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 123

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 123
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 123

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

1154

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

NATHAN THOMPSON

(Post-office, Chillicothe).

The subject of this sketch, well known to the residents of this com- munity, was the youngest child in a family of five sons and two daughters born to his parents, David and Mary V. Thompson, nee Waller. The other children were William W., of Hickory county, Mo. : Eliza J., of Barren county, Ky :; John B., now deceased ; James G., also of Barren county ; Louis and Jane, now deceased. Nathan was born in Barren county, of the Blue Grass State, January 5, 1818, continuing to reside at the old homestead until his marriage January 4, 1838, when Eliza G. Stringer, only child of William and Mariah W. Stringer, became his wife. Her father died in 1844; her mother in 1828. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson nine children were born : Mary Mariah, born November 27, 1838, now deceased; Marcella P., born October 1, 1840, wife of Edwin Porter Thompson, and they have three children living and three deceased ; Elliott Wesley, born May 28, 1843, married Alice J. Lynn, and they have three children living and one dead ; Elizabeth J., born August 15, 1845, married to James A. Gill in 1867 ; they have four children living and three dead ; Foun- tain K., whose life history is briefly outlined below; Sophia Belle, born November 6, 1851; Sarah E., born January 10, 1855, married to J. P. Kester, and they have two children living, one being deceased ; Harriet A., born March 30, 1858 ; Dora M., born November 8, 1861, died August 5, 1881. In February, 1866, Mr. T., leaving Barren county, Ky., located in Richardson county, Neb., from which he came to this county seven months later, settling in Chillicothe, and then upon a rented farm, where he remained four years. Purchasing the homestead which he now occupies he moved upon it. This embraces ' 40 acres, a neat, comfortable homestead, conveniently improved. Since October, 1856, Mr. Thompson has been an ordained deacon in the M. E. Church, and October 7, 1860, he was made an elder at Elizabethtown, Ky., by the Louisville conference. He has been an active member of Pleasant Grove M. E. Church South and at this time holds membersip in the Missouri conference as local preacher. His standing as an upright, Christian man is unquestioned.

Fountain K. Thompson, one of the sons of Nathan Thompson, is an agriculturist with whom the residents of Chillicothe township are well acquainted, for his labors as a farmer have resulted in good both to himself and in their influences towards others. His birth occurred in Barren county, Ky., September 1, 1849, and there he remained up to 1866, when he went to Nebraska, remained seven months and then located in this county. December 4, 1881, he was married to Miss Mary E. Mumpower, daughter of David Mumpower, now of Living- ston county. In growing up Mr. Thompson obtained a good educa- tion and besides giving his attention to tilling the soil and stock raising he has taught school some six years. His farm of 90 acres has upon it modern improvements.

1155

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

JOHN THOMPSON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 14, Post-office, Chillicothe).

The subject of this sketch is a native Missourian, and one who made the best of the advantages to be had while he was growing up. He was born in Saline county in December, 1837, one of six children in the family of his parents, Samuel Thompson and wife, whose maiden name was Lucinda Anderson, the former a Virginian and the latter a native of Tennessee. Samuel Thompson removed to Shelby county, Ky., when very young, and from there to Putnam county, Ind., con- tinuing to follow his chosen trade of a blacksmith in these different localities. The names of the children besides John were : David, who went to California in 1849 ; Elizabeth, wife of John Taylor, in Cald- well county ; James also took a trip to California in 1853 ; Isaac died when eight years old, and Samuel is a farmer in Carroll county. Mrs. Thompson died in 1838, and some time after the father married again, Miss Leah Cockerham, of Indiana, becoming his wife. Three children born of this marriage are living : Martha Frances, wife of Samuel Rathbun, of Caldwell county ; Nancy Jane, now Mrs. Wiley Miller, and Ebenezer, in this county. Mr. Thompson's third wife was Mrs. Mary Duckworth, nee Waddell. Upon leaving Putnam county, Ind., he took up his location in Saline county, Mo., and in 1839 came to this county, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death, May 15, 1884. He was intimately and influentially identified with the interests of this county during these many years, and gained a large and warm circle of friends, who sincerely mourned his loss. In another portion of this work, in connection with the history of Sampsel township, will be seen an outline of his life. John Thompson, the subject of this sketch, was reared in the vicinity of his present home, and very naturally, as he grew up in the midst of a farming community, was taught the duties pertaining to that calling. At this time he has an estate of 250 acres, substantially improved and under good culti- vation, and well adapted for the purposes of general farming and the raising of stock. February 25, 1864, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Malinda C. Lile, who was born on the site of her present home, her father having been Allen P. Lile, originally from Tennessee, and her mother, Mary (Cox) Lile, of Ohio nativity ; they came to this county in 1833, and here brought up their family of 11 children : Isom P., John W., Charles M., Malinda, George, Nancy J., wife of William Barlow; Martha Ann, married to Scott Nally ; Caleb S., Melissa C., Andy B. and Amanda E. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have two children : James A. and John S. Mr. Thompson has held for a number of years the position of justice of the peace. In many ways he has held and does now hold a warm place in the hearts of those who know him.

