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 124
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 124
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WILLIAM WOODS (Chillicothe).
Mr. Woods' connection with Chillicothe, both in an official capacity and as a besiness man, justly warrants prominent mention of his name among other biographical sketches in this work. Of Kentucky nativity, he was born in Mason county, of the Blue Grass State, November 19, 1830, the son of William and Ann Woods, whose maiden name was Shelton. The former, a Kentuckian by birth, was a carpenter and steamboat engineer by calling, his death occur- ring in 1851. His marriage was consummated in 1823, and in 1842 his wife died, leaving four sons and three daughters. The senior Woods was subsequently again married, Mrs. Mary C. Phillips, of Kentucky, becoming his wife. There was one daughter by that union. William, the fourth son and child by his father's first mar- riage, was reared on a farm until 16 years of age, then learning the painter's trade, which he followed for seven years. But owing to impaired health he was compelled to discontinue that occupation, and in 1857 he came to Missouri, taking up his location in Jackson town- ship, Livingston county. Until the breaking out of the war Mr. Woods was interested in tilling the soil with good results, but his patriotism led him to enter military service and under the enrollment act he first enlisted in Co. K, 65th regiment E. M. M. After serving eight months under the organization between Gov. Gamble and President Lincoln, establishing Provisional regiments of State troops, he enlisted for three years in the 4th Provisional regiment, under the colonelcy of John B. Hale, and was actively engaged in service until
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
the close of the war, in March, 1865. Subsequently he became con- nected with a company of Livingston county volunteers to suppress outrages by lawless bands, went on duty in April, and was mustered out on June 25 following. Until 1869 Mr. W. resumed his former occupation of farming, but in that vear he was elected county recorder, serving through his term of office. After clerking for Hoff- man & Carpenter until 1876, he then received the appointment of city clerk and recorder and discharged the duties of this position for three years. A clerical experience of two years in the establishment of Henry Kase was followed by his election to the office of township assessor, and since then he has been with Frederick Truog, the well known grocer. His career in all walks of life has been an honorable one and his numerous calls to occupy official positions fully attest his personal regard. Mr. Woods was married in 1857 to Miss Frances C. Moma, who was born in Ross county, O. They have six children living: Mary R., Carrie E., wife of William Osborne ; John T., Alice A., Lillie B. and Nellie.
JAMES G. WYNNE (Attorney at Law, Chillicothe).
One of the younger members of the legal fraternity in Livingston county, but one not unknown, Mr. Wynne has gained an honorable place among his brother practitioners, and in the prosecution of his professional duties is meeting with encouraging success. He was one of 8 children born to Evans P. and Melvina (Byrd) Wynne, the others being David, in Grundy county, Mo. ; William K., in the same county ; Frank E., Edward W., Robert P., Sarah B. and Mary L. The mother was a native of Pettis county, Mo. She died December 11, 1885. Evans Wynne came originally from Tazewell county, Va. When young he settled in Grundy county, Mo., and there farmed and gave his attention to merchandising until his death in 1875. The principal portion of the youth of James G. was passed in Grundy county, but for a short time during the war he resided in Illinois. From an early age he was made familiar with the details of farm life and to this calling he devoted himself up to 1876, when he engaged in the drug trade at Chillicothe. For some three years he carried on this business, but in the year mentioned the long cherished desire to follow the practice of law induced him to commence studying for that profession. Pursuing a careful course of instruction under Hon. D. M. Pollard, he was soon admitted to the bar (1879) and in 1881 he removed to Bedford, Livingston county. In 1882 his ability and rec- ognized fitness for the position caused him to be elected prosecuting attorney of the county and so well were his official duties discharged that in 1884 he was re-elected to the same position, which he still oc- cupies, and as has been intimated, to the entire satisfaction of the people of the county. Mr. Wynne is now still less than 30 years of age, having been born in Grundy county, February 7, 1858. October 18, 1882, he was married to Miss Belle C. Thompson, also of Grundy
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
county, and daughter of a well known physician and farmer of that locality, Dr. M. V. Thompson, a Kentuckian by birth. Mr. and Mrs. W. have one child, Walter E. The only secret organization of which he is a member is the Knights of Pythias.
THOMAS R. BRYAN
(Deceased).
