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 34
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 34
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
and the care and method ever exercised have contributed to place him among the foremost farmers of this vicinity, as he is one of the most intelligent citizens. He is now in his forty-second year, having been born November 26, 1843, in Canada West. He was married December 5, 1871, at which time Miss Emma J. Renfrew became his wife. She was a daughter of John and Hester Renfrew, nee Johnston, mention of whom has been made in other parts of this work. They are among the most highly respected residents of this county. Mr. and Mrs. DeGeer have four children: Cora I., Eva M., Renfrew I. and Vaughn. Mr. DeG. has been called upon at different times to serve the people of his township in different capacities, and besides having been town- ship clerk for several years, he is now ( 1885) collector.
WILLIAM DUDLEY
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 18, Post-office, Cameron).
The father of Mr. Dudley was William C. Dudley, a native of New Jersey, who, after reaching manhood, was married to Miss Lydia Karnes, of the same State as himself. In 1854, they removed from their former home in Columbiana county, O., to Jefferson county, O., but upon leaving there came to Caldwell county, Mo., in March 1854. Here they continued to remain, but William, who had been born in Columbiana county, March 24, 1842, and was therefore about twelve years of age when his parents settled in this county, soon went to Chicago, and from there returned to Ohio. His home continued to be in the Buckeye State until the sound of war caused him to enter into the career of a soldier. With a patriotism which did not stop at the dark outlook for the future he enlisted September 17, 1861, in Co. K, 3d volunteer infantry, remaining with that regiment until the expiration of their term of service. Then he was transferred to Co. F, 33d Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served until his term of enlistment had expired. Mr. Dudley now returned to Ohio, and although having served a sufficient time in the army to have satis- fied most men, he re-enlisted in Co. A, 5th Ohio volunteer cav- alry. In the fall of 1865, he was discharged at Columbus, O., having held the position of sergeant while a member of Co. A. After the cessation of hostilities, he again located in this county and has since lived here, a period now of some 20 years, his entire time being given to the conduct of his superior farm. He owns 360 acres of land, the improvements of which are of a good order, and well suited to the proper carrying on of his specialty, stock-raising. His stock is composed of animals of good grade. Mr. Dudley is a married man, his worthy wife having formerly been Miss Jane Hockenberry, a native of Ohio, to whom he was united in marriage November 18, 1866. She is a lady of true worth and character, and well fitted to be the companion of such a husband. Two children comprise their fam- ily, Della and Ora. Mr. and Mrs. Dudley are influential members of the Christian Church at Pleasant Grove, in which the former has been an elder since its organization. A genial, hospitable, and sincere
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
Christian couple, they are held in high esteem by those who know them.
CALEB B. ENTRIKIN
(Farmer and Raiser of High Graded Stock, Section 28, Post-office, Mirabile).
Upon growing up Mr. Entrikin was instructed in all the details of farm life, but in connection with this acquired a mechanical skill to no ordinary degree. He was subsequently engaged in building for some time, but his principal occupation in later years has been that of farming and stock raising. His cattle are mostly animals of a high grade, in the handling of which he has been unusually fortunate. He has given considerable attention to the raising of Chester White and Big Bone China hogs, the crosses of these breeds resulting in a large boned, easily fattened grade which the farmers of this vicinity would do well to investigate. The stock thus secured is distinctive from all other classes, and Mr. Entrikin is deserving of much credit for the interest and efforts which he has put forth in the promotion of the stock industry of the county. His life has been one of unremitting toil, and though he commenced for himself without means, he is now in possession of a fine property, the result of honest industry and per- severance. The respect shown him is worthily bestowed. Mr. Entrikin was born in Columbia county, Ohio, June 27, 1835, and con- tinned to remain in that locality until coming to Caldwell county in 1868. Here he owns 280 acres of choice land, besides having an in- terest in 190 acres in the vicinity. His marriage to Miss Anna M. King, of Pennsylvania, was consummated January 20, 1859. They have eight children : Ferdinand L., William H., Samuel L., Elmer G., Eliza E., Eli E., Charles B. and Susan A.
ELDERT FORT
(Retired Farmer, Post-office, Mirabile).
