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 28
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 28
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272
.HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
WILLIAM CATES
(Farmer, Section 23, Post-office, Kingston).
The entire life of Mr. Cates has been one unmarked by any unusual occurrence outside of the chosen channels to which he has so diligently and attentively given his time and attention. A native-born citizen of the State, he has ever been occupied in tilling the soil, and the manner in which he has acquired his present estate denotes him to be an energetic, successful agriculturist. He was born in Howard county, Mo., March 25, 1839, but when young he was taken to Ray county, where he was principally reared, his education being acquired in the common schools. In 1880 he purchased 80 acres of land in Caldwell county, and in 1884 was in a situation to add to this original tract another 80 acre farm, thus forming an excellent landed estate of 160 acres, which is being improved to the best advantage. March 10, 1859, Mr. Cates was married to a most worthy lady, - Miss Eliza Kemper, a native of this State and a daughter of John Kemper, Esq., one of the first settlers of Linn county, Mo. He was a Kentuckian by birth, and after reaching manhood was married to Miss Jane Boyer, who came originally from Tennessee. Wherever a family of Kempers have resided they have been recognized as prominent and influential citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Cates have an interesting family of four chil- dren : John P., Susie L., Martha Belle and Leah May. Mr. C. and wife are members of the M. E. Church South.
WILLIAM W. CLEVENGER
(Sheriff of Caldwell county, Kingston).
Mr. Clevenger, the popular sheriff of this county, though born in Union county, Ohio, June 10, 1853, has resided here from his fourth year, and the confidence which the people have in him is therefore intelligently placed, for they have known him from boyhood and have had every opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications. His father, Lewis B. Clevinger, is well remembered by the earlier res- idents of Caldwell county, for he was long associated with its agricul- tural interests. He was a native of Greene county, O., born April 27, 1827, and from that place, after having been raised there, he went to Illinois, where he made his home for one year, the year of 1856. In 1857 he cast his fortunes with this county. Here he resided until his death, one of the well known and respected men of the com- munity. In 1862 he entered the army as a member of the 6th M. S. M. cavalry, and was made first lieutenant, thereafter soon being promoted to captain. He served until 1865, was then mustered out, returned to Caldwell county, and resumed farming. In 1866 he was appointed a member of the board of registration for the county, and in 1868 was a candidate for county judge, though defeated by a small majority. In 1874 he was elected sheriff, and so well did he fill that position that at the next general election he was again
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
called to the same office. His death occurred April 4, 1882, from the effects of a wound received at Yelville, Ark. His widow still survives and finds a pleasant home among her children. Her maiden name was Miss Mary Elizabeth Spencer, of Union, county, Ohio. Six children of her family are now living, William W., Mary E., now Mrs. Cross ; John C. F., Florence M., now Mrs. Faulkner ; Oliver L. and Lewis B. William W. Clevenger was brought up in this county and received his education here. He re- mained on the home farm until 1874, when he was appointed deputy sheriff during the term of his father, and in 1878 was elected for one term. In 1884 he was again elected to the same position, having in the interval between his two terms acted as deputy. It is but saying the truth when the statement is made that no more capable man for the position could be found than Mr. C. He is very popular with all, kind and courteous in his intercourse with his fellow-men (a secret doubtless of his great popularity ), and always willing to aid an enter- prise which tends to the interest of his adopted county. Mr. Clev- enger's wife was formerly Miss Permelia E. Sackman, of this county, to whom he was married September 7, 1876. Five children have been born to them : Orie D., Myrtle B., Blanche M., Ella E., and Lulu L. M. He is a member of the following orders: A. F. and A. M., I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. His father was connected with the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities.
JOHN DENNIS COX
(Banker, Kingston).