On the 29th of September, 1877, Thomas R. Bryan, for many years intimately associated with the county's interests, died at his home near Chillicothe, and in his death the county keenly felt the loss of one of her pioneer citizens, a man who had taken part in and wit- nessed its growth and development from a primitive condition. He was born in White county, Tenn., November 4, 1806, the son of Andrew J. Bryan, of Virginia nativity, who subsequently moved to Tennessee. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Thomas' mother, Isabel Ross, was of Irish parentage, born in Philadelphia. Thomas was the eldest of 9 children in the family. He grew up in Tennessee on a farm and in 1835 came to this county, his parents also having located herc, where they afterwards died. Mr. Bryan was appointed the first clerk of the circuit and county courts held after the county was organized, and for two years discharged his official duties, then being re-elected and filling the position for 19 years. After retiring from official life he gave his attention to farming. September 25, 1840, he was married to Miss Lydia King, originally from Garrett county, Ky., but a daughter of A. M. King, of Ray county, though himself a Kentuckian. Mrs. Bryan before her marriage was Miss Jane Graves. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. B. were 9 children : Eva, wife of R. J. Wheeler; Jennie, now Mrs. Currin ; Lizzie, Angie, now Mrs. Low- man; Ad. K., T. Ross, Florence, Robert P. and Charles. Mr. Bryan is well remembered by those at all familiar with the history of Living- ston county. The highest eulogy that could be paid to his memory was that said by one of his numerous friends at the time of his death, " We shall sincerely miss him, for he was a good man."
SIDNEY McWILLIAMS
(Formerly of Chillicothe).
Sidney McWilliams, now a resident of Kansas City but formerly one of Chillicothe's leading business men, was so prominently con- nected with the interests of the place while here that it would be an omission to be regretted not to insert an outline, at least, of his life in this history of the county, From the United States Biographical Dictionary, Missouri edition, the following brief facts concerning Mr. McWilliams are obtained : -
He was born in Madison county, Ky., April 8, 1829, and is the son of Alexander C. and Jade C. ( Breedlove ) McWilliams, the former of Madison county, Ky., and the latter of Albermarle county, Va. His father was a farmer by calling, and served in the Wars of 1812 and
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
the Indian War, a son of John McWilliams, a Revolutionary soldier. Sidney was reared as a farmer in his native State and when 20 years of age began merchandising at Rogersville, Ky., continuing there until his removal to Breckinridge, Caldwell county, Mo., in 1857. He re- mained occupied in mercantile pursuits at that place for 10 years and in 1867 removed to Chillicothe, soon becoming interested in the Peo- ple's Savings Bank as director, stockholder and cashier. In 1872 he was elected president of the bank and afterwards devoted his entire time to banking and the real estate business, by which he secured a competence that afforded him time and capital to indulge his tastes. In 1860 he married Miss Ann Rogers, of Madison county, Ky., but this estimable lady lived only three years after her marriage. In 1868 he married Miss Fannie, daughter of John H. Ware, Esq., of Chillicothe. Politically he is a Democrat, but has never sought or held office of a political responsibility. Mr. McWilliams is a man of public spirit, strict integrity and great strength of character. Largely to his indefatigable energy and financial ability is due the prosperous condition of the People's Savings Bank of Chillicothe. In 1877, November, he received the appointment of receiver of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, which position he filled with honor until relieved by the courts.
JAMES H. MATHEWS
(Dealer in Groceries, Provisions and Queensware, Chillicothe).