1156

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

ELLIOTT W. THOMPSON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Chillicothe).

Elliott W. Thompson is a Kentuckian by birth, born in Barren county May 28, 1843, and he remained in the vicinity of his birthplace until enlisting in defense of the principles which he believed to be right. October 12, 1861, he joined the 1st Kentucky brigade under Gen. Breckinridge, participated in the engagements of Shiloh, Vicks- burg, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Chickamauga, and twice during the battle of Kenesaw Mountain did he conduct the medical stores of the brigade across the line of fire in the rear of the troops ; he also took part in the engagements while opposing the raid of Gen. Potter of the negro brigade and was paroled May 6, 1865, at Washington, Ga., his command refusing to surrender to Potter's brigade. Returning to Barren county, Ky., Mr. T. remained there until going to Richardson county, Neb., in the spring of 1866, and some eight months later he came to this county and settled three miles southeast of the town of Chillicothe. This has since been his home and here he owns a small, neat place of 40 acres. Mr. Thompson's wife was formerly Miss Alice J. Linn, eldest daughter and one of four children of Andrew S. Linn, of Grant county, Ky. She was born April 3, 1846 ; her eldest brother, W. G. Linn, is now general traffic agent of the Minneapolis, Sioux City and St. Paul Railroad, and resides in Sioux City, Ia. Mr. and Mrs. T. have three children living: Nathan L., born Novem- ber 15, 1869; May E., born June 12, 1875, and Dora F., born June 30, 1885. Kate G., born April 17, 1879, died July 17, 1879. Mr. Thompson became associated with the M. E. Church South in 1867.

FREDERICK TRUOG

(Dealer in Groceries and Proprietor of Bakery, Chillicothe).

To say that any person is " the poor man's friend" is assurance sufficient in itself that such an one is successful in his business. At any rate this is found to be true in the case of Mr. Truog, for by placing goods on the market within the reach of all he secures a good class of custom, and at the same time a profitable patronage. Mr. T. is not a native of this country for he was born in Switzerland January 23, 1825. His father, Frederick Truog, a baker and dealer in grain, was also of the same place, as was his mother, whose maiden name was Ursula Laurer. Up to the age of 21 young Frederick remained in the country of his birth, acquiring a fair education, after which he com- menced to learn the trade of a baker. In 1846 he emigrated to the United States and four years was occupied in traveling and working in different places in the South and Northwest; but desiring to locate permanently in some place, he selected Jacksonville, III., in 1850, as his abode and up to 1866 he continued to reside there. In the year mentioned he came to Chillicothe, Mo., and opened a bakery and gro -. cery establishment and in connection with this he now conducts a

1157

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

general grocery and provision store. His stock of goods is equal to any in the place in point of selection and as has been intimated his fair dealing is bringing him many returns. February 8, 1852, Mr. Truog was married to Miss Sarah Ann Cassell, a Kentuckian by birth, but brought up in Jacksonville, Ill. They have seven children living : John, Charles Martin, Louis Lincoln, William E., Hattie, Robert F. and Harry. Two daughters and one son are deceased.

JOHN M. VORIES

(Attorney, Abstracter of Titles and Real Estate Agent, Chillicothe).

