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 29

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 29
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 29

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ALLEN GILLETT

(Farmer, Section 1, Post-office, Hamilton).

A lifetime of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he now gives his attention, coupled with strict integrity, hon- esty of purpose and liberality in all directions, have had a result to place Mr. Gillett among the truly respected and honored agricultur- ists of the county. It was in 1868 that he came here from Illinois, at which time he settled on his present homestead, improving a farm of 170 acres. To this he has constantly added improvements of a high order until now everything about the place is in excellent condition.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Besides farming in a general way, he handles stock to no inconsider- able extent, a branch in which he is well known. Mr. G. was born in Otsego county, N. Y., August 21, 1825, and there it was that he received his schooling and grew to manhood. In 1854 he went to Belvidere, Ill., where he remained for about 14 years, then, as before stated, locating in this county. The Gilletts originally were early settlers of Vermont, and from there members of the family removed to Connecticut. Allen's mother was formerly Olive Granger, and of her 8 children he was the third. On the 1st of February, 1850, Mr. Gillett was married to Miss Alzina Dailey, like her husband a native of Otsego county, N. Y. Nine children in their family are living as follows : Juliet, wife of Jacob Snider, whose biography appears in this work ; Viola, widow of Lewis Nelson, who died a few months after marriage ; William D., of this county ; Charles M., now of Nebraska ; Ida Jane, Wallace B., Jerome B., of New York; Abraham and Stephen A. One daughter, Selina Brown, died April 3, 1881. Mr. G. is a loyal Republican through and through.

DAVID A. GLENN

(Insurance Agent and Ex-Sheriff of Caldwell County, Kingston).

It was in 1873 that Mr. Glenn became a citizen of Caldwell county, and from that time to the present he has been intimately connected with its advancement and material interests in more ways than one. Upon settling here he commenced selling goods at Polo, and only dis- continued that business when elected to the position of sheriff in 1880. His majority in that year over his opponent was 78, but in 1882, so faithfully and efficiently had he discharged the duties as sheriff, that he was complimented with a re-election, and a majority of 390. It is a well known fact that his services while in this position were of great benefit to the people of Caldwell county, and his constituents have never had cause to regret the support which they gave him. Since the expiration of his official term, he has given his attention to the insurance business. Mr. Glenn's father was John Glenn, a Vir- ginian by birth, who studied medicine for some time and afterwards taught school and also engaged in farming. He was among the earliest settlers of this county, coming here in 1838, and soon there- after he went to Knoxville, Ray county. In 1850 he was among those who took a trip to California during the gold excitement, but his death occurred there in 1851. He left six children : David A., Sarah, now Mrs. Teegarder ; Rebecca Ann, since deceased ; Malinda, since deceased; Catherine, now Mrs. Odell, and Mary, now Mrs. Henderson. His widow is still living, at the age of 77, and finds a pleasant home with her children ; her maiden name was Mahala Lewis, a native of Virginia. David A. Glenn, was born in Abington, Wash- ington county, Va., September 15, 1836. He was principally reared in Ray county, Mo., on a farm up to the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the 6th Missouri cavalry, and served for three years in Southwestern Missouri. After the close of the conflict he returned to

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY. 1

Knoxville in 1865, and clerked for J. M. Stone, then deputy sheriff, for a time. In 1867 he became occupied in clerking for John Grimes, after which he devoted himself to his farming interests. As mentioned elsewhere he came to this county in 1873. Mr. Glenn's marriage was consummated in 1867, at which time Miss Susan Vin- sant, daughter of Richard Vinsant, of Knoxville, though born in Campbell county, Tenn., became his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn have six sons : John, Richard, William, David K., Robert, Alvin. Mr. G. is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and the A. O. U. W. fra- ternities.

J. F. HEISER

(Dealer in Furniture, Undertaker's Goods and Agricultural Implements, Kingston).