Mr. Mathews, one of the substantial business men of Livingston county, is a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, and was born Jannary 26, 1836. His father, James Mathews, was born in Ireland, and was brought by his parents to the United States when very young ; the maiden name of his mother was Catherine Draper, of Virginia. The father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and for some time lived in Pittsburg, Pa., moving thence to Trumbull county, and afterwards to Putnam county, Ohio. He cleared up a farm on the Western Re- serve. In 1850 he removed to Washington county, Iowa, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, subsequently selling his farm, and locating in the town of Washington. The subject of this sketch spent his early life on a farm and afterwards learned the trade of harness making. In 1859, in company with his father and brother, he started for Pike's Peak, but owing to unfavorable reports they returned before reaching their destination. Mr. Mathews came to Chillicothe and stopped six months and then went to Kansas and remained until 1861, when he returned to Washington, Iowa, when he enlisted in the 2d Iowa infantry, and served three years. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, battle of Iuka and battle of Corinth. After his discharge from the army he again returned to Washington, Iowa, and entered into parnership with C. Sturgis, in the saddlery and harness business, and after seven months he sold out and came to Chillicothe and engaged in the same business, which he conducted successfully until 1884. Then he disposed of his
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
interests in this line. He had also in the meantime opened a buisness house in the same line in Trenton which he is still conducting, enjoy- ing a good trade. In 1885 he engaged in his present calling. Mr. Mathews has been closely identified with the interests of this city and served three terms in the city council. He has been married three times; first, May 7, 1867, to Miss Mary Nesbit, who was born in Chil- licothe, a daughter of Hiram Nesbit. She died August 20, 1877, leaving three children: Charlie and May L. and Alice. Mr. M. married for his second wife, Mrs. Tillie Hines, whose maiden name was Darlington. She died in 1883, leaving one son, Alfred. His third marriage was to Miss Annie Nesbit, who was born near Paris, Monroe county, Mo. Mr. Mathews is a Knight Templar in the Ma- sonic Order. Since his residence in Chillicothe he has gained a warm place in the affections of the citizens here, and has become very pop- ular, his thoroughly good qualities contributing largely to the esteem in which he is held.
COL. DANIEL G. SAUNDERS (Deceased).
Col. Saunders, who in life, was one of the most progressive men who ever made a home in Livingston county, was a Virginian by birth, having been born in Bedford county, February 4, 1817. He remained in his native State until 1835, then emigrating to Chariton county, where he made his home for twenty years, and while living there in 1848 he was elected to represent that county in the State Legislature. In 1855 he came to this county and at once became prominently identified with its mercantile interests, and also as a tobacco dealer. His wife was formerly Miss Laura Hick, of Chariton county, Mo., and to them seven children were born : Sylvanus S., Frederick H., Bolina D., wife of Wesley A. Jacobs; Luella, now Mrs. Gilbert ; Dan G., May, now Mrs. Darlington, and Oak. Mr. Saunders died May 23, 1881, leaving a memory which is fragrant in the minds of many with whom he was acquainted. He was a man of decided prominence and above the average in intellectual worth. At the same time he was a person highly respected for his many noble qualities. As a civil engineer he was among the best in the State in an early day and did considerable Government surveying in this and other States. He surveyed and laid out St. Joseph, Mo., and Rock Island, Ill. Though a member of the Chillicothe bar he never entered into active practice, but passed the later years of his life almost exclu- sively in the interest of his real estate business and making abstracts of titles, etc. The following brief outline concerning him is worthy of mention at this place and is therefore reproduced : - -
Col. D. G. Saunders was a man of extraordinary talents, though his retiring and unassuming disposition and probably his surroundings had much to do in deterring him from assuming the commanding position in life that other men of far less talents reach. In all the sciences he was thoroughly posted. In mathematics, philosophy and kindred
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
sciences he had few superiors, and many men have achieved fame and fortune in civil engineering to whom he was far superior in that science, and in matters of history, sacred and profane, he was re- garded as a walking " Cyclopedia" by his intelligent acquaintances. As a citizen, neighbor, friend and acquaintance he was held in the highest esteem in this community where he lived for the last twelve years of his life, and his name and character will be held in respect by all who knew him until time shall be no more with them.
THOMAS F. SPENCER
(Proprietor of Leeper House, Chillicothe).