Only those who have been deprived of the wise counsels and influ- ence and tender care of a father can appreciate or realize the value of such a parent, especially in an early age, and when one is seen who has thus come up through the world to honorable positions in life, certainly he deserves credit. Mr. Vories was born in Fairfield county, O., September 23, 1840, and his father, John Vories, died September 28, of the same year. The latter was a native of Ohio, and for many years conducted a saddle and harness business in the town of Rush- ville; and also he was a contractor, engaged in working on a turn- pike. His wife was formerly Rebecca Price, daughter of Thomas Price, who still survives him at the age of 96 years. Mrs. V. was born in Uniontown, Pa. Mr. Vories' great-grandfather at the time of his death was 105 years old. He built the stone bridge at Mar- tinsburg, Va., known as Price's bridge ; he died from the effects of a wound received in the Revolutionary War. John M. Vories in grow- ing up received excellent training from his mother, and to her is largely due his success in subsequent years. Reared at Zanesville, he learned the trade of cigar making and at the same time studied law, finally being admitted to the bar in 1862. In a short time he enlisted in the 122d Ohio volunteer infantry, Co. I, as a pri- vate, and when mustered out July 1, 1865, was orderly sergeant. During his term of service he participated in the battle of Win- chester, under Milroy, on the flank at Gettysburg, battle of the Wilderness, and on the campaign to the surrender of Lee, except for a time while in the valley under Sheridan and at Monocacy and Cedar Creek. He was wounded in front of Petersburg and twice at Monocacy and at Winchestor, under Milroy, also receiving

slight wound. To this day he continues to suffer somewhat from disease contracted while in the army. After the war Mr. Vories came to Chillicothe and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession, in connection with his real estate business, and in these capacities has long been well and favorably known. In March, 1869, he was appointed postmaster at Chillicothe, and held the position con- tinuously until May, 1871. September 20, 1866, Mr. V. was mar- ried to Miss Mary G. Neill, a native of Iowa, and daughter of Henry Neill. They had one child, Vernie V. Mr. Vories has been a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. since 1866.

1158

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

WARREN C. WATE

(Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, Glassware, Queensware, Etc., and Head- quarters for Lamps and Lamp Fixtures).

There are a number of young business men in Livingston county who are rapidly coming to the front among the representative citizens of the community, but none mentioned in this work are more deserv- ing of prominence and success than Warren C. Wate. His birth . occurred at Wilton Junction, Muscatine county, Ia., July 10, 1860, though of Missouri ancestry on his father's side, his father, J. Clark Wate, a native of this State, having removed to Iowa before the birth of his son. The maiden name of the wife of the senior Wate was Helen A. Washburne. Up to the age of nine years Warren remained in the Hawkeye State, spending his boyhood days in a manner similar to that of other youths of the vicinity of his home ; but upon coming to this county in about 1869 he soon after commenced to familiarize himself with the duties of mercantile life. A business experience of eleven years, nine years of the time as salesman with Mr. Henry Kase, rendered him fully competent to start in trade on his own account, so on February 21, 1885, he opened out a store ; since that time his patronage has exceeded his most sanguine expectations and the custom which he has drawn has been highly gratifying. The stock of goods which he carries is an exceptionally fine one and Mr. Wate is making an object of drawing to him a fine trade. The different articles in his stock have already been referred to and are in full keeping with everything about the place. His success in this line, and especially in the face of considerable opposition, is worthy of note and proves that not only is he an upright, courteous business man, but personally of no little popularity. In 1882 Mr. Wate was mar- ried to Miss Edith Jones, daughter of Elizur Jones, one of the most honorable and successful agriculturists in the county and a man noted for his integrity. Two children are in their family : Clarence, two and a half years old, and a little daughter, Alma. Mr. and Mrs. Wate are members of the Christian Church.

JAMES S. WEAVER, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, Chillicothe).

Forty years devoted to the service of humanity sums up in a line the career, thus far, of Dr. James S. Weaver. Having now passed the meridian of life, as the shadows of old age approach it can not but be the consolation of consolations to look back over the path he has trodden and see but comparatively little to regret. Born at Bath, N. H., March 31, 1814, he is the son of James and Rosetta Weaver, natives of Connecticut, the antecedents of whom were prominently as- sociated with the Presbyterian Church, and a cousin of the Doctor was stationed at New York for many years with a salary of $15,000 annually. James Weaver followed his trade of merchant tailor in