Mr. Fort has passed the allotted age of three score years and ten, but were one to judge by personal appearance and vivacity of manner we should consider him far younger than the majority of men of mid- dle age. Well preserved and of bright intellect, he is well informed on the general topics of the day, in which he keeps thoroughly posted. The family's early history is one of thrilling interest. Eldert's great- great-grandfather was a full blooded Frenchman ; and under the Colo- nial Government had the name changed from Lafort to Fort, it being a French name. He married a Holland lady and soon emigrated to America, and hence it is that the family are now called descendants of Hollanders. Eldert's grandfather, Simeon Fort, was captured when a you that the sacking and burning of Schenectady, New York, by the Indians in 1688, and eight years after, his father, Abraham Fort, learning of his whereabouts, in company with a friend, crossed the unbroken wilderness to Montreal and redeemed his son at a ransom of $800. The boy at this time was 18 years old, and had been adopted into the tribe. Mr. Fort was born April 25, 1808, in Albany county,
16
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
New York. At the age of 17, he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of wagon making, which he continued to follow until reaching his majority. He now entered the employ of the Government at the Watervleit Arsenal, remaining so engaged until 1840. While there he was one of the excursionists on the first railroad in the State, and claimed by many to have been the first one in the country. Among the latter class is Mr. Fort, whose thorough acquaintance with the matter has rendered his evidence of more than ordinary weight. In 1840 he came to Coshocton county, O., and embarked in farming, and this was his chosen occupation until his retirement from active pursuits in March, 1884. In 1855 he located in Knoxville, Ia., but in 1866, removed to this county and improved a farm of 140 acres. June 4, 1829, he was married to Miss Margaret Shafer, of Albany county, N. Y., and this honored couple have now (1885) enjoyed the blessings and happiness of a union of upwards of 56 years' dura- tion. They have reared a worthy family of nine children, eight of whom survive: Eleanor, wife of S. M. Bassett ; Daniel, Elizabeth, George, Julia Aun, wife of A. W. Bishop, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work; Helena, Sarah, now Mrs. S. T. Boerstler ; Harriet, wife of Jacob Clute. One son, Peter, died July 20, 1840. Mr. Fort has had charge of the poor farm of this county for five years. He and his wife are connected with the Presbyterian Church.
LYMAN L. FROST
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 27, Post-office, Mirabile).
The early annals of the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut are replete with many reminiscences of the part which the two fam- ilies of which the subject of this sketch is a representative took in their development and progress. Primarily from England, the Frosts became located in Massachusetts in a primitive period of the country's history, while the Uffords date their settlement in Connecticut from a time now quite remote. In 1815 the parents of the father of Lyman Frost (Lyman Frost, Sr.), took him to New York, where he was brought up and married to Miss Hannah Ufford, who died April 25, 1884. The names of his parents were Samuel and Keziah Frost. In 1830 Mr. Lyman Frost removed to Tioga county, Pa., where his son, Lyman L., was born January 8, 1848. From that time on for many years the character of this youth was modeled in such a manner that it was natural for him to look, perhaps unconsciously, upon farming and stock raising as the only calling in life with which he should identify himself. His educational advantages were appreciated to the fullest extent. In 1868 the family left their home in Pennsylvania and came to Cald- well county, where they have since turned their attention almost ex- clusively to stock raising. The excellent farm upon which Mr. Frost resides contains 407 acres, under good improvement, and on this he is raising graded cattle. The success which seems to attend his efforts in the stock industry is well merited for no one is more thoroughly
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
interested in this calling, or gives it greater attention. Mr. F. was united in marriage December 28, 1869, to Miss Mary Jane Allen, born May 23, 1846, and a daughter of William and Prudence ( Newberry ) Allen. The former was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., and was a man remarked for his Christian purity and benevolence and high sense of honor. He died at Hollidaysburg, Pa., April 28, 1884. The chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Frost are four in number : Sidney D., born April 5, 1871 ; Isaac A., born May 28, 1873; Sarah A., born October 26, 1875, and Alice R., born November, 28, 1877. One son, Georgie Garfield, born July 11, 1880, died September 27, 1881. Mr. F. is now holding the position of township trustee.
RICHARD L. HUDSON
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 1, Post-office, Kidder).