A native of Union county, Pa., Mr. Heiser was born on the 24th of November, 1833, and is now, therefore, in his fifty-second year. His parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth Heiser, née Meyers, both of whom were also Pennsylvanians by birth. Up to the age of 13 young Heiser's youth was passed at his birthplace, but in 1846 the family removed to Illinois and located in Stephenson county, where he was taught the rudiments of farming. He also familiarized himself with the trade of a machinist, and became thoroughly qualified to follow that business. In 1859, becoming possessed of a desire to see something of the West, he went to Colorado, but in 1861 located at St. Joseph, Mo., where he lived for a time. It was at this period that he entered upon a career which for four years caused him to endanger his life and endure the hardships of a soldier's lot. On the 9th of May he enlisted in the 16th Illinois volunteer infantry, the first regi- ment of Union troops to enter Missouri, and during the war followed the fortunes of that command through its long and terrible struggle. He was a participant in the capture of New Madrid, Island No. 10, siege of Corinth, and many others which we can not here mention. After returning from the army Mr. Heiser removed to Caldwell county, Mo., and for one year was engaged in farming, after which he settled at Kingston and embarked in wagon-making. For 10 years he carried on a most successful business, but on the 1st of April, 1869, he turned his attention to the conduct of a furniture and undertaking establishment. Later on he became interested in selling agricultural implements, in which he is meeting with good success. As a business man generally Mr. Heiser ranks among the foremost in Kingston, and the patronage which he receives is only such as he deserves. He is careful and painstaking in all matters connected with his undertaking department, and in all lines carries a full and complete stock of goods. He has been called upon to serve as a member of the town board, and has also been mayor of the place, a position which he accceptably filled. Mr. H. was married to Miss Sarah A. Goodman, in December, 1869. She was born in Caldwell county. The names of their three children are Edgar Frederick, Blanche and Benjamin B.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

REV. C. W. HIGGINS

(Proprietor of the Caldwell County Sentinel, Kingston).

Rev. C. W. Higgins bought the Caldwell County Sentinel about five years ago, and has since had control of that paper as proprietor, though its editorial management is chiefly in the hands of his son, C. C. Higgins. The Sentinel is one of the old and well established country journals of this portion of the State, and has ever exerted a potent influence in public affairs and the general interests of Caldwell county - never more so than in late years whilst under the direction of its present proprietor. It has a good patronage, and as a journal commands the respect and confidence of the entire reading public among whom it circulates. Mr. Higgins is a gentleman of culture and large general information, scrupulously conscientious in all he says and does, and one who does as much good for the community as lies within his power, and as little harm. These are qualities which he esteems to be of the first importance in any calling in life. For many years he was engaged in the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, and did valuable work for that denomination while occupying the pulpit at different places. Rev. Mr. Higgins came originally from Massachusetts, having been born in Hampshire county, January 18, 1823. His father was Luther Higgins, also of an early colonial fam- ily of that State ; he married Miss Lydia King, and of the family of children born of this union C. W. was the fourth child. The senior Higgins during life was occupied in both farming and pursuing his trade as mechanic. His death occurred in 1846, his wife departing this life in 1866. The subject of this sketch was reared in Massachu- setts, and as he grew up learned farming upon the old homestead. His school advantages were, perhaps, superior to those of the general average of youths in that part of the country, and he succeeded in ob- taining a good education. He attended Williston Seminary and also Williams College, and after this, having decided to devote himself to the ministry, he took a theological course at Auburn Theological Seminary, commencing his studies in 1850. After three years of close and studious application he was gradnated in 1853. Mr. Higgins began at once to preach, and subsequently was engaged in the State of Wisconsin for two years, as well as in New York for some time. In 1868 he accompanied a colony from Binghamton, N. Y., to Osborne, DeKalb county, Mo., and remained there as pastor of the Presbyte- rian Church until 1880, in the meantime preaching to various congre- gations. In 1881 he came to Caldwell county and purchased the Sentinel, and from that time to this he has been identified with the interests of this community in different capacities. Mr. Higgins has been twice married ; his first wife was Miss Hattie Chapin, of Roches- ter, N. Y., a daughter of Judge Chapin. She died in 1872 leaving six children : Carrie, now Mrs. McKinlay ; Willie, editor of the Udall (Kas. ) Sentinel; Mary, now the wife of Rev. W. T. Scott, of Laclede ; Edward, an attorney at law ; Charles and Lucy, at home.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Mr. Higgins' second marriage occurred in 1874 to Miss Mary Frazier, a native of Ohio, and of Scotch parentage. Mr. Higgins is devoting much attention to bee culture, an occupation in which he is greatly in- terested. He is meeting with success in this departure, and is recog- nized as one of the most prominent apiarists in the county.

