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 33

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 33
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 33

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Christian Smith, from Ohio, located on the ne. 1/4 of section 29 in 1840. The land had been entered in the name of Bishop Partridge and Squire Bozarth in December, 1836. A man named Milstead, a Tennessean, came to this vicinity in 1839.

Rev. Jones, a Methodist minister, settled the nw. 1/4 of section 20 in 1839 ; the land was entered by Alpheus Cutler, in October, 1836.

In 1839 David Stoffel made a settlement on the nw. of the ne. of section 29, half a mile northeast of school house No. 3; land entered by Bishop Partridge in December, 1836.

The northeast quarter of section 27 was entered in the names of Joseph Smith, Isaac Bebee, and Reed Peck, in July, 1836, and after the Mormon expulsion was settled on by Esquire Kelso.

Thos. Grover settled on the se. 1/4 of section 19 in the fall of 1837, and entered the land in January, 1838.

Solomon Musser settled the ne. of section 21 in 1839 ; land entered by Joseph Holbrook in December, 1836. John Musser settled on section 18 in 1839, and the same year Wm. Gilbert made a permanent location in the extreme southwest corner of this section or the north- west corner of section 19, on the Clinton line.

Humphrey Beckett settled three-fourths of a mile west of Mirabile . about 1839. Beckett died in this township, but his widow is yet alive. In November, 1840, Daniel Sackman came in from Ohio and bought the farm settled on by Beckett. Mr. Sackman was a black- smith, and worked at that occupation while his son Jonathan, after-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

ward sheriff of the county, managed the farm. Henry Clark lived two miles northwest of Mirable in 1840. Henry Sackman came with Daniel and located one-fourth of a mile north of Mirabile, but returned to Ohio in a year or so.

The southwest quarter of section 27, on Goose creek, was entered in the name of Joseph Smith in 1836, but afterwards, about 1840, Eli Penny settled it, and it is now well known as the Penny farm.

John Whitmer moved back from Ray County and July 9, 1840, settled on the north side of section 14, half a mile east of the temple site at Far West. It will be remembered that he had previously en- tered this land in his own name in 1836, as a portion of the town site of Far West.

ITEMS.

In 1837 the Mormons built a school house in the center of section 29, near the site of where school house No. 3 now is. It rotted years ago. The Mormons had numerous good teachers among them and schools were plenty. In the winter of 1837-8 spelling schools were common enough in this township. Brigham Young, John Taylor, Orson Hyde and other prominent Mormons took part in them.

The first mill in the township was Fugitt's, a mile north of Far West, on Shoal creek (s. w. corner of section 2,), which was built in about 1837 and was washed away in the spring of 1859. This mill was much resorted to by the Mormons during their occupation of the county. As late as 1870 some of the saw-logs hauled to it by the Mormons in 1838 had not entirely decayed, and were plainly visible.

A man named Gardner had a horse-mill three-fourths of a mile north of Mirabile in 1840, which was resorted to by the settlers in that quarter. Gardner sold this mill to Gibson, and afterward it was the property successively of Anderson, Smith, Adams, Bragg, Robt. Walker, Isaac Sackman, Robt. Henderson, and Renner.

Some fine farms in this township, and some magnificent stretches of country deserve more extended mention than can be given them. There were a number of first-class farms here before the Civil War, and the township was in good state of improvement.

Mirabile was thoroughly Union in sentiment during the Civil War, and it is claimed that nearly every able-bodied man in the township did duty in the Federal service. A few entered the Confederate ser- vice. Capt. Johnson's and Capt. James' Home Guards were organ- ized in Mirabile in June, 1861.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

OFFICIAL HISTORY.

What is now Mirabile township formed a portion of Rockford, which comprised the western tier of Congressional townships from 1860 to May 6, 1867. On the latter date the county court, on petition of Wm. H. Frederick and others, divided Rockford into two civil townships. It must be borne in mind that Rockford then com- prised all of range 29, or the west six miles of Caldwell county. Shoal creek was made the dividing line between the two new town- ships. All north of the center of the stream was called Kidder, and all south was called Mirabile.

Three years later, or May 4, 1870, the boundaries of Mirabile town- ship were re-established as at present, comprising all of township 56, range 29. The voting place was established at Mirabile. Jacob Dewalt was appointed the first constable under the last organ- ization.

