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 125

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 125
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 125

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).

Of a kindly, generous nature, Wm. Y. Slack was not the kind of a man to acquire great wealth. So many of his services were given gratuitously that he obtained a respectable competency in spite of himself. Many opportunities for speculation presented themselves

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

in the early history of the county, but he would not take advantage of them. All of his business transactions would bear the strictest scrutiny. His name was never spoken of in connection with any scheme of doubtful propriety. He was suspicioned of no participa- tion in any "job," and his high integrity and purity of character were never assailed. Of personal enemies he had the fewest possible number.

Every enterprise of a public nature for the general welfare found in him a warm advocate. He was an enthusiastic friend of the Hannibal Railroad, and performed much work in its aid. He believed in churches and schools, in books and newspapers, in whatever tended to benefit and enlighten society and improve the general condition of his town, his county, his State and his country.

In 1860 he was a candidate for Presidential elector on the Breekin- ridge and Lane ticket. He had long been identified with the " South- ern Rights " wing of the Democratic party, opposed Douglas and " squatter sovereignty," believed that the slaveholding States had suffered many wrongs and indignities, and that their interests would be greatly conserved by the election of the candidates of that party. He canvassed the district, making many able and earnest addresses. So great was his influence with the Democrats of his own county that Livingston gave a larger vote for Breckinridge than any other county in Northwest Missouri, Buchanan excepted.

After the Presidential election he saw clearly, and was willing at all times to acknowledge, that civil war was inevitable, and from the first announced that when the time came he would certainly go with the South. Yet at no time was he a " fire-eater," nor an irreconcilable. He opposed all violent and inflammatory proceedings, discussed the situation temperately, argued his views calmly and with dignity, and counseled the most careful and considerate action. Believing that the war ought to have been averted, he also believed that it could not now be prevented.

May 18, 1861, chiefly upon the recommendation of Gen. Price, who always admired him, Gov. Jackson appointed Capt. Slack brig- adier general of the 4th division of the Missouri State Guard. As detailed elsewhere he at once set to work to put his division in order against the day of battle. With no military chest, no ordnance to quartermaster's department, no commissariat, this was no easy task, but his success was excellent. His chief efforts were to convert the people from Unionists to Secessionists, and in this he accomplished a great deal.

As mentioned elsewhere, on the night of June 14, 1861, the Fed- cral troops arrived in Lexington. The same day Gen. Lyon moved from St. Louis against Gov. Jackson at Jefferson City ; on the 16th was fought the engagement at Boonville, and on this day Gen. Slack left the forks of Grand river with his small division for Lexington. Here on the 18th Gen. Price arrived, and soon after Gen. Rains' and Gen. Slack's division, under the former, set out for Southwest Mis- souri. At this time Slack's division numbered about 500 mounted

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

men under Col. Rives, and 700 infantry under Col. John T. Hughes and J. C. C. Thornton.

Gen. Slack bore a prominent part in the battles of Carthage and Wilson's Creek. In the latter engagement, as elsewhere described, he was wounded nigh unto death. Kind and skillful hands ministered to him until his faithful and devoted wife reached him, after accom- plishing a toilsome and perilous journey in a carriage from Paris, Monroe county, to Springfield. Mainly from her care and nursing and the skillful treatment of his old family physician and then mili- tary surgeon, Dr. Wmn. Keith, he recovered in less than two months so as to resume command of his division. Though not able to go north with the army under Gen. Price when it moved from Springfield against the Federals on the Missouri, he set out in an ambulance as soon as it was at all permitted him to do so, accompanied by his wife and Dr. Keith, and arrived at Lexington the day after Mulligan's surrender. He received a great ovation from his troops.

He took command of his division October 11, following, and re- mained with it throughout the fall and winter campaign in Southwest Missouri. When the troops of the Missouri State Guard were being mustered into the Confederate States' service he used great efforts to induce his men to join it, and nearly all did so. January 23, 1862, he was placed in command of the 2d brigade of Missouri Confederate volunteers, composed of Cols. Bevier's and Rosser's battalions of infantry, Capts. Lucas' and Landis' batteries of artillery, Col. MeCullough's battalion of cavalry, together with Hughes' battalion, Gause's battalion and some other battalions, companies and squads.