Upon reaching the age when it became necessary for him to choose some calling in life to which he would afterwards adhere as his chosen occupation, Mr. Hudson at once wisely adopted agricultural pursuits, and this has continued to receive his attention. As well known as he is, it is unnecessary for us to add what the results of these years of labor have been. In 1861, however, upon the breaking out of the war his farming operations were disturbed somewhat, and in August of the year mentioned he enlisted in Co. G, 49th Ohio volunteer infantry, serv- ing with that regiment until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He was discharged as sergeant of his company. Owing to disability he was unable to veteranize. Of the many battles in which he took part might be noticed Shiloh, where he received a severe scalp wound, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, besides others of less importance ; he was discharged at Chattanooga, in August, 1864. Soon after this Mr. Hudson returned to his home in Ohio and resumed the occupation of previous years, remaining in that State until 1867, when he became located in Caldwell county. Here he has secured him a fine farm of 170 acres, under good improvement, upon which he is raising considerable stock. Its management and appearance indicate the character of the owner to a noticeable extent. Mr. H. owes his nativity to Wyandot county, O., having been born there April 13, 1835. It was in that locality that he was reared and received his education. About twenty-one years ago, or, in October, 1864, he was married, Miss Sarah E. Boroff becoming his companion ; like her husband she was born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson are the parents of six children : Elvie, Luranie, Halley, Hayes, Olivia, Grettie. Mr. H. and wife are members of the M. E. Church. The former belongs to the Masonic fraternity, G. A. R. and the Good Templars.
CHRISTOPHER F. KERR
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 14, Post-office, Kingston).
Of Kentucky nativity Mr. Kerr, from the date of his birth, October 28, 1838, has resided either in Kentucky or this county. His youth
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
and early manhood, however, were passed in the State of his birth, and there he attended the schools which favored him with a good edu- cation. His father was James Kerr, who married after growing up Miss Catharine Simpson. Christopher is the youngest of four children now living who were born of this union. The others are Mary J., McBeath, Nancy W. Morris, and Elizabeth I. Allen, of Texas. From the very time of his settlement here Mr. Kerr has applied steadfastly to agricultural pursuits, and with what success may be inferred when the fact is mentioned that he is now the proprietor of one of the best im- proved half-sections of land in this portion of the country. Upon his 320 acres are to be seen a large number of cattle and hogs, stock raising re- ceiving a considerable share of his attention. In the various affairs of the county and township he exerts an influence which all feel. For two terms he has held the position of township collector, discharging his official duties in a most satisfactory manner. Mr. Kerr's wife was formerly married to a Mr. Johnson, and they had two children, Ellen E. and John E. Her maiden name was Sarah E. Whitmer and her marriage to Mr. K. occurred September 6, 1882. She was the daugh- ter of John and Sarah M. Whitmer who were among the earliest and most respected citizens of the county. She claims Caldwell county as the place of her birth. Mrs. Kerr is a believer in the doctrine of Mormonism as taught by Joseph Smith, but has no support for the infa- mous practice of polygamy introduced by Brigham Young. In her possession is an original copy of the Mormon Bible printed by Joseph Smith, Jr., at Palmyra, N. Y., in 1830.
ALLEN W. LEWIS
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 36, Post-office, Mirabile).
During Mr. Lewis' lifetime he has resided at different times in four States, and in each of them has his attention been devoted to the agri- cultural affairs of the communities in which he has made his home. When 12 years of age he accompanied his parents from his native county in Pennsylvania to Ohio, but they remained there only about five years. In 1865 he settled in Illinois and in 1873 became identi- fied with the progress and development of Caldwell county. His present homestead was purchased in 1878. This contains 120 acres of good land, well adapted for the purposes of stock raising. In the conduct of his farm he is meeting with substantial results. Mr. Lewis was married in September, 1877, to Miss Ida E. Van O'Linda, whose birth place was in Ohio. Heaven has blessed this union with two children, William C. and Anna Grace. Personally Mr. L. is respected for his many estimable qualities. It should have been mentioned before that his father, William H. H. Lewis, was a Pennsylvanian by birth, as was also the mother, whose maiden name was Rachel K. Dooren. Their family consisted of four children, of whom only two are now living, one besides the subject of this sketch, Ephraim E. Lewis, a resident of Osage county, Kansas. Allen W. was born in Jefferson county, Pa., April 15, 1848, and is therefore in the thirty- eighth year of his age
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
JOHN M. MORRIS
(Proprietor of Mirabile Flouring Mills, Mirabile).