WILLIAM A. HOGSETT

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 3, Post-office, Hamilton).

From the age of about 26 years, and for some 23 years thereafter, Mr. Hogsett was engaged in an occupation which we feel safe in say- ing that but few men in this county have ever followed -that of pump making. This branch of business he commenced in Ohio, whither he had removed from his native State of Virginia, in 1847, and this is the principal exception to an otherwise lifetime of farming which has received his attention. His entire career during life has been a remarkable one; he commenced in the world for himself with absolutely nothing, and the success which has crowned his efforts and the competence to which he has achieved, are due only to his own perseverance, energy and good management. As has been intimated Mr. H. was born in Virginia, in Augusta county, November 5, 1821, and from that time on until leaving there he worked on the home farm. In 1868 he settled in Caldwell county, Mo., and has since re- sided here upon his homestead of 100 acres. Upon this place he is at the present time erecting a commodious dwelling. Miss Margaret I. Cauffman, also a Virginian by birth, became his wife in July, 1842, and this union has been blessed with a numerous family of children, eight of whom survive, viz. : Mary J., Martha E., wife of Louis Meck- lin, of Ohio ; James F., of Hardin county, O .; William O., George, Anu, now Mrs. H. T. Baker ; Laura, wife of William Brent ; Lucretia, whose husband is a Mr. M. Downing, of Illinois. One daughter, Elizabeth Margaret, is deceased. In connection with his farming operations Mr. Hogsett is taking great interest in raising stock, of which he makes quite a specialty. In this he has been quite fortunate.

GEORGE W. HOUGHTON

(Farmer, Section 19, Post-office, Kingston).

Mr. Houghton, a man over whom more than 40 years have passed, is native to Missouri and also to this county, having been born here December 25, 1844. His father, John S. Houghton, is well remem- bered among the earliest settlers of the county, for he was a man who for a long time was actively and usefully associated with the interests of Caldwell county and vicinity. The Houghtons were early comers to this country and, as far as we are able to trace their history, they were from England, locating first in New Jersey after reach- ing this continent. George's grandfather, William Houghton, was a soldier of the Revolution. His sou, John S., before referred to, first saw the light in New Jersey, from which State he removed to Cort-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

land county, N. Y., when 23 years old. While there he met and es- poused Miss Lucy K. Alvord, a lady of rare personal attractions and beauty of character, and who at this writing retains a brightness of memory and intellect so marked that she describes very vividly re- miniscences which occured years ago. She is now 77 years of age, re- markably well preserved in every particular. Members of the Alvord family were also participants in the Revolutionary War. Their name has become more than ordinarily well known in this country, and espec- ially prominent is it in the State of New York, where many of their rep- resentatives have filled prominent positions and responsible ones, too, in the social and political history of the State. Numerous judges, leg- islators and lieutenant-governors have born this name. The family of John S. Houghton and wife consisted of six children : William, Alice C. (Brown), Charles H. H., Geo. W., Joab, and Rachel E. (Orr). Rachel and Charles are now deceased. In 1844 Mr. Houghton, Sr., became a citizen of this county and here he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was highly esteemed by those who were favored with his acquaintance, and once represented with ability his county in the Legislature. He died August 28, 1865. Brought up in this county, and also educated in the schools in this locality, George W. Hough- ton has a very extensive acquaintance of the people and the country around about. When 17 years of age he returned to New York and attended the Homer Academy, at Cortland, where he supplemented the course of instruction received here. In 1865 he returned to his home and since then has been industriously occupied in tilling the soil. His farm of 80 acress embraces some choice land and is well improved. Mr. H.'s wife is the daughter of John Orr, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume. Her maiden name was Mary A. Orr, and their marriage was consummated October 4, 1881. One child has blessed this union, Charles H.

