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 128
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 128
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CAPT. JOHN COLLAR
(Farmer and Insurance Agent, Post-office, Dawn).
To undertake to introduce to our readers the subject of this sketch would be something entirely unnecessary, for his extensive acquain- tance and long connection with the affairs of this vicinity have rendered him well and popularly known. Born in Steuben county, N. Y., August 26, 1828, he was the son of Calvin Collar, whose birth occur- red in the Bay State in 1784, and who after reaching manhood mar- ried Miss Eunice Boss in 1815. She was born in Rhode Island in 1792. Both families were of English extraction and early colonial settlers in New England. Calvin Collar moved to Steuben county, N. Y., in 1815, there residing until 1835, when, with his family, he located near Ypsilanti, Washtenaw county, Mich. Here he followed farming until a short time before his death when he settled in the city. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 ; politically an old line Whig, he held decided views regarding right and wrong. John was the young- est child of 6 sons and one daughter born to his parents. He was
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
brought up on the home farm, attended the common schools and in 1846 commenced teaching, an occupation he continued until 1853. Then he embarked in agricultural pursuits in Michigan, disposed of his interests there in 1856 and came to this county, where he has since continued to reside, having been for the most part engaged in farming and stock raising. April 10, 1853, Mr. Collar was married to Miss Mirenda Kittredge, who was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., June 23, 1827, and from this union two children were born, Katie and John C., each of whom died when young. , Mr. C. and his worthy wife have, however, reared several foster children. Since coming here he has lived near the southern line of the county in this township. During the late war he was a strong defender of his country, serving in the home guards from June, 1861, to July, 1862, and from that time to November, 1863, he was a member of the 33d E. M. M. as captain and quartermaster. From January 1, 1864, he served as captain of Co. H, 12th Missouri volunteer cavalry, up to April 9, 1866, the last year of his service being occupied on the frontier against the Indians ; also for some time he served under " Pap " Thomas in the Army of the Cum- berland. Upon being discharged from the army Capt. Collar returned home and resumed farming and the stock industry. He is now also interested in insurance matters and represents in an able and profit- able manner the Continental Insurance Co., of New York, and the National Temperance Relief Union, of St. Joseph, Mo. His farm of 160 acres is well improved. In politics he labors for the welfare of the Republican party. He is an earnest advocate of temperance, is a substantial member of the G. A. R., and in fact is found among the foremost in any reliable, up-lifting movement.
EDWARD DORNEY
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Dawn).
Mr. Dorney is another example of what energy, industry and per- severance, when intelligently applied, have accomplished for those of foreign birth who have seen fit to locate within the limits of this coun- try. Originally from County Tipperary, Ireland, he was born in May, 1830, the son of William and Catherine (O'Brien ) Dorney, also of Irish nativity, the former of County Tipperary, and the latter from Waterford county. They were a hard-working agricultural people and both died in the country of their birth. Edward, the third child in the family of three sons and two daughters, like most Irish boys of the day, had but limited educational advantages. All his brothers and sisters came to the United States at different times and here married and became the heads of families. Up to the age of 15 he lived at his old home and then for about five years worked upon his cousin's farm, receiving for his services the munifi- cent amount of $1.20 per month. In 1850 he emigrated to this coun- try, spent the winter at New Orleans and in the next spring located in Butler county, O., where he remained for seven years occupied in tilling the soil. For about the same length of time he rented land
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
and in 1864 came to this county and purchased a farm of 163 acres, in the forks of Grand river ; some four years later he left that place and settled upon a portion of the tract which he now owns in this township, to which additions have since been made until his present estate em- braces 230 acres, well improved. While living in Butler county, O., Mr. Dorney was married to Miss Ellen Tomey, a native of County Waterford, Ireland. Eight children have been born to them : Will- iam, John, Thomas, Joannah, Michael E., Morris, Dennis and Ellen. Mr. D. is meeting with success in his farming and stock raising inter- ests. He is connected with the Catholic Church, and politically is a Democrat.
WYLEY ELLIOTT
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Dawn).