The subject of this sketch is a Kentuckian by birth and bringing up, and has inculcated in him the sterling principles of the better class of citizens of the Blue Grass State. He was born June 13, 1821, and as soon as a suitable age was reached he was placed in school, where the opportunities afforded were enjoyed to the best advantage. For upwards of 50 years he was actively and successfully occupied in farming in Kentucky, or until coming to Caldwell county, Missouri, in 1877, at which time he purchased an excellent farm on section 16, of this township, which is still in his possession. In February, 1885, he bought the Mirabile Flouring Mills, a mill which is supplied with three run of stone and fitted in other respects in a thorough and com- plete manner. The work here turned out is remarkably satisfactory, and the patronage which has been attracted to this place for milling purposes is steadily being increased. If close application and study of the wants of his customers will serve to make a permanent success of this mill, then Mr. Morris need have no fear as to the outcome of his venture. His endeavor is to please and keep up with other insti- tutions of a like nature. March 10, 1842, he was married to Miss Catherine Denney, also of Kentucky nativity, and to them four chil- dren have been born : James H., Mary A., wife of William Rice ; Charles and David T. The father of Mr. M. came from Virginia to Kentucky at an early day, and while an orphan boy. His wife was formerly Miss Rachel Mounce, of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. John Morris are members of the Baptist Church.
HENDERSON C. MORRIS
(Farmer and Stock-Raiser, Section 24, Post-Office, Kingston).
In the early settlement of the State of Kentucky, among the fami- lies who were closely identified with its material affairs, and associated with its progress and development, were the Morrises. A respected representative of this family is found in the subject of this sketch, who was born on April 10, 1827, in the Blue Grass State. Like so many of the substantial citizens of this county at the present time he was initiated into the mysteries of farming from the very first, and this has since continued to be the calling to which his attention has been directed in life. In 1858 he became located in Caldwell county, and has here made for himself a finely improved farm of 260 acres. This is fitted with all necessary and convenient buildings, etc., and well adapted to the purposes of stock raising, which he makes a speci- ality. During the war this portion of the county suffered to a consid- erable extent from the depredations of those who claimed to be either Federal or Confederate soldiers, but in truth, men who made a cloak of their devotion to one side or the other as a pretense for robbing and even murdering unoffending people ; however, Mr. Morris es-
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
caped without serious harm. To his wife, formerly Miss Naney Kerr, he was married October 16, 1849. She is a Kentuckian by birth. Their family circle includes six children : James F., Charles I., Robert M., Catharine Isabel, Henderson E. and William A. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the M. E. Church South. Among their acquaintances and friends the respect shown them is in full keeping with their well established reputation for hospitality, and true sincere cordiality.
JAMES H. MORRIS
(General Merchant and Post-master, Mirabile).
The mercantile interests of this portion of Caldwell county have been ably represented for several years by Mr. Morris, first at the time of his connection with Mr. G. H. Treat, and since then he has carried on his own well known business house. It was in 1880 that he came to Mirabile and formed the partnership with Mr. Treat which existed for two years. In 1882 this relation was dissolved and Mr. Morris opened a stock of goods which he has continued to keep up. General merchandising, of course, necessitates the carrying of a varied assortment of goods, but in his stock Mr. M. has a variety which cannot fail to satisfy every want of his patrons. In 1883 he was ap- pointed postmaster of the place, a position he still holds. James H. Morris, a Kentuckian by nativity, was born May 6, 1843, in Wayne county, of the Blue Grass State. Growing up there he commenced his mereantile career in a store at Mill Springs, conducting a business of no inconsiderable importance until April 1878, when he came to Missouri. Immediately he became occupied in agricultural pursuits in this county, continued it for two years and then entered into busi- ness at Kidder, and soon after was compelled to suffer a severe loss in the destruction of his place by fire. Satisfied of the superiority of Mirabile as a business center over Kidder, he located here in 1880, as before mentioned. The business which he now enjoys has increased from time to time, as it is still doing. Mr. Morris is the husband of an estimable wife - Miss Amanda Van Hoozer, a native of Kentucky, their marriage having taken place January 8, 1870. They have two sons living, John Frank and George. One boy, Willie, is deceased. The Morris family, as is well known, have been prominent in the affairs of Kentucky for many years. They were originally located in Virginia.
