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 27
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 27
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Free from the bustle and busy turmoil of large railroad towns, Kingston is without many of their advantages; but it is also with- out many of their disadvantages, without their vices and their crimes, their corruption and prevailing sentiment of distrust and thought of evil. The people of Kingston are generous, hospit-
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
able, socially disposed, and confiding. The stranger, if his walk is at all circumspect, is not looked upon with suspicion, but is trusted and made welcome. The true nobility and gentility of character of the men and women of this town can not be too highly commented upon. The slanderer and the backbiter do not ply their calling here. People choose to hear and to talk of the good traits of their neighbors rather than of their weaknesses.
The young people are pure in character and correct in true deportment, but withal are full of merriment and jollity, fond of each each other's society and of harmless recreation and amusement. The young ladies are alike well qualified to serve in the kitchen, to grace the parlor, and to shine in the ball room and at the reception, and their many charms of person and manner attract to them hosts of admirers.
God bless and prosper the people of Kingston !
CHURCHES OF KINGSTON.
Christian Church .- December 24, 1865, this church was organized with the following members : Dwight Dodge, Lemuel Dunn, J. D. Cox, J. P. McKinnie, H. B. Nelson, Walker Miller, Susannah P. Thompson, Rowanna McKinnie, Emma A. Dunn, Lydia W. Dodge and Harriet C. Northup. The church building, a frame, was pur- chased from the Southern Methodists in 1869, at a cost of $1,200. The pastors of the church have been Revs. Joseph T. Rice, C. P. Hollis, Samuel P. Johnson, Benj. F. Matchett, Wm. Trader and M. L. Smith. The present membership is 49.
Presbyterian. - The Presbyterian Church of Kingston is of recent organization, and has but a small membership. It was organized May 15, 1884, and the same year bought the Congregational Church build- ing, a frame, for $750. The original or constituent members were E. D. Johnson, A. W. Bishop, Dr. Daniel A. Neff, Jacob Kautz, Joseph Frazier, J. A. Rathbun, Emily Johnson, Julia A. Bishop, Mary Kautz, Mecca Frazier, Mary S. Rathbun, Belle Buxton, Laura Dodge, Han- nah L. Lambert, Mary C. Spivey, Mary Higgins and Jennie Mills. The present membership is but 18, and the pastor is Rev. Goodale.
SECRET ORDERS.
Odd Fellows Lodge. - Kingston Lodge No. 154, I. O. O. F., was instituted by Rt. W. Charles H. Mansur, D. D. G. M., of Chillicothe, assisted by D. W. C. Edgerton, of the same place. The dispensa- tion was issued September 8, 1865, and the charter May 16, 1866.
12
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
Among the charter members were N. M. Smith, J. P. McKinnie, Joseph Williams and A. C. Davis. The first officers were : N. M. Smith, N. G .; J. P. McKinnie, V. G .; A. C. Davis, secretary ; Joseph Williams, treasurer. The hall is of brick and was erected in 1875, at a cost of $2,000. The present membership is 30.
Masonic Lodge. - Kingston Lodge No. 115, A. F. and A. M., was instituted by Samuel Hardwick, D. D. G. M., of Liberty, Jan- uary 19, 1866. The dispensation is dated December 22, 1865, and the charter October 19, 1867. The charter members and officers under the dispensation were N. M. Smith, W. M. ; Elias Lankford, S. W. ; J. S. Orr, J. W. ; I. R. Esteb, Geo. H. Windsor, John Hale, Asa Goodrich, J. H. Filson, A. W. Rice, W. A. Northup, J. D. S. Cook, T. D. Clarkson and A. S. Gray. The first officers under the charter were : N. M. Smith, W. M. ; I. R. Esteb and T. D. Clarkson, wardens ; I. Merchant, treasurer ; Lem. Dunn, secretary ; E. T. Dun- can, tyler ; J. D. S. Cook and A. B. Miller, deacons. The hall (a brick building) was erected in 1884 at a cost of $1,200, and is but half paid for. The membership at present writing is about 40.
Grand Army of the Republic. - Ben Loan Post No. 33, G. A. R., was instituted by A. P. Pease, A. A. A. G. The charter is dated September 26, 1882 ; the first officers and members were John A. Cross, post commander ; John Calvin, senior vice ; E. D. Johnson, junior vice ; J. F. Heiser, quartermaster ; Eli Gapen, surgeon ; J. G. Everett, chaplain ; P. D. Kenyon, officer of the day; W. L. Smith, officer of the guard ; C. W. M. Love, adjutant ; B. F. Klepper, ser- geant-major ; D. A. Glenn, quartermaster sergeant ; J. C. Adams, W. P. Doak, Leroy Ellis, Howard Lester, A. B. Mills, Joseph Myers, Jonathan Palmer, R. D. Sackman. At present there are about 20 members. Since its organization the post has lost three members by death : John Dixon, Eli Gapen and Henry Tospann.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
GEORGE R. ALEXANDER
(Dealer in Drugs, Paints, Oils, Window-glass, School Books, Wall Paper, Druggists' Sundries, etc., Kingston).
