age of 55 years. John Summerville, his father, was occupied in tilling the soil in that State during his life, his death taking place in November, 1883. His wife, whose maiden name was Catharine Fergueson, died in 1856. They were the parents of seven children : James H., William, Joseph A., John F., Emily J., Samuel M. and Sarah C. These,all live in their native State save John F., who died in 1868. James H. and Samuel M. are interested in the oil business and the others are farmers and stock-raisers. William Summerville, after being reared in the Keystone State, emi- grated to Chillicothe, Mo., in the spring of 1868, and was first engaged in bridge building, and in fact he gave his attention to this calling until 1871, but in that year he embarked in the grocery business and has continued it to the present. In 1858 he was united in marriage to Miss Ann J. Dickey, formerly from the same State as himself. Six children out of nine which blessed this union are now living : Anna H., Cora C., who married in 1883 Henry Smith of this place ; Sarah J., Jay F., William A. and Oscar. Viola J., Calvin and John are deceased. Mr. Summerville is now the owner and proprietor of a large brick store located on the corner of Slack and Second streets, where he is enjoying a thriving patronage. He handles a large assortment of staple and fancy groceries, queensware, glassware, cutlery, boots and shoes, notions, etc., receiving all kinds of pro-
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
duce in exchange ; and selling entirely for cash, he can afford to dis- pose of his goods at prices which will come within the reach of all and that suit the times. His place is headquarters for farmers from all portions of the community.
HENRY H. SPENCE
(Real Estate and Collection Agent, Chillicothe).
Mr. Spence has been engaged in his present line of business only since 1884, but he was not unknown to the citizens of Chillicothe at that time, for previously he had been identified with merchandising in the capacity of clerk and had also followed other occupations some time. In growing up he was made acquainted with farming and in 1868, upon removing to Missouri, he gave his attention to that calling one year, then moved into town, and after clerking three years trav- eled for a like period, then again entering upon clerical duties. Two years following he was thus occupied and for five and a half years there- after he was in the United States mail service as postal clerk. This posi- tion he left in 1884 to embark in the real estate and collection business, which he has since continued with a good degree of success. His per- sonal qualifications have had not a little to do in giving him the satis- factory results which he enjoys, for he is well liked and by his accommodating manner draws around him a splendid patronage. In 1884 and 1885 he held the positions of city treasurer and collector, serving his trust faithfully. He now owns 50 acres of farming land. Mr. Spence was born in Licking county, O., July 31, 1839, the sixth child and fourth son of William J. and Mary E. (Kirk) Spence, both Virginians by birth. Henry H. remained in his native State until the outbreak of the war, when, in 1861, he enlisted in the 31st Ohio, from which he was discharged in two years on account of disability. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the 178th Ohio and participated in the battles of Fishing River, Shelbyville Pike, Cedar Flats, Old Stone Biver, sec- ond Stone River, and others of minor importance. In 1865 he was discharged at Kingston, N. C., and after returning to Ohio resumed farming and stock trading until coming to Missouri, as stated. Mr. Spence has been twice married. First, February 17, 1868, to Miss Eleanor Robinson, who died July 26, 1875, leaving one child. Halsey I. September 9, 1879, Miss Mary A. Nesmith, of Hannibal, Mo., became his wife. Mr. Spence is a member of the G. A. R.
JAMES SPROAT
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 12, Post-office, Chillicothe).