In all ages of the world industry, perseverance and energy where intelligently applied, have achieved a result which only could have been gained by having one object in view and in improving every opportunity to ultimately attain to thatobject. Mr. E. is an example of what can be accomplished when the spirit of determination is exercised in connection with the every-day affairs of life. He was born in Morrow county, O., May 2, 1838, the son of Robert and Eliza Elliott, née Ward, who were married in Licking connty, O., the latter having been a native of Washington county, Pa. The father was of Irish ances- try and his parents emigrated to the United States about the begin- ning of the present century, settling permanently in Ohio, where they followed farming and reared a large family. In 1834 Robert Elliott moved to Morrow county and improved a farm upon which he lived until his death in 1852, a wife and eight children surviving him. The mother still lives on the old homestead in Ohio, which she has occu- pied for over 50 years. Wyley, the third child in the family, was but 14 years of age when his father died, and he and an older brother then farmed the home place and helped to rear the family, thus being de- nied very favorable opportunities for acquiring an education. While still a boy, in connection with his brother, he entered a large tract of land in Iowa, subsequently disposing of this at quite an advance, and he then purchased 160 acres near his old home in Ohio, though re- maining on the old homestead until about 24 years old. In 1862 he came to this county and on October 17, of that year, was married to Miss Nancy J. Brown, daughter of Abraham Brown, her birth having occurred in Washington county, Pa., August 11, 1838. Returning to Morrow county, O., Mr. Elliott lived there until the spring of 1864, when he settled permanently upon his present location. Here his wife died October 30, 1881, leaving the following family : Annie M., Franklin B., Clemence, Vincent and Cora E. Mr. E. married again, September 19, 1882, Miss Margaret Trussel, daughter of Thomas M. and Margaret ( McCammon ) Trussel, both Virginians by birth, who removed to Pennsylvania after their marriage, thence to Morrow county, O., and from there to Livingston county in 1860 ; they now reside in Carroll county, Mo. Mrs. Elliott was born in Washington
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
county, Pa., May 18, 1850. Mr. E.'s career in life has been of hard, earnest toil, to a position of influence and substantial worth. His farming and stock raising operations have resulted most satisfactorily, and he now owns 553 acres of well improved land. For 13 years past he has fed from one to five car loads of stock annually, his good judg- ment and discerning mind rendering him and excellent stock man. His standing and worth in this community are highly recognized by a host of acquaintances. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Presbyterian Church ; his political tendencies are Democratic. All measures of morality, education, temperance and others of a like nature find in him a strong advocate.
EDWARD A. EVANS
(Farmer and Stock-raiser).
Livingston county has long had the reputation of being one of the best stock-raising counties in the State. Not only do the farmers here give their principal attention to this industry, but they are gen- erally men of enterprise and information, who take pride in agricul- tural affairs also, and certainly this has a beneficial result, for it is a source of profit to the farmers themselves. Prominent among those who have done their full share in advancing every interest of the county is Mr. Evans, who came here in 1870, and his endeavors towards promoting this end have been recognized by a host of acquaintances, among whom he stands high as a man and citizen. He was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, June 15, 1833, the son of Edward and Ann (Jones ) Evans, both of the same country. Always devoted to farming, they brought their three sons and two daughters up as farmers. With the exception of one sister, Margaret, and Edward, all live in Wales. Margaret married William L. Evans and died in Franklin county, O. Edward A. carly become accustomed to hard work, but had no opportunity of attending school. In 1854 he determined to come to the United States, and with the earnings which he had so carefully saved he landed at New York and went immediately to Columbus, O., working on a farm for some time and then finding employment on the farm at the Lunatic Asylum. For six years he labored faithfully, economized wherever he could and by taking up the common studies at odd times and by close application he obtained no inferior knowledge of the elementary branches. Upon leaving the asylum his reputation was such as to secure him a position as a police officer in Columbus, which he retained four years. May 12, 1865, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Jones, also originally from North Wales, born March 22, 1837. In 1866 they located upon a farm in Franklin county, O., but in 1870 settled on their present place, which has since been added to until it embraces 500 acres. Besides this Mr. Evans owns city property in Dawn. His farm is one of the best in the township and is well improved and stocked. All that he now has he can appreciate, for it has been gained by his individual efforts, aided by those of his worthy wife. A
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Republican in polities he is a warm supporter of that party. Mr. Evans is a man of unusual energy and vitality, and though he lost his right arm while helping a neighbor thresh, he still performs as much labor as many men with two arms. He and his wife have the follow- ing children : Robert R., born April 12, 1867 ; William A., born September 18, 1868, died April 4, 1873; Annie, born October 22, 1869 ; Winifred, born January 8, 1871, all in Franklin county, O., and Edward A., born August 4, 1873 ; Everett Hays, born October 13, 1874 ; John W., born August 3, 1876, died February 14, 1877; Catherine, born December 22, 1877, and Margaret, born October 14, 1879, these latter in Livingston county.