Early in the desperate battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, Ark., March 7, 1862, Gen. Slack was mortally wounded, at the head of his brigade, and while placing it in position. The ball which struck him entered an inch above the old wound received at Wilson's Creek - in the right hip, ranging downward, producing paralysis of the urinary organs, which resulted in inflammation and gangrene. He was caught by his aide-de-camp, Col. Scott, when about to fall from his horse, and with the assistance of others carefully conveyed in an ambulance to a house in Sugar Hollow, where his wound was skillfully dressed by the brigade surgeon, Dr. Peter Austin. The next day when the Confederates retreated, he was conveyed to Andrew Rol- ler's, east of the battle ground ; accompanied by Maj. Cravens, Dr. Keith and Sergt. Street. Here he remained until the 16th, when, afraid of capture, he was removed seven miles further away from the field, to Moore's Mills, where he rapidly grew worse, and at 3 a. m., Thursday, March 20th, he breathed his last. The next morning he was buried eight miles cast of the battle field. In the spring of 1880 his remains were removed to the Confederate cemetery at Fayetteville, Ark., where they yet lie.

Gen. Slack was twice married. His first wife was Mary E. Wood- ward, daughter of Maj. Woodward, of Ray county, Mo. To her he was married in July, 1842, and she died February 9, 1858, leaving two children - John W., and Emma I., the latter becoming Mrs. Vaughn -

1173

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

both of whom are dead. January 12, 1859, the General married Isa- bella R., a daughter of Dr. Gustavus M. Bower, of Monroe county, Mo.

Mrs. Slack, is a native of Kentucky, but came to Monroe county at an early age. Her father was a surgeon in the American army in the War of 1812, and was at the battle and massacre on the River Raisin, in Michigan, where he was taken prisoner by the British and Indians and narrowly escaped with his life. He was a thorough gentleman, a man of culture, education and ability and attained rare prominence and distinction. In 1844 he was elected to Congress from Missouri and served one term very acceptably and faithfully.

By the last wife Gen. Slack had two children, Wm. Y., Jr., and Gustavus Bower ; the latter was born December 11, 1861, and never saw his father. Wm. Y. Slack, Jr., was born in Chillicothe, July 28, 1860, and still claims his citizenship here. In 1877 he received, after a competitive examination, the appointment of cadet at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. After a stay of three years at this institution he decided not to enter the naval service, having no desire for a life on the ocean wave after he learned what it meant, and so he resigned before graduating and returned home with a splendid record made at the Naval school for scholarship and general efficiency. Returning to Chillicothe he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1882, and soon after was appointed justice of the peace, to which office he was afterward elected. In 1885 he was appointed postal clerk on the Wabash Railway which position he is now filling with marked ability. Gustavns B. Slack was educated at La Grange Col- lege, and after leaving school was for some time a clerk, then a com- mercial traveler or drummer, and has also followed railroading to some extent.

The widow of Gen. Slack lives in his old home at Chillicothe. A lady of intelligence, accomplishment and refinement, and withal of deep and sincere piety, she is admired and beloved by all who know her.

CHAPTER XXI.

RICH HILL TOWNSHIP.

Physical Features - Organization - Early History - Land Entries - Coxville - Mis- cellaneous -Churches - Biographical.

Rich Hill is the only municipal township in the county composed of a single perfect and entire Congressional township. It is composed exclusively and solely of township 58, range 23. The township is com- prised generally of fine farming land. In the eastern part, however, along Medicine creek, there are many tracts of bottom land, with two or three considerable lakes, and some swampy and marshy land unfit for cultivation.

Its nearness to Chillicothe renders the land in the southern part of the township very valuable, and its natural fertility adds to its worth. The fine farms of P. H. Minor and John Postlewait are unsurpassed in North Missouri for general excellence. The farmers, too, are some of them very intelligent and enterprising. Some fine herds of short hornss and other superior breeds of cattle have been introduced and are kept here. The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad will be built through the western part of this township. It is related that when Mr. P. H. Minor donated the right of way for this road through his valuable lands, he said : " Take it, gentlemen; take all you want - everything I have if necessary ; only leave me my wife and children."