From a very early date in the history of the country the family of which the subject of this sketch is a representative have been located in Ohio. The great-grandfather of James was a soldier at the battle of Bunker Hill and his maternal grand uncle was a commodore and captured a British vessel during the Revolutionary War. Earl and Lydia ( Kennedy ) Sproat, the parents of James, settled at Marietta,
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
O., in 1788 ; they were married in 1814 ; the former was a native of Middleboro, Mass., and the latter of the State of Pennsylvania. Earl Sproat died in August, 1823, in Monroe county, O., his wife's death occurring in Mason county, W. Va., in 1877. In their family were five children, four besides James. They were Maria, who married Thomas Rough, by whom she had one child, now deceased; she died in August, 1873 ; Eliza, wife of Jeremiah Wilson, of Washington Territory, the mother of six children ; she is also now deceased ; Harriet married first John H. Cayton, and after his death January 7, 1837, she became the wife of Abraham Ryan ; they have five children, and now reside in Meigs county, O. Sarah is now Mrs. Michael Rough, of Mason county, W. Va .; one of their six children died while in service in the Union army. On February 3, 1842, Mr. James Sproat was married to Nancy Ann Core, second daughter of Michael and Hannah Core nee Long, the latter of whom died July 31, 1824. Mrs. Sproat was born in Greene county, Pa., in June, 1824, and was reared by her grand- parents, Asa and Hannah Long. Three children were born of this marriage : Mary Ellen, born October 23, 1842, married in November, 1861, James Forsyth, by whom she had one son James S. Forsyth, born October 10, 1862, and now living with Mr. Sproat ; Mr. Forsyth died in August, 1862, and his widow subsequently married February 22, 1862, F. M. Austin, now of this county, and by this union there are two children living : Adeline, James Sproat's second daughter, born February 3, 1845, married in August, 1863, Amos Fry, and they have six children. The third died when quite young. Mr. Sproat remained at his birthplace, Monroe county, O., where he had been born January 15, 1820, until 1835, moved thence to Cass county, Ill., then in 1839 to Mason county, W. Va., and from there in 1845 to Meigs county, O. In 1852 he settled in Wood county, W. Va., in March, 1858, returned to Mason county, in 1866 became a citizen of Muskingum county, O., and in the fall of 1869 located in this county, and here he has since resided, occupied actively in farming and stock raising. He farms 219 acres belonging to R. G. Keyter and it is but just to say that no little attention has been given by his grandson, James S. Forsyth, to the management of this place. Realizing how limited were his own educational advantages in youth, Mr. Sproat has always favored good schools, and in Ohio he served as school director. Among his classmates when young were some of the Stewart family, who has since become famous in the history of Ohio, and one of the family, Lucinda Wilson, now lives in Washington Territory aged 76 years, hale and hearty. Mrs. S. is owner of real estate in Chillicothe.
DOUGLASS STEWART
(Of Stewart & Mahaffy, Dealers in Groceries, Provisions, Crockery, Glassware, Etc., Chillicothe)
Prominent among young men of Livingston county who by their own merits are steadily coming to the front in business affairs is the sub- ject of thissketch. He isa representative of one of the old and highly
1150
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
respected families whose lives have been closely identified with the history of this county. His father, Robert Stewart, was a native of Ireland, was born in August, 1811, and when young he was brought by his parents to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was reared, serving an apprenticeship of seven years at the stonemason'strade, in which he became very proficient. In June, 1845, he settled in this county and followed his chosen occupation here until his death. His wife before her marriage was Miss Martha Porterfield, a Virginian by birth, and she became the mother of six children, Douglass being the fourth child and second son. He isa son whom Livingston county is proud to claim as her own, for February 6, 1854, he was born near Spring Hill. His youth and early manhood were passed in this vicin- ity, and he may be said to have been reared to mercantile pursuits, for he has had a wide experience in the business, and since 1870 has been engaged in selling goods for different firms. In 1878, in com- pany with Mr. Mahaffy, their present business house was established, and in this their extended acquaintance and large experience serves them well. They have built up a large and remunerative trade, resulting in a safe and constantly growing patronage, and are very attentive to business, closely studying the wants of their customers. Mr. Stewart has been agent of the American Express Company at this place for four years. May 28, 1880, Miss Fannie Dain became his wife, she having come originally from Ontario, Canada. Three children are in their family : Burns, Fay and an infant. A fact that should have been mentioned before is that when Mr. Stewart's mother came to this county she was one of a party of 100 persons who made their settlement here. On a previous page of this volume there has been given an account of the crimes committed in Livingston county during her existence, and one that stands out prominently in that con- nection is the assassination of John Porterfield, a brother of Mrs. Robt. Stewart.
SPENCER A. STONE
(Furnishing Undertaker and Wholesale Dealer in Chromos, Frames, Moldings, Toys, China Goods, Pianos, Organs, Etc., Chillicothe).