Among the more recent acquisitions to the business interests of Kingston, the establishment of which Mr. Alexander is proprietor has
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
taken a place such as one might well think belonged to an older estab- lished house. It was early in the present year that he became located at this point, at which time he purchased his present business, and the stock which he now carries is one to be found only in a well kept, reliable store. It includes a complete assortment of drugs, paints, oils, window-glass, school books and druggists' sundries ; and if a thorough knowledge of the business, together with necessary and natural qualifications for its successful carrying-on, amount to aught, then surely Mr. Alexander's future career is bright with promise. His personal popularity is also the cause of considerable patronage. He is a Virginian by birth, born February 9, 1834, at Alexandria, Alexandria county. In endeavoring to trace his genealogical record we find that the family lineage can be followed in an unbroken line to the fifteenth century. The name has become well known in the affairs of the world in different capacities. William B. Alexander, the father of George R., was a cousin to the celebrated Archibald Alex- ander, a noted Presbyterian divine. He (Wm. B. ) was married after reaching manhood to Miss Susan Brown, also of Virginia birth, whose father was the owner of the Bull Run Mill, in Fairfax county, Va. George R. Alexander was a resident of his native State until 9 years old, when he accompanied his parents to Kentucky, remaining in the Blue Grass State some three years. Coming to Missouri soon after this, he settled in Saline county, thence going to Lafayette county. During all this time he had been perfecting himself in the knowledge of drugs, compounding of medicines, etc., and it was this fact which led us to say above that he was perfectly qualified for the management of a drug establishment. In 1862 Mr. Alexander went to Nevada and made his home west of the Rocky mountains the greater part of the time until 1885. In 1885 he took up his perma- nent location at Kingston. He was married September 21, 1868, to Miss Lucy Wilson, a daughter of Capt. George Wilson, of Iowa. They have two children, Georgia A. and Susie. Mr. Alexander is a prominent member of the Masonic order, in which he has risen to the 32d degree. The I. O. O. F. also finds in him a warm friend and member.
JOHN BETHEL
(Farmer, Section 15, Post-office, Kingston).
Mr. Bethel was about two months past the age of 22 when his marriage to Miss Sharlie Duston, of this county, born in June, 1859, occurred. Her father is Mr. J. H. Duston, an outline of whose life is given within these pages. Her mother was Miss Martha J. Hawks, of Indian and English birth, born in Tennessee in the year 1833. She removed to Missouri, and in the year 1852 married John H. Duston, and of this union there were born eight children, five of whom are living, the eldest daughter marrying John Bethel. The marriage was consummated October 1, 1878, and of this union three children have been born, C. Maud, Robert A. and Ugene L. Though now only a little over 30 years old Mr. Bethel has achieved a place
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
among the agriculturists of this township by no means an inferior one, and one which many older in years and experience might well feel proud to occupy. He came originally from a state of progressive agriculturists, and was a descendant of a prominent and extensive farmer, Chapman Bethel, of Adams county, Ill., born December, 1818, who, until his death in January, 1865, was closely identified with the interests of that vicinity. He left a widow and a large family of ten children to be brought up; but how well the trust left to this noble woman was fulfilled is evident in looking upon those who have grown to manhood and womanhood. The maiden name of his wife was Miss Eliza Fetherngill, married in the year 1840. She was a Kentuckian by nativity, and in 1866 she came to Caldwell county, Mo., and located where she now resides with her son - two miles from Kingston. She had to practice economy in rearing her young family ; though by great judgment and capability she can now look back with pride on her success. John Bethel was born in Adams county, Ill., August 17, 1855, grew up upon the home farm, and after his father's death assisted in caring for the family. He now owns a good farm of 20 acres, which is being cultivated ac- cording to advanced ideas. He has thus far been very successful in life, and his outlook for the future is promising.
JUDGE A. W. BISHOP
(Farmer, Section 20, Post-office, Kingston).