THOMAS GRIFFITHS
(Dealer in General Merchandise, Dawn).
In January, 1885, there died in this county two of the best known and oldest of the Welsh residents here, William and Winifred (Ed- wards ) Griffiths, the parents of the subject of this skecth. The death of the former occurred on the 25th inst., and that of his wife six days later. She was a native of North Wales, and was twice married, bear- ing her first husband, Edward Jones, two children, John W. and Rich- ard E. Mr. and Mrs. Jones emigrated to the United States in 1840, and located in Pennsylvania, where he died, and where his widow subsequently married Mr. Griffiths, originally from South Wales. All of the family were of South Wales, and largely an agricultural people. William Griffiths when quite young entered the mines in the country of his birth, in which he remained until 1842, then coming to America and making his home in Danville, Pa. He soon commenced work in the iron ore mines, and in 1858 accompanied by his family he moved to Rock Island county, Ill., there following coal mining up to 1868. At that date he became settled in this county and township, and after purchasing 100 acres of land gave his attention to its im- provement, engaging also in stock-raising. He and his wife were members of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church, in which he held the position of deacon for many years. Of great personal popularity their loss was keenly felt in this community. Thomas, their only child, was born in Montour county, Pa., May 17, 1850, as he grew up passing his time in the village of Danville, Pa., and in Coal Valley, Ill. Not only was he favored with a common school education, but attended the graded schools, and an academy at the last mentioned place. He was also employed in the mines some time, and when his parents came to Livingston county, Mo., he came with them and farmed until 1882, when he embarked in merchandising at Dawn. This business has since received his attention, and in it he has built up a reputation that goes far towards making him successful. He has officiated in a number of official positions, was township clerk four years, and is now tax collector of Blue Mound township. His stock of goods carried are selected with a view to the wants of his cus- tomers. Politically he is a Republican ; and he belongs to the Welsh
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Calvinistic Methodist Church. Mr. Griffiths was married October 16, 1883, to Miss Sarah Reese, who, when a child, left South Wales, the country of her birth, and came to America. They have one child, Clara.
JOSEPH HESLOP
(Stock Dealer, Dawn).
Since his connection with the stock business Mr. Heslop has become so well known to the people of Livingston county, both socially and as a business man, that a sketch of his life in this work is rendered almost necessary. His position in matters relating to stock is con- ceded to be among the foremost in this portion of the State, and his judgment regarding it is often sought after and always relied upon without reserve. His birth occurred in Otsego county, N. Y., Febru- ary 5, 1842, the son of John and Parmelia Heslop, nee Wallon, the former a native of Leeds, England, and the latter of Otsego county, N. Y. When a young man John Heslop came to the United States, located in Otsego county, of the Empire State, there married and remained until his death in 1881 ; his wife preceded him to the grave in 1863. In their family were six children, five of whom are now liv- ing. During life Mr. H. was engaged in tilling the soil, and there- fore it was only natural that young Joseph, in growing up, should have acquired a knowledge of this calling. He supplemented the course in the common schools, with which he was favored, by an attendance at an academy some two years, and in the fall of 1862 he enlisted in Co. G, 152d New York volunteer infantry, being mustered out at Munson Hill, Va., in July, 1865, after having seen considerable active and severe service. He was in the engagements of the Wilder- ness, Spottsylvania Court-house, Coal Harbor, Petersburg, and those in and around Richmond under Grant, and, in fact, participated in the principal engagements in which the second corps took part. While on picket duty before Ft. Hull, near Petersburg, he was severely wounded in the temple. Receiving his discharge, Mr. Heslop returned home, and in the spring of 1866 came West in company with Henry Bushnell and Edward Musson, locating in Monroe township of this county upon a farm, and keeping " batch " for some time. After farming about two years he began trading in stock, and has since con- tinued this business, the greater portion of the time in connection with Mr. Bushnell. They have shipped and handled as much stock as any person in the county, and, as intimated before, Mr. H. is as well posted and thoroughly informed as need be. The county is indeed indebted to him for his interest in this department of business, and for what he has done to promote it in others. He was married January 7, 1880, to Miss Ida Bridenthrall, who was born in McKeensport, Pa., February 2, 18 . Mr. Heslop is a member of the A. O. U. W. and G. A. R. His political preferences are with the Republican party.