Mr. Stone, though still a young man, is old in the experience which is given by a life spent in hard, earnest and persevering endeavor to secure a substantial footing in business affairs ; and this brief outline of his life will be read with interest by many who have watched his rise to a position of substantial worth and success. A native of Wabash county, Ind., he is only a little beyond the age of 33 years, having been born April 1, 1853. His father, also Spencer A. Stone, was a Kentuckian by birth, and after reaching manhood took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Ellen Daily. The parents died while young Spencer was in infancy. Thus left to battle for himself and without the guiding influence and wise counsels of a father and mother, he deserves still more credit for the honor which he has brought upon the name he bears. Until 15 years old he was reared in Indiana and then removed to Iroquois county, Ill., where he
1151
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
obtained a good schooling, passing a period of six years in the mer- cantile business. At the age of 21 he visited Iowa and Nebraska and for some time lived in different localities, finally locating in Chilli- cothe, where he opened a private school. In 1878 he commenced business for himself and the success which has attended his efforts may be imagined when the fact is stated that on starting he was with- out means, and then glance at his present extensive establishment. Everything which Mr. Stone has undertaken has been blessed with substantial returns. While selling goods on the road he acquired an experience that has been of great benefit to him. He certainly can review his career with a pardonable degree of pride. August 24, 1876, Mr. Stone's marriage to Miss Lucinda Garr, daughter of Rev. John Garr, was consummated. She owes her nativity to Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. S. four children have been born : Arthur D., Virgil B., Ethel M. and Guy H. He is now a member of the I. O. O. F. The stock which Mr. Stone carries has already been referred to and is complete in every particular. His trade in pianos and organs, especially, is a most satisfactory one.
J. B. TANNER
(Harness and Saddle Maker, Chillicothe).
Probably within this northwestern portion of Missouri there is not an establishment of a similar kind as extensive or that carries a more complete stock of goods or turns out a better product than the one conducted by Mr. James B. Tanner. Indeed his place is superior to any found in the community about Chillicothe, and its present sub- stantial reputation is largely due, in fact almost entirely so, to the excellent management and thorough business capacity of Mr. T. The building which he occupies is an imposing two story brick struc- ture, filled with a full stock of saddles, harness and goods of a like nature, the quality and workmanship of which need no commendation. Such a house is a credit to any city, and it ranks among the foremost institutions in Chillicothe. Mr. Tanner is now still less than 40 years of age, having been born December 2, 1846, in this State. Edmund and Catherine Tanner, his parents, were Kentuckians by birth, the father being a harness and saddle maker by trade, and perhaps it is but the truth to say that James B. inherited a peculiar fitness for his present calling. Edmund Tanner came to Chillicothe in 1852 and car- ried on his business here, and in August, 1864, he entered the United States army as a member of Co. C, 44th Missouri volunteers, 2d brigade, 16th corps, under A. J. Smith. After taking part in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, Spanish Fort, and the engagements of the Missouri campaign he was killed near St. Louis in August, 1865, thus laying down his life on his country's altar. His widow subse- quently married Charles Wilmot and now resides in Chillicothe. James B. has three brothers : Frank E., of Jamesport, Mo. ; Alvin A. of Cherryvale, Kan., and John H., of this place, and it is a singular
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
coincidence that all of these brothers are themselves following the trade of saddle and harness making. The subject of this sketch was favored with excellent educational facilities, advantages which he improved to the greatest possible extent, attending for a time a col- lege at St. Louis. Upon locating at Chillicothe he embarked in bus- iness here and has since continued it. Mr. Tanner married in 1870 Emma J. Roberts, of Chillicothe, and they have two children : George T. and Lena T. Mr. T. is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. and is sergeant-major of Tyndall Post of the G. A. R. Personally he has many friends by whom he is held in high esteem.
EDWARD L. TAYLOR
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 13, Post-office, Chillicothe).