The township was organized out of Chillicothe township, November 30, 1872, on petition of John M. Grant and others. It was first called " Grant " township for Mr. Grant, the leading spirit in its organiza- tion, but five days later the name was changed to Rich Hill, because of the number of alleged rich and fertile hill lands in the township. Rich Hill was a part of Chillicothe township when the bonds in aid of the Brunswick and Chillicothe Railroad were voted, and if they are decided legal and valid, must pay her due and just proportion of the debt.

EARLY HISTORY.

The first land entries in Rich Hill township were made in October, 1839, and nearly all of them bear date October 26, and November 4,

(1174)

1175

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

of that year. Settlements were made in the township prior to that date, however, but by whom and where can not now be determined. The original land entries prior to 1840, made by actual residents of either the township or county, are here given :-

Name.

Description.

Date.

Eli D. Murphy

nw. ¿ sec. 4 nw. à sec. 5

Oct. 26, 1839

Chas. Ashley

nw. ne., ne. nw. sec. G.

Nov. 4, 1839

Sol. R. Hooker

w. & nw. sec. 7

Nov. 4, 1839

Eli Hobbs

e. § nw. sec. 7 .

Nov. 4, 1839

James White. .

sw. 4 sec. 7.

Nov. 4, 1839

John B. Leeper

se. # sec. 7 .

Oct. 26, 1839

Thos. Dobbins

ne. 4 and e. g nw. 2

Oct. 26, 1839

Thos. Dobbins

nw. sw. sec. 13

Nov. 4, 1839 Oct. 4, 1839

John Cox

se. 4 sec. 14 .

Oct. 26, 1839

John B. Leeper, Jr.

nw. sec. 14

Oct. 26, 1839

John B. Leeper, Jr ..

e. ¿ ne. sec. 18, and sw. ¿ sec. 28

Oct. 26, 1839

Stephen Cox

w. ¿ ne. sec. 14.

Oct. 26, 1839

Solomon Cox, Sr.

ne. sec. 15

Oct. 15, 1839

Solomon Hobbs

e. ¿ nw. sec. 18.

Nov. 4, 1839

Wm. Lyman

W. ¿ nw. sec. 18

Nov. 4, 1839

Henson Hobbs.

w. ¿ sw. sec. 18

Nov. 4, 1839

Jacob Hobbs

w. ¿ nw. sec. 19

Nov. 4, 1839

Archibald Ward

se. ¿ sec. 19 and sw. sec. 20

Oct. 26, 1839

Thos R. Bryan

e. ¿ sw. sec. 19

Oct. 26, 1839

Andrew Culbertson

se. sec. 22

Oct. 26, 1839

Drury Moberly

ne. 4, and e. ¿ nw. e. ¿ se. and nw. se. sec. 23

Oct. & Nov. '39

David Warley .

w. ¿ nw. sec. 23

Oct. 4, 1839

Thomas Williams

W. ¿ nw. sec. 26 and e. ¿ ne. and nw. se. sec. 27

Nov. Oct. 1839

David Carlyle

e. ¿ se. sec. 27

Oct. 27, 1839

Geo. Shriver, Sr.

s. & sec. 29

Oct. 27, 1839

Samuel Forrest

nw. à sec. 29

Oct. 27, 1839

Wm. E. Pearl .

ne. ¿ and e. & nw. sec. 30

Oct. 27, 1839

Geo. Pace

sw. ¿ sec. 30

Oct. 27, 1839

John Austin

se. ¿ sec. 30

Oct. 27, 1839

A. F. Ball

nw. # sec. 31

Oct. 27, 1839

Jas A. Clark

sw. à sec. 31

Oct. 27, 1839

All the land in the lower tier of sections was entered October 26 and November 4, 1839.

COXVILLE.