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
WILLIAM JONES (DECEASED)
(Late of Blue Mound Township).
Nature seemed to have intended Mr. Jones for a long and more than ordinarily useful life. But, alas, for human hopes and expectations. Just as the meridian of life was reached his career was closed forever by death. He was born in Carmarthenshire, South Wales, March 20, 1820, grew up upon a farm and received a good education. When quite a young man he embarked in mercantile pursuits at Merthyr Tydvil, developing at once a peculiar fitness for that calling, and his partner, a Mr. James, being a good business man, they built up a large trade and accumulated a good fortune. Their establishment was known as the " Cloth Hall " and was one of the largest in South Wales. A few miles from the city they also had a grocery. Mr. Jones' health became impaired in his native country and selling out his business he speculated some time in mining property, but not to very good advantage. In 1850 he married at Newport, Wales, Miss Esther Williams, who was born in Breconshire, that country, December 25, 1830. In 1861, emigrating to the United States, they located in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., following farming and dairying and making it their home until 1868, save for one year passed in Wales. At that time they came to this county and purchased 350 acres of land unimproved in Blue Mound Township. Of great energy and much ability he was not long in securing a comfortable home in this new location. Here Mr. Jones died May 31, 1869, leaving besides his wife six small children to mourn his loss : Mary, Elizabeth J., Will- iam A., David G., Dollie and Albert A. In every way he was a most worthy man, a kind father and indulgent husband. Since his death the family have remained together, greatly improving the farm and adding to it until it embraces over 600 acres at the present time. This is well improved and to the united efforts of each member of the family is due this desirable change. The brothers have exercised good judgment in the selection of stock and a number of registered short-horn cattle, full-blooded Poland-China hogs and a good grade of sheep is found here, establishing without doubt a substantial reputa- tion for these gentlemen. They are indeed useful members of society, progressive in all movements. Politically they are liberal in their views.
LEWIS D. JONES
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 16, Post-office, Dawn).
This worthy representative agriculturist of Blue Mound township owes his nativity to Cardiganshire, South Wales, where he was born July 12, 1830, the youngest child of six sons and one daughter born to Thomas and Sarah (Lewis) Jones, also of that country, in which they had been reared and married. Mrs. Jones died there in 1830, and afterwards Mr. J. married Mrs. Anna Lewis. In about 1838 he
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
and his wife and some of the children emigrated to Canada, soon after going to New York, from whence in 1840 they removed to Por- tage county, O. This continued to be their home during the remainder of their lives. The father was a stock dealer in the old country and after settling in the United States gave his attention to farming, in which he met with substantial evidences of success. Lewis D. Jones when a child was taken by an uncle to raise - Rev. John Jones, a Congregational minister and eminent Christian man, with whom he stayed until 12 years old. He obtained a common school education, worked about a year in the coal and iron mines, and in 1844 jour- neyed across the ocean to this country and to his father's in Portage county, O., where he farmed a year. Then he entered the coal mines in Mahoning county, from which, some time after, he became located at Baltimore, Md. For two years he was employed in a copper smelting establishment, for two years mined in the copper mines at Eagle Harbor, in the Lake Superior country, and upon leaving there he became engaged in the iron works at Portsmouth, O. In 1853 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Margaret E. Evans, who was born in South Wales', October 21, 1834, her parents becoming residents of JJackson county, O., about 1842. In the fall of 1854 Mr. Jones and wife went to Iowa, passed the winter at Burlington, then purchased a farm in Monroe county and lived upon it ( with the exception of two years ) until coming to Livingston county, Mo., in the spring of 1867. This has since been their home and here he has been identified with the agricultural affairs of the community. He owns 240 acres of land in this township, improved in an excellent manner, besides which he has in his possession 960 acres in Cheyenne and Sherman counties, Neb. Valuable town property in Platte Center, Neb., is also his. Mr. Jones is certainly an example of a self-made man, for he has come up in life from a poor, uneducated Welsh boy to a position of esteem and respect and substantial prominence. His competence is a comfortable one and he is recognized as a leader in stock matters in the county. His family consists of Evan L., Sarah A., Lewis E., Annie C., Mary J., Thomas A., David G., Elizabeth, William S., Stephen F., Mar- garet E., Harriet L., Rosa A. and Sadie. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Calvinistic Methodist Church. In his political affilia- tions he is a stanch Republican. In educational and all other worthy movements he takes great interest.