Since the township has had independent organization its officers have been as follows :-

1881 - Trustee, Jacob Buck; collector, I. S. Mylar ; clerk, J. P. Renfrew ; justices of the peace, John Allen, David E. Cross ; con- stable, J. C. F. Clevenger.

1883 - Trustee, L. L. Frost ; collector, I. S. Mylar ; clerk, J. P. Platt ; justices of the peace, Wm. H. Alleman, Wm. Dudley ; con- stable, Wm. Beckett.

1885 -Trustee, L. L. Frost ; collector, J. H. Conley ; clerk, W. T. Frederick ; justices of the peace, Leonard Sparks, I. B. Haworth ; constable, Edgar Boner.

THE TOWN OF MIRABILE.

The site of the village, a town of Mirabile (the se. 1/4 of the sw. 1/4 of sec. 34), was entered by John Gregg, Nov. 9, 1836. He was a Mormon, and left the State with his brethren for Nauvoo in the spring of 1839. Not long after the Mormon exodus Wm. E. Marquam (pronounced Marcam), who was an Indianian, visited the locality, and it is said then purchased Gregg's land.

In 1848 or 1849 Mr. Marquam purchased a stock of goods and the log building in which they were exposed for sale at Far West, and removed them to his land, and thus laid the foundation for the town of Mirabile. The logs and all the other material in the building were brought from Far West, and it stood on the north side of the western part of Main

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

street, just east of the present Crawford building. About the same time Mr. Marquam established a blacksmith shop in the southeastern part of the town, and soon after an ox-mill, which ground both corn and wheat, and bolted the latter into good flour. Some years after- ward he started a carding mill, which he operated for some time. Marquam's old store-house burned down years ago, but the carding mill is still standing, and is used as a stable.

Mr. Marquam is remembered as a worthy citizen and a most estim- able gentleman. An old settler says: " Everybody liked him, and he liked everybody." Some time after the Civil War he removed to Iowa and died there.

For a time the locality was called " Marquam's Store," but after some years a second store was opened by Joseph Hoard, who built a store-house in the southeastern part of town. Then John Burrows built a brick on the south side of Main street, next door east of the brick hotel. Isaac Stout built the brick hotel, a tavern. Mr. Marquam had a town or village laid out and platted, and named it Mirabile, from a Latin word signifying wonderful.

After John Burrows, perhaps the next store was that of Cheshire & Partin, a frame structure, which stood on the north side of Main street. A man named Jones put up a steam saw and grist mill and carding machine sometime before the war. At first, and until the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad was built, all the merchants in Mirabile hauled their goods from Camden on the Missouri river.

During the war Mirabile was headquarters for the Unionists in this section of country. The Union drums were beaten first in this vil- lage in the summer of 1861, before in any other in this quarter of the State, and the two companies of home guards, under Capts. James and Johnson, were among the very first organized in Northwest Mis- souri. The old brick tavern was used as quarters for the soldiers. The raid on Mirabile by Thrailkill's Confederates is fully noted else- where.

Dr. William H. Crawford, who came to the place before the war, has been a prominent citizen of Mirabile. He was for many years a merchant, built a fine residence, assisted largely in building the Catho- lic Church, and in various other enterprises, and made a large circle of friends. The Doctor now resides in Cameron.

Being situated away from a railroad Mirabile has made but little ad- vancement since the war. It contains a good steam saw and grist mill and carding machine, two general stores, two hotels, a drug store, mechanics' shops, etc. It has a daily mail to Kingston.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

CHURCHES IN MIRABILE.

Presbyterian Church. - The first organization of what afterward became the Presbyterian Church of Mirabile, was effected at the Plum creek school house, northwest of the village, November 26, 1853, by Revs. J. M. Canfield and J. B. Harbison and Elder Saml. Rannells. The constituent members were Hugh Cochran and wife, Wm. Stock- ton and wife, Såml. Rannells and wife, Mrs. Frederick and Mrs. Jane Marquam. The next day George Smith, John McBride, Mr. and Mrs. Stoffel, Malissa Jane Rannells and Sarah Morton were added to the membership. Saml. Rannells was the first ruling elder. In 1854 a small frame church building was erected in Mirabile at a cost of $325 ; the trustees at the time were Geo. Smith, Hugh Cochran, and John McCartney, and the builder was J. Q. A. Kemper.' The organization was called Plum Creek Church until in 1855, when the name was changed to Mirabile. During the Civil War services were practically suspended, but in 1866 the church was reorganized, and for a time bade fair to enjoy a permanent and prosperous existence. In 1879 the old church building was sold to Isaac Sackman and removed (now used as a barn ), and a fine new structure erected on its site at a cost of $1,600. The new church was dedicated in 1880, by Rev. Geo. A. Mckinley. The only pastor remembered under the old organization is Rev. Ralph Harris. Since the reorganization in 1866, there have been Revs. J. P. Fox, Joseph H. France, Geo. A. Mckinley, J. F. Clarkson, Wm. Smith, and W. T. Scott. The present membership of the organization is 26, but for some time there has been no pastor or stated supply, and no regular services are held. A union Sunday school is held in the church, with an average attendance of 40. A. W. Moffitt, of the Protestant Methodist organization, is superintendent.