Over on Medicine creek, at the site of Cox's old mill (e. 1/2 se. 1/4 sec. 14), John Cox laid out a town, November 3, 1840, which he called Coxville. It was a town without houses, however, and has passed from the memory of nearly every old settler. Cox's mill - better known as Slagle's mill, from its owner, Judge Joseph Slagle - was a noted institution in early days. One of the first mills in the country, it was resorted to for many miles by the early settlers of Linn, Sullivan, Grundy and northern Livingston, for a number of years. Mr. Cox had reason to consider the locality a promising one for a town.

Wm. Garwood.

sw. sec. 14, se. sec. 15

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Rich Hill township has been in existence as a municipal organiza- tion too short a period to have much of a distinct history. A number of progressive farmers have located within its limits and have made much of its natural advantages, and in point of development and natural wealth it will average fairly with any other territory of six miles square in the county. The successful creamery establishment of Mr. Adams, in the southwestern portion of the township, is a note- worthy institution, and of considerable value to the farmers of that region.

CHURCHES.

The township has two churches and a number of school-houses, and both are well attended. The people have a reputation for being good citizens, and all mindful of their own interest.

Bethel M. E. Church-Stands on section 27. It is a frame and was built in 1883 at a cost of $1,508. The organization was effected in 1868, and the first members were Geo. Bowman and Magdalene Bowman, H. D. Jordan and Amanda Jordan, Saml. Beazell and Mary J. Beazell, J. W. Marmaduke and Lucinda Marmaduke, N. B. Cramer and Minnie Cramer, W. W. McMillen and Helen McMillen, James Smith and wife and L. Cunningham. The list of pastors contains the names of Hosea Beardsley, John Anderson, - Edmonds, T. P. Hales, J. W. Bovee, C. H. John, W. R. Ely, F. R. Davis, M. V. Briggs, G. F. Bundy. The present membership of the church is 40; of the Sabbath-school, 40; the superintendent of the latter is Theodore McMillen.

Centenary Chapel (M. E. South ). -- This church is located on sec- tion 8, and was built in 1884, at a cost of $1,500. The original membership of the church organization numbered 18; the present membership is 25. Mr. Cleveland is superintendent of the Sabbath- school, which numbers about 50 scholars.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

S. W. BEAZELL

(Farmer, Section 27, Post-office, Chillicothe).

A man who in this life does the best he knows how, lives according to the teachings of his Maker and conducts himself in a conscientious,

1177

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

sincere way, need have no fears as to what his last end may be. Mr. Beazell is one of those who have so managed their lives that others have been benefited by their having lived in the world, and his daily walk and conversation constantly shine out in some " deed of kindness done." He was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., June 12, 1832, the son of Benjamin F. Beazell, also of the Keystone State, and for many years a merchant by calling ; he is now occupied in farming, and is over eighty years of age. The maiden name of the mother of the subject of this sketch was Sarah Sampson, of the same locality as her husband. Eleven children were in their family, of whom S. W. was the fourth son and sixth child. He was reared in his native State, and continued to remain there until 1868, occupied all the while in agricultural pursuits. When the first call for troops was made to put down rebellion Mr. Beazell enlisted for three months in the 12th Penn- sylvania volunteer infantry, and served over his time, subsequently receiving an honorable discharge. In 1868 he came to this county and improved a place, which he afterwards sold, then purchasing the farm on which he now resides. He owns 200 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, upon which are neat and convenient buildings, denoting comfort and prosperity. Mr. Beazell was married February 6, 1862, to Miss Mary J. VanKirk, who was born in Allegheny county, Pa. They have four children living : Ida, wife of W. E. Lilly ; Ben- jamin F., Joseph B. and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Beazell are among the stanch supporters and liberal contributors of the M. E. Church.

JOHN W. BIRD

(Farmer, Section 26, Post-office, Chillicothe).