In any worthy history of Caldwell county the name that heads this sketch will always be given an enviable place among the leading citizens of the county and its self-made wealthy business men. His experience in life has been a varied one, but at the same time one that reflects only credit upon him as a man. His parents were Solomon and Deborah Cox; the former was born in Grayson county, W. Va., and in 1818 took up his location in White county, Tenn., going thence to Lafayette county, Mo. His attention and time during life had been given to farming and milling, so that upon his removal to this county, in 1842, he erected a mill on section 24 of Kingston township, which was suc- cessfully conducted until 1857. This was one of the earlier mills in Caldwell county, and one of no small reputation in that early day. In 1849 Mr. Cox, Sr., took a trip to California, drawn thither in common with thousands of others by the overdrawn pictures of mines of wealth to be had almost for the asking. However, he never returned to the home which he left east of the Missouri, his death occurring Novem- ber 26, 1849. He left ten children living : James, John D., William B., Lewis W., Robert W., Patsey, who married L. Fine ; Ruth, now Mrs. Coles; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Hampton ; Malvina, now Mrs. Ray ; Mary, now Mrs. Johnson. One son, Elias, died in 1847. John Den- nis Cox, the sixth child of his parents' family of children, was born November 26, 1824, in Lafayette county, Mo. He was reared there
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
and as he grew up learned the lessons of industry, frugal habits and 'economy - lessons which he has never forgotten. They have ever been characteristics of his subsequent life and conduct. Up to 1849 he divided his energies between the farm and mill; but at that time he, too, went to California, where for one year he was occupied in working in the mines. He returned then to Lafayette county. In 1852 and 1853 Mr. C. again crossed the plains, the last time driving 500 head of cattle, and remaining until June, 1855. Continuing to make his home within the borders of Lafayette county for about eight years after this, he then settled in Caldwell county, moving into Kingston in 1867. From that period until 1882 he gave considerable attention to money matters, trading in stock, land, etc., and in this business he met with the success due a man of his stamp. Impressed with the favorable opportunities presented in Kingston for the estab- lishment of a solid banking institution, he opened the Caldwell County Bank in 1882. This has become well known as one of the substantial and reliable banks in this portion of the community, a fact greatly to Mr. Cox's credit. During the war, a stanch Union man, he was the object of many cruel indignities, the outgrowth of that long and terrible struggle ; and even after the cessation of hostilities some unworthy office-holders, not satisfied with the record which he had gained during the four years of civil strife - a record which any true man would be proud to have - endeavored to disfranchise him. This was indeed only adding insult to injury, and since that time Mr. Cox has stead- fastly refused to vote. On the 10th of January, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary C. Robinson, of Lafayette county, Mo., who died De- cember 21, 1860. Mr. Cox's second marriage occurred July 14, 1867, when Miss Amanda J. Buford became his wife. She is also a native of Missouri. They have five children : Kate M., Robert, Arthur, Frankie and John D. One son, William, died in infancy.
THOMAS G. CURTIS
(Kingston).
Mr. Curtis has resided in this county since 1863, his principal occu- pation during this period being the one to which he was reared, that of farming. However, he embarked in his present business in 1883. He is now engaged in conducting a saloon and billiard hall, and has met with good success in this calling ; and though his trade is large, he prides himself on his quiet, orderly honse. His standing in society illustrates forcibly the truth that -
" Honor and shame from no condition rise, Act well your part ; there all the honor lies."
Mr. Curtis is a native Missourian, born in Barry county April 22, 1856. Thomas G. Curtis, his father, was a North Carolinan by birth, as was also his mother, whose name before marriage was Sarah Henderson. The former pursued agricultural pursuits as his occupa- tion in life. In 1863 he came with his family to this county. Sep- tember 5, 1875, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Sarah
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
Kiple, who was born in Ohio, and to them three children have been given : Annie, Levi and Ivie.
JEFFERSON DAVIS
(Attorney at Law, Kingston).
The subject of this sketch is a native born resident of the county and as such is looked upon with considerable pride by the people of this locality as a representative son of a cultured and refined common- wealth. To live an entire life in one community and still retain the reputation which Mr. Davis enjoys is by no means as easy as itis for a stranger to come into a place where he is entirely unknown, and by his upright conduct of a short time win the estimation of the public. The acquaintances of Mr. D. therefore know who and what he is. He is now having a very fair practice in his profession, and in the manage- ment of his cases displays considerable ability and sagacity for one of his years. His energy and determination to succeed cannot fail of assisting him to rise to considerable prominence. His father was Thomas Colson Davis, a Kentnekian by birth, who came to Howard county, Mo., in an early day, and in 1853 to Caldwell county. He was a farmer by occupation and took for his wife Miss Mary Emmer- son, also of Kentucky birth, though brought up in Howard county, this State. Jeff. was born June 30, 1855, and grew up in this county, though the principal part of his education was acquired in William Jewell College, that well known and widely distinguished institution of learning at Liberty, Mo. In 1873 he commenced the study of law, and in June, 1877, after a most searching preparation, was admitted to the practice. Since then he has closely applied himself to follow- ing his chosen profession. Mr. Davis is a married man, his marriage to Miss Ada Smith having transpired on January 13, 1878. She was born in Jackson county, Mo. Their family numbers four children : Eda, Jeff., Forest S. and Grover Cleveland. The latter name was given to their youngest son on account of Mr. D.'s strong Democratic proclivities, and it is to be hoped that this child upon growing up may only have the sterling qualities of that glorious President.