Considering that Mr. Spencer is still comparatively a young man and that he began for himself with little or no means to start on, his career has been more than an ordinarily successful one. He was born in Sullivan county, Mo., June 14, 1843. His father, Thomas, was born in Pike county, Mo., and his grandfather, who was named Thomas, came to the State when young. . The maiden name of the mother of this subject was Elizabeth Gentle, a native of Pike county, Mo. His father was reared in Pike county, and in 1838 or 39 moved to Sulli- van county, Mo. He was a farmer by occupation until 1866, when he removed to Laclede, Linn county, where he died in 1868. He left six children, Thomas F., being the eldest son and second child ; he was reared at his birthplace until 17 years old and assisted in the duties of the farm. In 1860 he commenced his mercantile experience as clerk in a store and furnished a substitute on the farm out of the sal- ary he received. He followed mercantile pursuits 12 years and then commenced reading law, for which he had formed an attachment. He matriculated in the law department of the State University and was graduated in the class of 1873-74, with the highest honors. He returned to Chillicothe, having previously located here in 1863. After devoting a time to his profession he engaged in the lumber trade which he conducted with encouraging success, and for the past two years his entire time has been given to his present calling and for which he seems naturally adapted. He was married October 25, 1868, to Miss Mollie R. Harvey, a native of Linn county, Mo., and daughter of Elijah Harvey, an old settler. They have one daughter, Elvia. Both himself and wife take a pardonable pride in the good name of their house, and exert themselves diligently to sustain the reputation already achieved. Mr. Spencer is a man of untiring indus- try, great tenacity of purpose, good business habits and qualifications and has been satisfactorily successful in accumulating substantial evi- dences of material comfort.
STEWART, LAUDERDALE & HARGRAVE
(Dealers in Heavy Iron Ware, Shelf Hardware, Stoves and Tinware, Chillicothe).
Each of the members of this firm is a representative of the old and respected families whose name they bear. Each was born and
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
reared in this county and have claims upon the patronage of the pub- lic such as no other firm can present. Their parents were among the earliest settlers of the county and their lives have been such that not a shadow can be advanced derogatory to the reputation of either- a record that can not fail in being in the highest degree satisfactory. Although this firm has only been in business for one year, they have succeeded in establishing a safe and remunerative trade, and their close attention to business, combined with a large and well selected stock of the most reputable manufactures, together with the reasonable prices at which they are disposing of them, have contributed largely to their success.
Robert Stewart, the senior partner, is a son of Robert M. Stewart, an early settler and one familiar to all of the pioneers, was born in Ireland and came with his parents when very young to Pennsylvania. He was a stonecutter by trade and came to this county when but few improvements had been made. He married Miss Martha Porter- field, of Virginia. Robert is the youngest of seven children and the third son ; he has been reared and educated in his native county and may be said to have been literally bred to his present business, and is thoroughly familiar with all its details. He was married November 4, 1885, to Miss Ida Grace, a daughter of James A. Grace, one of Chillicothe's most substantial citizens.
Robert V. Lauderdale is a son of Robert Lauderdale, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The maiden name of his mother was Cynthia Boyles. She was first married to Thomas Watson, who died, leaving two children.
Dixon Hargrave was born in this county September 6, 1865 ; his father, John C. Hargrave, was born in this county in 1839; the maiden name of his mother was Sarah Gibbs, a daughter of David and Margaret Gibbs, who were also early settlers. A sketch of Benjamin Hargrave, the grandfather of Dixon, will be found in the history of Jackson township.
HERMAN BURG, JR.
(Chillicothe).
Mr. Burg is a proper representative of the energetic young business men of Chillicothe, which element has done and is doing so much for the advancement of the material interests of the city. He is the senior member of the firm of H. Burg & Co., of the Palace of Fashion, the leading millinery house in this quarter of the State, and is the proprietor of the well kept and popular Silver Moon Restaurant. He is a native of Chillicothe, born December 25, 1859. His parents, Herman Burg, Sr. and Catherine Wallbrunn, were born in Germany. In 1857 the senior Burg came to Chillicothe and was engaged in busi- ness with his brother-in-law, Daniel Wallbrunn, until his death, in 1859. Some years after his widow married Mr. Louis Ritter, who met his death near Brookfield, Mo., November 27, 1870, by being thrown from the cars on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. He left two
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
daughters : Bertha and Hettie, both now amiable and accomplished young ladies. When 9 years of age Herman Burg was sent to school at Youngstown, O., where he remained some years, going theuce to Philadelphia, where he completed his education. He received thor- ough and careful training with the object of fitting himself for a mer- cantile experience, and in 1876 returned to Chillicothe and for a time was engaged as a traveling salesman. In 1882, in connection with his cousin, Joseph Wallbrunn, he established the Palace of Fashion, a wholesale and retail millinery and ladies' furnishing goods emporium, one of the best appointed and most attractive establishments of the kind in Northern Missouri. The firm carries a large and varied stock, and receives a most liberal share of public favor. In 1884 he opened the well known dining hall and confectionery store called the Silver Moon Restaurant. Although a young man, Herman Burg has long been recognized as identified with the business interests of the city, and has taken an active part in every measure of enterprise for its good. Public spirited, liberal minded and generous in disposition, and active, energetic and intelligent by nature, his career has been successful and honorable, and his future is full of promise.