1159

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

various places until locating in Ashtabula county, O., then engaging in farming until his death in 1841. Himself and wife had seven chil- dren : Alexander, Wealthy, Elizabeth, Mrs. W. H. Johnson, of New York ; and Laura, who married R. K. Hartshorn, are deceased ; Clarissa first married Wm. T. Thompson, and after his death she became the wife of Francis Young, also now deceased ; since then her home has been with her son, Wm. F. Thompson, who has made remarkable success in his profession as a dental surgeon ; John H. died from the effects of an accidental wound at St. Louis. James S., the subject of this sketch, was educated at Syracuse, N. Y., and afterwards he studied medicine in Cincinnati under the preceptorship of Dr. Hub- bell. Locating in Brown county, O., he commenced practicing there in 1848 and during the cholera epidemic later on achieved a well merited reputation for his successful treatment of patients. In 1858 he located at Leesburg, Highland county, Ill., and in addition to practicing medicine he conducted a large mercantile establishment to advantage, though suffering considerable loss by the devastations of war. Afterwards until 1865 he was located at Abington, Knox county, Ill., and then he came to Chillicothe and continued merchandising here for several years. At last, yielding to the carnest solicitations of many friends, he opened an office and has since followed the duties of his chosen profession in a manner which indicates at once the thoroughly qualified and successful practitioner. June 27, 1839, the Doctor was married to Miss Almira S. Strong, who died May 19, 1849, leaving the following children : George W., died in infancy ; Julia R., born April, 5, 1843, now Mrs. Preston Love ; Mary E., born Feb- ruary 25, 1845, wife of Samuel Bishop ; Fidelia R., born September 5, 1846 ; died March 13, 1865 : Mary A., born February, 25, 1848, died the year following. In November, 1849, Dr. Weaver married Mariah Smith, who bore him four children : Charles E., born August 5, 1850, a druggist of St. Louis ; Amelia M., born June 25, 1856, wife of Chas. Cornu ; Edna L., born April 15, 1858, died January 9, 1881 ; and Lou L., born January 3, 1860, married Geo. A. Briggs. Dr. W. has been a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., having filled all the chairs, and been a delegate to the Grand Lodge. His reputa- tion as a physician and in private life is an enviable one.

DR. M. H. WILCOX (Dentist, Chillicothe).

Dr. Wilcox is justly regarded as one of the thoroughly reliable and efficient masters of the dental profession in Chillicothe, for to a com- plete and almost perfect preparation in the prosecution of his studies years of experience have been added, thus giving him a prominent place among his brother practitioners. Born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1840, he was the son of Rensellaer Wilcox, a native of Albany, who by occupation was a contractor and builder. The maiden name of his mother was Sarah Redfield, whose birth occurred in Monroe county, N. Y. The early life of the subject of this sketch was passed

1160

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

in the vicinity of his birthplace, his education being obtained at Rochester, after which, in 1857, he went to Davis county, Ky., where he was engaged in teaching school. In 1861 he returned to New York, owing to the outbreak of the war. Mr. Wilcox had com- menced the study of medicine and, indeed, had progressed some lit- tle way in his reading, but this he abandoned to take up the study of dentistry under the preceptorship of Dr. Morgan, of Rochester. Since 1862 he has been actively engaged in the practice of his pro- fession, first at Rochester, then for eight years at Corning, N. Y. Following this he spent a year in travel through Europe and after his return he located a few months at Kenosha, Wis. Subsequently he moved to Brookville, Linn county, Mo., coming thence in 1872 to Chillicothe, where his time has since been devoted to his adopted call- ing. His parlors are very attractive and he has every tool and appli-

ance known to the profession. His patronage has been a large, lucrative and successful one, an excellent testimony to his skill and ability. Dr. Wilcox was married on February 12, 1871, to Miss Almina Nichols, of Steuben county, N. Y. In social and musical circles Dr. Wilcox enjoys a prominent standing and is the author of several solos of much merit. He is an active member of the Masonic Order and besides this he belong to the Knights of Pythias. Both himself and wife are deservedly popular in society circles in Chil- licothe.

MARTIN WIETRICK

(Farmer, Section 12, Post-office, Chillicothe).

Mr. Wietrick is among the more recent acquisitions to the agricul- tural affairs of Livingston county, and yet during the short period of his residence here he has so conducted himself and displayed such advanced and progressive ideas in the way of farming that many older in years and experience might do well to follow his example. His place contains 80 acres, and though perhaps not as large as many others that could be mentioned is improved in a manner above criti- cism. All these improvements have been made by himself, and the taste displayed and good judgment shown is but an indication of what his future career must be. Mr. Wietrick was born in Wayne county, O., April 14, 1837. His parents were Henry Wietrick, a native of France, and Elizabeth Wietrick, whose maiden name was Blye. Martin learned the trade of carpenter in youth, and for 30 years he followed that occupation in Ohio, gaining for himself a reputation for steady industry and thoroughness in work which has characterized his efforts in later years. In 1883 he came to Livingston county, Mo., and this has since been his home. Mr. Wietrick's wife is a lady of French birth, and one much esteemed, Miss Elizabeth Howell, to whom he was mar- ried in 1858. Eight children have been born of this marriage, whose names are : Ben. Frank, Augustus, Mary T., Clara J., John E., Cora, George and Nora Belle. Mr. Wietrick's outlook as an agriculturist is most promising, and everything indicates a favorable future.