HENRY DICKINSON
(Merchant§Tailor, Kingston).
Mr. Dickinson was born in Yorkshire, England, May 22, 1834, and was the son of Joseph and Mary (Green) Diekinson, also natives of that country. The former early learned the business of a woolen manufacturer, and met with good success in that calling for many years. Deciding to come to America, he brought his family here in 1854, and at once settled in Lowell, Mass. He and his wife had seven children : John, Henry, Thomas, Charles, Anna, Margaret and Elizabeth. Henry, the second in the family, was brought up in England, where he thoroughly qualified himself for the trade of a tailor. This he has followed the greater part of his life, with most
276
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
gratifying results. In 1857, he left Lowell and settled in Adams county, Ill., where he made his home until 1868, then coming to Caldwell county, Mo. Mr. Dickinson's career since his location here has been one of industry and great material benefit to the community. He has done much for the advancement and progress of the different places in which he has resided, and is well known as a public-spirited enterprising man. He was one of the first settlers of Polo, and among the early business men of Hamilton. Since becoming a resi- dent of Kingston he has succeeded in building up a good patronage, and the quality of the goods which he turns out has gained for him no insignificant reputation. He at one time discharged the duties of judge of the county court with efficiency, receiving an appointment to that position from Gov. Hardin. Besides his business interests, Mr. Diekinson owns two farms in this county, one of 80 acres in Grant township, and the other of 160 aeres in Kingston township. He is a married man, his wife having formerly been Miss Mary J. Hinchelaiff, of Warsaw, Hancock county, Ill. ; to them have been born two chil- dren, Jennie and Harry. Mr. D. belongs to the I. O. O. F., and has held the position of Noble Grand. He is also a member of the Encampment.
ROBERT L. DODGE
(Attorney at Law and Pension Attorney, Kingston).
Mr. Dodge is a representative of a well known family of physicians who were prominently identified with the medical fraternity at an early day in the history of New York. Both his father and paternal grandfather, each of whom were named John, were regularly educated and qualified physicians, as well as skillful and experienced practi- tioners, and at the same time men of advanced general culture. Com- ing of such an ancestry, perhaps it is not to be wondered at that Robert L. Dodge has succeeded in reaching his present high position as a member of the legal profession of Caldwell county. But the reputation he has acquired has been gained largely through his own individual efforts, and at the expense of diligent study and hard, practical experience. He spent his youth in his native State, New York, and there received an education far above the average, having attended an academy at Fairfield, Herkimer county, which he supple- mented with a course at Union College, of Schenectady. From this well known institution he was graduated in the class of 1850. Mr. Dodge now took charge of an academy at Spencertown, Columbia county, and acted in the capacity of principal with eminent success for one year, when he resigned in order to enter upon the study of law, towards which he had turned as the source of his future labors. He soon commenced to read law, and thoroughly fitted himself for an examination for admission to the bar ; having in the meantime re- moved to Missouri, he was licensed to practice in all courts of record in the State of Missouri, at Savannah, Mo., in 1853, and soon located at Gallatin, where was begun a career that has since developed into one of considerable prominence. From 1856 until 1869 he followed
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
the practice of law, but in the latter year was elected to the position of judge of the court of common pleas and probate court of Daviess county, Mo. The excellent manner in which he discharged his official duties are too well known to need any additional words of compli- ment ; suffice it to say that during his term of office the records show that there were fewer of his rulings reversed than those of any one who ever occupied the same position. In 1878 he came to Kingston, and since that time has devoted the larger part of his time to the pension business, in which he has met with unusual success, a fact well understood by the people of this community and one which they have not failed to appreciate. Mr. Dodge was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., November 16, 1823, and was the son of John and Sophia (Cheesman ) Dodge, of the same State. He was married in 1853 to Miss May E. Barnett, a native of Missouri, who died June 12, 1858. His second wife was Miss Laura Kautz, of Caldwell county, Mo., and their union was consummated in 1861. To them four children have been born : Robert K., Emma, George K. and Nellie. Mr. R. belongs to Kingston Lodge No. 118, of the A. F. and A. M.