Hiram Taylor, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of the Buckeye State and the son of William Taylor, who first emi- grated from North Carolina to Virginia and thence to Ohio, later going to Illinois. Hiram was subsequently apprenticed to a tailor of St. Louis, and after remaining with hin four years he traveled exten- sively through the South. Visiting Ohio he was there married to Miss Elizabeth Holmes, a Virginian by birth, daughter of William Holmes, who was also numbered among the early settlers in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor then crossed the plains to Carrollton, III., where the for- mer was engaged in business as merchant tailor with successful results until 1838. Livingston county, Mo., was made his next place of set- tlement and, purchasing 160 acres of land west of Chillicothe, he gave his attention to farming, besides this opening a tailor establishment in the town where he did a thriving business up to 1852. For a period of six years following this he was engaged in general merchandising and about the year 1858 erected a shingle factory, which he success- fully operated until the building of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Rail- road destroyed the trade. Mr. Taylor died in 1867, but his wife still survives, in the enjoyment of good health. Five children blessed their happy married life : William Alonzo was killed by the accidental dis- charge of a gun which fell from his hands ; he was much beloved and his death was keenly felt; Thomas L., died in infancy ; James H. was also accidentally killed, the result of a careless discharge of his gun while hunting ; John W. now resides in New Mexico ; and Ed- ward L. is the subject of this biography. The latter was born in this county August 12, 1844, and received his education in the Chillicothe High School. In 1864 he crossed the plains to Idaho, and after suf- fering many hardships and encountering numerous perilous adventures he started home, but before reaching here his horses were stolen and several hundred miles were covered on foot. Upon his return he en- gaged in farming and the manufacture of shingles. He now owns 134 acres of land, lying two miles south of Chillicothe. In 1867 Mr. Taylor married Miss Martha E. Ryan, daughter of an old and re- spected citizen of the county, John Ryan, and they have had five chil-
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
dren, of whom John H., May and James W. are living ; Susan died in 1872 when four years old, and Lydia died in infancy in 1882. Mr. T. is a stanch Democrat and has several times been elected to public offices. In 1880 he was defeated for county collector, though in his own township, where so well known, he ran far ahead of his ticket. As a citizen he is very public-spirited.
MRS. SARAH L. TAYLOR (Chillicothe, Mo.)
Mrs. Taylor, a respected resident of this place, is a native of En- gland, and a daughter of Samuel Malkin and Elizabeth Timmis, also originally from the same country. Her brother, John L. Malkin, is well remembered by the people of this vicinity. For many years he was a citizen of Livingston county, closely identified with its interests. Born in England in 1810, the second child in a family of 13 children, he was reared in the land of his nativity and afterwards became a large leather dealer and shoe manufacturer, a business in which he was engaged until emigrating to the United States and taking up his location at Lexington, Ky. In 1857 he came to Chillicothe and made his home here until his death. For four terms he filled the position of mayor of Chillicothe, discharging his official duties in a worthy and satisfactory manner. Those who were acquainted with him remember him as a genial, whole-souled man, of strict integrity and very popular. He was a devoted brother, and his sister, Mrs. Taylor, was the idol of his life. She succeeded to the estate which he left. Mrs. Taylor was married in England when a young lady to Richard Battersby. In 1869 they came to the United States in the full enjoyment of a bright future, but soon were their hopes blasted by the death of Mr. Battersby, from the effects of a sunstroke in St. Louis, in 1871. Of eight children born to them Allan is deceased and Samuel Battersby, an attorney, who had just been admitted to the bar, and whose outlook was most promising, was suddenly stricken down by the remorseless hand of death, in November, 1880, injuries received from a fall from a carriage resulting thus fatally. Decem- ber 10, 1872, Mrs. Battersby was again married, this time to Col. Sam. E. Taylor, a Virginian by birth, and an attorney by profession. During the late war he enlisted in the 16th Illinois infantry, in which he recruited a company and was commissioned captain ; and was afterwards connected with the 119th regiment Illinois volunteer in- fantry. On September 12, 1862, he was made lieutenant-colonel. He died in 1876. Mrs. Taylor is the only surviving child of the original family of 13 children. She now resides in Chillicothe, sur- rounded by many comforts of life, owns desirable property, and bet- ter than all, enjoys the confidence and esteem of many, who recog- nize in her those true, noble qualities which go so far to constitute an upright woman.
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