In the year 1877 the subject of this sketch was chosen to occupy the position of judge of the county court of Caldwell county, and after discharging the duties of this office in a manner highly creditable to himself, and with none the less satisfaction to the people of the com- munity, he was again made county judge. To the excellent natural ability possessed by Judge Bishop were added the wisdom and experi- ence of a useful and well spent life, and there was no reason to view his official career with disappointment when he left the bench. Still less than 50 years of age at this time, he was born March 24, 1837, in Athens county, O., the son of James and Sylvia (Wines ) Bishop. The father was a native of Ireland, the mother of New Hampshire, and of their family of four children, all of whom bave achieved honorable positions in life, A. W. was the eldest. One of his brothers is a resident of Knoxville, Ia., another is a practicing phy- sician at Centerville, the same State, and his sister is now Mrs. S. S. Aten, of Dexter, Ia. Upon the removal of his father's family to Knoxville, Ia., in about the year 1852, young Bishop, then 15 years of age, also located there and turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits. He was favored with exceptionally fine educational opportuni- ties, which he did not fail to improve. In August, 1862, the usual quietude of this portion of the country being disturbed by the mut- terings of civil war, he enlisted on August 11 in Co. A, 33d Iowa infantry, serving in that regiment until the close of the conflict. On July 11, 1865, he received a honorable discharge at New Orleans,
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
having been a participant in the following battles: Helena, July 4, 1863, where he was wounded by one of Gov. Marmaduke's regiment; the ball received in that struggle he still carries ; Spanish Fort, Prairie du Chien, Little Rock, and several others of minor importance. Returning now to his old home in Knoxville, Mr. Bishop resumed his farming operations until 1871, when he became a resident of Caldwell county, Mo., taking up his location in Rockford township, but in 1881 he settled on his present homestead. This embraces 80 acres of choice land, the improvements of which are of a superior character, and in addition to this he is the owner of 240 acres in Mirabile town- ship. In May, 1860, Judge Bishop was married, Miss Julia A. Fort becoming his wife. She was a native of Troy, N. Y., and a daughter of E. Fort, Esq., now of this county. This union has been blessed with five children : Charles E., James, Lillie, Albert and Chester A.
JOHNEH. BOTTHOFF
(Postmaster, Kingston, Mo.)
Mr. Botthoff's father, Jacob Botthoff, a carpenter by occupation, was a native of Lancaster county, Pa., as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. Trout. The senior Mr. B. with his family removed to Montgomery county, O., in 1855, living there until ten years later, when they came to Caldwell county, and here he followed agricultural pursuits. He was the owner of the farm known as Salem Farm, somewhat noted for having been the site of the old Mormon town of Salem. Jacob Botthoff died July 30, 1880, from the effects of an accident caused by falling in a well. He left two children, John H. and Horace. His widow still survives and finds a pleasant home in the family of her son, John H. Botthoff, who was born in Lancaster county, Pa., October 29, 1848. His knowledge of the world was only such as could be learned on the home farm until his twenty- fifth year, when he commenced a mercantile career. He first entered a drug store as clerk ; this was in 1873, and May 5, 1879, he engaged in the drug business in Kingston on his own account. June 14, 1882, he suffered a severe loss in the burning of his establishment, with only a partial insurance, but he has long since recovered from the effects of this misfortune. Re-engaging in business he built up a prosperous trade, carrying a large and extensive stock in his line and personally superintending the concerns and details of the establishment. Mr. Botthoff is a first-class druggist and pharmacist, and a reliable, pop- ular business man. In the summer of 1885 Mr. Botthoff, at the solicitation of certain friends, became an applicant for the postmas- tership at Kingston upon the expiration of the term of the then incumbent, A. B. Mills. Although not a strenuous and unreason- able partisan, Mr. B. has always been a Democrat in politics. Exercising a freeman's privilege, he has at times refused to indorse certain nominations of his party, but in its principles and its cause he has ever been a consistent believer. The selection of postmaster was left to the Democratic patrons of the Kingston office. Opposed by
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
popular and worthy gentlemen, Mr. Botthoff was three times declared the choice of the voters, each time by a large majority. Had he in- sisted that the first, or at least the second, election was final and determining, it might have been so declared, but he waived all con- siderations that were in his own favor, declaring that the choice must be entirely satisfactory to everybody. As before stated he was chosen by a large, clear majority, received the recommendation of Congressman Dockery, and in the early fall the appointment from Postmaster-General Vilas. Everybody was gratified, and had the whole people, irrespective of politics, been given a choice in the selec- tion of a Democrat to the place, the result would have been the same. Upon his appointment Mr. Botthoff sold his drug business to Mr. Geo. Alexander, and now devotes his attention almost solely to the duties of his office, giving entire satisfaction to its patrons. Mr. Botthoff was married August 4, 1868, to Miss Rettie Arowood, who came originally from North Carolina. To them have been born three children, two of whom are living, " Cutie," a bright, winsome, and accomplished young lady, admired by all who knew her, and Prior Essie, the beautiful little pet of the family. One child, Archie, is deceased. Mr. Botthoff is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W.