Protestant Methodist. - In January, 1885, a congregation of the Protestant Methodist church, numbering 35 members, was organized in Mirabile. Regular semi-monthly services are still held in the Presbyterian Church building. Rev. Andrew Johnson is the pastor.

Catholic. - Some years since a neat little Catholic Church was built in Mirabile, which is still standing, although services are not regularly held. Rev. Father Dennan, of Cameron, comes down occa- sionally and says mass.

SECRET ORDERS IN MIRABILE.

Odd Fellows. - Lyon Lodge No. 174, I. O. O. F., at Mirabile, was instituted by N. M. Smith, district deputy grand master. The char-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

ter is dated September 13, 1867. The first officers and members were R. A. Renfrew, noble grand ; J. P. Reynolds, vice grand ; O. H. Black, secretary ; J. T. Ross, permanent secretary ; John Renfrew, treasurer ; Thos. Harvey, E. W. Shinn, Thos. Dock, J. H. Browning and Thos. Clark. The lodge meets in a frame hall, built in 1869 at a cost of $1,500. The present membership of the lodge is small, num- bering about 10. J. P. Platt, one of the members, is D. D. G. M.

Masonic. - The oldest Masonic lodge in Caldwell county is located in Mirabile, but owing to the refusal of the tyler to permit an inspec- tion of the records, and of the secretary to furnish information, no correct or complete sketch can be given - a circumstance much to be regretted.

Good Templars. - Mirabile Lodge No. 107, I. O. G. T., was granted a dispensation December 4, 1884, and a charter February 11, 1885. It was instituted by Mrs. S. A. Williams, State deputy. The charter members numbered 41, and the first principal officers were J. T. Ballinger, W. C. ; Flora Folker, W. V .; F. L. Treat, secretary ; W. H. Alleman, P. W. C. The lodge now numbers about 75 mem- bers, and is in a highly prosperous condition.

MIRABILE CORNET BAND.

An institution of the village held in much esteem is the Mirabile Cornet Band. In the winter of 1869 what was called the Mirabile Silver Cornet Band, an organization with $400 of stock, was formed, with James Medley as leader. In about four years it " played out," but enough members were got together July 4, 1876, to play at the Kingston celebration. The present band was organized August 12, 1879, with the following members : John C. Coffing, teacher ; W. C. Coffing, leader ; John H. Alleman, 1st b-flat ; J. L. Trout, 1st alto ; W'm. Sturgiss, 2d alto ; J. W. Elliott, baritone ; J. P. Platt, tuba ; T. J. Ballinger, 1st tenor ; R. F. Elliott, bass drum. The instruments were purchased July 18, 1879, at a cost of $160. The band has a wagon which was built by some of the members, and cost less than $100. The present members are Ulysses S. Grant, leader ; R. Elliott, 2d e-flat. ; Hiram Trout, 1st b-flat. ; J. T. Ballinger, baritone ; J. D. Sackman, 1st alto; Ed. Grant, 2d alto ; Wm. Rhea, 1st tenor ; James Elliott, tuba ; J. P. Platt, bass drum; Richard Grant, tenor drum. President, James Elliott ; secretary, J. P. Platt ; treasurer, J. T. Ballinger.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

OAKLEY H. BLACK, M. D.

(Physician and Surgeon, Mirabile).