WILLIAM R. JONES
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 29, Post-office, Dawn).
Upon first coming to Livingston county, Mo., in 1868, Mr. Jones purchased an 80-acre tract of land from the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Company, and to this he added from time to time until at this date he owns 330 acres well improved. He has been successful because he has labored hard and given close attention to the duties of his farm, and upon his place he raises good graded stock. Mr. Jones came originally from Meirionthshire, North Wales, his birth
71
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. ·
having occurred October 8, 1835. His parents, Robert and Winifred Ines, née Jones, were both reared and married in that country, there residing until 1859, when they emigrated to America with seven daughters, locating at Newark, O. Up to 1870 they made their home in that vicinity, then coming to this county, where the mother died February 23, 1885. The father still survives in this county, and has followed farming since coming here. He and his wife were members of the Congregational Church (as he now is), and in every way respected people. William R., the only son now living of eight girls and two boys in his parents' family, was not favored with very good opportunities for attending school in Wales ; there he worked upon a farm until deciding to remove to America, the date of his landing at New York being July 4, 1856. For a few months he remained in Oneida county, N. Y., then went to Newark, O., and after laboring upon a farm for some time he rented land on his own account, continu- ing to be thus occupied until his settlement in this county. April 13, 1860, Miss Elizabeth S. Griffiths became the wife of Mr. Jones, she having been born in Cardiganshire, South Wales, October 19, 1833. In 1842 her parents, William and Charlotte (Jones ) Griffiths, left their native country and located at Newark, O. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have seven children : Charlotte E., Robert W., Catharine W., Henry T., Gomer G., Martha H. and Annie E. Politically, Mr. J. votes the Republican ticket; in religious preferences he is a Congregationalist. He is everywhere recognized as a progressive man and a warm friend of education.
JAMES KINLEY
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Chillicothe).
If industry, hard work and ceaseless activity, united with a strong and determined perseverance, can accomplish anything in this world, then Mr. Kinley is bound to succeed ; for in him are to be found all the characteristics mentioned, and, indeed, he is deserving of more than ordinary credit for his career thus far in life. His birth occurred in the City of Pittsburg, Pa., March 11, 1842. His father, James Kinley, was of Irish descent, but a native of England; his mother, originally from Wales, was reared near London, Eng., where she met and afterwards married Mr. Kinley. He was a cooper by trade, and up to 1840 he gave his attention to that calling in the country of his birth, then coming to the United States and settling at Pitts- burg, where he resumed his adopted occupation. Three children were born to himself and wife: Mary, who died when a child ; John, now a blacksmith in the Cherokee Nation, and James, the youngest of the family. In 1843 the senior Kinley died and a few years following the mother with her children moved to Jackson county, O., where she was married in 1847 to John T. Davis. By this union there were five children, three of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are deceased. The subject of this sketch in his youth was unfortunately deprived of any very favorable oppor- tunities for obtaining an education, but those he did enjoy were thor-
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