1161

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

HON. ROBERT B. WILLIAMS

(Presiding Judge of the County Court of Livingstou County).

Judge Robert B. Williams was born in Augusta county, Va., March 27, 1822. His father, Hezekiah Williams, was a Virginian by birth, and as his occupation followed the trade of an iron moulder. The maiden name of Robert's mother was Helen Connell, originally from Pennsylvania, she having borne her husband seven children. Of these Robert was the youngest. In 1838 he accompanied his parents to Washington county, Mo., where they died. Up to the age of 16 he had acquainted himself with the duties of farm life, but shortly after removing to Missouri he learned the mechanical business and then sold goods over Arkansas for one John Ammonett, a native of Albe- marle county, Va., who still survives at a very advanced age. In 1852 he removed to Bloomington, Ill., and worked at his trade until he came to Livingston county, Mo., in 1858, and since that time he has been prominently connected with the history of the county. In 1861 he was appointed coroner of the county by Gov. Gamble, and in consequence of Mr. Samuel L. Hairrs ( who had been elected sheriff ) removing from the county Mr. Williams became the acting sheriff and discharged the duties of that position very acceptably. For five terms the subject of this sketch has been mayor of Chillicothe : in 1862-64, 1866, 1871, 1872. In 1879, 1880 and 1881 he was city clerk and in 1861 and 1870 he held the office of councilman. April 16, 1855, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Mary C. Relfe, of Caledonia, Washing- ton county, Mo., the daughter of Dr. J. H. Relfe. For several years he was justice of the peace, but other positions of honor have been opened to him for in 1873 he was elected judge of the county court and again in 1882, and at this time he is presiding judge. Though from a personal standpoint Judge Williams has had enough of public life, he has esteemed it a duty to try and serve those who have had confidence to place him in official positions, and it is well known that the county's and city's interests have been faithfully cared for by him. During the war he was a Union Democrat and has since acted with that party. It is unnecessary to add that in public esteem he is held very high.

JOSEPH WOLFSKILL

(Farmer, Section 13, Post-office, Chillicothe).

A respected resident of this county for upwards of half a century, and indeed ever since 1834, with the exception of a period of three years spent in California, Mr. Wolfskill is now making preparations to remove permanently to that State, where he has had interests for some time. His loss to this community will be keenly felt, for his career has been that of a man of energy and enterprise in every walk of life. Mr. Wolfskill came originally from Wayne county, Ky., his birth having occurred there in 1811. George Wolfskill, his father, settled in Howard county, Mo., in 1817 with his wife, whose maiden

1162

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

name was Mary Ross. The following children were in their family : Rachel, Patsey, Betsey, Rebecca, Polly, Peggie, John, George, Nancy and Joseph. In 1833 Mr. Wolfskill removed from Howard to Chari- ton county, and about a year later, as mentioned, he came to this county. Agricultural affairs have always received his attention, for that was the calling to which he was reared. He has been married three times. February 4, 1831, Miss Louisa Taylor became his wife ; she was born in Howard county in 1814 and died August 9, 1873, leaving one child, Mary Jane, now the wife of Rice Keaster. In 1874 Mr. Wolfskill married Mrs. Martha Collins, of Delaware, whose death occurred in 1878. September 9, 1879, Mrs. Catharine A. Cox became Mr. Wolfskill's third wife. Her maiden name was Shriver, and she was born in Tippecanoe county, Ind., June 3, 1831. Her father, George Shriver, originally from Pennsylvania, came to this county in 1839, and died here. Catherine first married April 22, 1847, Andrew B. Cox, of Missouri, but he died October 20, 1871, leaving seven children : William Alonzo, Joseph A., Isaac A., Mary E., wife of Charles E. Rosebrough; Sara E., wife of Jabez Beezler; John H., Martha, wife of Almon D. Eastlick. All of these children are married, and the daughters are residing in California. At the time of his death Mr. Cox had an estate of nearly four hundred acres.

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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