Oakley H. Black was born in Clarke county, O., May 21, 1828, his parents being persons of good education and high culture. His boy- hood was passed in his native State, where he acquired a taste for studies of a scientific nature which gradually became of great interest to him. These, however, he laid down upon the call for volunteers in the Mexican War, and though but 17 years of age he accompanied the United States army on their career for five years, winning an enviable record as a brave, fearless soldier. His term of service having ex- pired, he traveled extensively over the western and northwestern por- tions of this country, and being a close observer, he is recognized to this day as a man of more than ordinary general information. Finally he became settled in Campaign county, Ill., and this continued to be his home until Caldwell county, Mo., claimed him a citizen, in 1865. Two years later he located in Mirabile. At the age of 26 young Black had determined to study medicine, and in this desire met with no opposition ; soon after a thorough course of study and subsequent collegiate training he commenced the practice of his profession in Illinois, a calling to which he has since devoted himself. His present patronage extends over a wide territory and in the practice of medi- cine he is meeting with the favor which a thorough knowledge of his calling, together with a kind, gracious manner and unlimited acquaint- ance, warrant. While living in Illinois Dr. Black met Miss Susan Hyde, a young lady of Indiana birth, to whom he was married in 1854. After 15 years of happy married life she died in February, 1869, leaving 9 children, 8 of whom survive: Julia. E., Emma W., Olive M., Cordelia A., Sarah C., Agnes B., Minerva L., and Rosana M. In November, 1870, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Mary T. Rinaman, a native of Ohio. By this union there are 3 children, Charles T., William A. and Mary E.

CHARLES H. BOROFF

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 2, Post-office, Kidder).

To attempt an extensive or voluminous description of the career of Mr. Boroff' while a soldier in the Federal army, during the late war, would necessitate the insertion of a longer sketch than the nature of this work would permit. Briefly his military record is as follows : At the breaking out of the war he was engaged in farming, to which he had been reared, but in October, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 55th Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he remained until the cessation

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

of hostilities. He took part in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Siege of Atlanta, and others, amounting in all to 17 severe engagements and 15 skirmishes. He was mustered out at Cleveland, O., July 20, 1865. Mr. Boroff was born in Ohio in September, 1843, and to that State he returned after leaving the bat- tle-field, again taking up the implements of farm life. Farming has always been his principal business, and the energetic manner in which he has ever taken advantage of all methods and ideas tending to the enhanced value of his property has had a great deal to do with obtain- ing the competence which he now enjoys. He became a citizen of Caldwell county in 1867, and here he owns 180 acres of land, devot- ing special attention to stock raising, which he is making a prominent feature of his farming industry. The estimable wife of Mr. Boroff was formerly Miss Ann Hawkins, to whom he was married March 25, 1874. The personal attractions of this lady, as well as her loveliness of character, have made for her many friends.

HENRY R. BOULTON

(Farmer, Section 9, Post-office, Cameron).

Upon the farm which Mr. Boulton now occupies is to be found a relic of no small historical interest, it being a building perforated to a considerable extent by bullets fired during the Mormon troubles in this community. This building will ever recall to memory the re- membrance of that war, with which so many residents of this locality are familiar. The entire life of Mr. Boulton has been passed within the borders of Missouri, for it was on February 7, 1857, that he was born in Buchanan county. However, for almost 28 years he has been a citizen of Caldwell county, for in the same year of his birth he was brought here by his prrents, Peter L. and Ann E. ( Baker) Boulton. Henry was the tenth child in their family. The father died in November, 1883, but his widow is still living with her son, the subject of this sketch. They were both Kentuckians by birth. Brought up to the life of a farmer, Mr. Henry. Boulton has since con- tinued that calling with care and perseverance. The estate which he now manages embraces a body of land 464 acres in extent, and on this place he gives his attention to general farming in connection with the raising of stock, for which industry his farm seems to be pecu- liarly fitted. Mr. B. was united in marriage on the first of January, 1882, to a young lady who was born in Indiana, - Miss Lydia P. Davis. They have had two children born to them but only one daugh- ter is living, Nellie D. A son, Freddie, is deceased.

WILLIAM JOHNSON BOYD (County Surveyor, Post-office, Mirabile).