It is well known that circumstances in life may make or mar the prospects of man to a certain extent, but a determined spirit will bend even the force of circumstances to its will. The career of Mr. Bird since his arrival upon the stage of human action is abundant proof of this trite saying. John W. Bird was born in Clark county, Mo., Feb- ruary 25, 1839. His father, Thomas C. Bird, originally from England, came to America in 1833, but returned in 1835, coming again to this country in 1837 to reside permanently. His trade of millwright he followed all his life. Settling in Iowa he worked in different towns at his trade and in 1839 went to Clark county, Mo., to build a mill and while there his son, John W., was born, the eldest of 9 children, his wife having formerly been Miss Mollie Moberly, of Bullock county, Ky., While quite young John was taken to Keokuk county, Ia., where he spent some years, and from that place he accom- panied his parents to Arkansas, where the father afterwards died. The mother, with her family, subsequently came to Livingston county, Mo., in 1852. Her father, Drury Moberly, was an extensive farmer and large slaveholder at one time in this county, and a man of considerable wealth. Young John Bird as he grew up learned the carpenter's trade and for many years gave his attention to that call- ing. In 1859 he went to Colorado and remained one year, then

1178

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

returning to Iowa, where he engaged in railroading until the outbreak of the war. Enlisting in Co. A, of the noted 2d Iowa volunteer infantry, he participated in many severe engagements, his regiment being the first to scale the fortifications at Fort Donelson, in which there were killed and wounded 330 brave, noble men. Their next encounter was at Shiloh where their killed and wounded numbered 280, and afterwards at Corinth, both the battle and siege, and in all the skirmishes and battles up to the engagement at Atlanta, when he Was honorably discharged, on August 22, 1864, his term of enlistment having expired. Mr. Bird now went back to Iowa, but from there came to this county, resuming work at his adopted trade until 1870. Since that time he has been closely and actively identified with agri- cultural pursuits in this vicinity, and his well established character- istics of energy, perseverance and unbounded industry have brought him safe returns. His neat farm embraces 70 acres, on which he is enabled to give excellent management. No man in Rich Hill town- ship, or indeed in the entire county stands higher for honor and integrity than Mr. Bird, and the greater proof of his character as a man is the universal esteem in which he is held. Careful, prudent and economical, but not in the least penurious, he is filled with the " milk of human kindness," and those who know him best recognize in him a good neighbor. He belongs to the Masonic Order and also is a member of the Farmers' Protective Association. Mr. Bird has been twice married ; first, in 1869, to Miss Nancy Hoge, who was born in this county, a daughter of Morgan Hoge. She died leaving two chil- dren : Mary Ellen and Alice. March 10, 1876, he was again married, to Miss A. Kelly, a native of Missouri. They have two children : William F. and Major B. In 1873 Mr. Bird was elected constable and held the office until 1875, when he was made justice of the peace ; since that time at each successive election he has been called to the same position, the duties of which he is well qualified to discharge.

JOHN BURRIS

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 36, Post-office, Wheeling).

In reviewing the contents of this volume no adequate idea of the agricultural affairs of Rich Hill township, or of its substantial citizens, could be formed which failed to make mention of Mr. Burris and the excellent estate which he owns. His residence tract contains 400 acres, admirably adapted to the raising of stock on account of its splendid water facilities and the abundance of grass pastures here seen. All kinds of grain indigenous to this climate are grown upon his land and everything pronounces him an agriculturist of enterprise and progress, such as he is acknowledged to be. Perhaps this is not so much to be wondered at when it is known that he came originally from the Buckeye State, from Jackson county, where he was born November 28, 1822, the fifth child in a family of eight children which blessed the union of George Burris and Lydia Ewing, both Virginians by birth. The former gave his attention to farming until his death at

1179

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

the age of 85 years in 1876. Mrs. B. was a relative of the celebrated Thomas Ewing, of Ohio notoriety. She departed this life in 1876, when about 83 years old. John was reared to a farm experience in his native State, there receiving his education, and, indeed, it con- tinued to be his home for 41 years, or until his removal to this State in 1863. At that time he settled upon the place which has since been his point of residence, and it was only a short time before he took a prominent part as a leading farmer and stock man of the vicinity, a position he has since occupied. February 14, 1847, Mr. Burris was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Poor, of the same county as himself, daughter of George Poor, who was a substantial farmer and stock-raiser ; he also kept a hotel in his native State until his death in 1872. His wife was formerly Miss Mary Billips, a Virginian by nativity, born in Hayes' Valley, in the western part of the State. Her death occurred when about 65 years old. Mrs. B., the oldest of their 10 children, was born October 27, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Burris have had four children : Mary Josephine, died in the winter of 1885; and A. E., George and Fredric J. are living.