JOAB HOUGHTON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 30, Post-office, Kingston).

In every community and among all classes there are always a few men who seem to become leaders in whatever they do, whether of a commercial or agricultural nature; and these same men are the ones who perhaps unconsciously take a prominent and active in- terest in promoting any movements which may be thought capable of tending to the welfare of the county or vicinity in which they may reside. Such a one is Mr. Houghton, a native-born citizen of Caldwell county, and a man highly respected by every one who knows him. His parents were Hon. John S. and Lucy ( Alvord ) Houghton, who came originally from Cortland county, N. Y., to this county in 1844 ; and it was some four years after this, on August 1, 1847, that Joab was born. Though spending his boyhood and early manhood here, he accompanied his parents to Cortland county, N. Y., when they returned there in 1860, but remained only until 1865, when this county again became their home, and here the subject of this sketch

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

acquired a good education. He has since been giving much attention to the stock business, particularly to buying and shipping, and his choice landed estate of 220 acres is one of the best tracts for stock raising purposes in this section of the county. It is well improved and in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Houghton is a married man, his wife having originally been Miss Mary J. Fugitt, a native of Illi- nois, but brought up in this county. She is a daughter of William Fugitt, an outline of whose life will be found in a few pages before this. Their marriage occurred on the 9th of March, 1871. This union has been blessed with an interesting family of four children, all of whom are living. Their names are, in the order of their births, Fannie May, Carrie F., John S. and Alice B. Houghton.

MAJ. M. L. JAMES

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 23, Post-office, Kingston).

Not without justice Maj. James is conceded to hold an enviable position among the prominent and successful men of Caldwell county. He served his county and State in a most acceptable manner during the war, but has rendered it even more valuable service, not only as a reliable public official, but as an industrious farmer and law-abiding citizen. He came to this county before reaching his majority, in fact when but 16 years of age, and had established himself thoroughly in his farming operations at the outbreak of the war. Descended from a family who were renowned for their military instincts, he at once threw himself into the conflict, and in June, 1861, organized a com- pany of home guards, of which he was captain, the company being called " Capt. James' Company of Home Guards." The following October he organized the 5th battalion, and was soon commissioned major, his command being stationed at Cameron until May, 1862. The term of service for which the battalion had enlisted having expired it was mustered into the 6th regiment, M. S. M. cavalry, of which Maj. James was also made major. In September of the same year he resigned his commission and returned home. In 1862 he was also elected sheriff of Caldwell county ; but in consequence of his farming and stock interests he could not devote the time necessary to discharg- ing the duties of that office, and at the same time do justice to his own affairs. Therefore he was compelled to decline the honor which had been conferred upon him. Upon his present place he moved in 1865, and this contains 200 acres of well improved land, the build- ings upon it being models of neatness. He was married February 12, 1845, to Miss Mary Eleanor, daughter of Gen. Thomas Butts, a Ken- tuckian by birth. Her parents emigrated to Ray county, Mo., in 1830, and to this county in 1840. There is one son living of this union, John Milton, one being deceased, Thomas William, as is also a daughter, Hattie Elizabeth. Maj. James was born in Kentucky December 13, 1825, his ancestors having been early settlers to that State from Virginia. They had become located in this latter State prior to the War of the Revolution, and five of the family were

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

soldiers in that conflict. It was Maj. John James who displayed con- siderable courage by knocking down at Charleston Capt. Artesof, of the British army. M. L. James in early manhood learned the tan- ner's trade, which he followed some time, devoting the greater part of his time, however, to agricultural pursuits until he came to this county in 1841. He then located on a farm in Mirabile township and im- proved it, and in 1852 was elected county surveyor, having served the county in that capacity for several terms. His subsequent career has been noted. Maj. James' son, John M. James, was married April 14, 1881, to Miss Lucy Jane Reynolds, who was born in Johnson county, this State. Their family consists of two children : Mary Ellor and Lolla Lee. The Major is meeting with substantial success in his present calling.

EDWARD D. JOHNSON

(Kingston).