GEN. WILLIAM Y. SLACK.
William Yarnell Slack was born in Mason county, Ky., August 1, 1816. His father, John Slack, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother. Jane Caldwell, a native of Virginia. In 1819 John Slack removed from Kentucky to Missouri, settling in what is now the western or northwestern portion of Boone county, then Howard. He was a potter by trade, and was the first justice of the peace in his township. His fellow-citizens regarded him with great esteem, as a man of sober, sound judgment and high character.
Wm. Y. Slack received a common school education, and in early life began the study of law under Hon. J. B. Gordon, at Columbia, where he was admitted to the bar. At that time Columbia was well supplied with first-class lawyers, and young Slack concluded to locate in one of the new counties. In March, 1839, when but 22 years of age, he came to Livingston county and settled at Chillicothe, which locality was ever afterward his home. In April, 1839, he was admit- ted to practice in the circuit court of this county, and at once entered on a career of success and distinction. Business came to him unso- licited. His strong good sense, his knowledge of human nature, his calm conservatism, and his genuine legal ability were soon perceived, and be gained the general confidence of the people. In time it came about that he was engaged on one side of every important legal con- troversy in Livingston county, and his counsel and assistance were sought in the other counties of this judicial circuit.
In 1842 he was elected as a Democrat to represent this county in the State Legislature, and served in the 12th General Assembly. Although a strong partisan and after a time a prominent politician, known throughout the State, his political " work " was afterwards
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IIISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
not employed in his own behalf. He preferred the success of his party and the preferment of other of its deserving members to his own political advancement. Time and again he declined to be a can- didate for office, when his election was certain, alleging that he could not do so without neglecting the interests of his clients. Yet he found time to attend nearly every State and Congressional conven- tion of his party, and to make speeches in every campaign for its principles and its candidates. In 1845 he was elected, practically without opposition, a member of the State Constitutional Convention. In 1859 he was a candidate against his own wishes for circuit judge, but was defeated by a small majority by Col. J. B. McFerran, another Democrat.
In every great public emergency, Wm. Y. Slack was a patriot. Selfish and personal considerations were laid aside when the question of duty was presented. Upon the breaking out of the Mexican War he at once declared himself a volunteer for the cause of his country. In a publie meeting at Chillicothe, after war had been declared, he said: " It is too late now to discuss the question whether or not the war could have been avoided. It is enough for us to know that it is upon us. Our country has declared war, and I am for my country, gentlemen, first, last, and all the time."
Upon the organization of the Livingston county company of volun- teers he was made its captain and at once led it to the field. The services and history of this company (Co. L. 2d Missouri mounted volunteers ), are detailed elsewhere (see Chapter IV. ), and need not here be described. Giving up a lucrative and growing practice, Capt. Slack served his full time as a soldier faithfully and well. Assuming no airs and taking upon himself no unwarranted assumptions, he was at the same time a strict disciplinarian, kept his men well in hand, and would neither allow them to be imposed upon or to impose upou others. Of great personal courage, presence of mind, and evi- dent ability, he gained the esteem and confidence of Gen. Price and his other superior officers, and held to the last the admiration and affection of his men. He came out of the war with additional repu- tation and character.
In time Capt. Slack came to be the leading citizen of Livingston county - not the wealthiest by any means - but standing first in public estimation in influence, in knowledge of men and affairs, in ex- perience, in judgment and discrimination. His opinion was sought and his counsel heeded in nearly every question of a public nature and in hundreds of private affairs. He was appealed to in church quarrels, in personal differences, in business controversies, and for years the county court rarely built a bridge, laid out a road, or ex- pended a dollar without first obtaining his opinion as to the validity or expediency of the action.
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