LOUDEN BROWN (Deceased).
A man well known to the earlier settlers of Caldwell county was Louden Brown, -one respected for his upright, straightforward course and beloved by all for his noble Christian qualities of mind and heart. He was born in Virginia, in 1790, moved to Kentucky about 1817, settling in Pulaski county, in 1838 located in Lafayette county, Mo., and in the year following he came to Caldwell county and soon purchased 400 acres of land. In 1812 he was married in Virginia to a Miss Gover, a Virginian by birth, born in 1795. They reared to maturity seven daughters and five sons, all of whom mar- ried and all but three daughters and one son survive. Louden Brown was an exhorter and a class leader in the M. E. Church and died in the full faith of a life beyond, October 14, 1858, aged 68 years. His widow died in 1877, as a Christian. None of her folks were ever in Missouri ; her father and two brothers were drowned in Kentucky about 1825. The Brown family, as a family, have always been among the most respected members of society and influential residents of this county. Three of the brothers crossed the plains in 1850 - John W., William L. and Samuel T. - but returned but little improved in a financial sense. John W. Brown has borne more than an ordinary part in the affairs of this county and it is but proper that an outline of his career should be inserted here. He was born in Pulaski county, Ky., June 27, 1823, one of a pair of twins born to his parents, there being four children in the family older. In 1838, when 16 years old, he came to this State and this has since been his home. From 1856 to 1861 he lived in Harrison county, but from that time to the present
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
has resided in Caldwell. He has devoted his attention to farming and now owns 700 acres of land, his homestead including 160 acres of the old home place in Kingston township. In 1854 he was elected one of the county judges, and in 1860 he also filled a like position in Har- rison county. In 1878 he was elected public administrator. In 1848 Mr. Brown had been appointed by the county court one of the com- missioners on organization to form the county into school townships. From 1867 to 1874 he served as township clerk. Judge Brown was married January 4, 1849, to Miss Margaret C. Gay, of Washington county, Va., and to them 11 children were born, seven of whom survive : Louden W., Polly F., Martha J., Elizabeth, Rosa J., Lilburn W., Virginia. All are married except Lilburn. The Judge is an extensive raiser of fine stock.
WILLIAM M. BUTTS
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 14, Post-office, Kingston).
Mr. Butts, a man who, full of zeal and enthusiasm in the cause of the land of chivalry, enlisted in 1861 in the six months' service, is a son whom Missouri proudly claims as her own. His father, Col. T. N. O. Butts, a Virginian by birth, was one of the early pioneers to Ray county, this State, having removed there in 1832. Seven years later, or in 1839, he became a settler of Caldwell county, and until his death was prominently and intimately identified with her material affairs and prosperity. He died in January, 1864. William M. Butts was born in Ray county, November 28, 1837, though his early train- ing was given him in this county, where his education was also re- ceived. His chosen calling in life has been that of farming. In 1861 he became a member of Co. D, of Col. Hughes' regiment, with which he remained until the close of the six months' term. Then joining the Confederate service he enlisted in Col. Reaves' regi- ment of Ray county, and with that command participated in the battles of Oak Hill, Lexington, Pea Ridge, Iuka, Corinth, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Big Black and Vicksburg. At this place he became a cavalryman, under Col. Lawther, subse- quently taking part in the engagements at Gaines' Mill, Camden and several others. He sustained wounds at Vicksburg and Big Island. Surrendering at Shreveport, La., when peace once more
" Lay like a shaft of light across the land "
Mr. Butts wended his way homeward, after having spent four years in defense of the cause which he believed to be right. Altogether he was in more than 100 engagements. On April 14, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary Bethel, like himself a native of Missouri. The fruits of this union are four children : Alice O., Ella Lee, William Jesse and Georgia A. Mr. B. has a good homestead of 200 acres upon which are excellent improvements. He gives his principal atten- tion to raising stock.
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
THOMAS J. BUTTS
(Farmer, Section 23, Post-office, Kingston).