William J. Boyd, the present efficient incumbent of the office of county surveyor, was born on June 15, 1840, in Coshocton county,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

O., the locality in which his youth was trained for after life. His only school advantages were such as could be obtained in the common schools, but to this he added courses in Spring Mountain and Coalville Seminaries, and upon leaving these institutions of learning was thor- oughly fitted to enter into any position in life. But before his term in the latter seminary had been concluded, the murmuring of war caused his attention to be drawn from his books. Casting aside all personal consideration, and thinking only of his country's peril, he enlisted in Co. I, 97th volunteer infantry, and served with it at the battles of Perryville, Stone River and Missionary Ridge, where he was severely wounded. This caused a paralysis of his right arm for upwards of three years, and in consequence of the injuries received he was honorably discharged from further duty Angust 25, 1864. In November of that year he returned to Ohio and remained until 1866, when he came to this country, settling in Mirabile township. He first engaged in teaching, but in the following fall was appointed deputy surveyor of the county. His duties were so well discharged in this capacity that at the election in 1868 he was elected to the position of surveyor, in which he continued for four years. At the expiration of this time he steadfastly refused to again accept this office, but finally, in deference to the entreaties of his friends and the general voice of the people, he yielded to the nomination, and received the full support of the county, less about 500 votes. Since that time he has been re-elected with scarcely any opposition. Having mastered the funda- mental principles of surveying, his long and extensive service in his present position has endowed him with an accomplished experience. In October, 1870, Mr. Boyd was married to Miss Elmira, daughter of John N. and Isabel (Duncan ) Elliott. They came originally from Holmes county, O., settling in Rockford township, in this county, in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have two children : William Rollin and Elmira. Mr. B.'s homestead is situated about three-fourths of a mile from Mirabile, and is a well improved farm of 170 acres.

LEWIS CORBIT

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 35, Post-office, Mirabile).

It will be seen by a perusal of this sketch of the life of one of the most respected citizens Caldwell county ever had - Lewis Corbit - that his educational advantages in youth were very meager; and though perhaps deficient in general learning, his vigorous mind has so grasped and embraced the opportunities which have presented them- selves, that he is accounted among the most intelligent and learned men of this vicinity. Born in Adams township, Coshocton county, O., June 1, 1821, he was a son of Robert and Susan Corbit, nee Fuller, and a grandson of Jesse Corbit and James and Catherine Ful- ler. The father of Lewis was a native of Hancock county, Mo., and it was in 1804 that he became a resident of Ohio. His son was from the very first taught everything connected with farming. In a log school-house he pursued his studies, his first primer being a single leaf

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

pasted on a paddle. To the few months of schooling he added self- application to books at night and by his own fireside. Among other public offices to which he was elected in the State of his birth was that of justice of the peace, the duties of which he discharged for upwards of 21 years. Though a stanch Republican in his political preferences, the township in which he was so often elected was strongly Demo- cratic. Upon coming to this county Mr. Corbit selected his present desirable farm of 320 acres, a place the improvements of which are especially conspicuous for their beauty and completeness. He has made of this quite a stock farm. Mr. Corbit was married August 27, 1842, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Adam and Mary ( Cochran) Carp, of Ohio. Five of their 13 children are living: James, Wilson, Edward, George W., who was married December 23, 1884, to Miss Laura Smith, of Coshocton county, O., and Adam. The three oldest sons were killed while fighting for their country : besides these Sarah A., Susan, Mary E., Laura A. and Almeda are deceased.

Edward Corbit, a worthy son of such a representative father, has resided upon his present farm since the spring of 1884. Here he devotes his time to tilling the soil, in connection with conducting his own place having the management of a part of his father's estate. He is now in his thirty-second year, having been born April 21, 1854, in Coshocton county, O. He was brought up there and also educated and on the 29th of September, 1881, took for his wife Miss Ellen Sondels, whose parents were John and Nancy (Norman ) Sondels. The latter is now living with her daughter and her husband, in which she finds a pleasant home. Mr. and Mrs. Corbit have two children, Byron and Ada.

JAMES W. DEGEER

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

It is a fact well recognized among all intelligent people that a thor- ough education and advanced acquaintance with books of learning are of great material benefit to a man, no matter in what channel in life his path may lie. The career of Mr. DeGeer furnishes a striking illustration of this truth. His elementary schooling was received in the district in Canada where he was brought up. Following this he was engaged for some time as a clerk or salesman in a mercantile establishment, and subsequently, at the age of 21, he went to Michi- gan. Soon after he entered as a student Hillsdale College, in which he remained for three years, acquiring in that well known institution an education of more than ordinary thoroughness. Now well qualified to enter into any calling, he came to this county in 1868 and devoted his attention to the profession of teaching until 1873, with the utmost satisfaction to those whom he served. But a desire for some other occupation caused him to turn to agricultural pursuits as his future labor, and in this branch of industry substantial results have followed him. He has a fine farm of 220 acres which he devoted almost ex- elusively to stock raising. In the conduct of this estate Mr. DeGeer gives each detailed portion of work his personal and close observauce,

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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