Edward D. Johnson, the seventh child and third son of Robert and Jane ( Stevenson ) Johnson, was born in Coshocton county, O., Novem- ber 28, 1828. His parents were of Irish ancestry and themselves natives of Ireland. The father emigrated from that country to Ohio in 1810 ; he is still living at a ripe old age, honored and beloved by all who know him. There were nine children in their family. Edward, as soon as old enough, was at once put to work upon the home farm and there acquired a taste for agricultural pursuits ; when the duties of the farm permitted he attended the common schools. In 1846, upon the outbreak of the Mexican War, he enlisted in Co. B, 3d Ohio infantry, with which command he served fifteen months. After his re- turn from the battle-field he settled in Benton county, Ia., and made his home there for five years. At the expiration of that period he became located in Caldwell county, in 1854, though it was merely a matter of chance that caused him to stop here, as he was at the time on his way to Texas. But immediately turning his attention to farming and stock raising, he continued that calling with much profit for several years ; and, indeed, the greater part of the time until within the past few years. During the progress of the Civil War he was prominently identified with the Federal army as captain in Co. C. of the 6th regiment, M. S. M., and such a strong defender of the rights of his country was he that at the very first outbreak he raised a company for the United States service, the first one in North Missouri. He was a participant in the Blue Mills fight. In 1848 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Emily Shafer, originally from New York State. A family of three children has been given them : Josephine, now Mrs. James Orr ; Miriam, now Mrs. McAfee, and Robert. The career of Mr. Johnson in this county has certainly been one of much influence. For some time he held the position of county judge, the duties of which office were carefully discharged. Besides his property interests here he has property in Springfield, Mo., and Eureka Springs. Mr. J. is well known in this county as a man of great application and strict integrity. His business qualifications are best attested by his success,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

for prudent foresight, sound judgment and an active mind have proven to be his best friends in his long business career. His social qualities are of a high order. He is a member of the G. A. R.

SAMUEL GREEN JOHNSTON

(Farmer and Carpenter, Section 29, Post-office, Kingston).

Though in more recent years Mr. Johnston has given his attention principally to farming as his chief calling, he is an experienced car- penter and builder, and many evidences of his ability and skill in this direction are to be seen in various portions of Caldwell county. He has erected many buildings in Kingston and vicinity and now upon his present homestead he has a neat and commodious dwelling, home- like in all its appointments. In 1866, upon coming to this county, he purchased a farm of 100 acres a mile and a half west of Kingston, upon which he still resides. This is being cultivated to advantage. Mr. Johnston is a native of Huntingdon county, Pa., born March 6, 1835. He was reared in the vicinity of his birthplace, and at the age of 16 commenced to learn the trade of carpenter and builder, in which he subsequently met with most encouraging success. In 1855 he removed to Illinois and was engaged in building until the breaking out of the war, when he responded to his country's call and enlisted in the State service. Soon after he was mustered into the United States service, and in May, 1861, became a member of Co. G, 13th Illinois volunteer infantry. In June, 1864, he was mustered out at Springfield, Ill., after having participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Champion's Hill, Jackson, Lookout Mountain, Mission- ary Ridge, and several other engagements. After leaving the army he followed his vocation in Illinois until coming to this county in 1866. On the 14th of November, 1867, Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Kate McConnell, who came originally from Ireland. This union has been blessed with two children : John W. and Kate May. The same success which followed Mr. J. in his carpentering business seems to be attending him in his farming operations, but all will admit that he deserves his success.

J. R. JONES, M. D. (Retired Physician and Surgeon and Farmer).

Among the people of Caldwell as well of surrounding counties the name that heads this sketch is by no means an unfamiliar one ; for for many years he was actively and successfully occupied in the prose- cution of his chosen profession, and during this time his career as a practitioner and thorough student of medicine won for him no less a reputation than did his personal characteristics as a citizen and neigh- bor. Of recent years he has endeavored to avoid as far as possible the practice of medicine, preferring to give his entire attention to the management of his large farming interests ; but occasionally an im- portunate patient is found who is not willing to risk his treatment to

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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