Thomas J. Butts, a brother to William M. Butts, a sketch of whose life immediately precedes this, is a worthy representative of the family whose name he bears. He is a son of Col. T. N. O. Butts, men- tioned elsewhere in this volume as being among the earliest settlers and esteemed residents of Caldwell county, this having been his home for many years prior to his demise. His estimable compamion was formerly Miss Harriet C. Ellis, who came to this county in 1840. Born in Caldwell county January 26, 1845, Thomas J. Butts has, like his brother, followed the pursuits of agriculture as his principal occu- pation during his lifetime, though for some two or three years after re- turning from the battlefield he devoted his attention to the study of law, first under the tutorship of Col. C. T. Garner, of Richmond, Mo., following the practice of his profession for about eight years. A career passed in this vicinity from his very birth has caused him to become widely and favorably known to the people of this county and community, and he is recognized as a progressive agriculturist and stockman. It was on August 9, 1864, when he enlisted in the Missouri volunteer infantry, becoming a member of Co. C, 44th regi- ment, and serving with that command until August, 1865, when he was honorably mustered out and then returned home. Mr. Butts has been twice married ; first, August 14, 1873, to Miss Kate Stirman, of Missouri, whose death occurred August 12, 1876. She left an infant son, who also died in about nine days after her death. His second wife was formerly Miss Mary A. Reynolds, and their union was consum- mated January 15, 1885. Mrs. Butts is a daughter of Thomas and Mary J. (Smith ) Reynolds, and was herself born and brought up in Missouri. It should have been mentioned in connection with Mr. B.'s military career that he participated in a number of serious engagements, among others those of Union Mills, Mo.,. Spring Hill and Franklin, Tenn., where he received three wounds, from the effects of which he still suffers to some extent.
JOHN A. CANON
(Druggist and Dealer in Drugs, Medicines, Cigars, Tobacco, Fruits, Candies, Drug- gists' Sundries, etc., Kingston).
Mr. Canon is a young man who is rapidly and surely making his way to the front among the energetic business men of this community. Though only in his thirty-sixth year he has built up a constantly in- creasing patronage, and by attending strictly to each minor detail of his chosen calling can not fail of success. His stock is complete and always fresh. Mr. Canon was born in Columbiana county, O., De- cember 31, 1849, his father, David F. Canon, also being a native of that State. The latter married Miss Mary F. Drake, who came originally from Europe. The father, a farmer by occupation, moved to
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
Caldwell county, Mo., in 1867 (having previously purchased land here), and to a farm life the subject of this sketch was brought up, partly in Columbiana county, O., and also in this county. His incli- nations, however, led him to enter into active business life, and he accordingly commenced his mercantile experience in 1877 as a clerk. In 1880 he was enabled to start for himself, and his outlook for the future is full of promise. October 14, 1880, Mr. Canon was married to Miss Luella Inskeep, a most estimable young lady. Her native place was in Coshocton county, O. Two children have blessed this union, Helen and Gail.
WM. H. B. CARTER
(Clerk of Caldwell County, Kingston, Mo.)
The public services of Mr. Carter since 1875 have been character- ized by a noticeable devotion to the welfare of this county, and his ability and fidelity in his present position have made a lasting impres- sion upon this sphere of public duty. For many years his name has been closely connected with the history of Kingston. It was in 1873 that he became a citizen of Caldwell county, his time and attention having just previous to that year been given to merchandising in Kansas City. Prior to the war he took a trip West visiting Colorado, Montana, etc., and for four years was engaged in freighting and min- ing. In 1866 he returned to Missouri and settled at Kansas City. It can safely be said that no other man besides Mr. Carter mentioned in the biographical division of this work can claim Kansas as the place of his birth. He was born in Kansas while it was still a territory March 7, 1843. His father, Luther M. Carter, was a Kentuckian by birth, and upon reaching this then wild West assisted in building the old Shawnee Mission, near Shawnee Town, Kansas, afterwards re- moving to Wyandotte. His wife, the mother of the subject of our notice, was formerly Miss Susan Threlkeld, from Kentucky. Of their six children living, W. H. B. is the fifth child and third son. It was in 1844 that he was brought to Missouri, and in this State his early scholastic advantages were enjoyed, though only such as the common schools of that period afforded. His career since then has been briefly noted. In 1875 he entered the county clerk's office as deputy, which position he held for six years, when he was ap- pointed by the Governor to fill the place made vacant by the resigna- tion of his chief Mr. Russel. In 1882 he was elected to fill the same office, the duties of which position he has since continued to discharge. Mr. Carter is also something of a landholder, having in his posses- sion a farm of 210 acres of good land. His marriage to Miss Mattie E. Russel occurred October 20, 1869, she having been born in Kentucky. Their three children are named Nellie S., Willie L. and Samuel R. Mr. C. is Democratic in politics ; in social life he is kind, courteous and affable in his demeanor to all classes, and a man who attracts the regard of all who approach him. He is universally rev- erenced by his fellow-citizens.
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