ISAAC S. MYLAR
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 15, Post-office, Mirabile).
The military record of Mr. Mylar as given below would naturally lead one to suppose that he is descended from some gallant old fight- ing stock, and such is the case, for his great-grandfather, Ezariah Mylar, an intrepid soldier in the Revolutionary War, was one of the participants in the storming of Stony Point, under that eminent com- mander, Gen. Anthony Wayne. The grandparents of Isaac were Robert and Ann (Wilson ) Mylar, and his parents were Joseph and
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
Sarah Mylar, nee Taylor. The former was born in the present county of Clarion, Pa., March 30, 1807, went to Ohio in 1828 and re- mained there until coming to this county in 1868. His marriage occurred January 6, 1831, his wife having been the daughter of Col. Isaac Taylor, who was himself a cousin of old " Rough and Ready." She died October 28, 1873. Mr. M. has had six children, four of whom are living. Isaac S., the second son in the family, claims Wayne county, O., as the place of his birth, the date of which was October 21, 1833. Taught farming as an occupation, he continued it until August 14, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. H. 120th Ohio volun- teer infantry. At Snaggy Point the regiment was nearly annihilated, over 600 men laying down their lives on that battlefield, and only about 130 escaping, the combat lasting but 20 minutes. The few men that were left were then united with the 114th Ohio, and with that command Mr. Mylar served until the close of the war. He was discharged at Houston, Tex. Though having entered the service as private, for gallantry and meritorious service he was promoted to a second lieutenancy. Among the battles in which he was engaged were Chickasaw Heights, Arkansas Point, Siege of Vicksburg, Mobile, Ft. Blakely, and others of less importance. He received a wound at Vicksburg. Returning to his home in Ohio, crowned with the laurels of a noble soldier, he engaged in building principally until coming to this county in 1868. Shortly before this Mr. M. had been married to Miss Elizabeth Stevenson, July 3, 1866. She was born in Pennsylvania but brought up in Ohio, where she was engaged in teaching. After their marriage each taught school for a term in this county. Mr. Mylar has been township assessor and collector. His farm embraces 70 acres of well improved land. He and his wife have two children : Edward T. and Mettie Belle.
JOHN ORR
(Post-office, Kingston).
In a very early day in the history of this country members of the family from whom Mr. Orr is descended left England and took up their location upon this side of the Atlantic. Any one at the present day who is acquainted with the history of Pennsylvania is familiar in a measure with the Orr family, for they have inhabited a section of that country from the time of its earliest settlement. Mr. John Orr was the second child in a family of seven children. He was of Irish origin on his mother's side, though his father was a native of Arm- strong county, Pa. They resided in this latter State until 1825 when they removed to Holmes county, O., there rearing their chil- dren. Young John, born in Armstrong county, September 15, 1812, was 12 years of age when his parents went to Ohio. He was not favored with many opportunities for attending school and consequently his educational advantages were quite limited, the greater part of his time being occupied in farming and handling stock. In this latter industry he was very extensively interested before coming to Caldwell
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
county, Mo., a movement which occured in 1865. At that time he located where he still resides, his home place containing 220 acres of land well adapted for stock raising purposes as well as for general farming. An abundant supply of water for stock is an important feature of the place. Mr. Orr also owns 440 acres in other parts of the county. September 1, 1836, Miss Sarah Haley, of Ohio, became his wife, but she died in 1854 leaving a family of seven children : Rebecca, widow of Isaac Walters, of Kingston township: Joseph, Elizabeth, died in 1878: Elennett, died in 1884 ; Benjamin, James Haley and John S. (now dead). His second marriage was on Octo- ber 6, 1857, to Miss Prudence Crisswell, daughter of Jehu Crisswell, who was a brave soldier in the War of 1812, and who survived toja good old age, enjoying the respect of all who knew him. By the last marriage there are five children, William, Mary A., wife of George Houghton ; Sarah, now Mrs. Robert Morris; Ida T. and Charles C. Doubtless no man in this county is more universally respected than Mr. Orr. To know him is to have a high admiration for him, for he is possessed of those sterling characteristics which make a true man. Genial and hospitable in his intercourse with those around him, he has a host of warm friends.
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