JOHN HENRY DUSTON
(Farmer, Section 14,-Post-office, Kingston).
Mr. Duston's farm of 340 acres is one of the finest for successful agricultural purposes to be found in this part of the township, and the manner in which it is conducted is in full keeping with the per- sonal characteristics of its owner, a man of great energy, determin- ation and of much perseverance. For over thirty years he has resided upon his present place, having entered it in 1852, and his entire life since that time has been spent in attending strictly to his chosen calling. By so doing he has done much to advance the repu- tation which the county enjoys as a prosperous farming community, for it is a sturdy, intelligent and energetic class of citizens who give life to any portion of a country. From the age of 10 years Mr. Duston has made this county his permanent home, though when 19 years old he went to Galesburg, Ill., and entered as a student the well known Knox College. In 1849 he took an overland trip to Cali- fornia and remained in that far-off land (as it was then considered) for two years, not however without substantial evidences of success. In 1852 he returned to this county and has continued to reside here, as mentioned above. The family of Dustons are of English origin, the first record we have of them in this country showing that they settled in New Hampshire. John's father, also John Duston, removed from that State to New York, locating in Oneida county. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His marriage occurred in Whitesboro, N. Y., when Miss Sophia, daughter of Judge White, became his wife. He it was from whom the town of Whitesboro took its name. In about the year 1820 John Duston removed to St. Louis, Mo., and after leaving there settled in Saline county, and later in Lafayette county. In that vicinity he remained until 1838, when he came to
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
Caldwell county, being among the pioneers here. He was a civil engineer by profession, and as such his services were in frequent demand. He enjoyed an extensive acquaintance and was highly re- spected. Of his family of children eight grew to maturity. John Henry, the fifth child, was born in Saline county, Mo., on the 9th day of September, 1827. April 29, 1852, he was married to Miss Martha J. Hawks, a native of Tennessee, who died February 4, 1871, leaving a family of five children : Archie A., William W., Charlotte L., wife of John Bethel, of this county ; John H. and Sarah Etta. Three were deceased ; Ora, Ida H. Sturges and Martha S. Mr. Duston's second marriage occurred February 23, 1873, to Miss Mary A. Bowers, a native of Missouri. They have five children living: Russella L., Alice C., Barnard E., Dessa M. and Ann J. They lost one son, Hugh H.
JOHN T. ESTEB
(Farmer, Section 21, Post-office, Kingston).
The parents of Mr. Esteb, J. M. and Nancy J. (Fisher) Esteb, went to Indiana at an early day and there reared a family of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth child. His father was a native of North Carolina, but the mother was a Ken- tuckian by birth. Young Esteb was born in Wayne county, Ind., on the 4th day of May, 1837. His youth and early manhood were passed in the State of his birth, and after attaining his majority he engaged in the mercantile business, becoming connected with his father, and in which he continued for about nine years under the firm name of McKinnie & Esteb. In 1864, disposing of his mercantile interests, Mr. E., Sr., removed to this county, and located where his son, John T., now resides - a place of 160 acres. The latter now owns this tract, which is well improved, and, in fact, a valuable piece of property, besides having an undivided interest in the Esteb estate. Careful and painstaking in the cultivation of his land and thorough in everything connected with its management, it is, perhaps, not to be wondered at that he is meeting with good success. His marriage occurred August 9, 1865, at which time Miss Alice O. James, a native of this county, became his wife. She was the daughter of John P. and Melcena A. (Butts) James, both of whom died when she was an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Esteh have a family of six children : Mary F., John M., Hattie, Cora, Edith L. and Thomas O.
THOMAS C. FORT
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 9,[Post-office, Kingston).