JOHN A. FIELD

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

The subject of this sketch, well and favorably known to a host of acquaintances in this community, was born on August 19, 1839, and like many other residents of Livingston county is a native Missourian, his birth occurring in Monroe county. Larkin Field, mention of whom appears elsewhere, a resident of Chillicothe, is a Kentuckian by nativity, and by calling an agriculturist and excellent stock man. His wife, formerly Miss Melissa Shortridge, is also living ; she, too, was originally from the Blue Grass State. After obtaining a good practical education John A. commenced his farming career, one that has since proved so successful. Indeed, his opportunities for acquiring an education were above the average for his instructor at one time was Prof. Joseph Ficklin, since renowned as a teacher in the State University at Columbia. The advantages there enjoyed have been of untold value to him in later years, for it has long been con- ceded that an education is as beneficial to an agriculturist as to a professional or business man. In 1868 Mr. Field purchased a farm of his own in this county, having come here in the fall of 1865, and this has since been his home. May 24, 1864, he was married to Miss Missouri A. Brown, whose parents were Elias Brown and Rebecca (Watts) Brown, the former now deceased, but the latter still living with her daughter. Mrs. Field was the fourth of five children. She and her husband have a family of four children: Lizzie, Maggie, Ida, and George. Mrs. Field is a member of Pleasant Grove M. E. Church South. Mr. F. belongs to Friendship Lodge No. 89, A. F. and A. M., of Chillicothe. He is much interested in promoting a good grade of stock here as well as aiding the county in every worthy movement, and the respect shown him is very extensive.

1180

HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

DR. JOHN B. FREEMAN

(Physician, Surgeon and Farmer, Post-office, Chillicothe).

Dr. Freeman, well known to the many readers of this volume, owes his nativity to Ross county, O., where he was born February 14, 1833, the third son and sixth child in the family of his parents, Lemuel and Celia ( Burke ) Freeman, the former a Virginian by birth, the latter originally from North Carolina. The father, who followed farming during life, died in 1859; his wife, whose birth occurred in 1796, departed this life in March, 1886, and up to the last she retained her mental faculties to a remarkable extent. Young John attended school during his boyhood days sufficiently to acquire something of a com- mon English education, and when not thus occupied he gave his time to tilling the soil. When only a little past the age of 16 he entered upon a career as teacher, and during the period while engaged as instructor, he pursued his medical studies which he had previously taken up, and for which he had a natural inclination. It was about this time that Mr. Freeman came to Livingston county, in 1854, and here he resumed his professional experiences as teacher, but soon after he attended medical lectures at Keokuk, Ia. In 1857 he removed to Grundy county and commenced at once the active practice of his profession, his labors in that capacity being well prospered ; and besides his own personal characteristics drew around him a wide popu- larity. This was the principal reason, coupled with his fitness for the position, which led him to become the representative of this county in the State Legislature. He was first elected in 1866, and again in 1868, and served in a manner which showed his faithfulness and impartial spirit. In 1877 the Doctor returned to Livingston county, erected a flouring mill on Medicine creek, in Rich Hill township, and conducted it for some time ; but the venture proving unprofitable, he afterwards disposed of this investment and has since devoted his attention to his professional duties and the conduct of his farm of 80 acres. Dr. F. is deserving of especial mention for the excellent success which he has had in his farming operations ; though a comparative beginner in this branch of industry, he displays such superior management and keen judgment that others might well emulate his example. His profes- sional career, also, has been a substantial one, and few men have had demonstrated to them in a more worthy manner the appreciation in which they are held than has Dr. Freeman. He was married April 2, 1855, to Miss Mary J. Collins, who was born in Pike county, O., a daughter of William Collins, who removed to Missouri in 1854. They have six children : Mary, wife of William Wilson ; Celia, wife of Rev. Ray Palmer, a Baptist clergyman, at Jefferson City ; Ida, John San- ford, Minnie and Benjamin F. Two are deceased, Emma and Sarah. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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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