Of all the infamous persecutions which history records as having been the result of religious intolerance, none are more terrible or bloodthirsty than the massacre of the Huguenots on St. Bartholomew's Day of 1572, when from 40,000 to 100,000 victim's were butchered at the instigation of the debased Catherine de Medici. From that time on until the famous Edict of Nantes in 1598, numerous Huguenot fami-
279
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
lies left France and emigrated to other countries, among others some of the ancestors of T. C. Fort. They settled in New Jersey, and after reaching America went thence to Virginia, and subsequently to the French grant, in Ohio. The father of Thomas was Benjamin Fort, and he finally settled in Indiana. Thomas Fort, the fourth child in a family of eleven children, was born in Henry county, Ind., November 20, 1834. As soon as he was old enough certain duties upon the home farm were given his attention, and in connection he familiarized himself with stock dealing. At the age of 22 he com- menced the study of medicine, intending to follow that profession as his calling in life; but after devoting two years to preparatory study he found that branch of learning somewhat unsuited to his tastes, and resumed his former occupations. These he has since continued, and with what success it is unnecessary for us to say, as all are acquainted with his substantial worth, not only as a citizen, but as In 1865 he came to this county, and in 1872 to his present farm, which embraces 230 acres of fine land. As a stock farm this is one of the best in this vicinity, and Mr. Fort is greatly interested in raising graded cattle. He was probably the first man in the county to introduce Moore's Poland-China hogs, and owing to his enterprise and encouragement in stock matters this interest has been largely and materially developed in the community. Mr. F. was one of the or- ganizing members of the Caldwell County Agricultural and Mechan- ical Association at Kingston, and he it was who drew up the articles of agreement for the same, and he sold the first 100 shares. He was married November 12, 1858, to Miss Mary E. McKinnie, a native of Henry county, Ind., her father having been born in Ohio. Their family consists of six children living : Benjamin H., Jesse E., Alice C., Rhoda E., Thomas E. and Fannie M.
a man.
JOSEPH FRAZIER, D. D. S.
(Kingston).
Dr. Frazier, still a young man only little past the age of 30, is however, conceded to be one of the leading dentists of Caldwell county. He is a native of Maryland and was born in Alleghany county, April 8, 1854. His parents were Ferdinand and Matilda (Barrick) Frazier, both of whom were born in Hampshire county (now), W. Va. In 1863 the family removed to McLean county, Ill., and after a residence there of several years came to this county in 1866, and here it was that the subject of this sketch was principally brought up. He divided his time between working on the farm and attending school, where he received a good practical education, and in 1879 he commenced the study of dentistry at Hamilton, under Dr. W. H. Simcock as his preceptor. Some time after this he entered the Missouri Dental College, at St. Louis, in which he took a thor- ough course. Upon leaving that institution he returned to his home in this county thoroughly imbued with its enterprise and the magnifi- cence of his future, and located at Kingston in 1882, where he has
13
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
since resided, and quietly and faithfully pursued the practice of his profession. His ability and learning are well recognized in this com- munity, the people of which are giving him an excellent patronage. Dr. Frazier is a married man, Miss Mecca Bridgewater becoming his wife October 24, 1883. She is one of the native born daughters of Caldwell county. Of this union one child has been born, Mary Ethel.
WILLIAM C. FUGITT
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 30, Post-office, Kingston).
It was in 1855 that Mr. Fugitt first became a resident of Caldwell county, having come here from Randolph county, this State, where he learned the rudiments of farm life. Later on, and in fact ever since then, he has given his entire time and energies to the pursuit of farming, in which he has had more than the average success. His first location in this county was on the site of the present Poor Farm, but in 1870 he improved and moved upon his present homestead which consists of 485 acres. Everything about this place is kept in good condition, all necessary buildings forming a prominent feature of the improvements. Mr. Fugitt was born in Maury county, Tenn., May 10, 1817. When three years old he was taken by his mother to Ran- dolph county, Mo., his father having departed this life in Tennessee some time before. She continued to remain there until December 2, 1856, William making his home with her until reaching his majority. On September 25, 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Alexander, originally from Kentucky, and she has borne him eight children, four of whom are now living: Mary J., wife of Joab Houghton, a well known resident of this county ; William, Josephine, now Mrs. Walter Hill, and John. Four are deceased : James, Dona Maria, Eliza and an infant. The first named, James, was a brave soldier in the late Civil War, and being taken a prisoner, was confined for two years in Andersonville. He was released April 13, 1865, but the confinement and suffering had so undermined his health that he died at Albany, Ga., a few days after. Though now quite advanced in life, Mr. Fugitt is remarkably well preserved in years, the " rav- ages of time " having had but little effect upon him. He is widely honored by those who know him.
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